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Biomedical subjects

W B Johnson

Publications and source records attributed to W B Johnson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Identification of molecular markers and signaling pathway in endometrial cancer in Hong Kong Chinese women by genome-wide gene expression profiling.

Endometrial cancer is the third most common gynecologic malignancy and the ninth most common malignancy for females overall in Hong Kong. Approximately 80% or more of these cancers are endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas. The aim of this study was to reveal genes contributing to the development of endometrioid endometrial cancer, which may impact diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the disease. Whole-genome gene expression analysis was completed for a set of 55 microdissected sporadic endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinomas and 29 microdissected normal endometrium specimens using the Affymetrix Human U133 Plus 2.0 oligonucleotide microarray. Selected genes of interest were validated by quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Pathway analysis was performed to reveal gene interactions involved in endometrial tumorigenesis. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering displayed a distinct separation between the endometrioid adenocarcinomas and normal endometrium samples. Supervised analysis identified 117 highly differentially regulated genes (>or=4.0-fold change), which distinguished the endometrial cancer specimens from normal endometrium. Twelve novel genes including DKK4, ZIC1, KIF1A, SAA2, LOC16378, ALPP2, CCL20, CXCL5, BST2, OLFM1, KLRC1 and MBC45780 were deregulated in the endometrial cancer, and further validated in an independent set of 56 cancer and 29 normal samples using qRT-PCR. In addition, 10 genes were differentially regulated in late-stage cancer, as compared to early-stage disease, and may be involved in tumor progression. Pathway analysis of the expression data from this tumor revealed an interconnected network consisting of 21 aberrantly regulated genes involved in angiogenesis, cell proliferation and chromosomal instability. The results of this study highlight the molecular features of endometrioid endometrial cancer and provide insight into the events underlying the development and progression of endometrioid endometrial cancer.

Endometrial Neoplasms↗
PubMed2004

Demonstration of a 1/4-cycle phase shift in the radiation-induced oscillatory magnetoresistance in GaAs/AlGaAs devices.

We examine the phase and the period of the radiation-induced oscillatory magnetoresistance in GaAs/AlGaAs devices utilizing in situ magnetic field calibration by electron spin resonance of diphenyl-picryl-hydrazal. The results confirm a f-independent 1/4-cycle phase shift with respect to the hf=j variant Planck's over 2pi omega(c) condition for j>/=1, and they also suggest a small ( approximately 2%) reduction in the effective mass ratio, m(*)/m, with respect to the standard value for GaAs/AlGaAs devices.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Comparative structure, proximal promoter elements, and chromosome location of the human eosinophil major basic protein genes.

Human eosinophil major basic protein (MBP) is strongly implicated as a mediator of disease, especially bronchial asthma. We recently isolated a highly divergent human homologue of MBP (MBPH). Given human MBP's importance in disease and the restricted expression of it and human MBPH, we isolated the 4.6-kb human MBPH gene (HGMW-approved symbol PRG3). Comparisons among the human MBP (PRG2), human MBPH, and murine MBP-1 (mMBP-1; Prg2) genes suggest that the human MBP and mMBP-1 genes are more closely related than either is to the human MBPH gene. Proximal promoters of these three genes show conservation of potential binding sites for IK2 and STAT and of a known GATA site. However, a known C/EBP site is altered in the human MBPH gene's proximal promoter. The human MBP and MBPH genes localized to chromosome 11 in the centromere to 11q12 region. Thus, the human MBP and MBPH genes have diverged considerably, probably following a gene duplication event. Furthermore, the identified conserved and distinct proximal promoter elements likely contribute to the eosinophil-restricted and relatively reduced transcription of the human MBPH gene.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Parental control, trait anxiety, and satisfaction with life in college students.

Research on developmental psychopathology has highlighted the role of parental behavior in subsequent development of pathology in children and adolescents. Although parental psychological control has been an area of interest to researchers, the connection between psychological control and anxiety has not been well established. We administered measures of perceived parental control and acceptance (separate forms for mother and father), trait anxiety, and satisfaction with life to 202 undergraduate students. Analysis indicated that perception of parents (both mother and father) as psychologically controlling was significantly positively correlated with trait anxiety and significantly negatively correlated with satisfaction with life. This held even after the effects of psychological control by the other parent were statistically eliminated.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Mentoring experiences among Navy midshipmen.

Previous research suggests that mentor relationships are facilitative of career success, career satisfaction, and retention in organizations. Yet, little research has been done to explore the prevalence or function of mentor relationships in military populations. In this study, preliminary data were collected regarding the prevalence of mentor relationship experiences among 576 third year midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Only 40% of respondents had ever experienced a mentor relationship. Most mentors were senior military personnel, and 87% were male. Most relationships were mutually initiated, and they tended to last for several years. Although both career and psychosocial mentor functions were present in these relationships, psychosocial functions were most notable and most highly correlated with positive appraisals of mentor relationships. Midshipmen viewed mentoring as extremely important and rated their own mentor relationships as extremely positive. Implications for further research on mentoring are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Personality type and success among female naval academy midshipmen.

There are relatively few studies regarding factors that predict success among female midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). This study examined the personality characteristics of 1,568 women admitted to USNA between 1988 and 1996 to evaluate whether personality type was predictive of success vs. attrition. Participants completed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator as well as a demographic questionnaire upon admission. Indicators of performance were gathered at graduation. Results indicated that most women at USNA are extroverts. Extroverted-Sensing-Thinking-Judging types were more likely to graduate, whereas Feeling and Perceiving themes were associated with dropping out. Previous military service and higher Scholastic Aptitude Test Math scores were also predictive of success at USNA. In general, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was not a good predictor of academic or military success at USNA. Among women who graduate, Scholastic Aptitude Test (Verbal and Math) scores appear to be the best predictors of both academic and military ratings.

Achievement↗
PubMed2001

Bacterial pathogens and outcome determinants of childhood pyogenic meningitis in Ilorin, Nigeria.

Empirical antimicrobial therapy remainsjustifiable in childhood pyogenic meningitis (CPM), but the continuing efficacy in a particular setting requires periodic microbiological surveillance. It was this need that informed the present five-year retrospective study of consecutive admissions for CPM at the Emergency Paediatric Unit (EPU) of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria. Of the 71 cerebro-spinal fluid [CSF] analyses, 41 (57.6%) were Gram-smear positive (GSP). Gram-positive cocci (GPC) were identified in 23 (56.1%) smears, while 14 (34.2.%) had Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). Only three (7.3%) had Gram-negative diplococci (GND). Despite corroborative biochemical findings, the remaining 30 (42.3%), including two with tuberculous meningitis proved smear-negative. GPC cases had a mean age of 4.49 +/- 5.3yrs, GNB, 3.06 +/- 4.8yrs and GND, 4.47 +/- 4.9yrs. CSF isolates were made in 28 (39.4%) cases. Streptococcus pneumoniae accounted for a predominant 22 (78.6%) (P = 0.00), Haemophilus influenzae for 2 (7.1%), and Neisseria meningitidis for only 1 (3.5%) case. Whereas Strept. pneumoniae and H. influenzae isolates were uniformly sensitive to each of sultamicillin, cefuroxime, ceftriaxone and ceftazidime, 7.7% of Strept. pneumoniae were resistant to crystalline penicillin, 6.7% to ampicillin, and 69.2% to chloramphenicol; one of the two H. influenzae isolates was chloramphenicol-resistant. Amongst the 30 (42.3%) fatal cases, the length of stay was significantly shorter in GNB-positive cases (P = 0.045). Mortality was significantly higher amongst cases with purulent/turbid CSF at admission (P = 0.03), and in those with CSF protein of >150mg/dl (P = 0.02) and glucose <1mg/dl (P = 0.047). The present aetiological preponderance of GPC and Strept. pneumoniae in our study population, the high case-fatality, and the emerging resistance profile suggest the need for exploring additional control options including vaccination. We emphasize the need for periodic auditing of local antimicrobial policies in CPM.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Perception of parental acceptance in women with binge eating disorder.

The authors contribute to the validating literature for binge eating disorder (BED) by examining perceptions of parents and satisfaction with life among obese women with and without BED. Participants were female patients, recruited through a private medical clinic, who were assigned to groups on the basis of body mass index (BMI) and scores on the Questionnaire on Eating and Weight Patterns (QEWP; R. L. Spitzer et al., 1992). Groups consisted of (a) obese women with BED (n = 32), (b) obese women who had no eating disorders (n = 51), and (c) nonobese women with no eating disorders (n = 30). All participants completed the Parental Acceptance/Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ; R. P. Rohner, 1986), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS; J. Fischer & K. Corcoran, 1994), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI; A. T. Beck & R. A. Steer, 1987). Obese women with BED perceived their fathers as more rejecting than did women in the other groups. Moreover, obese women with BED perceived their fathers as significantly more rejecting than their mothers. The BED group indicated lower satisfaction with life and higher levels of depression than the groups without eating disorders. These findings further validate the diagnostic category of BED. Obese women with BED appear to be a distinct subgroup of the obese population. The results indicate a need for further assessment of the father-daughter relationship in connection to BED and other eating disorders.

Compulsive Behavior↗
PubMed1999

The role of objective personality inventories in suicide risk assessment: an evaluation and proposal.

Objective personality assessment instruments offer a comparatively underutilized source of clinical data in attempts to evaluate and predict risk for suicide. In contrast to focal suicide risk measures, global personality inventories may be useful in identification of long-standing styles that predispose persons to eventual suicidal behavior. This article reviews the empirical literature regarding the efficacy of established personality inventories in predicting suicidality. The authors offer several recommendations for future research with these measures and conclude that such objective personality instruments offer only marginal utility as sources of clinical information in comprehensive suicide risk evaluations. Personality inventories may offer greatest utility in long-term assessment of suicide risk.

Choice Behavior↗
PubMed1999

Personality characteristics of future military leaders.

Relatively little is known about the personality characteristics of military personnel, particularly those who are most successful in military careers. This study evaluated the personality characteristics of 530 third-year midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. Participants completed the Hogan Personality Inventory and a demographic questionnaire. Class ranking data were also obtained as an indicator of success at the Naval Academy. The results indicated that compared with national norms, midshipmen scored somewhat higher on scales of ambition, sociability, intellectance, and school success and lower on scales of adjustment, likability, and prudence. Ambition, prudence, intellectance, and school success were each significantly positively correlated with class standing. The implications of these findings for understanding personality correlates of success in military leadership are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Learning ethics the hard way: facing the ethics committee.

This article describes an approach to enhancing the value of case study material in teaching professional ethics in psychology. The mock committee approach involves a series of hearings convened by students who rotate membership on a class ethics committee. Members of the class participate randomly as psychologists accused of various ethical violations. While the class observes, formal complaint hearings occur that result in official rulings and the setting of appropriate penalties and remedial requirements. The larger class then joins in active feedback and exchange with the committee to highlight and discuss salient ethical issues. We present and discuss student evaluation data for this technique and comment on the potential advantages of this teaching approach.

Committee Membership↗
PubMed1997

Contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use, and self-esteem among Navy personnel.

This study evaluated the sexual knowledge (including contraceptive and reproductive knowledge), contraceptive use, and self-esteem among a sample of 158 male and female United States Navy sailors assigned to Navy ships. In spite of the fact that men and women viewed themselves as relatively knowledgeable with respect to contraception, results showed substantial knowledge deficits. Women demonstrated significantly greater sexual knowledge than men, and contraceptive/ reproductive knowledge was highly correlated with self-reported use of contraceptives. Finally, self-esteem was highly correlated with sexual knowledge and certain contraceptive use behaviors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Effects of locus of control, occupational stress, and psychological distress on job satisfaction among nurses.

This study evaluated the effects of locus of control, occupational stress, and psychological symptom distress on reported job satisfaction in a sample of 34 practicing nurses. As predicted, greater work-related stress and higher psychological symptom distress were significantly negatively correlated with job satisfaction. External locus of control was also negatively associated with job satisfaction.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Personality characteristics of successful Navy submarine personnel.

This study evaluated the personality characteristics of senior enlisted and occupationally successful Navy submarine personnel. One hundred subjects completed the Schedule for Nonadaptive and Adaptive Personality (SNAP). Results indicated that the traits of detachment, propriety, and workaholism were most descriptive of the sample. Thirty-seven percent met SNAP criteria for a personality disorder, typically antisocial, obsessive-compulsive, or avoidant. The results are discussed in terms of adaptation to environmental demands aboard submarines. Suggestions for further research are offered.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1996

Salient personality characteristics among Navy divers.

This study evaluated the personality characteristics of U.S. Navy divers. Seventy-two active duty Navy divers completed the Million Index of Personality Styles. The sample strongly showed the traits of Enhancing. Modifying, Individuating, Thinking, and Controlling. The results are discussed in terms of adaptation to the environmental demands of military diving. Suggestions for further research are offered.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Steroid elution improves the stimulation threshold in an active-fixation atrial permanent pacing lead. A randomized, controlled study. Model 4068 Investigators.

BACKGROUND: Prior work suggests that the addition of a steroid-eluting reservoir to a passive-fixation permanent pacemaker lead improves the stimulation threshold; however, no large randomized study has addressed this tissue. Over the last several years, there has been an increase in enthusiasm for the use of active-fixation permanent pacemaker leads for various reasons in spite of the generally accepted notion that active-fixation leads have higher stimulation thresholds. METHODS AND RESULTS: This multicenter, randomized, controlled study examined the difference in performance between a standard active-fixation atrial lead (Medtronic model 4058) and a steroid-eluting lead (Medtronic model 4068). Stimulation thresholds were obtained in a four-point strength-duration fashion. Evaluations of sensing and impedance were performed as well. These evaluations were performed at implantation, at weeks 1 through 4, and at weeks 6, 12, 24, and 52. Stimulation thresholds were significantly better in the steroid lead than in the nonsteroid lead at each measurement point from 1 week to 12 months. The mean 1.6-V stimulation threshold at 12 months was 0.19 +/- 0.2 ms in the steroid lead and 0.41 +/- 0.30 ms in the control lead. No acute peaking was observed with the steroid lead, whereas significant peaking was observed with the control lead. There was no difference in long-term sensing or impedance. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of a steroid-eluting reservoir in an active-fixation permanent pacing lead improved stimulation thresholds in both the subacute and chronic periods and therefore should extend pulse-generator longevity.

Aged↗
PubMed1995

Indicator expression directed by regulatory sequences of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene: in vivo comparison of distinct GFAP-lacZ transgenes.

An increase in the expression of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene by astrocytes appears to constitute a crucial component of the brain's response to injury because it is seen in many different species and features prominently in diverse neurological diseases. Previously, we have used a modified GFAP gene (C-339) to target the expression of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) to astrocytes in transgenic mice (Mucke et al.; New Biol 3:465-474 1991). To determine to what extent the in vivo expression of GFAP-driven fusion genes is influenced by intragenic GFAP sequences, the E. coli lacZ reporter gene was either placed downstream of approximately 2 kb of murine GFAP 5' flanking region (C-259) or ligated into exon 1 of the entire murine GFAP gene (C-445). Transgenic mice expressing C-259 versus C-445 showed similar levels and distributions of beta-gal activity in their brains. Exclusion of intragenic GFAP sequences from the GFAP-lacZ fusion gene did not diminish injury-induced upmodulation of astroglial beta-gal expression or increase beta-gal expression in non-astrocytic brain cells. These results demonstrate that 2 kb of murine GFAP 5' flanking region is sufficient to restrict transgene expression primarily to astrocytes and to mediate injury-responsiveness in vivo. This sequence therefore constitutes a critical target for mediators of reactive astrocytosis. While acute penetrating brain injuries induced focal increases in beta-gal expression around the lesion sites in C-259, C-445, and C-339 transgenic mice, infection of C-339 transgenic mice with scrapie led to a widespread upmodulation of astroglial beta-gal expression. Hence, GFAP-lacZ transgenic mice can be used to monitor differential patterns of astroglial activation in vivo. These and related models should facilitate the assessment of strategies aimed at the in vivo manipulation of GFAP expression and astroglial activation.

Animals↗