bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited predictive ability of surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity/resistance in Asian-Indian men
Authors: Muniyappa Ranganath , Irving Brian A. , Unni Uma S. , Briggs William M. , Nair K. Sreekumaran , Quon Michael J. , Kurpad Anura V.
Published: October 2010

Insulin resistance is highly prevalent in Asian Indians and contributes to worldwide public health problems, including diabetes and related disorders. Surrogate measurements of insulin sensitivity/resistance are used frequently to study Asian Indians, but these are not formally validated in this population. In this study, we compared the ability of simple surrogate indices to accurately predict insulin sensitivity as determined by the reference glucose clamp method. In this cross-sectional study of Asian-Indian men ( n = 70), we used a calibration model to assess the ability of simple surrogate indices for insulin sensitivity [quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2-IR), fasting insulin-to-glucose ratio (FIGR), and fasting insulin (FI)] to predict an insulin sensitivity index derived from the reference glucose clamp method (SIClamp). Predictive accuracy was assessed by both root mean squared error (RMSE) of prediction as well as leave-one-out cross-validation-type RMSE of prediction (CVPE). QUICKI, FIGR, and FI, but not HOMA2-IR, had modest linear correlations with SIClamp(QUICKI: r = 0.36; FIGR: r = −0.36; FI: r = −0.27; P < 0.05). No significant differences were noted among CVPE or RMSE from any of the surrogate indices when compared with QUICKI. Surrogate measurements of insulin sensitivity/resistance such as QUICKI, FIGR, and FI are easily obtainable in large clinical studies, but these may only be useful as secondary outcome measurements in assessing insulin sensitivity/resistance in clinical studies of Asian Indians.
Phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase promotes cytokine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells: evidence for regulation by Rac1
Authors: Subasinghe Wasanthi , Syed Ismail , Kowluru Anjaneyulu
Published: October 2010

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators of cellular signal transduction cascades such as proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Chronic exposure of isolated β-cells to proinflammatory cytokines elevates intracellular oxidative stress leading to the demise of pancreatic β-cells culminating in the onset of diabetes. Although the mitochondrial electron transport chain is felt to be the primary source of ROS, several lines of recent evidence suggest that phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase plays a central role in cytokine-mediated ROS generation and apoptosis of β-cells. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the regulation of NADPH oxidase remain unknown. To address this, insulin-secreting INS 832/13 cells were treated with cytomix (IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α; 10 ng/ml each) for different time intervals (0–24 h). A significant, time-dependent increase in NADPH oxidase activation/intracellular ROS production, p47phox subunit, but not p67phox subunit, expression of the phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase were demonstrable under these conditions. Furthermore, siRNA-p47phox transfection or exposure of INS 832/13 cells to apocynin, a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase, markedly attenuated cytomix-induced ROS generation in these cells. Cytomix-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in INS 832/13 cells was evident by a significant loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and upregulated caspase 3 activity. Cytomix treatment also caused a transient (within 15 min) activation of Rac1, a component of the NADPH oxidase holoenzyme. Furthermore, GGTI-2147 and NSC23766, known Rac1 inhibitors, not only attenuated the cytomix-induced Rac1 activation but also significantly prevented loss of MMP (NSC23766 > GGTI-2147). However, NSC23766 had no effect on cytomix-induced NO generation or caspase 3 activation, suggesting additional regulatory mechanisms might underlie these signaling steps. Together, these findings suggested that Rac1-mediated regulation of phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase contributes to cytokine-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in the β-cell.
Mouse model of foreign body reaction that alters the submesothelium and transperitoneal transport
Authors: Peters Toni , Potter Rebecca , Li Xiarong , He Zhi , Hoskins Glenn , Flessner Michael F.
Published: October 2010

To address the hypothesis that sterile intraperitoneal (ip) catheters alone promote a progressive foreign body reaction (FBR), silicone catheters were surgically implanted in C57BL mice. Controls (CON) underwent sham operations. After 1–5 wk (E1–E5 for catheter-bearing mice), catheters were recovered, and the adherent cell layer (ACL) was separated and cultured to demonstrate sterility. Transperitoneal transport experiments were performed to determine the mass transfer coefficients of mannitol (MTCM) and albumin (MTCA) and the osmotic filtration flux ( Josm). After euthanasia, tissue samples were analyzed for submesothelial thickness, angiogenesis, and cytokine immunohistochemistry (IHC). Progressive increases with time were observed in submesothelial thickness (μm: CON, 18.8 ± 12.3; E1, 46.1 ± 20.0; E2, 72.0 ± 17.9; E4, 97.3 ± 20.0; E5, 131.7 ± 10.3; P < 0.003), angiogenesis (no. of vessels/mm of peritoneum: CON, 10.7 ± 9.4; E1, 15.4 ± 15.6; E2, 27.0 ± 14.0; E4, 39.8 ± 15.7; E5, 90.1 ± 8.1; P < 0.0003), MTCA(6.5 ± 1.5 × 10−5cm/min, mean CON; 18.0 ± 1.1 × 10−5cm/min, mean E1–E5, P < 0.0001), Josm(0.0013 ± 0.0001 cm/min, mean CON; 0.0017 ± 0.0001 cm/min, mean E1–E5, P < 0.01). No significant differences were found for MTCM. IHC demonstrated strong staining for all treated animals and correlated with the ACL. This mouse model demonstrates that ip silicone catheters result in progressive FBR, altering the submesothelial anatomy and transperitoneal transport, and will form the basis for mechanistic studies in genetically-altered animals.
Subset of Thin Spike Cortical Neurons Preserve the Peripheral Encoding of Stimulus Onsets
Authors: Lin Frank G. , Liu Robert C.
Published: October 2010

An important question in auditory neuroscience concerns how the neural representation of sound features changes from the periphery to the cortex. Here we focused on the encoding of sound onsets and we used a modeling approach to explore the degree to which auditory cortical neurons follow a similar envelope integration mechanism found at the auditory periphery. Our “forward” model was able to predict relatively accurately the timing of first spikes evoked by natural communication calls in the auditory cortex of awake, head-restrained mice, but only for a subset of cortical neurons. These neurons were systematically different in their encoding of the calls, exhibiting less call selectivity, shorter latency, greater precision, and more transient spiking compared with the same factors of their poorly predicted counterparts. Importantly, neurons that fell into this best-predicted group all had thin spike waveforms, suggestive of suspected interneurons conveying feedforward inhibition. Indeed, our population of call-excited thin spike neurons had significantly higher spontaneous rates and larger frequency tuning bandwidths than those of thick spike neurons. Thus the fidelity of our model's first spike predictions segregated neurons into one earlier responding subset, potentially dominated by suspected interneurons, which preserved a peripheral mechanism for encoding sound onsets and another longer latency subset that reflected higher, likely centrally constructed nonlinearities. These results therefore provide support for the hypothesis that physiologically distinct subclasses of neurons in the auditory cortex may contribute hierarchically to the representation of natural stimuli.
Handedness, Dexterity, and Motor Cortical Representations
Authors: Bernard Jessica A. , Taylor Stephan F. , Seidler Rachael D.
Published: October 2010

Motor system organization varies with handedness. However, previous work has focused almost exclusively on direction of handedness (right or left) as opposed to degree of handedness (strength). In the present study, we determined whether measures of interhemispheric interactions and degree of handedness are related to contra- and ipsilateral motor cortical representations. Participants completed a battery of handedness assessments including both handedness preference measures and behavioral measures of intermanual differences in dexterity, a computerized version of the Poffenberger paradigm (PP) to estimate interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT), and they underwent transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) mapping of both motor cortices while we recorded muscle activity from the first dorsal interosseous muscle bilaterally. A greater number of ipsilateral motor evoked potentials (iMEPs) were elicited in less lateralized individuals with the number of iMEPs correlated with IHTT. There were no relationships between handedness or lateralization of dexterity and symmetry of contralateral motor representations, although this symmetry was related to IHTT. Finally, IHTT was positively correlated with multiple measures of laterality and handedness. These findings demonstrate that degree of laterality of dexterity is related to the propensity for exhibiting iMEPs and the speed of interhemispheric interactions. However, it is not clear whether iMEPs are directly mediated via ipsilateral corticospinal projections or are transcallosally transmitted.
Pigmented Nodular Basal Cell Carcinomas in Differential Diagnosis with Nodular Melanomas: Confocal Microscopy as a Reliable Tool forIn VivoHistologic Diagnosis
Authors: Casari Alice , Pellacani Giovanni , Seidenari Stefania , Cesinaro Anna Maria , Beretti Francesca , Pepe Patrizia , Longo Caterina
Published: October 2010

Nodular basal cell carcinoma, especially when pigmented, can be in differential diagnosis with nodular melanomas, clinically and dermoscopically. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a relatively new imaging technique that permits to evaluate in vivo skin tumors with a nearly histological resolution. Here, we present four cases of challenging nodular lesions where confocal microscopy was able to clarify the diagnosis.
Effects of Clofibrate on Salt Loading‐Induced Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Cruz Antonio , Rodríguez-Gómez Isabel , Pérez-Abud Rocío , Vargas Miguel Ángel , Wangensteen Rosemary , Quesada Andrés , Osuna Antonio , Moreno Juan Manuel
Published: October 2010

The effects of clofibrate on the hemodynamic and renal manifestations of increased saline intake were analyzed. Four groups of male Wistar rats were treated for five weeks: control, clofibrate (240 mg/kg/day), salt (2% via drinking water), and salt + clofibrate. Body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded weekly. Finally, SBP, HR, and morphologic, metabolic, plasma, and renal variables were measured. Salt increased SBP, HR, urinary isoprostanes, NOx, ET, vasopressin and proteinuria and reduced plasma free T4(FT4) and tissue FT4and FT3versus control rats. Clofibrate prevented the increase in SBP produced by salt administration, reduced the sodium balance, and further reduced plasma and tissue thyroid hormone levels. However, clofibrate did not modify the relative cardiac mass, NOx, urinary ET, and vasopressin of saline‐loaded rats. In conclusion, chronic clofibrate administration prevented the blood pressure elevation of salt‐loaded rats by decreasing sodium balance and reducing thyroid hormone levels.
Pathobiologic Markers of the Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors: State of the Art and Prediction of Behaviour
Authors: Pinto Alfredo , Dickman Paul , Parham David
Published: October 2010

Over the past three decades, the outcome of Ewing sarcoma family tumor (ESFT) patients who are nonmetastatic at presentation has improved considerably. The prognosis of patients with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and recurrence after therapy remains dismal. Drug-resistant disease at diagnosis or at relapse remains a major cause of mortality among patients diagnosed with ESFT. In order to improve the outcome for patients with potential relapse, there is an urgent need to find reliable markers that either predict tumor behaviour at diagnosis or identify therapeutic molecular targets at the time of recurrence. An improved understanding of the cell of origin and the molecular pathways that regulate tumorigenicity in ESFT should aid us in the search for novel therapies for ESFT. The purpose of this paper is thus to outline current concepts of sarcomagenesis in ESFT and to discuss ESFT patterns of differentiation and molecular markers that might affect prognosis or direct future therapeutic development.
CT Perfusion with Angiography as a Substitute for both Conventional Digital Subtraction Angiography and Acetazolamide-Challenged SPECT in the Follow-Up of Postbypass Patients
Authors: Park Jung Cheol , Kim Jeong Eun , Kang Hyun-Seung , Sohn Chul-Ho , Lee Dong Soo , Oh Chang Wan , Han Moon Hee
Published: October 2010

Background: We evaluated the clinical usefulness of CT perfusion (CTP) with angiography (CTA) as an alternative to digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and acetazolamide (ACZ)-challenged single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in the follow-up evaluation of hemodynamic changes and bypass patency after bypass surgery in chronic cerebral ischemic diseases. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent superficial temporal artery/middle cerebral artery bypass surgery for chronic cerebral ischemic diseases were retrospectively enrolled. We assessed the relationship between CTP parameters [cerebral blood volume, cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), affected-to-unaffected hemisphere (ATU) ratio of perfusion parameters and MTT differences between hemispheres] and SPECT parameters (regional CBF and cerebrovascular reserve) and compared the preoperative CTP parameters with the postoperative ones. For the bypass patency, we compared CTA with DSA. Results: MTT showed the best correlation with CVR of SPECT (r = –0.343; p < 0.001). ATU ratio (r = –0.547; p < 0.001) and ATU differences (r = –0.592; p < 0.001) of MTT correlated well with the ATU ratio of rCBF on ACZ-challenged SPECT. Significant improvement of perfusion parameters could be demonstrated in the affected vascular territory with postoperative CTP. The CTA findings were consistent with those of DSA in 96% of the cases. The examination-related complication rate was 0, 2.8 and 8.6% for CT studies, DSA and SPECT, respectively. Conclusions: CTP performed simultaneously with CTA seems to be a safe and efficient substitute for DSA and ACZ-challenged SPECT in the follow-up evaluation after bypass surgery in patients with chronic cerebral ischemic diseases.
Prenatal Infection Decreases Calbindin, Decreases Purkinje Cell Volume and Density and Produces Long-Term Motor Deficits in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Wallace K. , Veerisetty S. , Paul I. , May W. , Miguel-Hidalgo J.J. , Bennett W.
Published: October 2010

The cerebellum is involved in the control of motor functions with Purkinje cells serving as the only output from the cerebellum. Purkinje cells are important targets for toxic substances and are vulnerable to prenatal insults. Intrauterine infection (IUI) has been shown to selectively target the developing cerebral white matter through lesioning, necrosis and inflammatory cytokine activation. Developmental and cognitive delays have been associated with animal models of IUI. The aim of this study was to determine if IUI leads to damage to Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum and if any damage is associated with decreases in calbindin and motor behaviors in surviving pups. Pregnant rats were injected with Escherichia coli (1 × 105 colony-forming units) or sterile saline at gestational day 17. Beginning at postnatal day (PND) 2, the pups were subjected to a series of developmental tests to examine developmental milestones. At PND 16, some pups were sacrificed and their brains extracted and processed for histology or protein studies. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was done to examine the general morphology of the Purkinje cells and to examine Purkinje cell density, area and volume. Calbindin expression was examined in the cerebellum via immunohistochemistry and Western blot techniques. The remaining rat pups were used to examine motor coordination and balance on a rotating rotarod at the prepubertal and adult ages. Prenatal E. coli injection did not significantly change birth weight or delivery time, but did delay surface righting and negative geotaxis in pups. Pups in the E. coli group also had a decrease in the number of Purkinje cells, as well as a decrease in Purkinje cell density and volume. HE staining demonstrated a change in Purkinje cell morphology. Calbindin expression was decreased in rats from the E. coli group as well. Locomotor tests indicated that while there were no significant changes in gross motor activity, motor coordination and balance was impaired in both prepubertal and adult rats from the E. coli group. In this model of IUI, we observed changes in Purkinje cell development which were associated with alterations in cerebellum-dependent motor behaviors. The decreases in calbindin and Purkinje cells were associated with developmental delays. These data further support the importance of IUI in brain development.
Neural Correlates of Hemispatial Neglect: A Voxel-Based SPECT Study
Authors: Lee Byung Hwa , Kang Eunjoo , Cho Sang Soo , Kim Eun-Joo , Seo Sang Won , Kim Gyeong-Moon , Lee Kwang Ho , Na Duk L.
Published: October 2010

Background: Despite many studies that investigated the neural correlates of hemispatial neglect (HN) with structural imaging, studies using voxel-wise analyses of functional imaging are not available. Furthermore, previous studies neither considered the neglect severity nor investigated whether there are differences in these neural correlates according to each neglect subtest. This study aimed to investigate the neural correlates of HN by correlating the total and the individual neglect score with hypoperfusion value on single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using voxel-wise analyses. Methods: Forty-two patients with acute right hemisphere strokes underwent a neglect test battery consisting of 3 bisection tasks, 2 cancellation tasks and 2 copying tasks. The SPECT images were acquired in these patients and 10 age- and education-matched normal controls. Results: Patients with HN, compared to those without HN, had hypoperfusion in the right middle temporal-occipital junction, inferior frontal gyrus and retrosplenial area. The total neglect score correlated with the hypoperfusion in the right middle temporal-occipital junction, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, anterior part of the superior and middle temporal gyri, cuneus, lingual gyrus, angular gyrus, and the cerebellum. Across the neglect subtests similar correlation patterns were observed with minor variations. Conclusions: Unlike the results of previous studies showing that the critical neural correlates for HN are inferior parietal lobule or superior temporal gyrus, our study showed that the lesions that critically contribute to the neglect severity were located in the posterior parts of the middle temporal gyrus (temporal-occipital junction).
Predictors of Acute Poststroke Seizures
Authors: Krakow Karsten , Sitzer Matthias , Rosenow Felix , Steinmetz Helmuth , Foerch Christian ,   for the Arbeitsgruppe Schlaganfall Hessen
Published: October 2010

Background: In this study, we tried to identify predictors of acute poststroke seizures (aPSS) in stroke patients. Methods:We analyzed a large prospective hospital-based stroke registry in Germany. 58,874 patients with the diagnosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA), ischemic stroke (IS) or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) were admitted within 24 h after symptom onset. Predictors for aPSS were identified using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, stroke severity, vascular risk factors, acute nonneurologic infection, history of TIA and length of hospital stay. Results: aPSS occurred in 0.7% of patients with TIA (mean duration of hospitalization 8 days), in 2.2% of patients with IS (12 days) and in 5.1% of patients with ICH (13 days). A lower age, a higher stroke severity, acute nonneurologic infection, a history of diabetes mellitus and a history of preceding TIA were identified to be independent predictors of aPSS in IS, whereas younger age, acute infection and a history of TIA were found predictive for aPSS in ICH. Conclusions: This study characterized so far unknown predictors of aPSS and may help to improve the identification of patients with a high risk of aPSS.
Increasing Genotype-Phenotype Model Determinism: Application to Bivariate Reading/Language Traits and Epistatic Interactions in Language-Impaired Families
Authors: Simmons Tabatha R. , Flax Judy F. , Azaro Marco A. , Hayter Jared E. , Justice Laura M. , Petrill Stephen A. , Bassett Anne S. , Tallal Paula , Brzustowicz Linda M. , Bartlett Christopher W.
Published: October 2010

While advances in network and pathway analysis have flourished in the era of genome-wide association analysis, understanding the genetic mechanism of individual loci on phenotypes is still readily accomplished using genetic modeling approaches. Here, we demonstrate two novel genotype-phenotype models implemented in a flexible genetic modeling platform. The examples come from analysis of families with specific language impairment (SLI), a failure to develop normal language without explanatory factors such as low IQ or inadequate environment. In previous genome-wide studies, we observed strong evidence for linkage to 13q21 with a reading phenotype in language-impaired families. First, we elucidate the genetic architecture of reading impairment and quantitative language variation in our samples using a bivariate analysis of reading impairment in affected individuals jointly with language quantitative phenotypes in unaffected individuals. This analysis largely recapitulates the baseline analysis using the categorical trait data (posterior probability of linkage (PPL) = 80%), indicating that our reading impairment phenotype captured poor readers who also have low language ability. Second, we performed epistasis analysis using a functional coding variant in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene previously associated with reduced performance on working memory tasks. Modeling epistasis doubled the evidence on 13q21 and raised the PPL to 99.9%, indicating that BDNF and 13q21 susceptibility alleles are jointly part of the genetic architecture of SLI. These analyses provide possible mechanistic insights for further cognitive neuroscience studies based on the models developed herein.
Gender Differences in Chronic Kidney Disease: Underpinnings and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Carrero Juan Jesús
Published: October 2010

In nephrology, gender differences exist with regard to the epidemiology, evolution and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). In some cases, these differences run contrary to the general population trends. This review discusses such gender and sex disparities, including differing impact of traditional and novel risk factors, prescription patterns, differences in the responses to therapies, as well as hormonal factors, all of them potentially influencing propensity, progression and biochemical and psychological aspects of CKD. Through the integration of gender aspects in CKD research and management, we may be able not only to identify novel therapeutic targets but also improve existing treatment options.
The Effect of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Intake on Energy Intake in an ad libitum 6-Month Low-Fat High-Carbohydrate Diet
Authors: Munsters Marjet J.M. , Saris Wim H.M.
Published: October 2010

Background/Aims: The increased incidence of obesity coincides with an increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). This study investigated the effect of SSB intake on energy intake in an ad libitum 6-month low-fat high-carbohydrate diet in a reanalysis of the CARMEN data. Methods: Forty-seven overweight-to-obese men and women participated in the Maastricht centre of the randomized controlled CARMEN study. They were allocatedto a control (habitual) diet group (CD), a low-fat (–10 energy percent, En%) high simple carbohydrate (SCHO) or low-fat high complex carbohydrate group (CCHO) (SCHO vs. CCHO: 1.5 vs. 0.5) using a controlled laboratory shop system. Reanalyses were made for the energy, amount and density of all drinks and in particular of sweetened beverages (SBs). The SCHO and CD group could select nondiet SBs, including soft drinks and fruit juices, while the CCHO group received SB alternatives. Results: Energy intake decreased in the CCHO and SCHO groups versus the CD group (–2.7 ± 0.4 MJ/day CCHO group vs. –0.2 ± 0.5 MJ/day CD group, p < 0.01; –1.4 ± 0.4 MJ/day SCHO group, not significant). Simple carbohydrate intake increased significantly in the SCHO group versus the CCHO and CD groups (+10.8 ± 1.6 vs. –2.0 ± 0.9 and –0.5 ± 1.1 En%; p < 0.001). In the SCHO and CD groups, energy intake from SBs increased significantly (+187 ± 114 and +101 ± 83 kJ/day, respectively; –432 ± 72 kJ/day in the CCHO group; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Simple carbohydrate intake increased through enhanced intake of nondiet SBs in the SCHO group. Fat reduction combined with only diet SBs in an ad libitum situation has a greater impact on energy intake than fat reduction combined with nondiet SBs.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Improves Word Retrieval in Healthy and Nonfluent Aphasic Subjects
Authors: Fiori Valentina , Coccia Michela , Marinelli Chiara V. , Vecchi Veronica , Bonifazi Silvia , Ceravolo M. Gabriella , Provinciali Leandro , Tomaiuolo Francesco , Marangolo Paola
Published: October 2010

A number of studies have shown that modulating cortical activity by means of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects performances of both healthy and brain-damaged subjects. In this study, we investigated the potential of tDCS to enhance associative verbal learning in 10 healthy individuals and to improve word retrieval deficits in three patients with stroke-induced aphasia. In healthy individuals, tDCS (20 min, 1 mA) was applied over Wernicke's area (position CP5 of the International 10–20 EEG System) while they learned 20 new “words” (legal nonwords arbitrarily assigned to 20 different pictures). The healthy subjects participated in a randomized counterbalanced double-blind procedure in which they were subjected to one session of anodic tDCS over left Wernicke's area, one sham session over this location and one session of anodic tDCS stimulating the right occipito-parietal area. Each experimental session was performed during a different week (over three consecutive weeks) with 6 days of intersession interval. Over 2 weeks, three aphasic subjects participated in a randomized double-blind experiment involving intensive language training for their anomic difficulties in two tDCS conditions. Each subject participated in five consecutive daily sessions of anodic tDCS (20 min, 1 mA) and sham stimulation over Wernicke's area while they performed a picture-naming task. By the end of each week, anodic tDCS had significantly improved their accuracy on the picture-naming task. Both normal subjects and aphasic patients also had shorter naming latencies during anodic tDCS than during sham condition. At two follow-ups (1 and 3 weeks after the end of treatment), performed only in two aphasic subjects, response accuracy and reaction times were still significantly better in the anodic than in the sham condition, suggesting a long-term effect on recovery of their anomic disturbances.
Binding under Conflict Conditions: State–Space Analysis of Multivariate EEG Synchronization
Authors: Knyazeva Maria G. , Carmeli Cristian , Fornari Eleonora , Meuli Reto , Small Michael , Frackowiak Richard S. , Maeder Philippe
Published: October 2010

Real-world objects are often endowed with features that violate Gestalt principles. In our experiment, we examined the neural correlates of binding under conflict conditions in terms of the binding-by-synchronization hypothesis. We presented an ambiguous stimulus (“diamond illusion”) to 12 observers. The display consisted of four oblique gratings drifting within circular apertures. Its interpretation fluctuates between bound (“diamond”) and unbound (component gratings) percepts. To model a situation in which Gestalt-driven analysis contradicts the perceptually explicit bound interpretation, we modified the original diamond (OD) stimulus by speeding up one grating. Using OD and modified diamond (MD) stimuli, we managed to dissociate the neural correlates of Gestalt-related (OD vs. MD) and perception-related (bound vs. unbound) factors. Their interaction was expected to reveal the neural networks synchronized specifically in the conflict situation. The synchronization topography of EEG was analyzed with the multivariate S-estimator technique. We found that good Gestalt (OD vs. MD) was associated with a higher posterior synchronization in the beta-gamma band. The effect of perception manifested itself as reciprocal modulations over the posterior and anterior regions (theta/beta-gamma bands). Specifically, higher posterior and lower anterior synchronization supported the bound percept, and the opposite was true for the unbound percept. The interaction showed that binding under challenging perceptual conditions is sustained by enhanced parietal synchronization. We argue that this distributed pattern of synchronization relates to the processes of multistage integration ranging from early grouping operations in the visual areas to maintaining representations in the frontal networks of sensory memory.
Empirical Investigation of Twice-Exceptionality: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?
Authors: Foley Nicpon Megan , Allmon Allison , Sieck Barbara , Stinson Rebecca D.
Published: October 2010

Gifted students with coexisting disabilities, also known as twice-exceptional, are increasingly recognized in America’s schools. This increasing awareness needs to be met with equal enthusiasm for empirical investigation into the identification and treatment needs of this group of students. In this article, a 20-year review of the empirical literature examining twice-exceptionality, specifically gifted students with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or autism spectrum disorder, was conducted. Research strongly suggests that gifted students can have a coexisting disability and that comprehensive, individualized approaches toward diagnosis are necessary. Less is known about effective treatments and interventions that simultaneously highlight strengths and accommodate for areas of growth. Future research directions are offered that ideally will encourage scholars to discover more about effective diagnostic and intervention techniques for this very important group of gifted learners.

Putting the Research to Use

The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive summary of the last 20 years of empirical research examining gifted students with specific learning disabilities, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or autism spectrum disorders. Scholars can extrapolate from this summary a research agenda that will move the field forward in the pursuit of empirically validated identification and intervention techniques with twice-exceptional learners. Educators are encouraged to use this information when developing gifted identification protocols in schools, accommodation plans for twice-exceptional students, and interventions that target specific strength and growth areas. Finally, parents of twice-exceptional learners can reference the empirical studies summarized as they search for research-based approaches to helping their child.
(In)direct Framing Effects: The Effects of News Media Framing on Public Support for Turkish Membership in the European Union
Authors: de Vreese Claes H. , Boomgaarden Hajo G. , Semetko Holli A.
Published: October 2010

News framing can exert a strong influence on public opinion. Following a media content analysis, this article investigates the effects of news framing on support for membership of Turkey in the European Union. A first experimental study ( n = 304) showed a significant difference in the level of support for Turkish membership between respondents who were exposed to a positively valenced news frame and respondents who had received a negative frame. The results of a second survey-embedded experimental study ( n = 1,632) corroborated the first study, and tested the hypothesis that frames affect the importance of certain considerations and that the valence of the news frames also directly affects opinion. Negative news frames yielded stronger effects than positive news frames, and high political sophisticates were more affected by positive framing. The study demonstrates that (change in) public approval of Turkish EU membership is contingent on the elites’ and the media’s coverage of the issue in interaction with individual characteristics.
The Organizational Socialization Process: Review and Development of a Social Capital Model
Authors: Fang Ruolian , Duffy Michelle K. , Shaw Jason D.
Published: October 2010

The authors selectively review the literature on newcomer socialization in organizational settings and develop a social capital model of the organizational socialization process. The model highlights the roles of (1) socialization factors (i.e., organizational socialization tactics and newcomer proactivity) in facilitating newcomer accessibility to social capital, (2) effective mobilization of social capital for newcomer adjustment and subsequent career success, and (3) organizational insiders in facilitating newcomer adjustment. An agenda for future studies on socialization, social capital, and social networks is provided.
Organizational Learning
Authors: Flores Luis G. , Zheng Wei , Rau Devaki , Thomas Christopher H.
Published: October 2010

Organizational learning is key to an organization’s capability for continuous change and renewal. As a result, scholarly interest in identifying the antecedents of organizational learning has greatly increased over the past couple of decades. This study focuses on (1) identifying and measuring the distinct subprocesses that make up the organizational learning construct to obtain a more detailed understanding of the construct and (2) exploring the effect that organizational culture and, more particularly, four dimensions of culture—participative decision making, openness, learning orientation, and transformational leadership—have on each of the organizational learning subprocesses. The authors use two samples of subject matter experts and the responses of 631 managers to test their propositions. Their results yielded five independent but interrelated subprocesses—information acquisition, information distribution, information interpretation, knowledge integration, and organizational memory. Furthermore, their results indicate that the four different cultural antecedents studied have different kinds of significant relationships with each of the organizational learning subprocesses. This study contributes to the literature on organizational learning by identifying and validating the organizational learning subprocesses, and by offering a detailed picture of the relationship between key organizational antecedents to learning and the individual subprocesses of learning. In addition, since they use systematic and thorough methodological techniques to develop an instrument to test, measure, and validate those subprocesses of learning that constitute a common body of knowledge in this area, the authors’ instrument could prove to be a valuable tool for future research.
Organization Studies as Applied Science: The Generation and Use of Academic Knowledge about Organizations Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Jarzabkowski Paula , Mohrman Susan Albers , Scherer Andreas Georg
Published: October 2010

The relationship between theory and practice has been discussed in the social sciences for generations. Academics from management and organization studies regularly lament the divide between theory and practice. They regret the insufficient academic knowledge of managerial problems and their solutions, and criticize the scholarly production of theories that are not relevant for organizational practice (Hambrick 1994). Despite the prevalence of this topic in academic discourse, we do not know much about what kind of academic knowledge would be useful to practice, how it would be produced and how the transfer of knowledge between theory and practice actually works. In short, we do not know how we can make academic work more relevant for practice or even whether this would be desirable. In this introduction to the Special Issue, we apply philosophical, theoretical and empirical perspectives to examine the challenges of studying the generation and use of academic knowledge. We then briefly describe the contribution of the seven papers that were selected for this Special Issue. Finally, we discuss issues that still need to be addressed, and make some proposals for future avenues of research.
That’s Relevant! Different Forms of Practical Relevance in Management Science
Authors: Nicolai Alexander , Seidl David
Published: October 2010

Recently there has been an intense debate amongst scholars on how to increase the practical relevance of research. Although the notion of ‘relevance’ is frequently mentioned in the literature, it is hardly ever defined and may have different, even contradictory, meanings in different contexts. This article presents a taxonomy of different forms of relevance, based on a textual analysis of the ‘relevance literature’ and of a set of 450 articles in three leading academic management journals that are renowned for their practical relevance. The main categories of this taxonomy are then discussed against the background of different aspects of the social dynamics of science in order to ascertain the forms of relevance that can justifiably be expected from management science.
Acculturation Influences on AAPI Adolescent-Mother Interactions and Adolescents’ Sexual Initiation
Authors: Kao Tsui-Sui Annie , Loveland-Cherry Carol , Guthrie Barbara , Caldwell Cleopatra H.
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this secondary analysis of data is to examine relationships among Asian American Pacific Islanders (AAPI) adolescents’ level of acculturation, maternal influences, and age of sexual initiation. Selected predictive variables are based on the theoretical frameworks and literature review. The results indicate that for these adolescents speaking English at home was positively associated with maternal sexual discussion, mothers’ perceptions of connectedness with their adolescents, adolescents’ perceived maternal sexual expectations, and later sexual initiation at Wave 1. Adolescents’ years of U.S. residency are positively associated with adolescents’ level of perceived connectedness with their mothers and later sexual initiation at Wave 2. Adolescents’ level of acculturation influence how they interacted with their mothers, perceived their mothers’ sexual expectations, and when they decided to initiate sexual intercourse. Interventions to delay AAPI adolescents’ sexual debut should consider factors related to AAPI adolescents’ and their mothers’ levels of acculturation.
Visual and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training integrated with auditory step rhythm for walking performance of patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Kim Jin-Seop , Oh Duck-Won , Kim Suhn-Yeop , Choi Jong-Duk
Published: October 2010

Objective: To compare the effect of visual and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training on walking performance and to determine the clinical feasibility of incorporating auditory step rhythm into the training.

Design: Randomized crossover trial.

Setting: Laboratory of a Department of Physical Therapy.

Subjects: Fifteen subjects with post-stroke hemiparesis.

Intervention: Four locomotor imagery trainings on walking performance: visual locomotor imagery training, kinesthetic locomotor imagery training, visual locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm and kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm.

Main outcome measures: The timed up-and-go test and electromyographic and kinematic analyses of the affected lower limb during one gait cycle.

Results: After the interventions, significant differences were found in the timed up-and-go test results between the visual locomotor imagery training (25.69 ± 16.16 to 23.97 ± 14.30) and the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm (22.68 ± 12.35 to 15.77 ± 8.58) (P<0.05). During the swing and stance phases, the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training exhibited significantly increased activation in a greater number of muscles and increased angular displacement of the knee and ankle joints compared with the visual locomotor imagery training, and these effects were more prominent when auditory step rhythm was integrated into each form of locomotor imagery training. The activation of the hamstring during the swing phase and the gastrocnemius during the stance phase, as well as kinematic data of the knee joint, were significantly different for posttest values between the visual locomotor imagery training and the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training with auditory step rhythm (P<0.05).

Conclusions: The therapeutic effect may be further enhanced in the kinesthetic locomotor imagery training than in the visual locomotor imagery training. The auditory step rhythm together with the locomotor imagery training produces a greater positive effect in improving the walking performance of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis.
Effects of long-term exercise training on cardiac baroreflex sensitivity in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mameletzi Dimitra , Kouidi Evangelia , Koutlianos Nikolaos , Deligiannis Asterios
Published: October 2010

Objective: To investigate whether a structured long-term exercise training programme in patients with coronary artery disease affects baroreflex function and cardiorespiratory efficiency.

Patients: Twenty-five elderly male patients with coronary artery disease.

Methods: The patients were randomized into exercise (group A) or control group (group B). Group A followed a seven-month supervised exercise programme, consisting of three sessions of aerobic interval training weekly at moderate intensity. Twenty patients completed the study (group A: 10 patients and group B: 10 patients). At the beginning and end of the study, all subjects underwent a tilt test for the baroreflex sensitivity assessment and a graded exercise treadmill test with spiroergometry for the evaluation of their cardiorespiratory efficiency.

Results: There were no differences between the two groups for any baseline variable. After training in group A, peak oxygen consumption, maximal treadmill tolerance time and anaerobic threshold were significantly increased by 21.9% ( P < 0.001), 19.8% ( P < 0.001) and 18.6% ( P < 0.05), respectively. There were also significant increases in baroreflex sensitivity by 21.2% ( P < 0.01), in baroreflex effectiveness index by 23.9% ( P < 0.01), in event count by 45.1% ( P < 0.01) and in ramp count by 13.2% ( P < 0.05). Moreover, significant correlations were observed between the autonomic and cardiorespiratory parameters in group A at the end.

Conclusion: The results suggest that long-term exercise training leads to beneficial effects on baroreflex activity and cardiorespiratory performance in coronary patients, and thus could constitute an efficient nonpharmacological intervention in this population.
Daily physical activity of patients with the chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Evering Richard MH , van Weering Marit GH , Groothuis-Oudshoorn Karin CGM , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam MR
Published: October 2010

Objective: To give an overview of the physical activity level of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in comparison with asymptomatic controls.

Data sources: MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Picarta, the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register that is included in the Cochrane Library and reference tracking.

Review methods: A systematic literature search was conducted focusing on studies concerning physical activity levels of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome compared to controls. A meta-analysis was performed to pool data of the studies.

Results: Seventeen studies were included with 22 different comparisons between patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and controls. Fourteen studies, including 18 comparisons, showed lower physical activity levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome as compared to controls. Four studies, including four comparisons, showed no differences between both groups. The meta-analysis included seven studies and showed a daily physical activity level in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome of only 68% of the physical activity level observed in control subjects. The pooled mean coefficient of variation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome was higher as compared to control subjects (34.3% versus 31.5%), but this difference did not reach significance.

Conclusion: Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome appear to be less physically active compared with asymptomatic controls. There is no difference in variation of physical activity levels between patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and healthy control subjects, but the validity and reliability of some methods of measuring physical activity is questionable or unknown.
Pedometer-based gait training in children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled study
Authors: Hamed Nashwa Sayed , Abd-elwahab Manal Salah
Published: October 2010

Objective: To study the effect of pedometer-based gait training on changing gait parameters in children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy.

Design: Two group randomized controlled trial with pre-treatment and posttreatment measures.

Setting: Rehabilitation clinics.

Subjects: Thirty spastic hemiparetic children with cerebral palsy of both sexes (13 females and 17 males) ranging in age from six to eight years old with mean age 7.05 ± 0.78 years.

Interventions: Children were randomized equally to receive pedometer-based gait training or a traditional gait training programme three times per week for three successive months.

Main measures: Assessment was done before and after three months of treatment application using 3D motion analysis system with six pro-reflex cameras to evaluate spatiotemporal gait parameters. The primary outcome measure was the walking velocity while the secondary outcome measures were stride length, cadence and cycle duration.

Results: There was a high statistically significant improvement in favour of the study group more than the control group concerning all the measured gait parameters. T-test results showed that velocity was 0.68 ± 0.09 m/sec (0.26 ± 0.07 change score) for study group and 0.42 ± 0.11 m/sec (0.06 ± 0.05 change score) for control group (t = 6.2) (P<0.0001) while cadence was much less significant 124.3 ± 4.3 step/min (-5.8 ± 2.1 change score) for study group and 128.7 ± 4.1 step/min (-0.86 ± 0.05 change score) for control group (t = 2.8) (P<0.008).

Conclusion: Pedometer-based gait training is a useful tool that can be used in improving gait parameters in children with spastic hemiparetic cerebral palsy.