According to an embodied view of language comprehension, language concepts are grounded in our perceptual systems. Evidence for the idea that concepts are grounded in areas involved in action and perception comes from both behavioral and neuroimaging studies (Glenberg [1997]: Behav Brain Sci 20:1-55; Barsalou [1999]: Behav Brain Sci 22:577-660; Pulvermueller [1999]: Behav Brain Sci 22:253-336; Barsalou et al. [2003]: Trends Cogn Sci 7:84-91). However, the results from several studies indicate that the activation of information in perception and action areas is not a purely automatic process (Raposo et al. [2009]: Neuropsychologia 47:388-396; Rueschemeyer et al. [2007]: J Cogn Neurosci 19:855-865). These findings suggest that embodied representations are flexible. In these studies, flexibility is characterized by the relative presence or absence of activation in our perceptual systems. However, even if the context in which a word is presented does not undermine a motor interpretation, it is possible that the degree to which a modality-specific region contributes to a representation depends on the context in which conceptual features are retrieved. In the present study, we investigated this issue by presenting word stimuli for which both motor and visual properties (e.g., Tennis ball, Boxing glove) were important in constituting the concept. Conform with the idea that language representations are flexible and context dependent, we demonstrate that the degree to which a modality-specific region contributes to a representation considerably changes as a function of context.

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With polyclonal antibodies raised against cis-Pt(NH3)2Guo-GMP, small quantities of specific Pt-adducts could be detected in DNA from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells treated with the antitumor agent cisplatin, after the DNA had been digested with nucleases and the degradation products separated by anion-exchange chromatography (FPLC). Directly after treatment with 83 microM cisplatin, resulting in 97 X 10(-6) platinum atoms bound per nucleotide, 35.9 +/- 4.7% of the platinum was recovered as cis-Pt(NH3)2d(pGpG), derived from intrastrand cross-links on two neighboring guanines, 3.1 +/- 1.6% as cis-Pt(NH3)2d(GMP)2, the degradation product of interstrand cross-links on two guanines (0.07%, according to separate studies) and of intrastrand cross-links on two guanines separated by one or more bases. The immunochemical method was not sensitive enough for the detection of monofunctionally bound platinum on guanine residues. The amount of these adducts, present in the digests as Pt(NH3)3dGMP, could be established with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) (38.5% of the total Pt-content of the DNA). After a post-treatment incubation of the cells for 24 h, the total amount of platinum decreased to 59 X 10(-6) atoms per nucleotide, indicating the removal of adducts. In the digests, cis-Pt(NH3)2d(pGpG) accounted for 46.4 +/- 6.8% of the total Pt-content, cis-Pt(NH3)2d(GMP)2 for 3.0 +/- 0.9% (0.34% derived from DNA interstrand cross-links). The amounts of monofunctional adducts had decreased to such an extent that the exact quantities (below 15%) could not be determined. According to AAS-assays, at the elution position of cis-Pt(NH3)2d(pApG) a significant amount of Pt-product was present, both at t = 0 and 24 h, but the signals did not allow quantitative evaluation (however, below 48% and 28%, respectively). The possible role of the individual lesions in the DNA in the biological effects of this platinum compound in CHO cells is discussed.

BackgroundObservation of movement quality (MQ) is an indelible element in the process of clinical reasoning for patients with non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP). However, the observation and evaluation of MQ in common daily activities are not standardized within allied health care. This study aims to describe how Dutch allied health care professionals (AHCPs) observe and assess MQ in patients with NS-LBP and whether AHCPs feel the need to have a specific outcome measure for assessing MQ in patients with NS-LBP.MethodsIn this cross-sectional digital survey study, Dutch primary care AHCPs (n = 114) answered one open and three closed questions about MQ in NS-LBP management. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were applied.ResultsQualitative analyses of the answers to the open questions revealed four main themes: 1) movement pattern features, 2) motor control features, 3) environmental influences and 4) non-verbal expressions of pain and exertion. Quantitative analyses clearly indicated that AHCPs observe MQ in the diagnostic (92%), therapeutic (91%) and evaluation phases (86%), that they do not apply any objective measurement of MQ and that 63% of the AHCPs consider it important to have a specific outcome measure to assess MQ. The AHCPs expressed added benefits and critical notes regarding clinical reasoning and quality of care.ConclusionAHCPs recognize the importance of observing MQ in the assessment and management of LBP in a standardized way. However, there is no consensus amongst AHCPs how MQ should be standardized. Prior to standardization, it will be important to develop a theoretical framework to determine which observable and measurable dimensions of MQ are most valid and relevant for patients with NS-LBP to include in the assessment.

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