bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural Variation in Children's Social Organization
Authors: Mejía‐Arauz Rebeca , Rogoff Barbara , Dexter Amy , Najafi Behnosh
Published: June 2007

This article examines how 31 triads of 6‐ to 10‐year‐old children from 3 cultural backgrounds organized their interactions while folding Origami figures. Triads of children whose families had immigrated to the United States from indigenous heritage regions of México (and whose mothers averaged only 7 grades of schooling) coordinated more often as an ensemble, whereas triads of European heritage U.S. children whose mothers had extensive schooling more often engaged dyadically or individually. When the European heritage children did engage as an ensemble, this often involved chatting rather than nonverbal conversation regarding folding, which was more common among the Mexican heritage children. Mexican heritage U.S. triads whose mothers had extensive schooling showed an intermediate pattern or resembled the European heritage children.
Production‐weighted Estimates of Aggregate Protection in Rich Countries Towards Developing Countries
Authors: Roodman David
Published: June 2007

A challenge in the development of aggregate indexes of trade protection is weighting individual tariffs in ways that (a) reflect their importance and (b) are not endogenous to the protection being measured. The most obvious basis for weights is actual imports; but these may be highly endogenous. Various authors have worked to correct this endogeneity. For example, in the Bouët et al. (2004) ‘MAcMap’ data set, weights are based on imports of reference groups of countries. But eliminating the endogeneity is difficult in product areas where protection is high and widespread. I develop a new set of estimates of overall protection in rich countries with respect to developing ones that eschews import weights as much as possible in favour of weights based on the value of exporter's total production. The results are generally higher than those of Bouët et al. Product areas in which protection is high and widespread seem systematically de‐emphasised when using MAcMap weights, especially in agriculture. I also estimate tariff equivalents of trade‐distorting subsidies by country and commodity. Agricultural tariffs dominate subsidies in trade‐distorting effect, and agricultural protection in turn dominates goods protection generally. Japan is most protective, largely because of rice tariffs near 900 per cent, followed by Norway and Switzerland. Because of their greater reliance on agriculture, the poorest countries face the highest barriers, despite tariff preferences.
Hippocampal gene expression profiling reveals the possible involvement of Homer1 and GABAB receptors in scopolamine‐induced amnesia
Authors: Brouillette Jonathan , Young Deborah , During Matthew J. , Quirion Rémi
Published: June 2007

Scopolamine‐treated rats are commonly used as a psychopharmacological model of memory dysfunction and have been extensively studied to establish the effectiveness of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Scopolamine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist that induces memory deficits in young subjects similar to those occurring during aging. The amnesic effect of scopolamine is well established but the molecular and cellular mechanisms that sustain its neuropharmacological action are still unclear. The present genome wide study investigates hippocampal gene expression profiling in scopolamine‐treated adult rats following stimulation in a spatial memory task. Using microarray and quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR approaches, we identified several genes previously known to be associated with memory processes (Homer1, GABAB receptor, early growth response 1, prodynorphin, VGF nerve growth factor inducible) and multiple novel candidate genes possibly involved in cognition (including calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase 2, dual specificity phosphatase 5 and 6, glycophorin C) that were altered following scopolamine treatment. Moreover, we found that stable over‐expression of glutamatergic components Homer1a and 1c in the hippocampus of adult rats induced by recombinant adeno‐associated virus vector abolished memory improvement produced by the GABAB receptor antagonist SGS742 in scopolamine‐treated rats. Taken together, these results reveal novel genes and mechanisms involved in scopolamine‐induced amnesia, and demonstrate the involvement of both GABA and glutamate neurotransmission in this animal model of cognitive dysfunctions.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the mangrove mud‐nesting ant, Polyrhachis sokolova
Authors: BAY LINE K. , CROZIER Y. CHING , CROZIER ROSS H.
Published: June 2007

We isolated and characterized eight anonymous microsatellite loci in the mangrove mud‐nesting ant, Polyrhachis sokolova. Three to 18 alleles were detected in 20 female workers collected from individual colonies at one location and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.45 to 0.85. These microsatellite loci will be useful in studies on mating strategy, colony and population structure in P. sokolova.
Crucial role of thalami and basal ganglia in emotional memory and cognition: association with the recognition of Niigata Ken Chuetsu earthquake 2004
Authors: IMAI Kunihide , YAMAGUCHI Kennichi , WATANABE Mayumi , KAINUMA Eisuke , HIKAKE Naohumi , SAITOH Shizuka , TANAKA Masaharu , MORITA Masahiro , SUNAYAMA Toru , NOMURA Miyoshi , KOZAKAI Tetsuo , WADA Shigetsugu , UEKI Ken , KIMURA Reiko
Published: June 2007

Objective:  It is suggested that thalami, basal ganglia, putamina and caudate heads play a crucial role in strong emotion such as the fear of serious earthquake. The aim of this study was to elucidate the radiographic findings (mainly the lacunae) in these regions, mental abilities and the extent of the activities of daily livings (ADL) of moderately demented patients who could recognize the Niigata Ken (prefecture) Chuetsu earthquake 2004 Japan.

Methods:  In patients with moderate dementia, mainly Alzheimer’s disease, who could recognize the Niigata Ken (prefecture) Chuetsu earthquake 2004 in Niigata prefecture in Japan, their radiographic findings regarding thalami, basal ganglia, putamina and caudate heads were investigated by counting the numbers of lacunae using magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, their mental abilities were examined by Mini‐Mental Examination Score and Hasegawa Dementia Scale–Revised. Their activities of daily living were also assessed.

Results:  The patients who could recognize the earthquake have statistically fewer lacunae in the thalami, basal ganglia, putamina and caudate heads, than those who could not (P < 0.01 by Student’s t‐test). This analysis revealed that the patients who could recognize the earthquake have statistically significant higher scores in both Mini‐Mental Examination Score, Hasegawa Dementia Scale–Revised (P < 0.05 by Student’s t‐test) and activities of daily living (P < 0.01 by Student’s t‐test). However, statistical significance was not obtained regarding education between two groups.

Conclusion:  Thalami and the structures around them such as basal ganglia, putamina and caudate heads play an important role in emotion and cognition. Therefore, we concluded that numbers of lacunae might be a valuable marker in evaluating the cognitive abilities of the demented patients.
Successful treatment with quetiapine for delirium in terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: SHINNO Hideto , MATSUOKA Tatsuo , YAMAMOTO Osamu , NOMA Yoko , HIKASA Satoshi , TAKEBAYASHI Minoru , HORIGUCHI Jun
Published: June 2007

We describe six patients with terminal cancer whose delirium improved after they started quetiapine (QTP). Haloperidol (HPD) had failed to improve their delirium, and they had suffered adverse effects, including over‐sedation, extrapyramidal signs and dysphagia. We prescribed QTP to improve their delirium. We evaluated the severity of the delirium using the Japanese version of the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (jMDAS) before QTP treatment and 3, 7 and 14 days after QTP administration. The basal the Japanese version of the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale score ranged from 18 to 24. Effective doses of QTP in the present cases were 12.5–50 mg/day. Delirium improved in all patients, and no significant adverse effects were observed. Several factors appear to contribute to symptoms of delirium in patients with terminal cancer. These causative factors are usually complicated and delirium often is refractory to usual pharmacotherapy, involving typical neuroleptics like HPD. QTP, however, appeared to be useful for delirium treatment in patients with advanced cancer.
Periodic stupor‐like states in progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: SASAYAMA Daimei , MIYASHITA Mitsuhiro , FUKUDA Takahiro , TAKAHASHI Toru , INUZUKA Shin , WASHIZUKA Shinsuke , HANIHARA Tokiji , AMANO Naoji
Published: June 2007

Four patients with progressive supranuclear palsy presented with various psychiatric symptoms. Periodic stupor‐like states due to fluctuations of consciousness were observed in all four cases. Magnetic resonance imaging showed severe dilatation of the third ventricle suggesting atrophy of the thalami. Neuropathological examination in one of the cases confirmed severe fibrillary gliosis in the intralaminar thalamic nucleus. So far, few studies have focused on periodic stupor‐like states observed in progressive supranuclear palsy patients. From our cases and from the literature, we postulate that the lesions in the intralaminar thalamic nuclei may have close relevance to the stupor‐like states seen in progressive supranuclear palsy patients.
Hippocampal size may contribute to prospective diagnosis of age‐related dementia
Authors: SAKAMOTO Toshiro , EBISU Youya , IKEDA Aya , NAKAYA Masashi , NISHIZAKI Tomoyuki
Published: June 2007

Background:  The hippocampus is a center of cognitive function and therefore hippocampal atrophy is the major factor in cognitive decline. Analysis of hippocampal size may make it possible to predict progression in cognitive impairment. To address this point, the present study investigated the relationship between hippocampal atrophy and dementia using magnetic resonance (MR) images and the Hasegawa Dementia Scale‐Revised (HDS‐R).

Methods:  The present study was performed on 274 subjects (14–97 years old; average, 66 years; 106 male and 168 female) who had no focal neurological deficit. Hippocampal area and whole brain area were measured in three series of coronal MR images taken from a 5‐mm slice rostrally along dorsal edge of the pons, and hippocampal size normalized by calculating summated hippocampal areas as percentages of summated whole brain areas. Dementia was screened for using HDS‐R.

Results:  Hippocampal size decreased and HDS‐R reduced with age. Hippocampal atrophy was highly correlated with cognitive deterioration; a critical normalized hippocampal size for HDS‐R of less than 20, which corresponds with mild cognitive impairment and dementia, was found in 65% of over 60‐years old subjects and 98% of subjects with HDS‐R of less than 20 were over 60 years old.

Conclusion:  There is a high probability that over 60‐year‐old people with a normalized hippocampal size of less than 1.0 would develop dementia in the future, even though their HDS‐R might presently be over 20. Measurement of hippocampal size with coronal MR imaging may therefore contribute to prospective diagnoses of age‐related dementia.
Complication Risk with Pulse Generator Change: Implications When Reacting to a Device Advisory or Recall
Authors: KAPA SURAJ , HYBERGER LINDA , REA ROBERT F. , HAYES DAVID L.
Published: June 2007

Background:

Recent advisories and recalls of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) have highlighted the need for evidence‐based recommendations regarding management of patients with advisory devices. In order to better facilitate decision‐making when weighing the relative risks and benefits of performing generator changes in these patients, we conducted a review to assess operative complication rates.

Methods:

We reviewed generator changes performed between 2000 and 2005 at the Mayo Clinic‐Rochester, including a total of 732 change‐outs consisting of 570 done for elective replacement indicators (ERI) and 162 for manufacturer advisories or recalls. Complications included all those requiring reoperation, occurring within a 60‐day period postoperatively and directly attributable to the generator change. These included infection requiring device excision, hematoma requiring evacuation, and incisional dehiscence requiring reclosure.

Results:

Operation‐associated complications requiring intervention were noted in 9 patients, or 1.24% of our population. Of these nine complications, eight occurred among patients receiving pulse generator replacement for ERI (1.40%) and one occurred in a patient receiving replacement for a manufacturer advisory or recall (0.62%). Complications included 5 infections, 3 hematomas, and 1 incisional dehiscence.

Conclusions:

Generator replacement is not a benign procedure and associated risks must be weighed in the context of other variables when making management choices in patients with advisory or recall devices.
Cardiac Papillary Fibroelastoma Presenting with Recurrent Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: ASRRESS KALEAB N , MITCHELL ANDREW R , EVANS BETSY , WESTABY STEPHEN , ALP NICHOLAS J
Published: June 2007

A 72‐year‐old man presented with multiple episodes of pulseless ventricular tachycardia, 10 days following an ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction. He had a 6‐year cardiovascular history that included four neurological events and two myocardial infarctions. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed two mobile masses on the aortic valve. A transaortic surgical approach was successful in removing both masses. Histology confirmed papillary fibroelastoma. The patient subsequently received an implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
Topical plus subconjunctival anaesthesia: foldable intraocular lens implantation in eyes without capsule support through a self‐sealing incision
Authors: Monteiro Manuel , Marinho António , Salgado‐Borges José , Ribeiro Lucas , Castro Correia J.
Published: June 2007

Purpose:  To evaluate the clinical outcomes of topical plus subconjunctival anaesthesia for secondary implantation of foldable intraocular lens (IOL) (Ophtec PC 425Y) in eyes without capsule support through a self‐sealing incision.

Methods:  We reviewed the medical records of 22 patients (22 eyes) who received topical plus subconjunctival anaesthesia for scleral fixation of a foldable IOL through small incision. The scleral incision technique was used for IOL scleral fixation. Twelve eyes had traumatic cataract, seven had postphacoemulsification complications and three were aphakic. We studied visual outcome, intraoperative complications and perioperative pain. Autorefractometry and keratometry measurements and central endothelial cell counts were evaluated 1 day preoperatively and 4 months postoperatively. The level of intraoperative pain was scored on a scale of 1–10, where 1 = no pain and 10 = severe pain.

Results:  Nineteen patients (86%) tolerated the procedure well, giving pain scores of 1–3, and none required supplemental anaesthesia. The mean age of the patients was 60 years. The postoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged between 20/100 and 20/25. Four months postoperatively, the mean myopic shift by autorefractometry was −1.25 dioptre (D) and the mean postoperative astigmatism was 1.75 D. The mean central corneal endothelial loss at 4 months was 12.24% (range 4.5–17.2%). Five microscopic hyphaema occurred intraoperatively. Four cystoid macular oedema and four peripheral anterior synechia were the only complications, each occurring at the final follow‐up.

Conclusion:  Topical plus subconjunctival anaesthesia and scleral fixation of foldable IOL (Ophtec PC 425Y) was safe, quick, required a small incision, led to favourable visual outcomes and minimized the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications in eyes without capsule support. However, a long‐term study of a large population is required to confirm these findings.
Effect of Lead Acetate on Cytosolic Thioredoxin Reductase Activity and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Rat Kidneys
Authors: Conterato Greicy M. M. , Augusti Paula R. , Somacal Sabrina , Einsfeld Lídia , Sobieski Rocheli , Torres Juliana R.V. , Emanuelli Tatiana
Published: June 2007

Abstract:   Oxidative stress has been suggested to be an important molecular mechanism of toxic effects of lead in the kidney. Thioredoxin reductase‐1 is a selenoprotein involved in many cellular redox processes. This study evaluated the effect of acute and chronic exposure intraperitoneally to lead acetate on thioredoxin reductase‐1 activity and on other oxidative stress parameters in the rat kidney, as well as on indicators of renal function commonly used to assess lead poisoning. Acute exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate increased superoxide dismutase and thioredoxin reductase‐1 activity (after 6, 24 and 48 hr), while exposure to 50 mg/kg lead acetate increased catalase activity (after 48 hr) and inhibited δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase activity (after 6, 24 and 48 hr) in the kidney (P < 0.05). Chronic exposure (30 days) to 5 mg/kg lead acetate inhibited δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase and increased glutathione S‐transferase, non‐protein thiol groups, catalase, thioredoxin reductase‐1 and uric acid plasma levels, while exposure to 25 mg/kg lead acetate reduced body weight and δ‐aminolevulinate dehydratase, but increased glutathione S‐transferase, non‐protein thiol groups and uric acid plasma levels (P < 0.05). No changes were observed in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione peroxidase, creatinine or inorganic phosphate levels after either acute or chronic exposure. Our results suggest that thioredoxin reductase‐1 may be an early indicator of acute exposure to low lead doses.
Development and introduction of a pain score documentation chart in the acute oncology setting
Authors: CLARK Katherine , GREAVES Judi , SUNG Emily , GLARE Paul
Published: June 2007

Background:  Recommendations to improve cancer pain management include the introduction of routine and clearly visible documentation of pain scores. Whilst this practise has been adopted in many cancer and palliative care units, longitudinal evidence to support the view that the practise has provided improved analgesic outcomes for patients is limited. The aims of this study were threefold; (i) to collaboratively develop a locally acceptable pain documentation chart; (ii) to test this chart by comparing patient‐reported and nurse‐documented scores with pain scores collected by researchers using validated measures; and (iii) to examine whether or not pain scores and analgesia scores longitudinally improved over the study period.

Methods:  Using a multidisciplinary approach, a pain score documentation chart was developed for use on an acute hospital's oncology ward. Prior to the chart's introduction, the brief pain inventory (BPI) was administered to 45 in‐patients. The patients were then asked to report on a regular basis their numeric pain scores, which were documented on the chart. At the time of discharge or after 7 days, the BPI was repeated. The pain chart scores and the BPI item, ‘average pain experienced in the preceding 24 h’ were correlated.

Results:  The initial chart scores significantly correlated with the first BPI score (P = 0.001), and a similar relationship was found between scores collected at the end of the study period (P = 0.020). Analgesic scores improved, patients were satisfied with the approach taken to their analgesic management and the pain scores were charted with a similar frequency to vital signs (pulse, temperature, blood pressure).

Conclusions:  Pain score charting is feasible and acceptable to patients and nursing staff in an acute hospital. Most importantly, this process has the potential to improve the analgesic outcomes of cancer patients.
Capecitabine and oral cyclophosphamide: A novel oral treatment combination for advanced cancer
Authors: FINDLAY Michael , SHARPLES Katrina , RILEY Greta A , SIMPSON Andrew , ACKLAND Stephen , HALL Katherine , ISAACS Richard , HUMM Gillian , MCKEAGE Mark J
Published: June 2007

Background:  This dose escalation study assessed feasibility of a totally oral chemotherapy regimen using cyclophosphamide and capecitabine. The rationale for this combination was based on the observation that preclinical models of cyclophosphamide up‐regulated tumor thymidine phosphorylase and increased the activation of capecitabine.

Methods:  Eligible patients with advanced cancer were treated with oral cyclophosphamide and capecitabine on a 28‐day cycle. If no dose limiting toxicities (DLT) were encountered during the first two treatment cycles, the next patient group was assigned to the next highest dose level until the maximum tolerable dose (MTD) was determined.

Results:  Twenty‐seven patients entered treatment. The majority of non‐DLT were grades 1 and 2. DLT experienced in the first 8‐week observation period were grade 3 diarrhea (one patient, level III) and grade 3 emesis (two patients, level V). MTD was observed at level 5, 1331 mg/m2/day capecitabine days 1–28 with 125 mg/m2/day cyclophosphamide days 1–14 of the 28‐day cycle. The recommended phase II dose is therefore 1331 mg/m2/day capecitabine with 100 mg/m2/day cyclophosphamide. The best response evaluation showed four partial responses (breast, colon, ovary and pancreas).

Conclusion:  Cyclophosphamide and capecitabine can be combined at their full oral single agent dose with promising tolerability and activity.
Review of case reports of inadvertent intrathecal administration of vincristine: Recommendations to reduce occurrence
Authors: GILBAR Peter J , DOOLEY Michael J
Published: June 2007

Vincristine has been in clinical use for over 40 years with initial publication of the results from successful trials in 1962. Catastrophic neurotoxicity has been associated with the administration of vincristine directly into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Since the first case in 1968 there have been numerous other instances, of which 23 have been reported in the literature. Of these cases 18 resulted in death. The most prominent damage on autopsy was generally in the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebellum, with severity tending to be greater in the neurons adjacent to the CSF. Fatalities appeared due to a progressive ascending myeloencephalopathy. Early recognition and immediate treatment with CSF drainage and intrathecal exchange appears to be the only intervention that has improved patient survival. The volume of injection, dose and time from the incident until the ventriculo‐lumbar washout appear critical, as these factors might contribute to the extent of drug distribution in the CNS. Although several antidotes for vincristine have been suggested, including folinic acid and glutamic acid, supportive evidence for their effectiveness is scant. Several recommendations regarding prevention of this catastrophic event have been proposed.
Treatment of massively bleeding patients: introducing real‐time monitoring, transfusion packages and thrombelastography (TEG®)
Authors: Johansson P. I.
Published: June 2007

Background  Continued haemorrhage remains a major cause of mortality in massively transfused patients, many of whom develop coagulopathy. When reviewing transfusion practice for these patients at our hospital, more than 10% received a suboptimal transfusion therapy and survivors had a higher platelet count than non‐survivors. We therefore speculated whether the blood bank could improve its service and hence improve the outcome.

Methods  The blood bank introduced monitoring the delivery of blood products and contacted the clinician provided there was an imbalance in the transfusion practice. For massively bleeding patients, transfusion packages, encompassing 5 red blood cells, 5 fresh frozen plasma and 2 platelet concentrates was introduced to improve haemostatic competence. The thrombelastograph (TEG) was implemented, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of coagulopathy.

Results The fraction of suboptimally transfused patients declined from > 10% to < 3%. The transfusion package administered intraoperatively to patients operated for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm resulted in decreased postoperative transfusion requirements and improved 30‐day survival (66% vs. 44%) compared to controls.

 Only performing TEG in patients with a significant bleeding as judged by the anaesthetist reduces the number of analyses by ~85%, whereas those patients with coagulopathy remain identified. The TEG showed 97% predictability in identifying a surgical cause of bleeding in postoperative patients. Ten percent of the massively bleeding trauma patients had hyperfibrinolysis as the major cause of bleeding, whereas 45% were hypercoagulable.

Conclusion  The initiatives from the blood bank has improved the transfusion practice and, hence, survival in massively transfused patients at our hospital.
The Effects of Cocaine and Stress on Lymphocyte Proliferation in Rats1
Authors: Cohen Lorenzo , Raygada Margarita
Published: June 2007

The effects of cocaine, stress, and the combination of cocaine and stress on proliferative responses to mitogens in vitro were examined in rats. In this paradigm, hypothalamic dopamine and norepinephrine were measured to examine whether catecholamine levels relate to changes in immune function. Cocaine, stress, and cocaine plus stress decreased cellular immune function to Con A mitogen compared with a control group. Hypothalamic dopamine levels were inversely related to immune proliferation to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mitogen. The results are discussed in terms of the deleterious effects of cocaine and stress and possible mechanisms for cocaine and stress induced immune suppression.
The Effects of Stress on Natural Killer Cell Activity in Healthy Men1
Authors: Cohen Lorenzo , Delahanty Douglas L. , Schmitz John B. , Jenkins Frank J. , Baum Andrew
Published: June 2007

Several studies have shown that exposure to acute laboratory stressors produces an immediate change in immune function. We examined the effects of a mild laboratory stressor on natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and on psychological and cardiovascular measures in 24 adult males. Subjects in the experimental condition worked on the Stroop task without interference for 30 min with blood samples drawn at baseline, 10, 20, and 30 min into the task, and 40 min after completing the task. The 30‐min stressor produced increases in self‐reported stress and tension, and in SBP, DBP, and HR. It was also associated with a decrease in NK cell cytotoxicity 40 min after the stressor. Results are discussed in relation to the effects of mild and intense stressors and future research implications.
Psychosocial Evaluation and Intervention in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Tringali Ronald , Arria Amelia , Trzepacz Paula T.
Published: June 2007

Liver transplantation has become an accepted treatment for many patients with end‐stage cirrhosis. Often, liver transplant candidates have had to cope with alterations in their daily life routines for a number of years prior to transplantation. Both patients and their families may experience stress associated with chronic illness. Although the prospect of a liver transplant may add a dimension of renewed hope for a normal life, new fears regarding outcome usually arise. A mixture of hopes and worries will be apparent during the inpatient stay required for the evaluation of transplant candidacy. This article focuses on the psychiatric and psychosocial assessment of these patients. We also describe interventions to ensure optimal psychosocial care during hospitalization.
Daily Fluctuation in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Severity and Symptoms
Authors: Dougall Angela Liegey , Baum Andrew , Jenkins Frank J.
Published: June 2007

The present study characterized 46 chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients' experiences of CFS and compared these patients with 11 healthy control participants. Chronic fatigue syndrome patients reported more symptoms of CFS, distress, and functional impairment than the controls. These heightened symptoms remained relatively stable over time within the patient group. However, within individual patients, there were daily fluctuations in symptom reporting, indicating that some days were better than others. Additionally, there was a close association between CFS symptoms and reports of perceived stress and negative affect in the patient group. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the Daily Record Form for assessing symptom severity in CFS patients.
The Role of Trait Anxiety in Nicotine Dependence1
Authors: Audrain Janet , Lerman Caryn , Gomez‐Caminero Andres , Boyd Neal R. , Orleans C. Tracy
Published: June 2007

Studies point to an association between anxiety and smoking. However, the mechanisms linking trait anxiety and nicotine dependence have not been evaluated fully. Potential mediators include self‐medication variables (e.g., use of nicotine to manage anxiety) and cognitive variables (e.g., lower levels of self‐efficacy). The present study explored these mechanisms in a sample of 352 male and female smokers. The results showed that trait anxiety correlated significantly with negative affect smoking (r= .29, p= .0001), stimulation smoking (r=.15, p = .007), and nicotine dependence (r= .20, p= .0003). Trait anxiety also correlated significantly with self‐efficacy (r =‐.22, p = .0003). Regression analyses revealed that trait anxiety predicted nicotine dependence after controlling for depression, education, race, age, and marital status (R2= .09, p = .0001). Path modeling indicated that both negative affect smoking and quitting self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between trait anxiety and nicotine dependence. Interventions that emphasize the management of anxious mood and quitting confidence may benefit anxious smokers.
Change in Attitude for Better Health in British Hospital Doctors?
Authors: Amir Ziv , Gregson Olga , Looker Terence
Published: June 2007

A pilot study investigated the correlation in 100 hospital doctors (average age 51 years), between overall hostility score, hostility subset scores, exercise stress testing, age, total blood cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and glucose levels. The mean hostility score (15.91) was higher in U.K. hospital doctors compared with U.S. doctors (14.65) and U.S. lawyers (13.00). Moreover, 64% of U.K. doctors had a hostility score in the top two quartiles, compared with 47% and 45% for U.S. doctors and lawyers, respectively. Cynicism scored highest in rank, followed by aggressive responding and neuroticism. All blood tests and crdiovascular status were normal. There was no relationship between hostility or its subsets and any of the physiological or biochemical indicators investigated.
Advertising Fails to Inform Smokers of Official Tar Yields of Cigarettes1
Authors: Kozlowski Lynn T. , Pillitteri Janine L. , Ahern Frank M. , Yost Berwood A. , Goldberg Marvin E.
Published: June 2007

In the United States, cigarette advertising reports standard tar and nicotine yields, following a voluntary agreement between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and cigarette manufacturers. National probability samples of smokers of ultra‐light (N= 218), light (N= 360), and regular (N= 210) cigarettes were asked in telephone interviews to indicate the tar yield of their cigarettes, as well as where to find information on tar yield. Only 13% of ultra‐light smokers, 2% of light smokers, and 1% of regular smokers knew the correct tar yield of their brand, and few in each brand category reported that they would look for tar yields in advertisements. If the FTC testing system is revised and improved, smokers may well not learn about the changes, given that (a) the advertising‐based system fails to inform them and (b) smokers' awareness of tar yields seems to be based on unregulated and misleading terms such as “ultra‐light,” and “light.”
Physiological Stress Responsivity and Perceived Stress Among Subjects With Irritable Bowel Syndrome1
Authors: Plante Thomas G. , Lawson CRAIG L. , Kinney FARRAH , Mello Klrsten
Published: June 2007

This study sought to evaluate perceived and physiological stress responsivity among subjects with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Nineteen females with IBS symptoms and 19 nonsymptomatic female comparison participants participated in the experiment. Participants completed a series of personality and mood questionnaires, as well as a laboratory procedure measuring cardiovascular responses and perceived stress while performing laboratory tasks (i.e., the Stroop Color Naming Test and a Serial 7s subtraction task). Although participants did not significantly differ in blood pressure during the laboratory procedures, IBS participants had significantly lower pulse rates during the procedure. IBS participants perceived the laboratory tasks as being more stressful than comparison participants, which was measured by self‐report. Results suggest that IBS sufferers may be more sensitive to perceived stress than others.
Body Image and Affective Experiences of Subjectively Underweight Females: Implications for Exercise Behavior
Authors: Lox Curt L. , Osborn Melissa C. , Pellett Tracy L.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether subjectively underweight females reported similar psychosocial experiences as women who perceived themselves as being overweight. Twenty‐eight college‐aged females were assessed via a questionnaire consisting of measures of social physique anxiety, body dissatisfaction, depression proneness, and self‐esteem. Similar to previous research completed on college‐aged women who perceived themselves as being overweight, females in the present study reported low to moderate degrees of social physique anxiety, body dissatisfaction, depression proneness, and self‐esteem. Additionally, higher feelings of physique anxiety were modestly associated with lower levels of self‐esteem and higher levels of body dissatisfaction and depression. It was concluded that women who perceived themselves as being too thin experienced similar psychosocial issues as women who perceived themselves as being overweight in previous studies.
Clinical Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction and Delayed Treatment‐Seeking Behavior in Blacks and Whites1
Authors: Lee HaeOk , Bahler Robert , Taylor Ann , Alonzo Algelo , Zeller Richard A.
Published: June 2007

This study was designed to increase our understanding of the clinical symptoms of myocardial infarction (MI) and the response to symptoms by patients with MI in order to improve the clinical management of MI. A comparative and correlational design was used. The sample consisted of 132 patients over the age of 30 who were diagnosed with an acute MI. All subjects were recruited by convenience sampling. Demographic data were collected by questionnaire; a semistructured interview obtained information on delay time and the context at the onset of acute clinical symptoms; and medical record review was used to collect data on clinical characteristics. The questionnaires and interview were administered at 24 to 72 hr after admission, and the medical record was reviewed during hospitalization and after discharge. Black MI patients experienced symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue significantly more often than White MI patients. The mean prehospital delay time was also significantly longer for Black MI patients (p .05). Our findings indicate that Blacks more often experience atypical symptoms of MI and prolonged delays in seeking treatment for MI. Further exploration of the factors involved in delays and the relationships between types of symptoms and delay time are needed.
Behavioral States and Milk Immunology in Preterm Mothers
Authors: Groer Maureen W. , Droppleman Patricia G. , Mozingo Johnie
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to analyze behavioral states in preterm mothers and determine the presence of relationships between these states andbiological markers potentially related to maternal stress (i.e., Cortisol and secretory Immunoglobulin A [slgA] in the mothers milk). Lactating, postpartum (Days 6 through 9) mothers(N= 41) of infants born between 29 and 36 weeks gestation were recruited to participate. Mothers were instructed to collect a pooled 24‐hr sample of hindmilk and complete a demographic questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale on Day 5 or 6 postpartum. Depression, fatigue, confusion, and tension subscale scores on the POMS were all higher than published normative sample scores, whereas anger and vigor scores were lower. Anger and vigor scores were significantly correlated to slgA concentration. Median splits of each of the mood state scores indicated that low scorers on every negative mood scale, except anger, had higher milk slgA concentrations, whereas high scorers had lower milk slgA concentrations. High scorers on both the anger and the vigor scales had higher milk slgA concentrations. These differences were not statistically significant but may represent a trend that could be further analyzed with a larger number of subjects. Consistent with the literature and our own studies, the slgA concentration was higher than that found in comparable term milk. There was a statistically significant inverse relationship between milk slgA and Cortisol, suggesting a possible influence of Cortisol on the secretion of antibody by milk B lymphocytes.
A Closer Look at the Measurement of Burnout1
Authors: Barnett Rosalind C. , Brennan Robert T. , Gareis Karen C.
Published: June 2007

Burnout, a widely studied syndrome, has been defined as comprising three factorially distinct symptoms: emotional exhaustion, decreased sense of professional efficacy, and cynicism. The most common measure is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach, Jackson, & Leiter, I996). We identified and corrected two flaws in the MBI, namely: (a) items purport to assess feelings, but half do not directly concern feelings; and (b) response categories are not mutually exclusive, rendering results difficult to interpret and inflating measurement error. The revised and original scales are highly correlated and have similar factor structures, interfactor correlation patterns, reliability, and construct‐related evidence of validity. The revised scale corrects flaws in the original while retaining its strengths and should, therefore, be used in future studies.
Inaccurate Estimation of Body Weight Prior to Smoking Cessation: Implications for Quitting and Weight Gain1
Authors: Peterson Alan L.
Published: June 2007

Weight gain following smoking cessation has been found to hinder successful quitting. This preliminary investigation evaluated participants' ability to accurately estimate their body weight prior to attempting to quit smoking. The subjects were 51 adults (18 females and 33 males) with a mean age of 31 years. Subjects were asked to give their most accurate estimated weight in pounds just prior to obtaining their actual weight. The results indicated that subjects underestimated their weight by 3.5 lbs (1.59 kg). Two‐thirds of the subjects underestimated their weight by an average of 6.6 lbs (2.99 kg). These findings suggest that obtaining an accurate body weight prior to smoking cessation may lead to a more accurate perception of subsequent weight change and facilitate successful quitting.
Depression: The Complexity of Self‐Report Measures1
Authors: Endler Norman S. , Macrodimitris Sophia D. , Kocovski Nancy L.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated the state‐trait distinction of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the complexity of this and three other self‐report depression inventories (Carroll Depression Scale‐Revised [CDS‐R] and the State‐Depression [S‐Dep] and Trait‐Depression [T‐Dep] subscales of the Self‐Analysis Questionnaire). In Study l, participants (170 men, 275 women) were administered the BDI, the S‐Dep, and the T‐Dep. Correlation analysis supported higher relationships between the BDI and T‐Dep for women but not for men. Regression results showed T‐Dep to be a better predictor of the BDI than S‐Dep for both men and women. Four factors were extracted through factor analysis: Cognitive‐Affective, Dysthymic, Euthymic, and Physiological. Study 2 investigated the BDI, T‐Dep, S‐Dep, and CDS‐R in a subsample (95 men, 122 women) of participants. Factor analysis yielded factors similar to those in Study I. Results indicated that clinicians and researchers should be knowledgeable about the aspects of depression that self‐report inventories assess before making conclusions based on one particular measure.
Perceived Fitness Predicts Daily Coping Better Than Physical Activity
Authors: Plante Thomas G. , LeCaptain Sara E. , McLain Heather C.
Published: June 2007

One hundred sixty‐six participants (70 males, 96 females) completed a series of questionnaires measuring perceived fitness, social desirability, self‐esteem, hope, and perceived stress levels and coping abilities. Participants were then given an activity monitoring device to wear for 1 week. Participants recorded daily measures of physical activity, perceived fitness, and perceived stress and coping over 7 days. Results revealed that although perceived physical fitness was reliably associated with coping, actual physical activity was not. These associations remained even after statistically controlling for gender, social desirability, self‐esteem, hope, perceived stress, and anxiety. Findings suggest that perceived physical fitness may be a better predictor of daily coping than actual physical activity.
Self‐Regulation: Social Anxiety and Depression1
Authors: Kocovski Nancy L. , Endler Norman S.
Published: June 2007

Self‐regulation, trait depression, and social anxiety were investigated in a group of 174 (124 female, 50 male) undergraduate university students. Aspects of goal setting, self‐monitoring, self‐evaluation, and self‐reinforcement were assessed as facets of self‐regulation. These four facets accounted for 62% of the variance in depression. The pattern of relationships between self‐regulation and social anxiety was very similar to the pattern of relationships between self‐regulation and depression. Individuals who were high on social anxiety were low on the expectancy to achieve goals, low on self‐evaluation, and low on positive self‐reinforcement. Individuals who were high on depression were also low on the expectancy to achieve goals, low on self‐evaluation, and low on positive self‐reinforce‐mem.
The Analytical Method in Geomechanics
Authors: Selvadurai A. P. S.
Published: June 2007

This article presents an overview of the application of analytical methods in the theories of elasticity, poroelasticity, flow, and transport in porous media and plasticity to the solution of boundary value problems and initial boundary value problems of interest to geomechanics. The paper demonstrates the role of the analytical method in geomechanics in providing useful results that have practical importance, pedagogic value, and serve as benchmarking tools for calibrating computational methodologies that are ultimately used for solving more complex practical problems in geomechanics. There are 315 references cited in this article.
Simulation of ultrasonic-driven gas separations
Authors: Rector David R. , Greenwood Margaret S. , Ahmed Salahuddin , Doctor Steven R. , Posakony Gerry J. , Stenkamp V. Susan
Published: June 2007

The separation of components in a gas mixture is important for a wide range of applications. One method for achieving this separation is by passing a traveling acoustic wave through the gas mixture, which creates a flux of the lighter components away from the transducer. A series of simulations was performed to assess the effectiveness of this method for separating a binary mixture of argon and helium using the lattice kinetics method. The energy transport equation was modified to account for adiabatic expansion and compression. The species transport equation was modified to include a barodiffusion term. Simulations were performed on two different scales; detailed acoustic wave simulations to determine the net component flux as a function of local concentration, pressure, etc. and device scale simulations to predict the gas composition as a function of time inside a gas separation cylinder. The method is first validated using data from literature and then applied to mixtures of argon and helium. Results are presented and discussed.
Speech enhancement using the modified phase-opponency model
Authors: Deshmukh Om D. , Espy-Wilson Carol Y. , Carney Laurel H.
Published: June 2007

In this paper we present a model called the Modified Phase-Opponency (MPO) model for single-channel speech enhancement when the speech is corrupted by additive noise. The MPO model is based on the auditory PO model, proposed for detection of tones in noise. The PO model includes a physiologically realistic mechanism for processing the information in neural discharge times and exploits the frequency-dependent phase properties of the tuned filters in the auditory periphery by using a cross-auditory-nerve-fiber coincidence detection for extracting temporal cues. The MPO model alters the components of the PO model such that the basic functionality of the PO model is maintained but the properties of the model can be analyzed and modified independently. The MPO-based speech enhancement scheme does not need to estimate the noise characteristics nor does it assume that the noise satisfies any statistical model. The MPO technique leads to the lowest value of the LPC-based objective measures and the highest value of the perceptual evaluation of speech quality measure compared to other methods when the speech signals are corrupted by fluctuating noise. Combining the MPO speech enhancement technique with our aperiodicity, periodicity, and pitch detector further improves its performance.
High-frequency ultrasound backscattering by blood: Analytical and semianalytical models of the erythrocyte cross section
Authors: Savéry David , Cloutier Guy
Published: June 2007

This paper proposes analytical and semianalytical models of the ultrasonic backscattering cross section (BCS) of various geometrical shapes mimicking a red blood cell (RBC) for frequencies varying from 0to90MHz. By assuming the first-order Born approximation and by modeling the shape of a RBC by a realistic biconcave volume, different scattering behaviors were identified for increasing frequencies. For frequencies below 18MHz, a RBC can be considered a Rayleigh scatterer. For frequencies less than 39MHz, the general concept of acoustic inertia tensor is introduced to describe the variation of the BCS with the frequency and the incidence direction. For frequencies below 90MHz, ultrasound backscattering by a RBC is equivalent to backscattering by a cylinder of height 2μm and diameter 7.8μm. These results lay the basis of ultrasonic characterization of RBC aggregation by proposing a method that distinguishes the contribution of the individual RBC acoustical characteristics from collective effects, on the global blood backscattering coefficient. A new method of data reduction that models the frequency dependence of the ultrasonic BCS of micron-sized weak scatterers is also proposed. Applications of this method are in tissue characterization as well as in hematology.
Talker intelligibility differences in cochlear implant listeners
Authors: Green Tim , Katiri Sotira , Faulkner Andrew , Rosen Stuart
Published: June 2007

People vary in the intelligibility of their speech. This study investigated whether across-talker intelligibility differences observed in normally-hearing listeners are also found in cochlear implant (CI) users. Speech perception for male, female, and child pairs of talkers differing in intelligibility was assessed with actual and simulated CI processing and in normal hearing. While overall speech recognition was, as expected, poorer for CI users, differences in intelligibility across talkers were consistent across all listener groups. This suggests that the primary determinants of intelligibility differences are preserved in the CI-processed signal, though no single critical acoustic property could be identified.