bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A convenient method of obtaining percentile norms and accompanying interval estimates for self‐report mood scales (DASS, DASS‐21, HADS, PANAS, and sAD)
Authors: Crawford John R. , Garthwaite Paul H. , Lawrie Caroline J. , Henry Julie D. , MacDonald Marie A. , Sutherland Jane , Sinha Priyanka 
Published: December 2008

BackgroundA series of recent papers have reported normative data from the general adult population for commonly used self‐report mood scales.AimsTo bring together and supplement these data in order to provide a convenient means of obtaining percentile norms for the mood scales.MethodA computer program was developed that provides point and interval estimates of the percentile rank corresponding to raw scores on the various self‐report scales.ResultsThe program can be used to obtain point and interval estimates of the percentile rank of an individual's raw scores on the DASS, DASS–21, HADS, PANAS, and sAD mood scales, based on normative sample sizes ranging from 758 to 3822. The interval estimates can be obtained using either classical or Bayesian methods as preferred.ConclusionThe computer program (which can be downloaded atwww.abdn.ac.uk~psy086deptMoodScore.htm) provides a convenient and reliable means of supplementing existing cut‐off scores for self‐report mood scales.
Positive change with Ménière's disease
Authors: Dibb B. 
Published: December 2008

Objective The aims of this study were twofold: to determine in what way people with a non‐fatal chronic illness experience positive change after the onset of their illness, and to determine whether comparing with other people with Ménière's disease influenced perceiving this change.Design Using a longitudinal method, questionnaires were administered at baseline and at ten‐month follow‐up.Method At both time points 301 people with Ménière's disease completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and at baseline they also completed questionnaires measuring, demographic variables, disease severity, psychological variables (self‐esteem, perceived control, and optimism), and social comparison variables.Results People with Ménière's disease in this study perceived positive change. Greater positive change was perceived on the domain of ‘appreciation of life,’ followed by ‘relating to others,’ ‘personal strength,’ ‘new possibilities,’ and ‘spiritual change’. In addition, more change was perceived at follow‐up than at baseline. Social comparison was associated with perceiving change at both time points.Conclusions People with Ménière's disease do perceive positive change. Perceiving change is an on‐going process for people with Ménière's disease, as they perceived more change over time. Social comparison was related to the perception of change, in particular, to the perception of growth in personal strength.
Characterization of a Non-UBA Domain Missense Mutation of Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1) in Paget's Disease of Bone
Authors: Najat Dereen , Garner Thomas , Hagen Thilo , Shaw Barry , Sheppard Paul W , Falchetti Alberto , Marini Francesca , Brandi Maria L , Long Jed E , Cavey James R , Searle Mark S , Layfield Robert 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Mutations affecting the ubiquitin-associated (UBA) domain of sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1/p62) are commonly found in Paget's disease of bone (PDB) and impair SQSTM1's ability to bind ubiquitin, resulting in dysregulated NF-κB signaling. In contrast, non-UBA domain mutations are rarer, and little is known about how they manifest their effects. We present the first characterization at the molecular, cellular, and functional level of a non-UBA domain missense mutation (A381V) of SQSTM1. Direct sequencing of exon 7 of the SQSTM1 gene in an Italian PDB patient detected a heterozygous C to T transversion at position 1182, resulting in an alanine to valine substitution at codon 381. Pull-down assays showed the non-UBA region of SQSTM1 that contains A381 is important in mediating ubiquitin-binding affinity and that the A381V mutation exerts weak negative effects on ubiquitin binding. Structural and binding analyses of longer UBA constructs containing A381, using NMR spectroscopy and circular dichroism, showed this region of the protein to be largely unstructured and confirmed its contribution to increased ubiquitin-binding affinity. Co-transfections of U20S cells showed that the A381V mutant SQSTM1 co-localized with ubiquitin with a cellular phenotype indistinguishable from wildtype. Finally, effects of the wildtype and mutant SQSTM1 on NF-κB signaling were assessed in HEK293 cells co-transfected with an NF-κB luciferase reporter construct. A381V mutant SQSTM1 produced a level of activation of NF-κB signaling greater than wildtype and similar to that of UBA domain mutants, indicating that non-UBA and UBA domain mutations may exert their effects through a common mechanism involving dysregulated NF-κB signaling.
Vitamin D Status, Parathyroid Function, Bone Turnover, and BMD in Postmenopausal Women With Osteoporosis: Global Perspective
Authors: Kuchuk Natalia O , van Schoor Natasja M , Pluijm Saskia M , Chines Arkadi , Lips Paul 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Poor vitamin D status is common in the elderly and is associated with bone loss and fractures. The aim was to assess worldwide vitamin D status in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis according to latitude and economic status, in relation to parathyroid function, bone turnover markers, and BMD. The study was performed in 7441 postmenopausal women from 29 countries participating in a clinical trial on bazedoxifene (selective estrogen receptor modulator), with BMD T-score at the femoral neck or lumbar spine ≤ −2.5 or one to five mild or moderate vertebral fractures. Serum 25(OH)D, PTH, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bone turnover markers osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX), and BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, and trochanter were measured. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 61.2 ± 22.4 nM. The prevalence of 25(OH)D &lt;25, 25–50, 50–75, and &gt;75 nM was 5.9%, 29.4%, 43.5%, and 21.2%, respectively, in winter and 3.0%, 22.2%, 47.2%, and 27.5% in summer. Worldwide, a negative correlation between 25(OH)D and latitude was observed. With increasing 25(OH)D categories of &lt;25, 25–50, 50–75, and &gt;75 nM, mean PTH, OC, and CTX were decreasing (p &lt; 0.001), whereas BMD of all sites was increasing (p &lt; 0.001). A threshold in the positive relationship between 25(OH)D and different BMD parameters was visible at a 25(OH)D level of 50 nM. Our study showed a high prevalence of low 25(OH)D in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis worldwide. Along with latitude, affluence seems to be an important factor for serum 25(OH)D level, especially in Europe, where it is strongly correlated with latitude.
Compound Heterozygous Mutations in the Vitamin D Receptor in a Patient With Hereditary 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D-Resistant Rickets With Alopecia
Authors: Zhou Yulin , Wang Jining , Malloy Peter J , Dolezel Zdenek , Feldman David 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Hereditary vitamin D-resistant rickets (HVDRR) is a rare recessive genetic disorder caused by mutations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR). In this study, we examined the VDR in a young girl with clinical features of HVDRR including rickets, hypophosphatemia, and elevated serum 1,25(OH)2D. The girl also had total alopecia. Two mutations were found in the VDR gene: a nonsense mutation (R30X) in the DNA-binding domain and a unique 3-bp in-frame deletion in exon 6 that deleted the codon for lysine at amino acid 246 (ΔK246). The child and her mother were both heterozygous for the 3-bp deletion, whereas the child and her father were both heterozygous for the R30X mutation. Fibroblasts from the patient were unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3 as shown by their failure to induce CYP24A1 gene expression, a marker of 1,25(OH)2D3 responsiveness. [3H]1,25(OH)2D3 binding and immunoblot analysis showed that the patient's cells expressed the VDRΔK246 mutant protein; however, the amount of VDRΔK246 mutant protein was significantly reduced compared with wildtype controls. In transactivation assays, the recreated VDRΔK246 mutant was unresponsive to 1,25(OH)2D3. The ΔK246 mutation abolished heterodimerization of the mutant VDR with RXRα and binding to the coactivators DRIP205 and SRC-1. However, the ΔK246 mutation did not affect the interaction of the mutant VDR with the corepressor Hairless (HR). In summary, we describe a patient with compound heterozygous mutations in the VDR that results in HVDRR with alopecia. The R30X mutation truncates the VDR, whereas the ΔK246 mutation prevents heterodimerization with RXR and disrupts coactivator interactions.
Lack of Association of Soluble CD40 Ligand with the Presence of Acute Myocardial Infarction or Ischemic Stroke in the Emergency Department
Authors: Plaikner Michaela , Peer Andreas , Falkensammer Gerda , Schmidauer Christoph , Pechlaner Christoph , Griesmacher Andrea , Pachinger Otmar , Mair Johannes 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background: Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) has been proposed as a new risk marker for cardiovascular diseases; however, its possible role as a diagnostic marker in the emergency department (ED) has not yet been investigated.
Methods: We investigated sCD40L for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke in 1089 consecutive patients (525 males, 564 females; age, 17–98 years; median, 56 years) in an ED treating mainly adults with medical or neurologic emergencies. We used a research assay from Roche Diagnostics to measure sCD40L in heparinized plasma prepared from routinely drawn blood samples.
Results: Intraassay and interassay CVs in our laboratory ranged from 1.6%–4.2% and from 4.4%–4.9%, respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis revealed sCD40L concentration to be significantly associated with C-reactive protein concentration (P = 0.012) and platelet count (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, a subgroup analysis revealed a significant association between smoking and sCD40L concentration (P = 0.006). All other tested variables, including discharge diagnosis, age, sex, and other laboratory variables, showed no significant associations.
Conclusions: In adults presenting to the ED, sCD40L is not useful as a diagnostic marker for acute cardiac, cerebrovascular ischemic, or thromboembolic events.
Amination of pyrogallol nucleus of condensed tannins and related polyphenols by ammonia water treatment
Authors: Hashida Koh , Makino Rei , Ohara Seiji 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The reaction behavior of condensed tannins and related polyphenols with ammonia (NH3) water was examined. NH3 water treatment of pyrogallol, gallic acid, and epigallocatechin, which have a pyrogallol nucleus, caused regioselective amination in the presence of molecular oxygen (O2) to form 2-aminoresorcinol, 4-amino-3,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 4′-C-amino-epigallocatechin, respectively. In contrast, other polyphenols, such as catechol, protocatechuic acid, and epicatechin, which have a catechol nucleus, did not undergo amination even in the presence of O2. Under nitrogen atmosphere (in the absence of O2), epimerization at the C-2 position took place during NH3 treatment of epigallocatechin, in addition to amination. The same epimerization took place during NH3 treatment of epicatechin regardless of the presence or absence of O2. By NH3 treatment, pyrogallol-type B-rings of condensed tannin from Acacia mearnsii underwent regioselective amination to yield 4′-amino-3′,5′-dihydroxybenzene-type B-rings in the presence of O2, whereas catechol-type B-rings of condensed tannin from quebracho showed little amination regardless of the presence or absence of O2. From these results, it was concluded that amination of pyrogallol nucleus by NH3 treatment should proceed via oxidation and reduction, and therefore this reaction would be attributed to the oxidation property of condensed tannins and related polyphenols.
Characterizing Bond Breakages in Cemented Sands Using a MEMS Accelerometer
Authors: Wang Y. H. , Ma C. H. , Yan W. M. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
In this study, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer, MEMSA (1–3 kHz), and a commercially available piezoelectric acoustic emission (AE) sensor, PZT (125–750 kHz), were used to capture AE responses in uncemented and cemented sands during triaxial compression tests. The AE rates measured in the cemented sands by both sensors demonstrated a similar trend and showed a strong resemblance to the stress-strain response. The bond breakages and the associated AE activities were mild at small strains and increased afterwards to initiate yielding. After the peak stress, shear banding gradually formed and the AE rate distinctly dropped. These observations suggest that a MEMS accelerometer can function as an effective AE sensor to detect the bond-breakage process in cemented sands. In addition, a PZT is more sensitive to the AE detection for cemented sands but a MEMSA starts earlier to capture AE and also continue to capture AE from the shear band at large strains while the PZT only measures a few or no AE activities.
An Alternative to the Cathead and Rope for the Standard Penetration Test
Authors: Kovacs WD , Griffith AH , Evans JC 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Previous studies by the authors have found that a cathead and rope when used to perform standard penetration tests (SPT) have resulted in energies reaching the striker plate or anvil substantially less than those resulting from a complete or 100% free fall. In fact, depending on variables such as the number of turns of rope around the cathead, the rope age, cathead speed, and method of rope release, none of which have been standardized in the SPT, variations in the delivered energy have ranged from 25 to 70% of the theoretical free fall. In order to eliminate such variability in the delivered energy, a new hammer and lifting device have been investigated for potential use as an alternative to the cathead and rope for the performance of the SPT.
The new lifting device used is composed of a hydraulic motor-operated spool with a wire line which not only raises the 63.5-kg (140-lb) hammer 762 mm (30 in.), but reverses the spool direction to permit efficient “free fall.” The new hammer used is a sleeve-type, enclosed 63.5-kg (140-lb) hammer that falls on an internal anvil. The lifting device and the hammer combination may be used in both the manual and automatic modes. The variables tested for these devices include the fall height, mode of operation, and inclination of the drill stem.
It was found that the delivered energy is proportional to the fall height, independent of mode and independent of the drill stem inclination up to 3 deg from the vertical, and gives about the same delivered energy as the cathead and rope with one or two turns on the cathead.
Recommendations for possible future standardization of this equipment for use with the SPT are given.
A Hydraulic Tensile Test with Zero Transverse Strain for Geotechnical Fabrics
Authors: Raumann G 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A novel tensile test method for geotextiles is described. The fabric is deformed in a tensile mode with zero transverse strain in the plane of the fabric. The force is supplied by hydraulic pressure to 200- by 800-mm (8- by 32-in.) test specimens. Stress-strain curves, cyclic behavior, and creep tests are reported and notable differences between different geotextiles are discussed. The test used was specifically developed to simulate fabric deformation under rutting conditions that occur in unpaved roads, but the test results are also relevant to many other field applications where the behavior involved is predominately tensile.
North American Experience in Sampling and Laboratory Dynamic Testing
Authors: Horn HM 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
There have been marked improvements during the past 20 years in overall soil exploration practices in North America. Much of the improvement is the result of the stringent requirements associated with subsurface investigations of nuclear power plant sites. The improved practice includes block sampling in both cohesive and noncohesive deposits, the use of rotary drilling with mud in conjunction with a fixed-piston sampler, and the freezing of undisturbed samples of granular soil after they have been drained to minimize sample disturbance during shipment or handling. In-situ freezing of granular deposits as a means of stabilizing the soil, before sampling is a promising new concept, and X-radiography has proven to be a powerful tool in studies of soil structure and sample disturbance.
New Method for the Calibration of the Inertia of Resonant Column Devices
Authors: Tatsuoka F , Silver ML 
Published: December 2008

AbstractResonant column devices are popularly used to evaluate the shear moduli and damping characteristics of soils at small strain amplitude. To use the resonant column technique it is necessary to accurately know the value of the rotational inertia of the top mass of the apparatus JA to evaluate shear modulus values derived from resonant frequency values. The paper describes a new and simple method for evaluating JA for a resonant column device using two calibration rods of known geometry. The advantage of this calibration method is that a value of JA may be determined without having to know the material properties of the calibration specimen. The paper describes the theory of the calibration technique and gives dimensions of typical calibration samples that can be used for resonant column studies. Typical measured calibration values are presented to show the accuracy of the calibration technique.
Influence of the Back Pressure Technique on the Shear Strength of Soils
Authors: Allam MM , Sridharan A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
A series of consolidated-undrained triaxial tests with pore pressure measurement were carried out to study the influence of the back pressure technique on the shear strength of soils. Hand-remolded samples of normally consolidated and overconsolidated kaolinite, compacted samples of kaolinite, hand-remolded normally consolidated black cotton soil, and hand-remolded and undisturbed samples of red earth were tested with and without the back pressure technique. The results indicate that a back pressure can significantly influence the shear strength and pore pressure response of soils. Two mechanisms govern the influence of the back pressure; which one applies depends on whether the soils compress or dilate during shear. The effective stress parameters are essentially unaffected by the back pressure technique. A partial consolidation technique promises to be an effective time-saving method of determining the shear strength parameters.
The Point Load Test for the Tensile Strength of Rock
Authors: Wijk G 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
The theoretical background is presented for the point load test for determining the tensile strength of rock materials. Theoretical predictions of the dependence of fracture force on sample shape (in this case, spheres and cylinders) are shown to agree quite well with experimental data for Plexiglas® and rock materials. A modification of the test, the multiple point load test, is suggested to have considerable advantages from both the theoretical and the experimental points of view.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: China
Authors: Yang Zi , Lu Shannon , Nicoll Gregg A. 
Published: December 2008

The Chinese economy has grown rapidly during the past two decades as a result of the open-door policy towards trade, investment, and intellectual exchange; this has brought China closer economically and culturally to the developed western world. Western culture and imported products have been gradually embraced to varying extents and in different ways. For example, the Chinese people have become more open to expressing their opinions-especially the younger generation. And consumption of consumer goods, including imported products, has dramatically increased during the past 5-10 years; the choice and type of products are increasing daily. Consequently, Chinese consumers have developed many similarities to other countries with regard to the type of product benefits desired. However, the uniqueness of the Chinese culture, the diversity of the people, influences of local traditions and history, economic regional differences, etc., still have a substantial influence on consumer desires and needs. Equally, this uniqueness also influences how consumer research is done within China.
Conducting consumer research in China is not an easy undertaking, especially when considering China has an area of 9 596 960 km2, greatly varying climates, and uneven economic development. Confounding this, China has an ethically diverse population of 1.3 billion people (www.china.org.cn∕english∕index.html) (2005), who speak Mandarin plus many other local dialects. The majority of consumer research has been conducted within large cities (e.g., Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Xian, and Sheyang) or the immediate surrounding areas. Conducting consumer research in rural areas-especially distant from the larger urban cites-is difficult and time consuming due to the lack of rapid transportation and consumer research facilities in these areas.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Cook Sheryl , Stanton Karen 
Published: December 2008

Both New Zealand and Australia represent important markets in the Oceanic region, with a total population of approximately 24 million. New Zealand and Australia were both colonies of the British Empire and have many customs and traditions that originated in the UK.
Though New Zealanders and Australians are mainly of English decent, there are people from many parts of the world, primarily Pacific Islands, Asia, and Europe. Both countries have indigenous peoples: Maori in New Zealand and Aboriginal in Australia.
When conducting consumer testing in these countries, the test factors and setup are very similar to other western countries. It is most common for consumer testing to be conducted by market research companies or consultants in specialized booth facilities. Alternatively, tests can be conducted in halls or conference rooms and less commonly in shopping malls (assuming permission is granted). If you do not have the resources in these countries to conduct the consumer tests, there are a number of reputable market research companies that can be used to collect consumer data.
International Consumer Product Testing Across Cultures and Countries: Philippines
Authors: Brannan Grace D. , Salle Maria Rita , Ward Cindy 
Published: December 2008

The Philippines is bounded on the east by the South China Sea and on the west by the Pacific Ocean. The archipelago is composed of approximately 7100 islands. The total area is 300 000 sq. km (298 170 sq. km land and 1830 sq. km water). The three main islands are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Luzon, the largest of the three islands, lies north and is home to Manila, the capital city, and the seat of government. The Visayan Islands are in the central region and are composed of Cebu, Bohol, Negros, Panay, Samar, and Leyte. The southern islands of Mindanao are the second largest and are composed of Camiguin, Basilan, and the Sulu Islands.
The Philippines has approximately 80 different dialects and languages. The national language is Pilipino based mainly on the Tagalog language. As such, the national language is referred to as Pilipino, Tagalog, or Filipino. English is widely spoken and is considered an official language. The eight major dialects or languages are: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicol, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.
The climate from November to February is warm, balmy, and sunny with temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F). March to May are the hot and dry months with temperatures ranging from 27 to 35°C (81 to 95°F). June to October are the monsoon months. Floods during the rainy months can pose some testing difficulty.