bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School Social Behavior Scales: an Adaptation Study of the Portuguese Version of the Social Competence Scale from SSBS-2
Authors: Raimundo Raquel , Carapito Elsa , Pereira Ana Isabel , Pinto Alexandra Marques , Lima Maria Luísa , Ribeiro Maria Teresa
Published: October 2012

This study analyses the psychometric proprieties of a Portuguese version of the social competence scale from the School Social Behavior Scales (SSBS-2, Merrell, 2002). It is a rating instrument of children and adolescents behavior, to be used by teachers and other school personnel. This scale includes 3 subscales: self-management/compliance, peer relations and academic behavior. In our first sample, 175 teachers rated 344 students from grade 1 through 12. On the second sample 13 teachers rated 251 3rd and 4th grades students. The results from the Portuguese adaptation support the multidimensional structure of the social competence scale from the SSBS-2, although an alternative model demonstrated a better fit to the data than the model originally proposed by the author. The scale showed good internal consistency and good intercorrelations between subscales, as well as between subscales and the total scale. The final model was well replicated in the second sample. These results encourage us to pursue the SSBS-2 Portuguese adaptation, in order to provide a useful and validated instrument for the assessment of social competence and for educational interventions.
Adaptation of the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire in a Spanish Sample of Athletes
Authors: Arce Constantino , De Francisco Cristina , Andrade Elena , Seoane Gloria , Raedeke Thomas
Published: October 2012

In this paper, we offer a general version of the Spanish adaptation of Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ) designed to measure the syndrome of burnout in athletes of different sports. In previous works, the Spanish version of ABQ was administered to different samples of soccer players. Its psychometric properties were appropriate and similar to the findings in original ABQ. The purpose of this study was to examine the generalization to others sports of the Spanish adaptation. We started from this adaptation, but we included three alternative statements (one for each dimension of the questionnaire), and we replaced the word “soccer” with the word “sport”. An 18-item version was administered to a sample of 487 athletes aged 13 and 29 years old. Confirmatory factor analyses replicated the factor structure, but two items modification were necessary in order to obtain a good overall fit of the model. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the questionnaire were satisfactory.
Comparative Study On Concentration Of Some Minerals Found In Garlic (Allium Sativum Linn ) Species Grown In Some African Countries
Authors: M. E. Sa’adatu , M. S. Mshelia
Published: October 2012

The concentrations of some minerals: K, Ca, P, Mg, Mn and Cu found in garlic species grown in Nigeria, Senegal and Chad were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The results showed that Nigerian garlic specie contained the highest concentration of phosphorus (1.29mg/L) and Copper (0.017mg/L). Calcium was found to be highest in Senegalese garlic specie (8.639 mg/L) with the Nigerian specie having the second-highest recorded value (6.930 mg/L). The highest values of Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese content were recorded for Chadian garlic (68.26mg/L), (51.60mg/L) and (0.212mg/L) respectively. The results obtained show that Senegalese garlic is rich in Calcium which is an essential mineral required for bone and teeth development, and also in the regulation of nervous excitability. Nigerian garlic is rich in Phosphorus which is a key component of the nucleic acids and also takes part in bone and teeth development; and Copper which plays an important part in blood clotting. The garlic specie from Chad is rich in Potassium, Magnesium and Manganese. Potassium plays an important role in maintaining pH balance and fluid distribution in the body; Magnesium in proper functioning of the muscles; Manganese is used in proper bone formation. Also from the results, there is reasonable variation in the concentration of the minerals, and this may be attributed to the types of soils on which the different garlic species were grown.
Stygocladius multisetosus gen. nov., sp. nov., a rheophilic element, inhabiting basaltic and karstic helocrenes in France and Algeria (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: Moubayed-Breil Joel , Ashe Patrick , Langton Peter H
Published: October 2012

Diagnoses and descriptions of the adults and pupal exuviae of Stygocladius multisetosus gen. nov., sp. nov., are provided based primarily on male and female pharates collected in temporary basaltic and karstic helocrenes in southern France and Algeria. Features on the adult male, female and pupa indicates that it belongs to the Heterotrissocladius group of genera and is probably most closely related to Paratrissocladius Zavřel. The immature stages of the new species are stygobiontic.doi: 10.5324/fn.v31i0.1363.Published online: 17 October 2012.
The response of chironomid assemblages to mineral richness gradient in the Western Carpathian helocrenes
Authors: Syrovátka Vít , Bojková Jindriška , Rádková Vanda
Published: October 2012

Chironomid assemblages of helocrene springs were investigated in the Western Carpathians in order to identify potential effect of water mineral richness on the taxonomic structure of the assemblages. A complex gradient considering water chemistry and substratum was used as a measure of basicity (mineral richness). Taxonomic structure, total abundance and abundance of most frequent taxa were related to this gradient with regards to two contrasting habitats: trickle (A) and water-loged soil with standing water (B). The variance in chironomid assemblage attributable to basicity was estimated and tested via PERMANOVA as well as the possible effect of the other environmental variables. The response of individual taxa was examined using GAM. The results indicate a strong relationship between basicity and substratum characteristics, with coarser mineral substrata at basic and high amount of organic matter at acidic conditions. Although water chemistry was correlated with and inseparable from these substratum properties, it could not be substituted with them, as they discriminated well only between acidic and basic springs, but did not follow the basicity gradient in either acidic or basic group of springs. Chironomid assemblage showed a strong and systematic response to the complex gradient of mineral richness, which explained the largest portion of variance in both the habitat A and B faunal data and was projected on the first axes of both NMDS ordinations. The assemblage response could be documented by the preference of several taxa for particular mineral richness conditions, while the number of taxa seemed to be highest in the middle of the basicity gradient. As only 17 samples were analysed so far, the results are considered preliminary and, hopefully, more confident results will be available in near future.doi: 10.5324/fn.v31i0.1403.Published online: 17 October 2012.
Survey of platelet glycoprotein specific antibodies and HLA class 1 antibodies in a cross section of Nigerian multiparous women
Authors: Awortu Jeremiah Zaccheaus , Egwuma Oburu Justina
Published: October 2012

Aims: The frequencies of alloantibodies to platelet glycoproteins and HLA class 1 have not been reported in this part of the world. To determine the prevalence of these antibodies in Nigeria.
Methods: The sera of 100 multiparous women were tested for antibodies to HPA and HLA class 1 antigens using GTI PakPlus solid phase ELISA Kit in a cross sectional study.
Results: The prevalence of platelet glycoproteins specific antibodies was obtained as follows: GP IIb/IIIa (10%), GP Ia/IIa (48%), GP IV (8%) and GP Ib/IX (12%). Further analysis revealed the prevalence of each platelet antibody subgroup as follows: anti-HPA-1a,-3a,-4a (0%), anti-HP-1b,-3a,-4a (10%), anti-HPA-5a (18%), anti-HPA-5b (30%). HLA class 1 antibody was prevalent in 22% cases. The production of these antibodies was parity dependent.
Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of anti-HPA-5b and anti-HLA class 1 in our female population which can pose potential threat to our blood donor pool.
Metabolic Profiling of Patients Undergoing Elective Aortic Aneurysm Repair Surgery: Correlation with Anaerobic Threshold
Authors: McRae Cassey , Howard Susan , Homer-Vanniasinkam Shervanthi , Howell Simon J. , Fisher Julie
Published: October 2012

The anaerobic threshold (AT) measured by the cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) test is becoming an established means of identifying patients at high risk of developing cardiac complications perioperatively. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between AT and the plasma metabolic profile of patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair surgery to see if an alternative or adjunct to the CPX test could be devised. Plasma was obtained from 15 male patients classified (through preoperative CPX tests) as having high (≥11.0 mL kg−1 min−1) or low (<11.0 mL kg−1 min−1) AT before and 1, 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours after elective open aortic aneurysm surgery. Samples were analysed using 1H-NMR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate statistical analysis. Principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) distinguished between low- and high-AT patients postoperatively, with high AT patients being more tightly clustered. High AT patients had higher plasma lipid and lower 3-hydroxybutyrate and acetoacetate levels than low AT patients post-operatively. Similar differences were identified preoperatively. 1H-NMR metabolic profiling of plasma has identified molecules whose concentration correlates with AT scores. These may prove a useful biomarker in conjunction with AT in predicting response to major surgical procedures.
Image Analysis Studies for Phase Transitions of Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Sastry S. Sreehari , Rao B. Gowri Sankara , Mahalakshmi K. B. , Mallika K. , Rao C. Nageswara , Tiong Ha Sie
Published: October 2012

Phase transition temperatures of ferroelectric liquid crystals ((S)-(-)-2-methylbutyl 4′-(4″-n-alkanoyloxybenzoyloxy) biphenyl-4-carboxylates (where n=16 and 18)) are studied through two techniques of image analysis. One is a statistical method, applied to compute the statistical parameters from the textures of each sample and the other, computation of Legendre moments being applied as image moment analysis, both of which are considered as a function of temperature. The textures of the samples are recorded with the polarizing optical microscope (POM) attached to the hot stage and high resolution camera. The phase transition temperatures of samples are inferred by the abrupt changes in the computed parameter values. The results obtained from the present methodology are in good agreement with those published in earlier literature done by the different techniques, like differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
Cluster-Based Pavement Deterioration Models for Low-Volume Rural Roads
Authors: Sunitha V. , Veeraragavan A. , Srinivasan Karthik K. , Mathew Samson
Published: October 2012

The management of low-volume rural roads in developing countries presents a range of challenges to road designers and managers. Rural roads comprise over 85 percent of the road network in India. The present study aims at development of deterioration models for the optimum maintenance management of the rural roads under a rural road programme namely Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in India. Visual condition survey along the selected low-volume rural roads considers parameters like condition of shoulders, drainage features, cross-drainage structures, and camber, and pavement distresses, namely, potholes, crack area, and edge break, are collected for a period of three years. The deterioration models have a significant role in the pavement maintenance management system. However, the performance of a pavement depends on several factors. Cluster analysis can be used to group the pavement sections so that the performance of pavements in different clusters can be studied. Nonhierarchical clustering technique of k-means clustering was considered. Separate deterioration models have been developed for each of the clusters. A comparison of the models developed with and without clustered sections reveals that the clustering of pavement sections are preferred for the efficient rural road maintenance management.
Therapeutic Role of Mobilized Bone Marrow Cells in Children with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Habeeb Nevin M. , Youssef Omneya I. , El Hadidi Eman S.
Published: October 2012

Dilated cardiomyopathy is an important cause of congestive cardiac failure in infants and children. Mobilizing hematopoietic progenitor cells is a promising intervention to this deadly disease. Aim. Evaluate granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GCSF) as therapeutic modality in children with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Subjects and Methods. This case-control prospective study was conducted on 20 children with IDCM following up at Cardiology Clinic Children's Hospital, Ain Shams University (group 1) who were compared to another 10 age-, sex-, duration-of-illness-, and systolic-function-matched children with IDCM as control (group 2). They were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, echocardiography, and peripheral blood CD34+ cell assessment before and one week after GCSF intake for 5 consecutive days (by group 1 but not group 2). Results. A significant improvement in echocardiographic data and CD34+-T-cell increase was found in group 1 one week after GCSF intake and for the next 6 months CD34+ T cells percentage of change showed no significant correlation with the that of the left ventricular dimensions and systolic function. Conclusion. Administration of GCSF to children with IDCM resulted in clinical and echocardiographic improvement not correlated to mobilized CD34+ T cells, implying involvement of additional mechanisms over simple stem cell mobilization.
Transcranial Sonography and Cerebral Circulatory Arrest in Adults: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Llompart-Pou Juan Antonio , Abadal Josep Maria , Güenther Albrecht , Rayo Luis , Martín-del Rincón Juan Pedro , Homar Javier , Pérez-Bárcena Jon
Published: October 2012

The diagnosis of brain death remains a clinical challenge for intensive care unit physicians. Worldwide regulations in its diagnosis may differ, and the need of ancillary tests after a clinical examination is not uniform. Transcranial sonography is a noninvasive, bedside, and widely available technique that can be used in the diagnosis of the cerebral circulatory arrest that preceeds brain death. In this paper we review the general concepts, the technical requisites, the patterns of Doppler signal confirming cerebral circulatory arrest, the vessels to insonate, and the options in cases with poor acoustic window. Future research perspectives in the field of transcranial sonography are discussed as well.
Perceptions of Community Resources and Insights for Program Development from Southern, Rural Hypertensive Women
Authors: Ford Cassandra D. , March Alice L.
Published: October 2012

Background. Hypertension affects millions of Americans each year and is a significant contributor to the development of cardiovascular disease. African Americans, especially those living in rural locations, experience greater disparities in the incidence and prevalence rates of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Methods. This study utilizes qualitative descriptive methodology. Focus groups involving African American women reporting hypertension were conducted in a rural community in Alabama. Results. The mean age was 60.3 years of age (SD = 10.3). Most were married and half were college educated. The majority reported an overweight or obese status. Most were aware that they had hypertension for more than five years, all were nonsmokers, and the majority had a family history of heart disease, hypertension, and/or heart attack or stroke. Key themes emerging from the focus groups included strengths of the community, support for the community, support for a healthy lifestyle, and intervention development. Conclusion. Hypertension is a treatable and preventable disease that not only causes disability, but also significantly decreases the quality of life in affected individuals. Findings from this study provide insight into the unique needs and perceptions of African American women residing in rural Alabama as they relate to community resources.
The Psychosocial Experience of Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease and Its Impact on Quality of Life: Findings from a Needs Assessment to Shape a Service
Authors: Finnegan-John Jennifer , Thomas Veronica J.
Published: October 2012

Background. A needs assessment was conducted on renal patients registered to a leading hospital trust in London in order to explore their psychological, social, and spiritual needs. The aim of the needs assessment was to create an evidence base for the development of a comprehensive health psychology service to run concurrently with a renal counselling support service within the department. Methodology. This study utilised a series of semistructured face-to-face interviews and focus groups with renal patients and their carers, to explore how ESRD impacted quality of life. Results. A thematic analysis was undertaken. Seven emergent themes were identified that influenced the quality of life of people with EDRD: physiological impact, impact of treatment, impact on daily life, psychological impact, impact on relationships, social impact and coping responses. Conclusion. The needs assessment clearly identified that ESRD carries with it emotional, physical, psychological, social, and existential burdens. The data from this needs assessment study has created an evidence base upon which future health psychology services can be built within this leading UK hospital.
A Convenient RP-HPLC Method for Assay Bioactivities of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Peptides
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Nan , Zhang Yu , Cai Zheng , Chen Qihe , He Guoqing
Published: October 2012

A convenient and accurate reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method for angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides assay was described in this paper. The mobile phase consisted of 70% A (0.05% TFA and 0.05% triethylamine in water, pH = 2.9–3.3) and 30% B (100% acetonitrile) using an Isogradient program. The flow rate was 0.5 mL/min. The absorb wavelength was 226.5 nm; the column temperature was controlled at 25°C. This method for angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides assay was convenient for the Iso-gradient program. The accuracy of the RT-HPLC method was verified by analyzing ACE inhibitory activity of the hydrolysate peptides of silkworm pupae protein, and the results showed that the RT-HPLC method was available for exploring new source of angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides rapidly and veraciously.
A Comparative Analysis of GeneXpert Real-Time PCR with Culture for the Detection of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Selected Hospital Admissions
Authors: Parhizgar Fuzhan , Colmer-Hamood Jane , Satterwhite Jodene , Winn Richard , Nugent Kenneth
Published: October 2012

Contact isolation of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) reduces transmission to other patients and to health care workers. PCR technology can provide rapid detection of these patients. We tested the utility of using PCR for MRSA detection in patients with a history of MRSA infection or colonization or in a high risk group admitted to a general referral hospital. Nasal swabs from 342 patients were tested for MRSA on days one and three using the GeneXpert MRSA system. Swabs with a positive PCR result were cultured to identify staphylococcal species present in the nares. Fifty-six patients (38% of 147) with a history of MRSA colonization or infection were positive; forty-seven patients (24% of 195) in a high risk group were positive. Eighty-one percent of the patients with positive PCR swabs grew out MRSA on culture. Some cultures grew out only methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive, coagulase negative Staphylococcus, or methicillin-resistant, coagulase negative Staphylococcus. This study demonstrates that most patients at risk for MRSA colonization are not colonized and that microbiological surveillance using PCR technology can facilitate contact isolation decisions. Not all PCR positive results represent the presence of MRSA, and hospitals need to consider policies for additional evaluation of positive PCR tests.
Pathogenesis of Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Its Impact on Case Management
Authors: Sellahewa Kolitha H.
Published: October 2012

Plasma leakage and intrinsic coagulopathy are the pathological hall marks in dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). Viral virulence, infection enhancing antibodies, cytokines and chemical mediators in the setting of intense immune activation are the key players implicated in the pathogenesis of DHF; the exact nature of which is yet to be fully understood. The pathophysiological changes the attended clinical features of plasma leakage necessitate recognition of changing physiological parameters for the early recognition of plasma leakage and appropriate fluid therapy. On the other hand, the changes in the haematological indices resulting from coagulopathy can tempt the clinician to initiate other modalities of therapy. A clearer understanding of the pathogenesis of DHF and the appreciation that both of these fundamental pathological changes share common pathogenic mechanisms would facilitate the appropriateness of management decisions and the early recognition of severe disease. Thus, thrombocytopaenia, reduced fibrinogen, and prolonged partial thromboplastin time early in the disease course connoted severe disease and attended plasma leakage rather than clinical bleeding. The detection of plasma cytokine profile by a multiple bead immunoassay could also complement clinical parameters in predicting severe disease early in the disease course. Thus, MIP-β indicates good prognosis while IFN-γ portends severe disease.
A Theoretical and Experimental Approach of Fuzzy Adaptive Motion Control for Wheeled Autonomous Nonholonomic Vehicles
Authors: Melluso Maurizio
Published: October 2012

A new fuzzy adaptive control is applied to solve a problem of motion control of nonholonomic vehicles with two independent wheels actuated by a differential drive. The major objective of this work is to obtain a motion control system by using a new fuzzy inference mechanism where the Lyapunov stability can be ensured. In particular the parameters of the kinematical control law are obtained using a fuzzy mechanism, where the properties of the fuzzy maps have been established to have the stability above. Due to the nonlinear map of the intelligent fuzzy inference mechanism (i.e., fuzzy rules and value of the rule), the parameters above are not constant, but, time after time, based on empirical fuzzy rules, they are updated in function of the values of the tracking errors. Since the fuzzy maps are adjusted based on the control performances, the parameters updating ensures a robustness and fast convergence of the tracking errors. Also, since the vehicle dynamics and kinematics can be completely unknown, dynamical and kinematical adaptive controllers have been added. The proposed fuzzy controller has been implemented for a real nonholonomic electrical vehicle. Therefore, system robustness and stability performance are verified through simulations and experimental studies.
Tooth-Implant Connection: A Review
Authors: Ramoglu Serhat , Tasar Simge , Gunsoy Selim , Ozan Oguz , Meric Gokce
Published: October 2012

Connecting teeth to osseointegrated implants presents a biomechanical challenge. This is due to the implant being rigidly fixed to the bone and the tooth being attached to the bone with a periodontal ligament. In order to overcome this problem, various connection types such as rigid and nonrigid have been proposed. However, the mechanism of attachment and the perceived problem of the differential support provided by the implant and the tooth have been discussed by many authors, and the ideal connection type is still controversial. The aim of this study was to carry out a review of all available literature addressing the tooth-implant connection and evidence-based understanding of the management of tooth-implant-retained restorations.
Better Rooting Procedure to Enhance Survival Rate of Field Grown Malaysian Eksotika Papaya Transformed with 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidase Gene
Authors: Sekeli Rogayah , Abdullah Janna Ong , Namasivayam Parameswari , Muda Pauziah , Abu Bakar Umi Kalsom
Published: October 2012

A high survival rate for transformed papaya plants when transferred to the field is useful in the quest for improving the commercial quality traits. We report in this paper an improved rooting method for the production of transformed Malaysian Eksotika papaya with high survival rate when transferred to the field. Shoots were regenerated from embryogenic calli transformed with antisense and RNAi constructs of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) genes using the Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation method. Regenerated transformed shoots, each measuring approximately 3-4 cm in height, were cultured in liquid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium or sterile distilled water, and with either perlite or vermiculite supplementation. All the culturing processes were conducted either under sterile or nonsterile condition. The results showed that rooting under sterile condition was better. Shoots cultured in half-strength MS medium supplemented with vermiculite exhibited a 92.5% rooting efficiency while perlite showed 77.5%. The survival rate of the vermiculite-grown transformed papaya plantlets after transfer into soil, contained in polybags, was 94%, and the rate after transfer into the ground was 92%. Morpho-histological analyses revealed that the tap roots were more compact, which might have contributed to the high survival rates of the plantlets.
Transient impedance changes in venous endothelial monolayers as a biological radiation dosimetry response
Authors: Young Erik F.
Published: October 2012

In March of 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent 14 meter high tsunami caused major damage to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan. The release of radiation, along with other uncontrolled releases elsewhere, revealed the necessity of a portable high throughput minimally invasive biological dosimetry modality. Immediate and early radiation effects on vasculature could be used as a dosimetry modality. To test whether non-coronary vasculature exhibited transient perturbation in barrier function, video microscopy studies and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) technology were used to probe very subtle changes in primary human vascular endothelium. In our studies, human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) monolayers exhibited a transient, significant decrease (p = 0.017) in monolayer resistance three hours after irradiation with 5.0 Gy of γ rays. Radiation induced perturbations in HUVEC monolayer permeability are similar in magnitude and kinetics to those observed in coronary arterial endothelium. Therefore, at least two types of endothelia respond to radiation on ECIS arrays with an early transient disruption in permeability. This finding supports the use of early passage HUVECs for use in bioelectric dosimetry studies of vasculature and suggests that permeability changes in superficial vessels and sequellae could potentially serve as biological dosimetry tools.
Biological and Clinical Availability of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Pelvic Dead Space Repair
Authors: Takahashi Hidekazu , Haraguchi Naotsugu , Nishikawa Shimpei , Miyazaki Susumu , Suzuki Yozou , Mizushima Tsunekazu , Nishimura Junichi , Takemasa Ichirou , Yamamoto Hirofumi , Mimori Koshi , Ishii Hideshi , Doki Yuichiro , Mori Masaki
Published: October 2012

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are a very attractive cell source for regenerative and reconstructive medicine. Although ADSCs have already been used in cardiovascular disease and cosmetic surgery, they have not yet been used in gastroenterological surgery. In this study, we clarified the utility of the combined application of ADSCs and resected intraperitoneal fatty tissues as a sealant for the pelvic dead space that sometimes causes severe and fatal complications in colorectal and gynecological surgeries. In pelvic dead space model mice, mouse ADSCs efficiently maintained transplanted intraperitoneal fatty tissues without any incidence of adhesion to surrounding organs. In vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that transplanted ADSCs differentiated into endothelial cells by expressing the angiogenic factors vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. Mouse and human ADSCs contained a CD45−CD34+ subset possessing high colony formation and sphere formation abilities. In addition, the CD45−CD34+ subset consisted of two characteristic subsets: the CD34+CD90+ angiogenic subset and the CD34+CD90− adipogenic subset. Grafts of human ADSCs with fat transplanted into mice were efficiently maintained for more than 12 months without volume reductions. A comparative study of graft maintenance efficacy between cultured human ADSCs and freshly isolated ADSCs indicated that the cultivation of ADSCs decreased their graft maintenance ability. These findings suggested that the angiogenic and adipogenic subsets act in coordination with each other and are essential for efficient graft maintenance.
Role of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Pathology of Inflammation
Authors: Bhatia Madhav
Published: October 2012

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a well-known toxic gas that is synthesized in the human body from the amino acids cystathionine, homocysteine, and cysteine by the action of at least two distinct enzymes: cystathionine-γ-lyase and cystathionine-β-synthase. In the past few years, H2S has emerged as a novel and increasingly important biological mediator. Imbalances in H2S have also been shown to be associated with various disease conditions. However, defining the precise pathophysiology of H2S is proving to be a complex challenge. Recent research in our laboratory has shown H2S as a novel mediator of inflammation and work in several groups worldwide is currently focused on determining the role of H2S in inflammation. H2S has been implicated in different inflammatory conditions, such as acute pancreatitis, sepsis, joint inflammation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Active research on the role of H2S in inflammation will unravel the pathophysiology of its actions in inflammatory conditions and may help develop novel therapeutic approaches for several, as yet incurable, disease conditions.
Marxism in Dark Times
Authors: Datta Gupta Sobhanlal
Published: October 2012

This volume is a collection of essays on an alternative understanding of Marxism, anchored in the ideas of humanism, democracy and pluralism.
Infrared Absorption Spectra of Monohydric Alcohols
Authors: Doroshenko Irina , Pogorelov Valeriy , Sablinskas Valdas
Published: October 2012

FTIR spectra of homologous series of monohydric alcohols which belong to the class of partly ordered liquids were registered. The molecules of monohydric alcohols containing hydroxyl group are able to form hydrogen-bonded clusters in the condensed phase. The existence of clusters is clearly observed from the position and the contour of the stretch OH band in the vibrational spectra of liquid alcohols. In this work, the experimentally registered FTIR spectra of liquidn-alcohols from methanol to decanol are presented as well as the same spectra of methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, and hexanol in gas phase.
Constructivism in Teaching Elementary Algebra: It’s Influence in Mathematics Performance of Students in Large Classes
Authors: Lopez Edmundo Cabiltes
Published: October 2012

This study determined the effect of constructivist method in students’ mathematics achievement. It sought to answer the influence of teaching methods in students’ achievement scores in large classes in terms of knowledge, comprehension, application, and analysis questions. A pretest- posttest quasi-experimental control group design was used. The experimental group was exposed to constructivist method while the control group to traditional method. To determine the influence of the methods in the students’ achievement scores, the one way ANCOVA was used. The researcher handled the two classes. Results showed that there was a significant difference in the students’ achievement scores in terms of knowledge, comprehension; application and analysis questions. The control group performed better than the experimental group in all levels of questions. Constructivist approach is ineffective in large classes while the lecture method is an appropriate teaching approach for large classes.   Keywords - constructivism, large classes, mathematics achievement, experimental
Adherence to the Use of ICT for Classroom Instruction: Its Impact on Students’ Learning
Authors: Gomez Rizalina G.
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the teachers’ adherence to the use of ICT for classroom instruction and its impact on the students’ learning. One hundred twenty-five (125) student teachers from the College of Education accomplished the questionnaires. Student teachers were found to have strong adherence to the use of ICT in teaching. This analysis elucidated teacher educators’ access to ICT, their intensity of use, their training skills, and their confidence in using ICT. Pedagogical practices included the use of web-enhanced learning activities and a combination of Web 2.0 tools in teaching. Exploratory multiple regression analysis addressed the importance of these different factors at the level of the educator in the use of ICT in teaching practice. Results showed students’ academic performance generally improved with increased teachers’ training skills. The intensive use of ICT as a tool in teaching had posed a significant impact on the students’ learning. It was therefore recommended for teacher educators to sustain the use of ICT as an effective strategy and continue to access the skills-based approach in the integration of ICT in education.   Keywords - Academic Performance, ICT, Web 2.0 tools, Web- Enhanced Learning Activities, Pre-service Teachers, Pedagogical Practices
Preparing to Teach: Perceptions of Graduate Entry Teacher Education Students
Authors: Beutel Denise , Crosswell Leanne
Published: October 2012

International reviews of teaching and teacher education have highlighted the importance of quality teachers in improving the outcomes of students. Teachers may enter the teaching profession through a variety of pathways. Currently in Australia, one pathway is through graduate entry teacher education programs in which people who already hold university degrees outside of education can undertake one-year formal teacher preparation programs. It may be argued that graduate entry teachers value add to the teaching profession as they bring with them a range of careers and wealth of experiences often beyond those of teachers who enter the profession through traditional four-year Bachelor of Education programs. This paper reports on a study that investigated the preparedness to teach of a group of graduate entry teacher education students as they prepared to exit from university and enter the teaching profession. The study concluded that this group of graduating teachers perceived that the field experience components in their formal teacher education programs contributed most to their beginning professional learning. The study revealed also that this group of graduating teachers sought further professional learning opportunities in the canonical skills of teaching. These findings may be used to inform the design of future teacher education programs. Keywords - transition to profession; reflective practice; professional standards; teacher education; teacher induction
Prime‐, Stress‐, and Cue‐Induced Reinstatement of Extinguished Drug‐Reinforced Responding in Rats: Cocaine as the Prototypical Drug of Abuse
Authors: Beardsley Patrick M. , Shelton Keith L.
Published: October 2012

This unit describes the testing of rats in prime‐, footshock‐, and cue‐induced reinstatement procedures. Evaluating rats in these procedures enables the assessment of treatments on behavior thought to model drug relapse precipitated by re‐contact with an abused drug (prime‐induced), induced by stress (footshock‐induced), or by stimuli previously associated with drug administration (cue‐induced). For instance, levels of reinstatement under the effects of test compound administration could be compared to levels under vehicle administration to help identify potential treatments for drug relapse, or reinstatement levels of different rat strains could be compared to identify potential genetic determinants of perseverative drug‐seeking behavior. Cocaine is used as a prototypical drug of abuse, and relapse to its use serves as the model in this unit, but other self‐administered drugs could readily be substituted with little modification to the procedures. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 61:9.39.1‐9.39.40. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Electrospun Fibers as a Solid‐State Real‐Time Zinc Ion Sensor with High Sensitivity and Cell Medium Compatibility
Authors: Syu Jia‐Hao , Cheng Yi‐Kai , Hong Wun‐Yan , Wang Hsing‐Ping , Lin Yu‐Chao , Meng Hsin‐Fei , Zan Hsiao‐Wen , Horng Sheng‐Fu , Chang Gao‐Fong , Hung Chen‐Hsiung , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Chen Wen‐Chang , Tsai May‐Jywan , Cheng Henrich
Published: October 2012

meso‐2,6‐Dichlorophenyltripyrrinone (TPN‐Cl2), a probe molecule for zinc II ions, is dispersed in a polymer host. The red fluorescence peak at 620 nm appears when the molecule forms a complex with zinc at its center. TPN‐Cl2 has a high selectivity for zinc II and tolerates many common metal ions present in the human body. The probe molecules are blended with a hydrogel polymer, poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly HEMA), with 30 wt% dimethylformamide (DMF). The fiber structure with 1 μm diameter is made by electrospinning in DMF solution of the probe and poly HEMA mixture. The fibrous film detects zinc ions with concentrations as low as 10−6 M in real‐time both in water and in the commonly used cell culture liquid media Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (DMEM) and fetal bovine serum (FBS), which contain many metal ions and proteins. The time‐resolution is 5 min for 10−6 M and 1 min for 10−5 M. This sensitivity and response speed satisfy the requirements for non‐invasive biomedical studies.
Nanofiber adsorbents for high productivity downstream processing
Authors: Hardick Oliver , Dods Stewart , Stevens Bob , Bracewell Daniel G.
Published: October 2012

Electrospun polymeric nanofiber adsorbents offer an alternative ligand support surface for bioseparations. Their non‐woven fiber structure with diameters in the sub‐micron range creates a remarkably high surface area. To improve the purification productivity of biological molecules by chromatography, cellulose nanofiber adsorbents were fabricated and assembled into a cartridge and filter holder format with a volume of 0.15 mL, a bed height of 0.3 mm and diameter of 25 mm. The present study investigated the performance of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) derivatized regenerated cellulose nanofiber adsorbents based on criteria including mass transfer and flow properties, binding capacity, and fouling effects. Our results show that nanofibers offer higher flow and mass transfer properties. The non‐optimized DEAE‐nanofiber adsorbents indicate a binding capacity of 10% that of packed bed systems with BSA as a single component system. However, they operate reproducibly at flowrates of a hundred times that of packed beds, resulting in a potential productivity increase of 10‐fold. Lifetime studies showed that this novel adsorbent material operated reproducibly with complex feed material (centrifuged and 0.45 µm filtered yeast homogenate) and harsh cleaning‐in‐place conditions over multiple cycles. DEAE nanofibers showed superior operating performance in permeability and fouling over conventional adsorbents indicating their potential for bioseparation applications. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1119–1128. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced nitrogen removal in single‐chamber microbial fuel cells with increased gas diffusion areas
Authors: Yan Hengjing , Regan John M.
Published: October 2012

Single‐chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) with nitrifiers pre‐enriched at the air cathodes have previously been demonstrated as a passive strategy for integrating nitrogen removal into current‐generating bioelectrochemical systems. To further define system design parameters for this strategy, we investigated in this study the effects of oxygen diffusion area and COD/N ratio in continuous‐flow reactors. Doubling the gas diffusion area by adding an additional air cathode or a diffusion cloth significantly increased the ammonia and COD removal rates (by up to 115% and 39%), ammonia removal efficiency (by up to 134%), the cell voltage and cathode potentials, and the power densities (by a factor of approximately 2). When the COD/N ratio was lowered from 13 to 3, we found up to 244% higher ammonia removal rate but at least 19% lower ammonia removal efficiency. An increase of COD removal rate by up to 27% was also found when the COD/N ratio was lowered from 11 to 3. The Coulombic efficiency was not affected by the additional air cathode, but decreased by an average of 11% with the addition of a diffusion cloth. Ammonia removal by assimilation was also estimated to understand the ammonia removal mechanism in these systems. These results showed that the doubling of gas diffusion area enhanced N and COD removal rates without compromising electrochemical performance. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 785–791. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Zonal rate model for axial and radial flow membrane chromatography. Part I: Knowledge transfer across operating conditions and scales
Authors: Ghosh Pranay , Vahedipour Kaveh , Lin Min , Vogel Jens H. , Haynes Charles A. , von Lieres Eric
Published: October 2012

The zonal rate model (ZRM) has previously been applied for analyzing the performance of axial flow membrane chromatography capsules by independently determining the impacts of flow and binding related non‐idealities on measured breakthrough curves. In the present study, the ZRM is extended to radial flow configurations, which are commonly used at larger scales. The axial flow XT5 capsule and the radial flow XT140 capsule from Pall are rigorously analyzed under binding and non‐binding conditions with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as test molecule. The binding data of this molecule is much better reproduced by the spreading model, which hypothesizes different binding orientations, than by the well‐known Langmuir model. Moreover, a revised cleaning protocol with NaCl instead of NaOH and minimizing the storage time has been identified as most critical for quantitatively reproducing the measured breakthrough curves. The internal geometry of both capsules is visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The flow in the external hold‐up volumes of the XT140 capsule was found to be more homogeneous as in the previously studied XT5 capsule. An attempt for model‐based scale‐up was apparently impeded by irregular pleat structures in the used XT140 capsule, which might lead to local variations in the linear velocity through the membrane stack. However, the presented approach is universal and can be applied to different capsules. The ZRM is shown to potentially help save valuable material and time, as the experiments required for model calibration are much cheaper than the predicted large‐scale experiment at binding conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1129–1141. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corporate Environmental and Economic Performance of Japanese Manufacturing Firms: Empirical Study for Sustainable Development
Authors: Fujii Hidemichi , Iwata Kazuyuki , Kaneko Shinji , Managi Shunsuke
Published: October 2012

This study examines the relationship between environmental performance and economic performance in Japanese manufacturing firms. The environmental performance indicators include CO2 emissions and the aggregate toxic risk associated with chemical emissions relative to sales. Return on assets (ROA) is used as an indicator of economic performance. We demonstrate that there is a significant inverted U‐shaped relationship between ROA and environmental performance calculated by aggregated toxic risk. We also find that the environmental performance increases ROA through both returns on sales and improved capital turnover. However, we observe a significant positive relationship between financial performance and environmental performance based on CO2 emissions. These findings may provide evidence for the consequences of firms' environmental behavior and sustainable development. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Sustainable Development in the Transport Sector: Influencing Environmental Behaviour and Performance
Authors: Oberhofer Peter , Fürst Elmar
Published: October 2012

Sustainable Development and Environmental Policy are becoming increasingly important in the development of business strategies. Consequently, corporate road freight transport comes under particular scrutiny due to its substantial impact on the environment. This paper explores the implementation of environmental management in the Austrian road freight transport sector. A model based on an extensive literature review is developed and adapted to show the impact of attitude, company size and sector affiliation. It is tested using data from a quantitative survey. Based on an extensive literature review a model of influencing factors is developed and tested using data from a quantitative survey. According to our findings, we adopted the model with respect to the impact of attitude, company size and sector affiliation. Although decision‐makers' attitudes have a significant influence on the companies' actual environmental performance, firm size and sector affiliation are shown to have a far greater influence. It is therefore necessary to offer external incentives and support in order to improve environmental behaviour, especially among smaller and transport companies. Such instruments, however, need to be aligned on an international basis and across industries to prevent friction and competitive disadvantage. In addition to policy intervention (legal restrictions and incentives) and improvements on a corporate level, consumer awareness should be raised in order to create public pressure for companies to implement environmental management. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.