bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ratings of perceived exertion and oxygen consumption during maximal, graded, treadmill exercise following different anchoring procedures
Authors: Gearhart Randall F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this study, relative oxygen consumption (VO2) was compared at selected criterion ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during maximal, graded, treadmill exercise following memory or combined exercise and memory anchoring to the Borg 15‐category scale. The purpose was to determine whether participants would produce a similar relative VO2 at a corresponding criterion RPE following different types of anchoring. Thirty‐six college‐aged participants (18 males, 18 females) volunteered for this investigation and were assigned to one of two groups: a memory anchoring group or a combined exercise and memory group. The memory anchoring group received only verbal instructions before the experimental trial. The combined exercise and memory group received identical verbal instructions to the memory anchoring group, which were administered initially while the participants performed a graded treadmill test to exhaustion. The low perceptual anchor (i.e. 7) was established during light walking and the high perceptual anchor (i.e. 19) at volitional exhaustion. Similar to that for the memory anchoring group, the memory anchoring instructions were presented immediately before the experimental trial for the combined exercise and memory group. Linear regression was used to calculate percent VO2peak for each criterion RPE (7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 19). Independent samples t‐tests were used to compare percent VO2peak between the two groups at each criterion RPE. Percent VO2peak did not differ (P>0.05) between the two groups at any criterion RPE. Both types of anchoring instructions can be considered valid tools in applying the Borg scale to this population Memory anchoring may be preferred because it involves one less laboratory session for both the investigator and the participant.
Expression of retinoic acid receptors in human endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Tanabe Kojiro , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Tamura Mitsutoshi , Niikura Hitoshi , Takano Tadao , Yoshinaga Kohsuke , Nagase Satoru , Suzuki Takashi , Ito Kiyoshi , Matsumoto Mitsuyo , Hayashi Shin‐ichi , Yaegashi Nobuo 
Published: February 2008

The retinoids (vitamin A and its biologically active derivatives) are essential for the health and survival of the individual. Several studies have reported a strong rationale for the use of retinoids in cancer treatment and chemoprevention. It has been discovered that expression of retinoic acid receptor (RAR) β is frequently silenced in epithelial carcinogenesis, which has led to the hypothesis that RARβ could act as a tumor suppressor. However, the status of RARβ in human endometrial carcinoma has not been examined. In the present study, we initially studied the effects of retinoic acid on cell proliferation and the expression of RARα, RARβ, and RARγ using AM580 (a RAR‐specific agonist) in the Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell line. We also examined the expression of RAR in human eutopic endometrium (30 cases), endometrial hyperplasia (28 cases), and endometrial carcinoma (103 cases) using immunohistochemistry. Finally, we correlated these findings with the clinicopathological parameters. In vitro, cell growth was inhibited and RARβ and RARγ mRNA was significantly induced by AM580, compared with vehicle controls, whereas RARα mRNA was significantly attenuated by AM580, compared with vehicle. RARβ was detected predominantly in endometrial hyperplasia, compared with endometrial carcinoma. No statistically significant correlation was obtained between the expression of any other RAR subtypes and clinicopathological parameters in human endometrial carcinoma. The results of our study demonstrate that AM580 inhibits cell growth and induces RARβ mRNA expression in the Ishikawa cell line, and the expression level of RARβ in endometrial carcinoma is significantly lower than that in endometrial hyperplasia. AM580 might therefore be considered as a potential treatment for endometrial carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 267–271)
The natural course of cannabis use, abuse and dependence during the first decades of life
Authors: Perkonigg Axel , Goodwin Renee D. , Fiedler Agnes , Behrendt Silke , Beesdo Katja , Lieb Roselind , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  There has been little available information on the long‐term natural course, persistence and remission of cannabis use, abuse and dependence. The current study estimated rates and risk factors associated with stability and variation in cannabis use patterns, cannabis abuse and cannabis dependence in a community sample over a 10‐year period.Design, setting and participants  Prospective longitudinal, epidemiological study with a 4‐ and 10‐year follow‐up of a community sample (n = 3021) aged 14–24 years at baseline in Munich, Germany.Measurements  Cannabis use, abuse and dependence and associated risk factors were assessed by face‐to‐face interviews using the Munich Composite International Diagnostic Interview.Findings  At baseline, one‐third of the sample (34.2%) had used cannabis at least once. The cumulative incidence of cannabis use 10 years later was 50.7%. Fifty‐six per cent of all repeated users (five times or more) at baseline reported cannabis use at 4‐year follow‐up. Ten years later, this proportion had decreased slightly to only 46.3%. Repeated (five times or more) users were almost three times more likely to report repeated use at 10‐year follow up (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.6–4.7), compared with those who had used cannabis fewer times. Peer use of cannabis, life‐events and alcohol dependence also predicted use of cannabis at 10‐year follow‐up.Conclusions  Among youth who have used cannabis repeatedly (five times or more) cannabis use is fairly stable and rates of remission relatively low until age 34 yeras. Patterns of progression suggest that early targeted preventive measures should delay first use and reduce the number of experiences using cannabis, as these factors appear critical in progression to persistent cannabis use and cannabis dependence.
Driving under the influence of cannabis: a 10‐year study of age and gender differences in the concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol in blood
Authors: Jones Alan W. , Holmgren Anita , Kugelberg Fredrik C. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTBackground  Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major psychoactive constituent of cannabis and its various preparations. Increasing use of cannabis for recreational purposes has created a problem for road‐traffic safety. This paper compares age, gender and the concentrations of THC in blood of individuals apprehended for driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) in Sweden, where a zero‐tolerance law operates.Measurements  Specimens of blood or urine were subjected to a broad screening analysis by enzyme immunoassay methods. THC positives were verified by analysis of blood by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) with a deuterium‐labelled internal standard (d3‐THC). All toxicology results were entered into a database (TOXBASE) along with the age and gender of apprehended drivers.Findings  Over a 10‐year period (1995–2004), between 18% and 30% of all DUID suspects had measurable amounts of THC in their blood (> 0.3 ng/ml) either alone or together with other drugs. The mean age [± standard deviation (SD)] of cannabis users was 33 ± 9.4 years (range 15–66 years), with a strong predominance of men (94%, P < 0.001). The frequency distribution of THC concentrations (n = 8794) was skewed markedly to the right with mean, median and highest values of 2.1 ng/ml, 1.0 ng/ml and 67 ng/ml, respectively. The THC concentration was less than 1.0 ng/ml in 43% of cases and below 2.0 ng/ml in 61% of cases. The age of offenders was not correlated with the concentration of THC in blood (r = −0.027, P > 0.05). THC concentrations in blood were higher when this was the only psychoactive substance present (n = 1276); mean 3.6 ng/ml, median 2.0 ng/ml compared with multi‐drug users; mean 1.8 ng/ml, median 1.0 ng/ml (P < 0.001). In cases with THC as the only drug present the concentration was less than 1.0 ng/ml in 26% and below 2.0 ng/ml in 41% of cases. The high prevalence of men, the average age and the concentrations of THC in blood were similar in users of illicit drugs (non‐traffic cases).Conclusions  The concentration of THC in blood at the time of driving is probably a great deal higher than at the time of sampling (30–90 minutes later). The notion of enacting science‐based concentration limits of THC in blood (e.g. 3–5 ng/ml), as discussed in some quarters, would result in many individuals evading prosecution. Zero‐tolerance or limit of quantitation laws are a much more pragmatic way to enforce DUID legislation.
Testing mechanisms of action for intensive case management
Authors: Morgenstern Jon , Blanchard Kimberly A. , Kahler Christopher , Barbosa Kirsten M. , McCrady Barbara S. , McVeigh Katharine H. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAim  This study identified factors that predict, mediate or moderate the effects of intensive case management (ICM) on longer‐term drug abstinence outcomes in women on welfare.Design  In a parent study women were assigned randomly to usual care (UC) or intensive case manangement (ICM). Treatment was provided for 12 weeks and follow‐up continued for 15 months after study intake. A set of hypothesized mediators was assessed at month 3 and a rigorous four‐step mediational model was tested using outcomes in months 4–15.Participants  Participants were 302 drug‐dependent women applying and eligible for federal welfare and not currently in drug abuse treatment.Interventions  ICM provided intensive treatment engagement including voucher incentives for treatment attendance and case management services; UC provided primarily referral to community treatment programs.Measurement  Substance use outcomes were assessed using the time‐line follow‐back interview and confirmed using biological and collateral measures.Findings  Participants in ICM had more case manager contacts, better treatment engagement and more self‐help attendance than did those in UC. Each of these variables predicted, and was shown to be a mediator of outcome, but case management contact was an especially robust mediator. Further, ICM effects were strongest for those who attended treatment least. Contrary to prediction, greater psychopathology and environmental stressors did not predict worse outcomes.Conclusions  Findings suggest that case management is an active intervention that may both facilitate and substitute for formal drug abuse treatment.
Active ingredients of substance use‐focused self‐help groups
Authors: Moos Rudolf H. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims and methods  This paper provides an overview of some of the probable active ingredients of self‐help groups in light of four related theories that identify common social processes that appear to underlie effective psychosocial treatments for and continuing remission from these disorders.Results  Social control theory specifies active ingredients such as bonding, goal direction and structure; social learning theory specifies the importance of norms and role models, behavioral economics and behavioral choice theory emphasizes involvement in rewarding activities other than substance use, and stress and coping theory highlights building self‐efficacy and effective coping skills. A review of existing studies suggests that the emphasis on these active ingredients probably underlies some aspects of the effectiveness of self‐help groups.Conclusions  Several issues that need to be addressed to enhance understanding of the active ingredients of action of self‐help groups are discussed, including consideration of indices of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) affiliation as active ingredients, identification of personal characteristics that may moderate the influence of active ingredients on substance use outcomes, examination of whether active ingredients of self‐help groups, can amplify or compensate for treatment, identification of potential detrimental effects of involvement in self‐help groups and focusing on the link between active ingredients of self‐help groups and other aspects of the overall recovery milieu, such as the family and social networks.
Deficient RPS19 protein production induces cell cycle arrest in erythroid progenitor cells
Authors: Kuramitsu Madoka , Hamaguchi Isao , Takuo Mizukami , Masumi Atsuko , Momose Haruka , Takizawa Kazuya , Mochizuki Masayo , Naito Seishirou , Yamaguchi Kazunari 
Published: February 2008

SummaryThe gene encoding ribosomal protein S19 (RPS19) is one of the responsible genes for Diamond‐Blackfan anaemia (DBA), a congenital erythroblastopenia. Although haplo‐insufficiency of RPS19 has been suggested to be the onset mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of DBA, the sequential mechanism has not been elucidated. In order to analyse the consequences of the missense mutation of RPS19 specific for DBA patients, we made mutated RPS19 expression vectors. Twelve C‐terminally Flag‐tagged missense mutants were exogenously expressed from retroviral vectors and analysed by Western blot analysis and flow cytometry. When these 12 mutants were expressed in the erythro‐leukaemic cell lines K562 and human bone marrow CD34+ cells, almost all of the mutant proteins (except for G120R) were unstable, and the levels of mutated RPS19 protein were significantly low. To address the effect of deficient RPS19 expression on cell proliferation, RPS19 was downregulated by siRNA. Repressive expression of RPS19 in human CD34+ cells produced an elevated number of cells at G0 and induced erythroid progenitor‐specific defects in BM cells. These results suggest that abnormal ribosomal biogenesis causes inadequate cell cycle arrest in haematopoietic progenitors, and that, subsequently, erythroid progenitors are specifically hampered. These in vitro phenotypes of genetically manipulated CD34+ cells mimic DBA pathogenesis.
Paths through the phytochrome network
Authors: JOSSE EVE‐MARIE , FOREMAN JULIA , HALLIDAY KAREN J. 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTSince the discovery of the physical interaction between phytochrome B and the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF) PIF3 a decade ago, plant phytochrome‐signalling research has largely focused on understanding the mechanisms through which phytochromes and members of this bHLH family signal. This concerted effort has revealed how phytochrome and bHLH TF control gene expression and plant growth, and has assigned precise roles to a number of genes in the PIF3‐like bHLH TF clade. This work has focused largely on cell autonomous signalling events; however, to synchronize plant growth and developmental events at the tissue and organ level, temporal and spatial signal integration is crucial. This review brings together current knowledge of phytochrome signalling through phytochrome‐interacting factors (PIFs)/phytochrome‐interacting factor‐like (PILs), and it evaluates the current evidence for cross‐tissue signal integration.
Nonlinear broad band dynamics are less complex in major depression
Authors: Boettger Silke , Hoyer Dirk , Falkenhahn Katrin , Kaatz Martin , Yeragani Vikram K , Bär Karl‐Jürgen 
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  Cardiac mortality is known to be increased in depressive patients. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive to date. Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) has been discussed as contributing to increased cardiac mortality, but studies examining patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) have revealed inconsistent results. This study aimed to investigate long‐term and broad band parameters of heart rate regulation in MDD, which have been shown to be more sensitive for the assessment of autonomic dysfunction.Methods:  A total of 18 non‐medicated patients suffering from MDD and 18 matched control subjects without cardiac disease were recruited and 24‐h ambulatory electrocardiograms were recorded. Data were recorded during three distinct time intervals linear and nonlinear parameters as well as autonomic information flow (AIF) were calculated.Results:  The power law slope was significantly reduced in the patient group for all intervals investigated and correlated with symptom severity, whereas standard deviation of the 5‐min NN intervals (SDANN) and area under the AIF curve (INTNN) showed significant differences between groups in the morning hours only. Analysis of standard HRV parameters in the time and frequency domain revealed no significant differences between groups.Conclusions:  The evidence for decreased complexity of cardiac regulation in depressed patients presented here might be useful as an indicator of the increased cardiac mortality known in depression, especially since these parameters are capable of predicting cardiac mortality in other diseases. The importance of these parameters for patients at risk should be evaluated in future prospective studies.
Responses of stored‐product Anobiidae to pheromone lures and plant‐derived volatiles
Authors: Mahroof R. M. , Phillips T. W. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractExperiments were conducted in different locations to investigate responses of adult Stegobium paniceum and Lasioderma serricorne (Col., Anobiidae) to different commercially available or prototype fabrications of their female‐produced sex pheromones. The results showed that the number of S. paniceum captured in traps baited with the commercially available lures was significantly higher than those captured in traps baited with the prototype stegobinone lures. The three commercially available brands of serricornin lures investigated were equally effective in capturing L. serricorne. In a related study, we conducted a 9‐week trapping experiment to determine if responses of L. serricorne to serricornin can be enhanced by the presence of host plant odours. Traps were baited with serricornin alone, serricornin plus dried red chilli (Capsicum frutescens L.) or red chilli alone. The results showed that the number of beetles captured in traps baited with a combination of serricornin and chilli volatiles were significantly higher than in traps baited with pheromone or chilli volatiles alone, indicating that potential exist for improved monitoring or mass trapping of L. serricorne by combining pheromone with plant‐derived volatiles present in Capsicum spp.
THE MINIATURISATION OF THE 4‐POINT‐BEND TEST
Authors: Lube T. , Manner M. , Danzer R. 
Published: February 2008

Abstract— Strength measurements are becoming increasingly important for electroceramics. Bending of specimens small enough to be cut out of small electroceramic components may be one possibility. Therefore the miniaturisation of the 4‐point bend‐test for ceramic specimens is now being attempted. In this paper the errors in determining the flexural strength arising from the test principle itself, plus the geometry and measuring inaccuracies are calculated and expressed as a function of the outer span length. Contact pressure and a tolerable total measuring inaccuracy determines the dimensions of miniature specimens and fixtures. The possibilities of appropriate specimen preparation are also investigated.Ceramic materials show a volume (i.e. a specimen size) dependence of strength which is described by Weibull's statistical theory. The applicability of the miniature bend‐fixtures is demonstrated by measuring this volume effect.
Modernity, ‘authenticity’, and ambivalence: subaltern masculinities on a South Indian college campus
Authors: Rogers Martyn 
Published: February 2008

Focusing on an inner‐city college in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India, the article investigates the sexual harassment of female students. Locating this violence within the context of social changes resulting from India's integration into the global economy, the article argues that, in this context, sexual harassment is a manifestation of instrumental violence, deployed by subaltern or Scheduled Caste youths to contest their subordination within higher education and the ‘white‐collar’ employment market. However, this contest reveals a number of ambivalences through which these subaltern masculinities are constituted. Rationalizing their sexual harassment, the protagonists’ narratives, therefore, oscillate between denigrating ‘Westernization’ while valorizing Tamil culture ideals, and vice versa. This conflict is centred on intense competition for male privilege and status between the newly emerged middle‐class elite and impoverished low‐caste groups, effectively reworking the social history of youth masculinity to meet the demands of new economic and political conditions.RésuméÀ partir du cas d’un collège urbain de Chennai dans le Tamil Nadu, dans le sud de l’Inde, le présent article étudie le harcèlement sexuel des étudiantes. En resituant cette violence dans le cadre des changements sociaux résultant de l’intégration de l’Inde dans l’économie mondiale, l’auteur affirme que dans ce contexte, le harcèlement sexuel est une manifestation de violence instrumentalisée par les jeunes hommes des castes subalternes ou répertoriées (scheduled) pour contester leur subordination sur le marché de l’éducation supérieure et de l’ emploi « en col blanc ». Cette rivalité révèle toutefois un certain nombre d’ambivalences par lesquelles ces masculinités subalternes se constituent. Les récits de protagonistes oscillent donc, pour justifier leur harcèlement sexuel, entre le dénigrement de « l’occidentalisation » associéà l’exaltation des idéaux culturels tamouls et vice versa. Ce conflit se cristallise dans une compétition intense à propos des prérogatives et du statut masculins entre la nouvelle élite des classes moyennes émergentes et les basses castes appauvries. De fait, il revisite l’histoire sociale de la masculinité des jeunes gens dans l’optique des nouvelles conditions économiques et politiques.
Life events in patients with vulvodynia
Authors: Plante AF , Kamm MA 
Published: February 2008

Objective  Vulval pain, in the absence of pathology, may have a psychological basis that relates to life events. This study aimed to determine the nature of such events.Design  Structured questionnaire about patient’s symptoms and early‐life events.Setting  Private practice physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor disorders.Population  Patients with vulvodynia as their primary symptom and control patients being treated for urinary tract disorder or post‐childbirth routine physiotherapy who had no vulval pain on direct questioning.Methods  Questionnaire applied to consecutive patients referred for treatment. Seventy‐eight consecutive women presenting with vulvodynia (mean age 34 years, mean duration of symptoms 48 months) and 78 controls (mean age 39 years).Main outcome measures  Incidence of life events.Results  A similar proportion of both groups were married. Being in a new relationship (P < 0.04), adverse current or previous relationships (39 versus 9%, P ≤ 0.01), parental divorce (26 versus 9%, P ≤ 0.001), history of termination of pregnancy, and adverse childbirth experiences (P < 0.04) were more common in patients than in controls. A history of sexual abuse was not more common in patients with vulvodynia compared with controls (13 versus 10%, P = not significant). Lack of libido was common in patients with vulvodynia (94 versus 29%, P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Adverse life experiences, including conflict, are common in women with vulvodynia. These factors may be important in mediating the genesis of pain through stress‐related mechanisms. Sexual interest is diminished in these women. Sexual abuse is not a factor in most of these women. These findings have implications for treatment.