bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Quality Improvement Interventional Tool on Emotional, Behavioural and Self-perception Profile of Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pretest, Post-test Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Khanna Alok , Debbarma Animesh , Verma Anjali , Saini Mukesh , Verma Yogesh
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Psychological stress associated with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) in children is relatively higher in developing countries due to limited health resources. However, no data are available regarding the impact of a Quality Improvement (QI) intervention on emotional, behavioural, and self-perception in paediatric patients with T1DM. Aim: To study the impact of a QI interventional tool on the emotional, behavioural, and self-perception profile in children with T1DM. Materials and Methods: This pretest, post-test quasiexperimental study was conducted at PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana, India from August 2021 to July 2022. A total of 50 children, aged between 6-14 years with T1DM, were enrolled from the paediatric outpatient department and paediatric ward for the study. Initially, baseline data were collected, and patients were followed-up for six months during which required interventions were given, including one-on-one counseling with mother and child, demonstration of insulin injection, providing them with a booklet for recording blood glucose at home, etc. After six months, data were collected again for comparison. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Self-perception Profile for Children (SPPC) questionnaires were used for the study. Data were statistically analysed using a paired t-test. Results: In the present study, there were 27 (54%) males and 23 (46%) females with an average age of 9.64±2.3 years. Positive outcomes were noted in the emotional, behavioural, and selfperception profiles of children following the intervention. HbA1C values (pre: 13.12±1.02%, post: 10.63±1.07%), hypoglycaemic episodes (pre: 2.54±0.88, post: 1.24±0.43), and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) episodes (pre: 2.76±0.52, post: 1.08±0.27) significantly reduced following the intervention. The SDQ score was significantly lower (pre: 16.97±1.48, post: 7.76±2.14), and the SPPC score was significantly higher (pre: 76.52±0.61, post: 94.34±1.06) after the intervention. Conclusion: In the present study, it was found that psychological and behavioural interventions have a beneficial effect on children with diabetes in terms of better compliance with therapy, glycaemic control, as well as better relationships with family and peers, and improved coping capability.
Impact of Krushik Agricultural Exhibition on Technology Dissemination and Farmers
Authors: Shinde Dheeraj , Patil P. A. , Godase S. S. , Karanje S. V. , Jadhav M. A.
Published: May 2024

Disseminating knowledge and information within the farming community in a short period is a difficult task in developing countries. In the present era, social media may mislead the farming community, resulting in heavy losses. So, agricultural exhibitions based on the principles of ‘Seeing is believing’ & ‘Learning by doing’ must be planned to provide a real site of state-of-the-art advanced technologies developed by different agencies. So, the present study was conducted to analyze the impact of the Live Agricultural Expo, i.e. Krushik-2024, to get information regarding the behaviour and feedback of farmers visiting the Exhibition. The study reveals that the interest of young generation agricultural students is increasing in the agriculture sector. Moreover, live demonstration exhibitions/ farmer’s fairs/ technological weeks like “Krushik” can play a crucial role in the development of the farming community. It has emerged as an excellent platform through which advanced technologies from both public and private sectors can effectively disseminate within a short period.
Osmosis: A Natural Approach for Treating Constipation
Authors: Das Yasobanta , Ray Trupti
Published: May 2024

Osmosis is a natural process that occurs in living organisms and plays a vital role in maintaining their health. This abstract investigates the effectiveness of treating constipation with salt water after getting out of bed in the morning using the process of osmosis. Constipation is a common bowel problem caused by diet, lifestyle, medications, or other factors that make stool hard or impede the ability to pass it comfortably, affecting people of all ages worldwide. By conducting osmosis, where solute molecules move through a semi permeable membrane from low solute concentration to high solute concentration, salt water treatment softens stool and facilitates bowel movements. This paper presents an overview of treatment protocols, including materials, methods and observational results. Preliminary findings indicate promising results, with participants experiencing increased frequency and ease of bowel movements after consuming salt water. This paper explores the benefits of osmosis in treating constipation and how it works. We discuss the osmosis and their mechanisms of action, as well as their safety and efficacy. Overall, we conclude that osmosis is a safe and effective way to treat constipation and has the potential to change the life style of millions of people across the Globe.
Pre-Hospital use of Paracetamol in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Paediatric Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Wonodi Woroma , West Boma Awoala
Published: May 2024

Background: Paracetamol is a medication that is often procured over the counter in many nations including Nigeria. It is therefore prone to abuse/misuse with consequences.
Objective of the Study: To determine the prevalence of pre-hospital use of paracetamol, preferred formulation, appropriateness of dosing and factors associated with its use.
Methodology: An observational study involving 401 caregiver/child pair seen at the Paediatric clinic of the RSUTH over 6 months. Data on demography, clinical symptoms, weight of the children as well as pre-hospital paracetamol use were obtained using a semi-structrured questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from the caregivers.
Results: A total of 401 caregivers/child pairs participated in the research with male predominance. The average age of the children was 28.26 ± 3.80months. Most of the parents were aged 30-40 years, traders/businessmen with tertiary level of education.
About 40% of children received paracetamol before presentation at the hospital with fever being the most common reason. Syrup was the preferred formulation while 0.6% received injection paracetamol. The most common reason for formulation type was the age of the child followed by available paracetamol formulation at home. Most parents gave paracetamol twice daily, for less than seven days and based on past experiences.
The most common diagnosis among parents that gave paracetamol was malaria. A quarter of children received underdose and 5.4% overdose medication.
Conclusion: Pre-hospital paracetamol self-medication is common with syrup paracetamol being
the most common formulation used. There was a high abuse of paracetamol thus education of the populace on appropriate pre-hospital paracetamol use would help reduce this menace.
Evaluation of Blood Transfusion Request form: The Experience in a Tertiary Health Facility in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Jatau ED  , CU Iheanacho , CN Okeke , A Zakari , Bangalu DY  , OD Damulak , Egesie OJ
Published: May 2024

Background: There is a thin line between a safe blood transfusion and transfusion-related fatality hence the need to be diligent in every aspect of the blood transfusion process. Appropriate and complete documentation on a blood transfusion request form is one of the most important preanalytic activities serving as a communication tool between the clinician and the blood transfusion laboratory personnel.
Aims: To evaluate compliance with appropriate and complete documentation of information on our blood transfusion request forms for a reliable preanalytic process towards an efficient blood transfusion service.
Study Design: It is a retrospective study.
Place and Duration of Study: Blood Bank of the Jos University Teaching Hospital between January to December 2023.
Methodology: Six thousand, three hundred and sixty (6360) blood transfusion request forms from the Jos University Teaching Hospital Blood bank were evaluated for complete or incomplete documentation retrospectively and results were presented in frequencies and percentages.
Results: There was 100% compliance in filling in the patients' surnames and other names as well as the laboratory number and blood groups of the patients while only 4779 (75.14%) filled in the patients' ages with 1416(22.26%) using the prefix of adult(ad) while 165(2.59%) fail to document the patients' age. There were 2829 (44.48%) males with 3522 (55.38%) females while no sex was indicated in 9 of the reviewed forms. Obstetrics history has the least cumulated documented response of 0.38% while a significant 1008 (15.85%) did not indicate either blood grouping or blood grouping with cross-match request.
Conclusion: Appropriate and complete documentation of information on blood transfusion request forms is a problem among clinicians and will require continuous education on its importance, periodic auditing, provision of electronic data system and attitudinal change for a better blood transfusion compatibility service.
Evaluation of Different Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Hybrids for Growth, Yield and Quality
Authors: Ejaz Amber , Bahadur Vijay
Published: May 2024

Cucumber is a popular vegetable belonging to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). It is widely cultivated and consumed worldwide for its refreshing and crunchy texture. Cucumbers are typically grown as annual climbing or creeping vines, producing elongated, cylindrical, or oval-shaped fruits with green skin and edible seeds. They are known for their high-water content, making them an excellent hydrating and low-calorie food option. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out at the Department of Horticulture, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Kharif season 2022-2023 with a view to check performance of different Hybrids of cucumber under Prayagraj agro climatic conditions. From the above experimental finding it was be concluded that the Hybrid NBH-842 was statistically significant and higher in terms of growth parameters like vine length, earliness in flowering and maturity and variety NBH-842 yield parameters like fruit weight and fruit yield per vine while NBH-Manvi plus for fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit yield per vine. Hybrid Prasad-100 showed best performance for quality parameters including TSS and Vitamin C content.
Negative Implications of Drug and Substance use on Mental Health
Authors: Akunna Okoye, Nelyn , Nneka Udeji, Rosemary , Nkesi Ordu, Charles , John Aneke, Emeka , Cordelia Offor, Chinazor , Ada Asanya, Chinyere
Published: May 2024

Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which encompasses aspects such as thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Several factors including drug abuse have been recognized to cause mental health disorders; hence, the urgent need to globally address these factors. Drug abuse emerges as a complex public health issue, involving the misuse of legal and illegal drugs, with consequences extending beyond individual health. The relationship between mental health and drug abuse intensifies challenges, as drug misuse contributes to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. This review examined biological, psychological, and social determinants, and advocate for a standardized approach to address the complex issue of drug abuse. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and others, were used to access resources, in which thirty-three (33) literatures were reviewed. Results of the reviewed literatures revealed that the impact of drug abuse on mental health involves neurobiological alterations affecting neurotransmitter levels and structural changes in the brain. This does not only affect individuals, but also results in societal burdens, such as increased healthcare costs and criminal justice involvement, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The classification of drugs into legal and illegal categories highlights the diversity of substances and emphasizes the need to understand their effects on mental well-being. Categories include legal drugs, prescription medications, socially accepted substances, and illegal drugs with varying dependency potentials. Addressing mental health disorders induced by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategies like Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Peer Support, 12-Step Programs, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). These methods guarantee a care continuum that centers on the individual and emphasizes recovery, acknowledging the relationship between mental health and drug abuse disorders. Nevertheless, the review highlights a research gap in that, in-depth research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned interventions. Additionally, exploring innovative strategies to address challenges such as stigma, limited treatment accessibility, and the cyclical nature of addiction would enhance intervention effectiveness.
Role of Chitosan in Post Harvest Disease Management
Authors: A.T. Arun. , R Pramod. , N.V Radhakrishnan , Thara Susha S. , O. P Reji Rani , T Anuradha.
Published: May 2024

Post harvest losses due to microbial spoilage remain a significant challenge in agriculture, affecting both food security and economic sustainability. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, showed potential in recent years as a means of reducing post harvest diseases in fruits and vegetables. This review investigates into the complex role that chitosan plays in managing post harvest diseases. It emphasises the antimicrobial qualities, capacity to trigger defence mechanisms in plants, development of physical barriers, regulation of enzymatic activity, compatibility with biological control agents, and ecological sustainability of chitosan. Chitosan based treatments offer an environmentally sustainable approach to prolonging the period of the shelf life of produce by effectively preventing the growth of microbes, enhancing the plant's natural resistance to pathogens, and maintaining post harvest quality. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the efficacy of chitosan in disease management is essential for optimizing its application and integrating it into integrated disease management strategies in agricultural practices.
Effect of Calcium Chelate and Carbonic Powder on Growth, Yield and Quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn
Authors: Harika Netinti , Topno Samir E. , Joseph Annjoe V.
Published: May 2024

The present investigation was carried out during 2023-24 at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh to study the effect of calcium chelate and carbonic powder on growth, yield and quality of Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) cv. Winter Dawn under agro-climatic conditions of Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in RBD, replicated 3 times with 16 treatments with different combinations. The characters of growth, yield and quality characters are noted. Based on above characters it is concluded that treatment combination T­15 (Calcium chelate (5g/L)+Carbonic powder (5g/L)+RDF(19:19:19) performed best in terms of plant height (cm) (33.74), plant spread (cm) (41.18), number of leaves per plant (44.01) , petiole length (cm) (14.96) , days to first flowering (40.18) , days to first fruiting (48.57), number of flower per plant (20.62), number of fruit per plant (16.30), fruit weight (gm) (40.78),fruit per plant (g) (664.77) , fruit yield t ha-1 (26.59) , TSS 0brix (10.45), juice content (%) (94.58) and pH(3.17) of strawberry. Importance of conducting this experiment is defined that calcium chelate and carbonic powder improves the fruit size, fruit weight and firmness. So, the quality and shelf-life of a fruit also increases. It will help to export the fruits to other countries.
Climate Crisis and Agricultural Response: Climate Resilient Crops for Sustainability in Food Production Systems
Authors: Dash Sangeeta , D. Jemla Naik , V. S. Chinnu
Published: May 2024

Climate change encompasses altered levels of temperature and humidity, variability in the rainfall pattern, fluctuations in weather parameters, rise in ambient CO2 levels, emission of greenhouse gases, global warming, etc. that results in extreme events and disasters as cyclones, floods, droughts, salinity, nutrient and heavy metal stress, change in arthropod diversity and emergence of new invasive pests. This results in un-usual effects in agro-ecosystems leading to changes in cropping patterns, crop diversity, and their interaction with biotic and abiotic stress factors, threatening livelihood, food, and nutritional security. Population displacement, declining food productivity, and vulnerable agro-ecosystems are the major consequences of altered meteorological events that occur due to climate change. Therefore, substitution of traditional crops with crops that exhibit resilience to climate crisis is the need of the hour. Smart breeding approaches and precision farming technologies as remote sensing and spectral analysis, artificial intelligence, machine learning, speed breeding, genome analysis, genetic manipulation, gene drive systems, system biology study, omics approaches, etc can make agricultural production climate resilient and sustainable. Response of biofortified crops under changing climate must also be assessed to improve the crop productivity and output.
Speed Breeding in Cereal Crops: Accelerating Genetic Improvement for Rapid Agricultural Advancement
Authors: Kumar Kundrapu Phani , Walia Puneet
Published: May 2024

The global demand for food is rising due to population growth, climate change, and evolving consumer preferences. Traditional plant breeding programs typically require a decade or more to develop and release new crop varieties. Speed breeding is a cutting-edge technique designed to expedite genetic improvement by significantly reducing the seed-to-seed cycle. This review explores the principles, applications, and potential of this method in accelerating agricultural advancement. Originating from NASA's experiments for food production in space, the approach has evolved into a highly efficient strategy for speeding up breeding cycles in cereal crops. By manipulating light, photoperiodic regimes, temperature, and humidity within controlled environments, it is possible to achieve up to six generations of photo-insensitive crops and two to three generations of other crops per year. This rapid generation turnover provides a unique opportunity for accelerated genetic mapping, trait stacking, and enhanced genomic selection. Speed breeding complements modern breeding technologies such as genome editing, high-throughput genotyping, and CRISPR, facilitating quicker development of crop varieties with improved traits. Its applications extend to boosting transgenic pipelines and understanding critical physiological traits in crops. Furthermore, it aligns with breeding methods like single plant selection and single seed descent, offering a more efficient path to desirable outcomes. However, challenges remain, including the need for specialized infrastructure, the impact of genotypic variations, and potential stress responses due to accelerated conditions. Despite these hurdles, speed breeding represents a promising tool in the quest for food security and resilient agricultural systems. This review examines its potential to transform plant breeding, reduce cultivar development times, and contribute to rapid agricultural advancement in a changing world.
Social Mobility and Youth Aspirations: An Analysis of the Conditional Convergence of Aspirations in India
Authors: Akhter Shirin , Chauhan Vijender Singh
Published: May 2024

This article examines the complex interplay between social mobility and the aspirations of Indian youth within the context of India's modest ranking on the Global Social Mobility Index. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, the study synthesizes empirical data and theoretical insights to explore how socio-economic backgrounds, government policies, societal attitudes, and individual actions shape aspirations. Central to this analysis is the concept of "conditionally convergent aspirations," which describes how socio-economic and cultural barriers lead to a narrowing of aspirations within homogeneous groups, thereby limiting the potential for upward social mobility. The findings suggest that effective policy interventions must address these foundational disparities through comprehensive educational reforms, robust social equity measures, and economic empowerment initiatives. By offering a detailed review of the literature and proposing targeted policy recommendations, the study aims to contribute to the discourse on social justice and economic development, advocating for a strategic approach to foster a more equitable society where the aspirations of all Indian youth can be realised.
Phytochemical Study, Evaluation of Antihelminthic Potential and In silico Screening for Breast Cancer Using Mimosa pudica Linn.
Authors: Velmurugan Aravinth , Chandramohan Keerthana , Thamizhselvan Ganeshan , Shokkalingam Yogesh , Natarajan Venkatesan , Devarasu Pradeepraj , Sendhamaraikannan Thamizh
Published: May 2024

Breast Cancer is a major health concern in India, where it is highly lethal for women because of unchecked cell proliferation and metastasis, which are frequently caused by interactions between the Estrogen Receptor Alpha and other receptors. Even though they work well, synthetic Anthelmintics come with dangers to the health of both humans and animals. Therefore, creating effective and safe Anthelmintics from plant sources is our main goal. We extracted Mimosa pudica leaves with ethanol using a Soxhlet system, and after concentration, we examined the extract using GC-MS, FTIR, and UV techniques. Estrogen Receptor structure and flavonoid compound databases from PubChem and Protein Data Bank were used for in silico testing against Breast Cancer and anthelmintic action, respectively.  Using molecular docking and drug similarity investigations, the effectiveness of natural compounds against Breast Cancer was evaluated.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) in the coastal region of Karaikal, India
Authors: Bharathi K. Indu , Shanthi A. , Manikandan M.
Published: May 2024

Genetic divergence among 25 brinjal genotypes for 13 characters was evaluated in a breeding programme aimed at improving yield potential by using Mahalanobis D2 statistics. The genotypes were grouped into six clusters suggesting considerable amount of genetic diversity in the study material. The cluster I had constituted maximum of 17 genotypes followed by cluster II which had three genotypes and cluster IV with two genotypes. The cluster III, cluster V and cluster VI each had one genotype. The intra-cluster D2 value ranged from 0.00 to 61.67 and the inter-cluster D2 value ranged from 89.49 to 343.51. The maximum intra-cluster distance of 61.67 was exhibited by the cluster I followed by cluster IV and cluster III, V, VI. The inter cluster distance was found to be high between cluster II and IV followed by cluster IV and V, cluster II and VI and cluster II and V. The contribution of different characters towards divergence indicated that, fruit yield per plant contributed the maximum percentage of 79.00 towards genetic divergence followed by individual fruit weight (8.00 percent) and number of fruits per cluster (3.00 percent). Thus, it indicated that the genotypes from cluster IV (fruit yield per plant), cluster VI (individual fruit weight) and cluster IV (number of fruits cluster-1) could be selected for crop improvement in brinjal as they recorded higher cluster mean values for traits contributing maximum towards genetic divergence.
Factors associated with antisocial behavior in combat veterans
Authors: Booth‐Kewley Stephanie , Larson Gerald E. , Highfill‐McRoy Robyn M. , Garland Cedric F. , Gaskin Thomas A.
Published: July 2010

The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with antisocial behavior in 1,543 Marines who deployed to combat zones in support of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan during 2002–2007. Five factors were associated with antisocial behavior in multivariate analyses: post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, deployment‐related stressors, combat exposure, younger age, and being divorced. PTSD symptoms had a stronger association with antisocial behavior than any other variable. A unique and important finding of this study was the association between deployment‐related stressors and a higher incidence of antisocial behavior. Because deployment‐related stressors are potentially modifiable, the military may be able to address them in concrete ways such as by shortening deployments and improving communication with home. Aggr. Behav. 36:330–337, 2010. Published 2010 by Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of chitosan‐polycaprolactone blended with organoclay for control release of doxycycline
Authors: Sahoo Sarmila , Sasmal Abhisek , Sahoo Debasish , Nayak Padmalochan
Published: July 2010

In the present research program, chitosan has been mixed with polycaprolactone (PCL) (80 : 20) for using them for control delivery of doxycycline. Organoclay, Cloisite 30B of different concentrations 1, 2.5, and 5% has been blended with the composite. Chitosan is a natural biodegradable polymer where as polycaprolactone is a synthetic biopolymer. The blending of the two polymers has been carried out varying the proportion of nanoclay so that the composite can be a better drug carrier. The blends were characterized by Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. From the FTIR spectra, the various groups present in chitosan and PCL blend were monitored. The homogeneity, morphology, and crystallinity of the blends were ascertained from SEM and XRD data, respectively. The swelling studies have been carried out at different drug loading. Swelling study is an important parameter to predict the diffusion of the drugs from the matrix. The kinetics of the drug delivery system has been systematically studied. Drug release kinetics was analyzed by plotting the cumulative release data versus time by fitting to an exponential equation which indicated the non‐Fickian type of kinetics. The drug release was investigated at different pH medium, and it was found that the drug release depends upon the pH medium as well as the nature of matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Group‐based evaluations for pupil‐on‐teacher violence: The impact of teacher intervention strategy
Authors: Lawrence Claire , Rees Joanna , Ferguson Eamonn
Published: July 2010

Although extreme violence to teachers is rare, the fact remains that in the UK, 29% of teachers report having been physically assaulted by a pupil (ATL, 2008a). The ways in which responsibility for such assaults are attributed can have legal, educational and managerial implications. In the current study, teachers (N = 66), pupils (N = 68) and parents (N = 64) from a large secondary school in the UK read an incident report form outlining an incident depicting a pupil physically assaulting a teacher. The incident report was manipulated such that, prior to being assaulted, the teacher had either separated the assailant pupil from another pupil using a physical or non‐physical intervention. Results revealed that participating parents' and teachers' evaluations of the assailant's parents and the teacher differed from those of pupils in several ways. The results are discussed in terms of group‐based responsibility for deviant behaviour and implications for teacher behaviour in response to pupil on teacher violence. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘It's not really us discriminating against immigrants, it's more telling people how to fit in’: Constructing the nation in immigration talk in New Zealand
Authors: Lyons Antonia C. , Madden Helen , Chamberlain Kerry , Carr Stuart
Published: July 2010

Previous research has demonstrated that talk about immigration can function to produce, reproduce and stabilize racism (Capdevila & Callaghan, 2008). In New Zealand (NZ), changes in immigration policy have seen a rapid increase in diverse groups of migrants with varied cultural backgrounds entering the country in the past two decades. Given its unique colonial history and ‘settler nationality in a bicultural nation’ (Bell, 2009), we explored how young NZ adults talk about and produce meanings and understandings of immigration, immigrants and cultural diversity. Appealing to notions of NZ as ‘one society’, as English speaking, and as English looking participants constructed NZ, NZ national identity and the NZ economy in particular ways. This constituted a nationalist rhetoric that was taken up in common‐sense ways by participants to legitimize racist talk whilst simultaneously acting to locate participants themselves as reasonable and moral individuals. It is concluded that nationalist discourses function to reinforce patterns of social dominance and perpetuate the notion of New Zealanders as largely white, European‐looking and English‐speaking. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The derivation of hue‐difference terms from CIELAB coordinates
Authors: Mclaren K. , Taylor P. F.
Published: July 2010

A simple, yet reliable, method is described for deducing the appropriate term to describe a hue difference between two specimens whose CIELAB hue angles are known. It is based on the rotation of the chroma axis through the position of the specimen regarded as standard and the association of the four unitary hues with the four a* b* axes, two of which must be specified to eliminate ambiguities.
J. C. Le Blon, discoverer and developer of the red‐yellow‐blue principle of color printing and color mixture
Authors: Birren Faber
Published: July 2010

In the early part of the 18th century, J. C. Le Blon set forth the primary nature of red, yellow, and blue, and created full‐color prints that anticipated modern methods of “process” color reproduction by nearly two centuries.
A conversation between conflict resolution and social movement scholars
Authors: Roy Beth , Burdick John , Kriesberg Louis
Published: July 2010

There are scholars of conflict resolution and scholars of social movements, and rarely do the twain meet. Continuing an in‐person dialogue, three scholars whose work touches both fields consider the lessons each has to contribute to the other. The paper explores power dynamics, activism solidarity, negotiation strategies, and more.
Beyond drug wars: Transforming factional conflict in Mexico
Authors: Carpenter Ami C.
Published: July 2010

Blurring the lines between criminal and civil war, factional conflict in Mexico has escalated since 2006 and claimed more than eleven thousand lives. This article assesses the viability of Mexico's military offensive against the nation's drug cartels by analyzing the effects of this strategy on destructive conflict escalation. It is argued that the enforcement strategy of arresting key druglords has become a proximate factor in escalating Mexico's violence by promoting intercartel competition and intensifying leadership struggles. A set of viable third‐party alternatives to the “war on drugs” is explored.
Three Novel Copper–Radical Complexes: Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Chen Xiao‐dan , Rong Rong , Wang Yun , Zhu Li‐li , Zhao Qi‐hua , Ang Siau Gek , Sun Bai‐wang
Published: July 2010

Three novel copper–radical complexes [Cu(PhCOO)2(NITpPy)2(H2O)2] (1), [Cu2(Me3CCOO)4(NITpPy)2] (2), and [{Cu2(Me3CCOO)4(NITpPy)}n] (3) [NITpPy = 4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐2‐(4‐pyridyl)‐2‐imidazoline‐1‐oxyl 3‐oxide] were synthesized and characterized structurally as well as magnetically. It is noteworthy that the syntheses of complexes 2 and 3 are similar except for the temperature of the reaction between Cu(Me3CCOO)2·2H2O and the NITpPy radical ligand. Our magnetic study of complexes 1 and 2 reveals that the antiferromagnetic interactions occur with a J value around –10 cm–1 between copper(II) and radicals when radicals use the pyridine nitrogen atom connected to the copper(II) ion. Yet the best‐fit parameters of complex 3 reveal that significant ferromagnetic interactions (J2 = 20.5 cm–1) take place in the copper radical when radicals coordinate the copper(II) ion with nitroxide directly.
Terminal node self‐protection scheme by using unidirectional splitter‐based ring
Authors: Jia Wu , Yu Song , Zhang Yongjun , Zhang Hua , Gu Wanyi
Published: July 2010

In special networks, such as military or finance networks, terminal nodes deserve more attentions because of higher demands on reliability and survivability than switching nodes. A three nodes non‐break‐self‐protection unidirectional splitter‐based ring is introduced and designed to protect the terminal nodes. The performances are compared with the traditional (existing) 1+2 protection scheme in terms of the cost, connection availability, recovery time and optical power budget. Calculation results show this proposed scheme can keep data integrity and has very high survivability and connection availability, while the cost, recovery time and power budget are acceptable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between holotranscobalamin, vitamin B12, homocysteine and depressive symptoms in community‐dwelling elders
Authors: Robinson DJ , O'Luanaigh C , Tehee E , O'Connell H , Hamilton F , Chin AV , Coen R , Molloy AM , Scott J , Cunningham CJ , Lawlor BA
Published: July 2010

Background

Vitamin B12 and homocysteine have been shown to be associated with depression or depressive symptoms, but the relationship has not been universal. Both vitamin B12 and homocysteine may exert an effect via vascular mechanisms; it is possible that other mechanisms apply. Holotranscobalamin is a novel, more accurate measure of tissue vitamin B12.

Objectives

To examine associations between vitamin B12, serum folate, holotranscobalamin, homocysteine and depressive symptoms in a sample of healthy elderly.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, observational community based study.

Results

Lower levels of holotranscobalamin and vitamin B12 were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms when controlled for Mini‐mental state examination scores and psychosocial and cardiovascular risk factors. Homocysteine was not associated with depressive symptoms when biological and psychosocial covariates were included.

Conclusions

It is possible that low levels of vitamin B12 or holotranscobalamin are associated with depressive symptoms via mechanisms other than vascular pathology.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional inequality in China's health care expenditures
Authors: Chou Win Lin , Wang Zijun
Published: July 2010

This paper has two parts. The first part examines the regional health expenditure inequality in China by testing two hypotheses on health expenditure convergence. Cross‐section regressions and cluster analysis are used to study the health expenditure convergence and to identify convergence clusters. We find no single nationwide convergence, only convergence by cluster. In the second part of the paper, we investigate the long‐run relationship between health expenditure inequality, income inequality, and provincial government budget deficits (BD) by using new panel cointegration tests with health expenditure data in China's urban and rural areas. We find that the income inequality and real provincial government BD are useful in explaining the disparity in health expenditure prevailing between urban and rural areas. In order to reduce health‐spending inequality, one long‐run policy suggestion from our findings is for the government to implement more rapid economic development and stronger financing schemes in poorer rural areas. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
China's health system and its reform: a review of recent studies
Authors: Wagstaff Adam , Yip Winnie , Lindelow Magnus , Hsiao William C.
Published: July 2010

This paper provides a survey of the recent empirical research on China's ‘old’ health system (i.e. prior to the spate of reforms beginning in 2003). It argues that this research has enhanced our understanding of the system prior to 2003, in some cases reinforcing conclusions (e.g. the demand‐inducement associated with perverse incentives) while in other cases suggesting a slightly less clear storyline (e.g. the link between insurance and out‐of‐pocket spending). It also concludes that the research to date points to the importance of careful evaluation of the current reforms, and its potential to modify policies as the rollout proceeds. Finally, it argues that the research on the pre‐2003 system suggests that while the recently announced further reforms are a step in the right direction, the hoped‐for improvements in China's health system will far more likely occur if the reforms become less timid in certain key areas, namely provider payments and intergovernmental fiscal relations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does per‐diem reimbursement necessarily increase length of stay? The case of a public psychiatric hospital
Authors: Jian Weiyan , Guo Yan
Published: July 2010

Payment methods can affect providers' behaviour and in turn influence the outcome of medical services. The per‐diem reimbursement method is predicted to increase length of stay (LOS) and reduce daily expenditure. Using a Difference in Differences design, this study empirically examines the impact of changing from fee‐for‐service to per‐diem reimbursement in a large psychiatric hospital in Beijing. Results show that the LOS did not increase but daily expenditure in fact increased. We provide several potential explanations for these puzzling findings, including the internal contracts between the hospitals and their physician staff among public hospitals in China. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow cytometric analysis of DNA ploidy in lymphomas of the thyroid
Authors: Zirker Thomas A. , Baybick Jeffrey H. , Vincent Jack L. , Smith Gary J. , Siegal Gene P.
Published: July 2010

Four cases of primary non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the thyroid were studied using flow cytometric (FCM) DNA analysis of propidium iodide‐stained nuclei retrieved from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Two of the four cases were aneuploid and two were euploid. In the two euploid cases, both patients are alive and without evidence of recurrent disease after an average of 4 years follow‐up. Of the two aneuploid cases, one patient is alive and free of recurrent disease after 1 year. In the other aneuploid case, the patient died of disseminated disease 8 months after presentation despite having a low‐grade (follicular, predominantly small cleaved cell type) and low‐stage (tumor confined to thyroid at presentation) lymphoma. These data suggest that the DNA ploidy of primary NHL of the thyroid can be determined using fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue. Our results also suggest that a large study to assess the prognostic value of this technique is warranted.
A case of severe ARDS caused by novel swine‐origin influenza (A/H1N1pdm) virus: A successful treatment with direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber
Authors: Yokoyama Toshiki , Tateishi Kazunari , Tsushima Kenji , Agatsuma Toshihiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Koizumi Tomonobu , Kubo Keishi
Published: July 2010

In 2009, a 35‐year‐old female with Down syndrome was admitted to our hospital because of severe pneumonia caused by an infection with the novel swine‐origin influenza (A/H1N1pdm) virus (S‐OIV). A chest X‐ray on admission revealed bilateral infiltration shadows. Although mechanical ventilation was administered because of the development of ARDS, the hypoxemia continued to progressed. We observed evidence of alveolar hemorrhage on evaluation of the patient using bronchofiberscopy. The bacterial examination was negative. Despite intensive care, including respiratory management with high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), the patient's hypoxemia and hypotension progressed. We concluded that a cytokine storm due to the influenza infection with SIRS caused shock status, resulting in septic shock. We subsequently treated the patient with direct hemoperfusion with polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber (PMX‐DHP). The hypoxemia improved immediately. She was free from mechanical ventilation and discharged from the hospital by the 17th day of her hospitalization. PMX‐DHP seems to improve hypoxemia in patients with severe ARDS who cannot maintain sufficient respiratory control under mechanical ventilation. This case is the first report about severe and life‐threatening ARDS due to the novel influenza, in which PMX‐DHP showed beneficial effects. J. Clin. Apheresis 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stem cell mechanobiology
Authors: Lee David A. , Knight Martin M. , Campbell Jonathan J. , Bader Dan L.
Published: July 2010

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are capable of proliferation, self‐maintenance and differentiation towards specific cell phenotypes. These processes are controlled by a variety of cues including physicochemical factors associated with the specific mechanical environment in which the cells reside. The control of stem cell biology through mechanical factors remains poorly understood and is the focus of the developing field of mechanobiology. This review provides an insight into the current knowledge of the role of mechanical forces in the induction of differentiation of stem cells. While the details associated with individual studies are complex and typically associated with the stem cell type studied and model system adopted, certain key themes emerge. First, the differentiation process affects the mechanical properties of the cells and of specific subcellular components. Secondly, that stem cells are able to detect and respond to alterations in the stiffness of their surrounding microenvironment via induction of lineage‐specific differentiation. Finally, the application of external mechanical forces to stem cells, transduced through a variety of mechanisms, can initiate and drive differentiation processes. The coalescence of these three key concepts permit the introduction of a new theory for the maintenance of stem cells and alternatively their differentiation via the concept of a stem cell ‘mechano‐niche’, defined as a specific combination of cell mechanical properties, extracellular matrix stiffness and external mechanical cues conducive to the maintenance of the stem cell population. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 1–9, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell‐specific differences in the processing of the R14W CAIV mutant associated with retinitis pigmentosa 17
Authors: Pandor Aisha , Ramesar Rajkumar , Prince Sharon
Published: July 2010

Retinitis pigmentosa is a highly heterogeneous form of inherited blindness which affects more than 1.3 million individuals worldwide. The RP17 form of the disease is caused by an arginine to tryptophan (R14W) mutation in the signal sequence of carbonic anhydrase IV (CAIV). While CAIV is expressed in the choriocapillaries of the eye and renal epithelium, the R14W mutation results in an exclusively ocular phenotype in affected individuals. In order to investigate the mechanism of disease in RP17 and the lack of kidney phenotype, we compared the subcellular localization and post‐translational processing of wild‐type (WT)‐ and mutant‐CAIV in three cell types. We show using immunocytochemistry that unlike WT CAIV which is transported to the plasma membrane of transfected COS‐7 and HT‐1080 cells, the R14W mutant CAIV is retained in the endoplasmic reticulum. Western blot analyses further reveal that whereas the WT CAIV is processed to its mature form in both these cell lines, significant levels of the R14W mutant protein remain in its immature form. Importantly, flow cytometry experiments demonstrate that compared to WT CAIV protein, expression of specifically the R14W CAIV results in an S and G2/M cell‐cycle block, followed by apoptosis. Interestingly, when the above experiments were repeated in the human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK‐293, strikingly different results were obtained. These cells were unaffected by the expression of the R14W mutant CAIV and were able to process the mutant and WT protein equally effectively. This study has important implications for our understanding of the RP17 phenotype. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 735–741, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of a serum‐free system to expand dental‐derived stem cells: PDLSCs and SHEDs
Authors: Tarle S.A. , Shi S. , Kaigler D.
Published: July 2010

Recently, extracted teeth have been identified as a viable source of stem cells for tissue regenerative approaches. Current expansion of these cells requires incorporation of animal sera; yet, a fundamental issue underlying cell cultivation methods for cell therapy regards concerns in using animal sera. In this study, we investigated the development of a chemically defined, serum‐free media (K‐M) for the expansion of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and human stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). Proliferation assays were performed comparing cells in serum‐containing media (FBS‐M) with cells cultured in four different serum‐free medium and these demonstrated that in these medium, the cell proliferation of both cell types was significantly less than the proliferation of cells in FBS‐M. Additional proliferation assays were performed using pre‐coated fibronectin (FN) tissue culture plates and of the four serum‐free medium, only K‐M enabled PDLSCs and SHEDs to proliferate at higher rates than cells cultured in FBS‐M. Next, alkaline phosphatase activity showed that PDLSCs and SHEDs exhibited similar osteogenic potential whether cultured in K‐M or FBS‐M, and, additionally, cells retained their multipotency in K‐M as seen by expression of chondrogenic and adipogenic genes, and positive Von Kossa, Alcian blue, and Oil Red O staining. Finally, differential expression of 84 stem cell associated genes revealed that for most genes, PDLSCs and SHEDs did not differ in their expression regardless of whether cultured in K‐M or FBS‐M. Taken together, the data suggest that K‐M can support the expansion of PDLSCs and SHEDs and maintenance of their multipotency. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 66–73, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.