bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Message framing with respect to decisions about vaccination: The roles of frame valence, frame method and perceived risk
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn , Gallagher Laura
Published: March 2007

People respond differently when information is framed either positively or negatively (frame valence). Two prominent models propose that the effects of valence are moderated by (1) the method of framing (attributes vs. goals: Levin, Schneider, & Gaeth, 1998) and (2) perceived risk (Rothman & Salovey, 1997). This experiment (N = 200) explores the joint influence of both of these moderators with respect to decisions about a flu vaccination. The study extends previous work by integrating these two models and exploring the moderating effects of two different aspects of perceived risk (personal outcome effectiveness and procedural risk). The results show that personal outcome effectiveness indirectly links frames to intentions. Procedural risk moderates the relationship between valence and method in a manner consistent with predictions from Levin et al.. Partial support for the model proposed by Rothman and Salovey are observed for goal frames only.
Sex Differences of Human Trabecular Bone Microstructure in Aging Are Site-Dependent
Authors: Eckstein Felix , Matsuura Maiko , Kuhn Volker , Priemel Mathias , Müller Ralph , Link Thomas M , Lochmüller Eva-Maria
Published: March 2007

In this study, we characterize bone microstructure, specifically sex differences, at multiple skeletal sites in 165 subjects >52 yr of age, using μCT technology in vitro. Significant sex differences are observed at the distal radius, femoral neck, and femoral trochanter, but not at the iliac crest, calcaneus, and lumbar vertebral body. Correlations in BV/TV between sites ranged from r = 0.13 to 0.56.

Introduction: The goals of this study were (1) to assess potential sex differences of bone microstructure and their difference between skeletal sites and (2) to explore the relationship of trabecular microstructural properties between relevant skeletal sites.

Materials and Methods: Trabecular bone microstructural properties were measured in vitro in 165 subjects 52–99 yr of age using μCT. Defined volumes of interest (cylinders with 6 mm diameter and 6 mm length) were scanned at a resolution of 26 μm (isotropic) in six different anatomical sites: distal radius, femoral neck and trochanter, iliac crest, calcaneus, and second lumbar vertebral body.

Results: At the radius and femoral neck, trabecular bone displayed a more plate-like structure, thicker trabeculae, smaller separation/higher trabecular number, higher connectivity, and a higher degree of anisotropy in men than in women (p < 0.05). At the trochanter, men displayed more plate-like structure and thicker trabeculae (p < 0.05), but no differences in trabecular separation or other parameters compared with the women. At the calcaneus, iliac crest, and second lumbar vertebra none of the bone parameters displayed significant differences between sexes. The BV/TV at one site explained a range of only 2–32% of the variability at other sites.

Conclusions: These results suggest that trabecular bone microstructural properties are remarkably heterogeneous throughout the skeleton. Significant differences between men and women are observed at some, but not at all, sites. The magnitude of sex differences in trabecular microstructure coincides with that of fracture incidence observed for some of the sites in epidemiological studies.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Restores Bone Volume, Microarchitecture, and Strength in Aged Ovariectomized Rats*
Authors: Sampath T Kuber , Simic Petra , Sendak Rebecca , Draca Natasa , Bowe Ann E , O'Brien Stephen , Schiavi Susan C , McPherson John M , Vukicevic Slobodan
Published: March 2007

We show the systemic administration of low levels of TSH increases bone volume and improves bone microarchitecture and strength in aged OVX rats. TSH's actions are mediated by its inhibitory effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation and bone resorption coupled with stimulatory effects on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, suggesting TSH directly affects bone remodeling in vivo.

Introduction: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor haploinsufficient mice with normal circulating thyroid hormone levels have reduced bone mass, suggesting that TSH directly affects bone remodeling. We examined whether systemic TSH administration restored bone volume in aged ovariectomized (OVX) rats and influenced osteoclast formation and osteoblast differentiation in vitro.

Materials and Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were OVX at 6 months, and TSH therapy was started immediately after surgery (prevention mode; n = 80) or 7 mo later (restoration mode; n = 152). Hind limbs and lumbar spine BMD was measured at 2- or 4-wk intervals in vivo and ex vivo on termination at 8–16 wk. Long bones were subjected to μCT, histomorphometric, and biomechanical analyses. The direct effect of TSH was examined in osteoclast and osteoblast progenitor cultures and established rat osteosarcoma-derived osteoblastic cells. Data were analyzed by ANOVA Dunnett test.

Results: In the prevention mode, low doses (0.1 and 0.3 μg) of native rat TSH prevented the progressive bone loss, and importantly, did not increase serum triiodothyroxine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels in aged OVX rats. In restoration mode, animals receiving 0.1 and 0.3 μg TSH had increased BMD (10–11%), trabecular bone volume (100–130%), trabecular number (25–40%), trabecular thickness (45–60%), cortical thickness (5–16%), mineral apposition and bone formation rate (200–300%), and enhanced mechanical strength of the femur (51–60%) compared with control OVX rats. In vitro studies suggest that TSH's action is mediated by its inhibitory effects on RANKL-induced osteoclast formation, as shown in hematopoietic stem cells cultivated from TSH-treated OVX rats. TSH also stimulates osteoblast differentiation, as shown by effects on alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin expression, and mineralization rate.

Conclusions: These results show for the first time that systemically administered TSH prevents bone loss and restores bone mass in aged OVX rats through both antiresorptive and anabolic effects on bone remodeling.
Bivariate Whole Genome Linkage Analysis for Femoral Neck Geometric Parameters and Total Body Lean Mass
Authors: Deng Fei-Yan , Xiao Peng , Lei Shu-Feng , Zhang Lei , Yang Fang , Tang Zi-Hui , Liu Peng-Yuan , Liu Yong-Jun , Recker Robert R , Deng Hong-Wen
Published: March 2007

A genome-wide bivariate analysis was conducted for femoral neck GPs and TBLM in a large white sample. We found QTLs shared by GPs and TBLM in the total sample and the sex-specific samples. QTLs with potential pleiotropy were also disclosed.

Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that femoral neck cross-section geometric parameters (FNCS-GPs), including periosteal diameter (W), cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical thickness (CT), buckling ratio (BR), and section modulus (Z), are genetically correlated with total body lean mass (TBLM). However, the shared genetic factors between them are unknown.

Materials and Methods: To identify the specific QTLs shared by FNCS-GPs and TBLM, we performed bivariate whole genome linkage analysis (WGLA) in a large sample of 451 white families made up of 4498 subjects.

Results: Multipoint bivariate linkage analyses for 22 autosomes showed evidence of suggestive or significant linkages (thresholds of LOD = 2.3 and 3.7, respectively) to chromosomes 3q12 and 20q13 in the entire sample, 6p25 and 10q24 in women, and 4p15, 5q34–35 and 7q21 in men. Two-point linkage analyses for chromosome X showed strong linkage to Xp22.13, Xp11.4, Xq22.3, Xq23–24, and Xq25. Complete pleiotropy was identified on 10q24 and 5q35 for TBLM and BR in women and for TBLM and CT in men, respectively. Furthermore, chromosomes 5q34–35, 7q21, 10q24, 20q13, Xp22.13, Xp11.4, and Xq25 are also of importance because of their linkage to multiple trait pairs. For example, linkage to chromosome 10q24 was found for TBLM × W (LOD = 2.31), TBLM × CT (LOD = 2.51), TBLM × CSA (LOD = 2.51), TBLM × BR (LOD = 2.64), and TBLM × Z (LOD = 2.55) in women.

Conclusions: In this study, we identified several genomic regions (e.g., 3q12 and 20q13) that seem to be linked to both FNCS–GPs and TBLM. These regions are of interesting because they may harbor genes that may contribute to variation in both FNCS-GPs and TBLM.
Cinacalcet in the Management of Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Geller Jordan L , Khosravi Azarmindokht , Kelly Marilyn H , Riminucci Mara , Adams John S , Collins Michael T
Published: March 2007

Both FGF-23 and PTH inhibit renal phosphate reabsorption. We treated two patients with TIO and FGF-23–mediated hypophosphatemia with cinacalcet to test the hypothesis that medicinally induced hypoparathyroidism would decrease renal phosphate wasting. Cinacalcet treatment resulted in increased renal phosphate reabsorption, allowed for a decrease in phosphate supplementation, and showed evidence of bone healing in one of the two patients.

Introduction: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare, acquired disease of renal phosphate wasting, which results in hypophosphatemia and osteomalacia. It is caused by mesenchymal tumors that produce the phosphate and vitamin D–regulating hormone, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23. Removal of the tumor is curative, but the tumors are often difficult to locate. Medical treatment involves high doses of oral phosphate and calcitriol, but the phosphate is often poorly tolerated and leads to diarrhea. Because PTH also promotes phosphaturia, and patients with hypoparathyroidism are hyperphosphatemic in the setting of elevated serum FGF-23, we postulated that the calcium-sensing receptor agonist, cinacalcet, which can induce hypoparathyroidism, would be an effective adjuvant in the treatment of TIO.

Materials and Methods: Two subjects with presumed TIO in whom the tumor was not located after extensive testing and who did not tolerate medical therapy with phosphorus and calcitriol were treated with cinacalcet.

Results: Neither treatment with phosphorus nor combined treatment with phosphorus and calcitriol had an effect on serum FGF-23 levels. Treatment with cinacalcet resulted in increased renal phosphate reabsorption and serum phosphorus and allowed for a decrease in phosphate supplementation to a dose that was tolerated. On this regimen, one patient showed significant bone healing as shown by resolution of activity on bone scan and lack of osteomalacia as assessed by histomorphometry.

Conclusions: These data show that medically induced hypoparathyroidism with cinacalcet is a therapeutic option for disorders of FGF-23–mediated hypophosphatemia and that, in the absence of PTH, the phosphaturic effect of FGF-23 is decreased.
Differential Effects of Vitamin D Analogs on Vascular Calcification
Authors: Cardús Anna , Panizo Sara , Parisi Eva , Fernandez Elvira , Valdivielso Jose M
Published: March 2007

We tested the effects of calcitriol and its analog paricalcitol on VSMC calcification in vitro and in vivo. For that reason, cells and animals with five-sixths nephrectomy were treated with both compounds. Calcitriol, but not paricalcitol, increased VSMC calcification in vitro and in vivo independently of calcium and phosphate levels. This increase in calcification was parallel to an increase in the RANKL/OPG ratio.

Introduction: Vascular calcification is a common finding in patients with endstage renal disease. Furthermore, those patients often present secondary hyperparathyroidism, partly because of a decrease of calcitriol synthesis on the kidney. Thus, one of the main therapeutic options is to treat those patients with calcitriol or analogs. However, this treatment presents unwanted side effects, such as increases in vascular calcification.

Materials and Methods: We tested the effect on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification of calcitriol and one of its analogs, paricalcitol, in vitro and in vivo in animals with endstage renal disease.

Results: Calcitriol increased calcification of VSMCs cultured in calcification media. This effect was not present when cells were incubated with paricalcitol. Furthermore, only cells incubated with calcitriol showed an increased RANKL/ osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. Animals with renal failure treated with hypercalcemic doses of calcitriol and paricalcitol showed an increase in systolic blood pressure. However, diastolic blood pressure only raised significantly in those animals treated with paricalcitol. This effect led to a significant increase in pulse pressure in animals treated with calcitriol. The increase in pulse pressure was likely caused by the extensive calcification observed in arteries of animals treated with calcitriol. This increase in calcification was not seen in arteries of animals treated with paricalcitol, despite having similar levels of serum calcium and phosphorus as animals treated with calcitriol. Furthermore, the decreases in serum PTH levels were similar in both treatments.

Conclusions: We conclude that paricalcitol has a different effect than calcitriol in VSMC calcification and that this could explain part of the differences observed in the clinical settings.
High Serum IGFBP-2 Is Predictive of Increased Bone Turnover in Aging Men and Women
Authors: Amin Shreyasee , Riggs B Lawrence , Melton L Joseph , Achenbach Sara J , Atkinson Elizabeth J , Khosla Sundeep
Published: March 2007

Elevated serum IGFBP-2 is associated with lower BMD in men and women. It is unknown whether IGFBP-2 serves as a negative regulator of bone metabolism by decreasing bone formation or increasing bone resorption. Studying an age-stratified community-based sample of 344 men and 276 women, IGFBP-2 was the strongest predictor of increased bone resorption among the IGF/IGFBPs studied.

Introduction: Serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), which increases with age, is a predictor of low BMD among aging men and women. However, it is unknown whether IGFBP-2 negatively influences bone metabolism by decreasing bone formation or increasing bone resorption. Few have examined the relation between the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGFBPs) with bone turnover markers.

Materials and Methods: In an age-stratified, random sample of the community, we examined the association between serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-1, −2, and −3, and bone turnover markers before and after adjustment for potential confounders (age, body mass index, bioavailable estradiol and testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin). Analyses were stratified by sex and menopausal status.

Results: We studied 344 men (age range, 23–90 yr) and 276 women (age range, 21–93 yr; 166 postmenopausal) not on oral contraceptives or hormone replacement. Among the IGF/IGFBPs assessed, IGFBP-2 was the strongest and most consistent predictor of bone turnover in men and women. After adjustment for potential confounders, IGFBP-2 was positively associated with osteocalcin (OC) and urine and serum N-teleopeptide (NTX) in men (r = 0.20, 0.26, and 0.23, respectively; p < 0.001), serum C-telopeptide (CTX) in premenopausal women (r = 0.28; p < 0.01), and OC, urine NTX, and serum CTX in postmenopausal women (r = 0.24, 0.33, and 0.19, respectively; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Higher serum IGFBP-2, which is predictive of lower BMD, is associated with increased markers of bone resorption, independent of age, body mass, and sex hormones. The association between IGFBP-2 and markers of bone formation may reflect coupling with increased bone resorption, which is not adequate to maintain BMD.
Juvenile Paget's Disease: The Second Reported, Oldest Patient Is Homozygous for the TNFRSF11B “Balkan” Mutation (966_969delTGACinsCTT), Which Elevates Circulating Immunoreactive Osteoprotegerin Levels
Authors: Whyte Michael P , Singhellakis Panagiotis N , Petersen Michael B , Davies Michael , Totty William G , Mumm Steven
Published: March 2007

The oldest person (60 yr) with juvenile Paget's disease is homozygous for the TNFRSF11B mutation 966_969delTGACinsCTT. Elevated circulating levels of immunoreactive OPG and soluble RANKL accompany this genetic defect that truncates the OPG monomer, preventing formation of OPG homodimers.

Introduction: Juvenile Paget's disease (JPD), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, features skeletal pain, fracture, and deformity from extremely rapid bone turnover. Deafness and sometimes retinopathy also occur. Most patients have diminished osteoprotegerin (OPG) inhibition of osteoclastogenesis caused by homozygous loss-of-function defects in TNFRSF11B, the gene that encodes OPG. Circulating immunoreactive OPG (iOPG) is undetectable with complete deletion of TNFRSF11B but normal with a 3-bp in-frame deletion.

Materials and Methods: We summarize the clinical course of a 60-yr-old Greek man who is the second reported, oldest JPD patient, including his response to two decades of bisphosphonate therapy. Mutation analysis involved sequencing all exons and adjacent mRNA splice sites of TNFRSF11B. Over the past 4 yr, we used ELISAs to quantitate his serum iOPG and soluble RANKL (sRANKL) levels.

Results: Our patient suffered progressive deafness and became legally blind, although elevated markers of bone turnover have been normal for 6 yr. He carries the same homozygous mutation in TNFRSF11B (966_969delTGACinsCTT) reported in a seemingly unrelated Greek boy and Croatian man who also have relatively mild JPD. This frame-shift deletes 79 carboxyterminal amino acids from the OPG monomer, including a cysteine residue necessary for homodimerization. Nevertheless, serum iOPG and sRANKL levels are persistently elevated.

Conclusions: Homozygosity for the TNFRSF11B “Balkan” mutation (966_969delTGACinsCTT) causes JPD in the second reported, oldest patient. Elevated circulating iOPG and sRANKL levels complement evidence that this deletion/insertion omits a cysteine residue at the carboxyterminus needed for OPG homodimerization.
hTERT Transcription Is Repressed by Cbfa1 in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Populations
Authors: Isenmann Sandra , Cakouros Dimitrios , Zannettino Andrew , Shi Songtao , Gronthos Stan
Published: March 2007

Human BMSSCs lose telomerase activity in vitro, which leads to chromosomal instability and cellular senescence. We observed an inverse expression pattern between the osteogenic master regulatory gene, CBFA1, and the stem cell–associated gene, hTERT. We showed that Cbfa1 acts as a partial repressor of TERT, which may facilitate cellular differentiation.

Introduction: The absence of telomerase activity by cultured human bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSSCs) causes critical shortening of chromosomal telomeres, leading eventually to cellular senescence. Ex vivo expansion of BMSSCs correlates to an increase in osteogenic lineage associated markers such as alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and osteocalcin that are regulated by the master regulatory transcription factor, Cbfa1 (Runx2). This study examined whether Cbfa1 was capable of regulating the promoter of the early stem cell–associated gene, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).

Materials and Methods: Human BMSSCs were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Telomerase activity was determined using the telometric repeat amplification protocol. CBFA1 and TERT gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR. The functional capacity of Cbfa1 to bind to the hTERT promoter was performed using a modified electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis was used to examine Cbfa1 binding to the hTERT promoter in vivo. Functional analysis of CBFA-1 wildtype and mutant DNA binding sites on TERT promoter fragments was assessed using the promoterless green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter vector, pEGFP-1, after transfection into HOS cells.

Results: This study showed an inverse expression pattern between the osteogenic master regulatory gene, CBFA1, and the stem cell–associated gene, hTERT. The data showed that BMSSCs undergo osteogenic commitment after the loss of hTERT expression, with concomitant elevated levels of CBFA1 transcripts. In addition, two unique Cbfa1 DNA binding sites were identified on the hTERT proximal promoter by EMSA supershift assay. Mutated forms of the putative Cbfa1 binding sites, created by site-directed mutagenesis, were able to abolish this interaction. ChIP analysis showed that Cbfa1 interacted directly with the hTERT promoter in vivo. Functional studies using GFP reporter constructs, driven by 2- and 3-kbp hTERT proximal promoter fragments, showed significantly lower levels of transcriptional activity compared with corresponding constructs with mutated Cbfa1 binding site Oligo 2.

Conclusions: These studies suggest that Cbfa1 may act as a repressor of early stem cell markers such as hTERT as one possible mechanism for facilitating cellular differentiation.
Contribution of Trochanteric Soft Tissues to Fall Force Estimates, the Factor of Risk, and Prediction of Hip Fracture Risk*
Authors: Bouxsein Mary L , Szulc Pawel , Munoz Fracoise , Thrall Erica , Sornay-Rendu Elizabeth , Delmas Pierre D
Published: March 2007

We compared trochanteric soft tissue thickness, femoral aBMD, and the ratio of fall force to femoral strength (i.e., factor of risk) in 21 postmenopausal women with incident hip fracture and 42 age-matched controls. Reduced trochanteric soft tissue thickness, low femoral aBMD, and increased ratio of fall force to femoral strength (i.e., factor of risk) were associated with increased risk of hip fracture.

Introduction: The contribution of trochanteric soft tissue thickness to hip fracture risk is incompletely understood. A biomechanical approach to assessing hip fracture risk that compares forces applied to the hip during a sideways fall to femoral strength may by improved by incorporating the force-attenuating effects of trochanteric soft tissues.

Materials and Methods: We determined the relationship between femoral areal BMD (aBMD) and femoral failure load in 49 human cadaveric specimens, 53–99 yr of age. We compared femoral aBMD, trochanteric soft tissue thickness, and the ratio of fall forces to bone strength (i.e., the factor of risk for hip fracture, Φ), before and after accounting for the force-attenuating properties of trochanteric soft tissue in 21 postmenopausal women with incident hip fracture and 42 age-matched controls.

Results: Femoral aBMD correlated strongly with femoral failure load (r2 = 0.73–0.83). Age, height, and weight did not differ; however, women with hip fracture had lower total femur aBMD (OR = 2.06; 95% CI, 1.19–3.56) and trochanteric soft tissue thickness (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.01, 3.31). Incorporation of trochanteric soft tissue thickness measurements reduced the estimates of fall forces by ∼50%. After accounting for force-attenuating properties of trochanteric soft tissue, the ratio of fall forces to femoral strength was 50% higher in cases than controls (0.92 ± 0.44 versus 0.65 ± 0.50, respectively; p = 0.04).

Conclusions: It is possible to compute a biomechanically based estimate of hip fracture risk by combining estimates of femoral strength based on an empirical relationship between femoral aBMD and bone strength in cadaveric femora, along with estimates of loads applied to the hip during a sideways fall that account for thickness of trochanteric soft tissues. Our findings suggest that trochanteric soft tissue thickness may influence hip fracture risk by attenuating forces applied to the femur during a sideways fall and provide rationale for developing improved measurements of trochanteric soft tissue and for studying a larger cohort to determine whether trochanteric soft tissue thickness contributes to hip fracture risk independently of aBMD.
Twin entanglement revisited
Authors: Kurzel Richard B
Published: March 2007

A fear of interlocking twins is one factor that has led to a high Cesarean section (C/S) rate in breech (A)/vertex (B) (Bra/Vtxb) twins. We sought to estimate the frequency of occurrence of twin entanglement, and of interlocking Bra/Vtxbtwins in vaginal deliveries. 541 twins and 48 195 deliveries were retrospectively studied for the period 1987–1995. The incidence of Bra/Vtxbdeliveries was noted, and the number of deliveries marked by interlocking and collision of fetuses. The mode of delivery, reason for C/S, and sources of perinatal mortality were noted. Only 43 deliveries were Bra/Vtxb(7.9% of all twins) and of these only 14 (32.6%) were delivered vaginally. One case of interlocking (2.3% of all Bra/Vtxbpairs) and five cases of collision of twins (ie competition for entry into the pelvic inlet with obstruction) were noted. All cases mentioned were delivered by C/S. No perinatal mortality resulted from these cases. In recent years the trend has been for greater use of C/S and ultrasound in managing twin deliveries. In this study 67.4% of Bra/Vtxbtwins were delivered by C/S. Although there are fewer vaginal deliveries of these twins and the rate for interlocking (2.3%; 95% CI: 0.06–12.3%) for the whole group has remained about the same, we found the rate in those twins allowed vaginal delivery was 6.7% (95% CI: 0.2–31.9%). The presentation at greatest risk for entanglement was found to be Bra/Vtxb.
The interaction of cartoonist's gender and formal features of cartoons
Authors: Samson Andrea C , Huber Oswald
Published: March 2007

The present study investigates gender differences in the use of formal features of cartoons, like the amount of text, the number of panels, or the application of color. For the analysis, 300 cartoons (150 each by female and male cartoonists) were selected randomly from the works of 1519 cartoonists. Twenty-one formal features were analyzed. On average, female cartoonists use more text, include text more frequently, and also draw more panels. These differences were expected, because Differential Psychology has shown for a long time in a variety of cultures that, on average, women tend to perform better in tasks testing verbal intelligence whereas men perform significantly better in tasks that require spatial intelligence. We also found a difference in the type of joke: Women more frequently draw cartoons with incongruity-resolution humor, whereas men prefer to draw cartoons with nonsense humor. The results are discussed in relation to gender differences in humor processing and gender differences in general.
How native and non-native English speakers adapt to humor in intercultural interaction
Authors: Bell Nancy D
Published: March 2007

Humor can often carry an implicit negative message and thus be potentially dangerous to use. In addition, it is culturally and linguistically complex and sophisticated. Because of these things, it poses a challenge for L2 (second language) speakers and we might expect to see attempts at humor failing and causing offense in intercultural interaction. This paper reports on a study that examined humor in interaction between native and non-native speakers of English and found that humor did not seem to be a cause of conflict because of adjustments speakers made to their speech and their situated interpretations of meaning. In general, taboo topics and potentially dangerous forms of humor were avoided and humor was carefully contextualized. Native speakers reported being careful about the vocabulary they used in creating humor and both sides appeared to approach humor in intercultural communication prepared to accommodate the other and with an attitude of leniency.
The laughter of the 1962 Tanganyika ‘laughter epidemic’
Authors: Hempelmann Christian F
Published: March 2007

The present article discusses the role of laughter in the much cited ‘laughter epidemic’ that occurred in Tanganyika in 1962. Despite its extraordinary nature, the veracity of the event is confirmed, crucially on the basis of similar reports. But most current representations are flawed by their exaggeration and misinterpretation of the role of laughter in the event, relating it to a humorous stimulus, a virus or environmental contaminant, or identifying it as contagious laughter. It is argued that the event is a motor-variant case of mass psychogenic illness of which laughter is one common symptom. Therefore it cannot serve as support for other arguments in humor research.
Burnout and humor relationship among university lecturers
Authors: Tümkaya Songül
Published: March 2007

This research is aimed to identify the relationship between burnout and the variables of lecturers' humor styles, demographic information, occupational conditions, and ability to cope with humor in general. The effects of these variables in relation to burnout prediction were also investigated. Two hundred eighty-three full-time lecturers working at Çukurova University, Turkey, participated in this study. Data was collected through the “Maslach Burnout Inventory,” “Humor Styles Questionnaire,” “Coping Humor Scale” and “Demographic Information and Occupational Conditions Questionnaire.” The results revealed that in terms of age, younger lecturers experience much more burnout, and female lecturers experience more emotional exhaustion than do males. In addition, a significantly negative or low relationship was found between the dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, personal accomplishment, coping humor scale, affiliative humor, and self-enhancing humor, while there existed a positive but low relationship between the three dimensions of burnout, aggressive humor, and self-defeating humor. Thus, the results suggest that academic status may account for a considerable difference between the dimension scores of emotional exhaustion and personal accomplishment. Furthermore, the regression analysis indicates that occupational variables and humor are important predictors of the dimensions of burnout.
A Role for Hypocretin (Orexin) in Male Sexual Behavior
Authors: Muschamp John W. , Dominguez Juan M. , Sato Satoru M. , Shen Roh-Yu , Hull Elaine M.
Published: March 2007

The role of hypocretin (orexin; hcrt/orx) neurons in regulation of arousal is well established. Recently, hcrt/orx has been implicated in food reward and drug-seeking behavior. We report here that in male rats, Fos immunoreactivity (ir) in hcrt/orx neurons increases markedly during copulation, whereas castration produces decreases in hcrt/orx neuron cell counts and protein levels in a time course consistent with postcastration impairments in copulatory behavior. This effect was reversed by estradiol replacement. Immunolabeling for androgen (AR) and estrogen (ERα) receptors revealed no colocalization of hcrt/orx with AR and few hcrt/orx neurons expressing ERα, suggesting that hormonal regulation of hcrt/orx expression is via afferents from neurons containing those receptors. We also demonstrate that systemic administration of the orexin-1 receptor antagonist SB 334867 [N-(2-methyl-6-benzoxazolyl)-N″-1,5-naphthyridin-4-yl urea] impairs copulatory behavior. One locus for the prosexual effects of hcrt/orx may be the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We show here that hcrt-1/orx-A produces dose-dependent increases in firing rate and population activity of VTA dopamine (DA) neuronsin vivo. Activation of hcrt/orx during copulation, and in turn, excitation of VTA DA neurons by hcrt/orx, may contribute to the robust increases in nucleus accumbens DA previously observed during male sexual behavior. Subsequent triple immunolabeling in anterior VTA showed that Fos-ir in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons apposed to hcrt/orx fibers increases during copulation. Together, these data support the view that hcrt/orx peptides may act in a steroid-sensitive manner to facilitate the energized pursuit of natural rewards like sex via activation of the mesolimbic DA system.
Iterativ Lernende Regelungen, Teil I: Ein parametrischer Rahmen (A General Framework for Parametric Iterative Learning Control)
Authors: Rockel Hellmar , Konigorski Ulrich
Published: March 2007

Im Laufe der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte wurden Iterativ Lernende Regelungen (ILRen) unter den verschiedensten Aspekten analysiert und Lernalgorithmen für viele unterschiedliche Systemklassen und Anwendungen entwickelt. Mehrere Versuche wurden unternommen, ein allgemeines Rahmenwerk zu schaffen, denen es jedoch zumeist an intuitiver Zugänglichkeit und Anschaulichkeit mangelte und die sich darum nicht in der Praxis durchgesetzt haben. Im linearen Falle hat sich eine parametrische Beschreibung etabliert. Sie bildet die Grundlage für den hier präsentierten allgemeinen Rahmen für ILRen. Er stellt die vollständige Einbettung in die diskrete lineare Systemtheorie dar. Neben der Anschaulichkeit, die dieser Zugang bietet, ist er jedoch auch sehr allgemein. Es lassen sich strukturell sowohl parallele und serielle Kombinationen von Lerngesetz und konventioneller Regelung als auch Lerngesetze höherer Ordnung integrieren. Er besitzt außerdem Gültigkeit für beliebige Parametrisierungen, sodass neben den praktikablen Sichtweisen im Zeit- und Frequenzbereich auch Betrachtungen mit Hilfe beliebiger Basisfunktionen möglich sind.
For Hearth and Home: African Ceramics from the Keith Achepohl Collection
Authors: Thieme Mary S.
Published: March 2007

Mary S. Thieme is a museum anthropologist and ethnographer with extensive experience studying the pottery traditions of Mexico. In the 1960s she spent two years in Western Nigeria. In addition to assisting her ethnomusicologist husband in his Yoruba music research, collecting and documenting musical instruments for the Smithsonian Institution and the Nigerian National Museum, she studied drum making and researched and collected pottery and textiles for the Smithsonian. After a 30‐year career working in museums, including the Smithsonian and the Museum of African Art, she is now retired and lives in Panama City, Florida.
Beaded Brilliance: Wearable Art from the Columbia River Plateau
Authors: Lukavic John P.
Published: March 2007

John P. Lukavic is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on interactions between American Indian artists and the consumers of Indian art, including dealers, collectors, tourists, and museums.
Theorizing Charismatic Authority in Early Islamic Law*
Authors: Brockopp Jonathan E.
Published: March 2007

In Islamic Studies, charisma has usually been reserved for the study of marginalized individuals. I argue here that charisma may also be applied to leadership among legal scholars. To do so, I join a long line of scholars who have

modified Max Weber’s initial insights, and put forth a new, dynamic model of charismatic authority. The purpose of my model is to account for the fact that religious histories emphasize the uniqueness of the originating charismatic

event, be that Prophet Muhammad’s revelations, Jesus’ theophany or the Buddha’s enlightenment, while at the same time recognizing that the charismatic cycle never quite ends. In contrast with Weber, I argue that charismatic authority in religious traditions is best understood as a network of influence and interaction through which the routinization of charisma reinterprets and redefines the meaning of the originating charismatic event.
Adab and Banarsipan: Embodying Community among Muslim Artisans in Varanasi, India*
Authors: Lee Christopher
Published: March 2007

In this article, I consider adab (“cultured respectfulness”) and banarsipan (“Banaras-ness”) as two ways-of-being for working-class Muslims in the Indian city of Varanasi. Each of these identities contain its own ontology and truths about the remembered past, the lived present, and the processes which

created them, and thus serves as alternatives to nationalist and communal identities and the histories they present. These ways-of-being are examined using a theoretical orientation that brings together concepts of bodily hexis and

social memory, which offers a promising way to consider local or marginal Muslim communities, their emic configurations of meaning, power, status and personhood, and their relationship with dominant or normative Muslim groups and identities.
Reliability-based evaluation of steel girder bridges
Authors: Czarnecki A. A. , Nowak A. S.
Published: March 2007

System reliability can be used as an important tool for the efficient evaluation of existing bridge structures. The traditional element-based approach to bridge design and evaluation does not allow for consideration of interaction between the components that form the structural system and, therefore, it can be conservative. The safety of the structural system also depends on the degree of redundancy (load sharing) and ductility. As a result, it has been observed that the load-carrying capacity of the whole structure can be much larger than that determined by the design of individual components. Therefore, this study was focused on system behaviour. The objective was to identify the load and resistance parameters, formulate the limit state function and develop a system reliability analysis procedure for the whole bridge as a structural system. The reliabilities were also calculated for individual components (girders) and compared with the system reliabilities of the bridge. The resulting system reliability can serve as a basis for the development of a rational bridge design and evaluation procedure.
Micropiles reinforcement for expansive soils:large-scale experimental investigation
Authors: Nusier O. K. , Alawneh A. S. , Rabadi R.
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the results of field tests performed on large-scale steel micropiles 6·5 cm in diameter and 3·0 m long, embedded in natural expansive clay. The clay is classified as the CH type of soil, and it has high swelling potential. The micropiles were placed at the centre of drilled holes 16·5 cm in diameter at up to 3·0 m depth. The annular space around the micropile was filled with sand compacted to a relative density of 70%. Reinforced concrete footings (1·0 m × 1·0 m × 0·40 m) were constructed on the expansive clay. The tops of the steel micropiles were tied to the reinforced concrete footings. Four footings were constructed with one, two, three and four micropiles respectively; another footing was constructed without micropile support, and was taken as a reference case to investigate the effect of micropiles in heave control. A level device was used to measure the upward movement of the footings after flooding the site. The effect of the number of micropiles on the magnitude of the footings' upward movement was measured. Interpretation of the test results showed that the percentage reduction in heave increases as the number of micropiles is increased. The measured and predicted percentage reduction in heave were compared, as suggested by Nusier and Alawneh: the results demonstrate acceptable agreement.

Cet article présente les résultats d'une étude sur le terrain réalisée sur des micropieux en acier à grande é chelle, de 6,5 m de diamètre et de 3,0 m de long, enfoncés dans de l'argile naturelle gonflante. Cette argile est classée comme type de sol CH, ćest-à-dire à forte plasticité, puisqu'elle présente un fort potentiel de gonflement. Les micropieux sont placés au centre de trous forés de 16,5 cm de diamètre jusqu' à une profondeur de 3,0 m. L'espace annulaire autour des micropieux est rempli de sable compacté jusqu' à une densité relative de 70 %. Des semelles renforcées en béton armé (1,0 m × 1,0 m × 0,40 m) sont construites sur l'argile gonflante. Le haut des micropieux en acier est rattaché à ces semelles renforcées en béton armé. Quatre semelles sont construites, avec un, deux, trois et quatre micropieux respectivement. Une autre semelle a été construite sans support de micropieu, servant comme modèle de référence pour évaluer l'effet des micropieux sur le contrôle du soulèvement. Un dispositif de mesure de niveau est utilisé pour évaluer le mouvement de relèvement des semelles après que le site est recouvert d'eau. On a pu ainsi évaluer l'influence du nombre de micropieux sur l'amplitude du mouvement de soulèvement des semelles. L'interprétation des résultats obtenus montre que la réduction du soulèvement en pourcentage augmente avec le nombre de micropieux. Les réductions en pourcentage, mesurée et estimée, ont été comparées, comme suggéré par Nusier et Alawneh. Les résultats montrent une corrélation acceptable.
Economic Value of Polymer Seed Coat for Fall‐Seeded Canola
Authors: Upadhyay B. M. , Smith E. G. , Clayton G. W. , Harker K. N. , O'Donovan J. T. , Blackshaw R. E.
Published: March 2007

Applying a polymer seed coat (PSC) to canola (Brassica napus L. and B. rapa L.) seed could be economically beneficial for dormant fall seeding. Field trials at three locations and across 3 yr were used to evaluate the effect of seeding date, use of a PSC, and canola cultivar on crop yield and net returns. The net returns were used to estimate the economic value of using a PSC for three locations, two seeding dates, and four canola cultivars. Net returns differed across locations, and cultivar differences occurred in one of the three locations. Net returns were higher for late‐fall seeding, compared with early‐fall seeding, with or without the use of a PSC. The value of a PSC was generally positive for early‐fall seeding and negative for late‐fall seeding. However, at a location prone to midwinter mild spells during which seed germination could occur, the PSC generally had no value. Despite the PSC having a positive value for early‐fall dormant seeding, its potential use will be limited because early‐fall seeding with a PSC had lower net returns than late‐fall seeding without a PSC.
In‐Season Tissue Testing to Optimize Soft Red Winter Wheat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates: Influence of Wheat Biomass
Authors: Weisz Randy , Sripada Ravi P. , Heiniger Ronnie W. , White Jeffrey G. , Farrer Dianne C.
Published: March 2007

In the southeastern USA, soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) N fertilizer recommendations are based on growth stage (GS) 30 tissue testing and models that assume that the relationship between tissue N concentration (Ncon) and optimum N fertilizer rates (MaxN30) is stable across fields differing in GS‐30 biomass. However, previous research has indicated this may not be the case. Consequently, it was critical to re‐evaluate these models. Using a split‐split plot design, six experiments were conducted in North Carolina between 2002 and 2004. Main plots were planting date–seeding rate combinations that produced wheat with different GS‐30 biomass. Subplots and sub‐subplots were five N rates applied at GS‐25 and GS‐30, respectively. Wheat yield was responsive to fertilizer N at all site‐years. The overall relationship between MaxN30 and Ncon was weak (r2 = 0.43). The relationship between MaxN30 and N uptake (Ncon × biomass) was weaker (r2 = 0.27). However, when the data were divided into different biomass classes, the overall model improved (R2 = 0.75). For biomass < 340 kg ha−1, the Ncon at which no additional N fertilizer was required (Ncritical) was 70.0 g N kg−1. As biomass increased, Ncritical decreased to 33.2 g N kg−1. Intermediate classes had slopes of MaxN30 versus Ncon and Ncritical values that were similar to those previously reported. This study indicates that to use tissue testing to determine N fertilizer recommendations across a range of GS‐30 biomass conditions requires information regarding dry matter biomass.
Distribution of Water‐Soluble Carbohydrate Reserves in the Stubble of Prairie Grass and Orchardgrass Plants
Authors: Turner L. R. , Donaghy D. J. , Lane P. A. , Rawnsley R. P.
Published: March 2007

A greenhouse study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) within the lower 100 mm of ‘Kara’ orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and ‘Matua’ prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii Kunth.) stubble through four distinct regrowth cycles. Water‐soluble carbohydrate levels were consistently higher in prairie grass tillers compared with orchardgrass tillers. A decrease in WSC levels with increasing stubble height was observed for vegetative tillers of both species. However, the WSC concentration gradient was better defined for orchardgrass, with a clear decrease in WSC concentration between the 21‐ to 30‐ and 31‐ to 40‐mm segments, and 77% of WSC content contained within the 0‐ to 30‐mm stubble height range (with 0 mm representing the base at ground level). The WSC concentration gradient for prairie grass was less clearly defined, with a relatively high WSC concentration throughout the 0‐ to 100‐mm stubble height range. There was a trend for decreasing WSC concentration between the 31‐ to 40‐ and 41‐ to 50‐mm segments, with 62% of WSC content contained within the 0‐ to 40‐mm stubble height range. These results suggest that the previously adopted defoliation stubble height of 45 to 50 mm, which is the optimal defoliation management for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), maintains over 60% of stubble WSC reserves and therefore should not be detrimental to the persistence of orchardgrass and prairie grass. While decreasing defoliation height to 30 mm may be acceptable for orchardgrass, prairie grass is more sensitive to defoliation severity, with defoliation below 45 mm not recommended.
Choice of Summer Fallow Replacement Crops Impacts Subsequent Winter Wheat
Authors: Lyon Drew J. , Nielsen David C. , Felter Douglas G. , Burgener Paul A.
Published: March 2007

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the foundation of dryland cropping systems in the Central Great Plains. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of four short‐season spring‐planted crops used to replace summer fallow on the subsequent winter wheat crop. Wheat was seeded into four crop stubbles [spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack), dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)] at sites near Akron, CO, and Sidney, NE, in the fall of 2004 and 2005. These summer fallow replacement crops were planted into silt loam soils at three different soil water levels at planting (low, medium, and high). Winter wheat water use was 3.6 cm greater, and grain yield was 662 kg ha−1 greater in the high water treatment compared with the low water treatment averaged across all sites and years. Winter wheat used an average of 4.3 cm more water following early planted summer crops (triticale and dry pea) than after late planted summer crops (foxtail and proso millet), but this increased water use did not consistently translate into increased grain yield as a result of terminal drought at Sidney in 2006. The high water treatment always had a positive net return. The high cost of pea seed ($3.30 kg−1, USD) strongly reduced profitability. The flexible summer fallow cropping system appears to be most applicable when using short‐duration summer annual forage crops such as triticale and foxtail millet.
Analytical Solutions to Evaluate the Stream Tube Approach for Field‐Scale Modeling of Evaporation
Authors: Leij F. J. , Sciortino A. , Dane J. H.
Published: March 2007

Quantifying upward flow across larger areas of the landscape is important for water resources management and research involving global exchange processes. The stream tube or parallel column model may be used for this purpose. Columns should be narrow enough to account for variability of local parameters and wide enough to minimize the effect of lateral flow. To provide guidance with the selection of minimum column width, an approximate analytical solution was obtained for steady flow in a medium composed of two vertical soil columns. The normalized matric flux potential, Φ, was used as a dependent variable. The two‐dimensional solution consisted of a one‐dimensional term and a perturbation term to ensure continuity in water flux and soil pressure head, h Comparison of two‐dimensional and one‐dimensional stream tube results showed little difference in h and Φ, except near the interface. The greatest effect was found for finer textured soils. An analytical expression for the lateral flux was obtained from the solution for Φ. For “wet” conditions involving a shallow water table and high surface water contents, the lateral flux was found to be no more than 5% of the evaporative flux. For “dry” conditions with miniscule fluxes, the evaporative and lateral fluxes may be of the same order of magnitude; application of the stream tube model could involve considerable error. The analytical solutions are convenient to evaluate the impact of stream tube width for different evaporation scenarios and also to verify more elaborate numerical schemes.