bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring control objectives in a virtual balancing task in humans and monkeys
Authors: Sadeghi Mohsen , Razavian Reza Sharif , Bazzi Salah , Chowdhury Raeed , Batista Aaron , Loughlin Patrick , Sternad Dagmar
Published: March 2024

Natural behaviors have redundancy, which implies that humans and animals can achieve their goals with different control objectives. Given only observations of behavior, is it possible to infer the control strategy that the subject is employing? This challenge is particularly acute in animal behavior because we cannot ask or instruct the subject to use a particular control strategy. This study presents a three-pronged approach to infer an animal’s control strategy from behavior. First, both humans and monkeys performed a virtual balancing task for which different control objectives could be utilized. Under matched experimental conditions, corresponding behaviors were observed in humans and monkeys. Second, a generative model was developed that represented two main control strategies to achieve the task goal. Model simulations were used to identify aspects of behavior that could distinguish which control objective was being used. Third, these behavioral signatures allowed us to infer the control objective used by human subjects who had been instructed to use one control objective or the other. Based on this validation, we could then infer strategies from animal subjects. Being able to positively identify a subject’s control objective from behavior can provide a powerful tool to neurophysiologists as they seek the neural mechanisms of sensorimotor coordination.A computational approach identifies control objectives in humans and monkeys to serve as basis for analysis of neural correlates of skillful manipulation.
Maintenance of cell wall remodeling and vesicle production are connected in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Salgueiro-Toledo Vivian C , Bertol Jorge , Gutierrez Claude , Serrano-Mestre Jose L , Ferrer-Luzon Noelia , Vázquez-Iniesta Lucia , Palacios Ainhoa , Pasquina-Lemonche Laia , Espaillat Akbar , Lerma Laura , Weinrick Brian , Lavin Jose L , Elortza Felix , Azkargorta Mikel , Prieto Alicia , Buendía-Nacarino Pilar , Luque-García Jose L , Neyrolles Olivier , Cava Felipe , Hobbs Jamie K , Sanz Joaquín , Prados-Rosales Rafael
Published: March 2024

Pathogenic and nonpathogenic mycobacteria secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) under various conditions. EVs produced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) have raised significant interest for their potential in cell communication, nutrient acquisition, and immune evasion. However, the relevance of vesicle secretion during tuberculosis infection remains unknown due to the limited understanding of mycobacterial vesicle biogenesis. We have previously shown that a transposon mutant in the LCP-related gene virR (virRmut) manifested a strong attenuated phenotype during experimental macrophage and murine infections, concomitant to enhanced vesicle release. In this study, we aimed to understand the role of VirR in the vesicle production process in Mtb. We employ genetic, transcriptional, proteomics, ultrastructural, and biochemical methods to investigate the underlying processes explaining the enhanced vesiculogenesis phenomenon observed in the virRmut. Our results establish that VirR is critical to sustain proper cell permeability via regulation of cell envelope remodeling possibly through the interaction with similar cell envelope proteins, which control the link between peptidoglycan and arabinogalactan. These findings advance our understanding of mycobacterial extracellular vesicle biogenesis and suggest that these set of proteins could be attractive targets for therapeutic intervention.
Autistic and abroad
Authors: Schulz Andrew K
Published: March 2024

An AuDHD researcher recounts the highs and lows of relocating from the United States to Germany for his postdoc.
Optimal airfoil selection for small horizontal axis wind turbine blades: A multi-criteria approach
Authors: Batu Temesgen , Lemu Hirpa G. , Negash Besufekad , Beyene Eaba , Tirfe Dagim , Hailemichael Eyob , Alemneh Solomon
Published: March 2024

Over the last century, the growing demand for clean energy has emphasized wind energy as a promising solu-tion to address contemporary energy challenges. Within the realm of wind energy, the wind turbine plays a pivotal role in harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind and converting it into electrical power. Among the various components of the wind turbine system, turbine blades assume a critical role in capturing the wind's kinetic energy and converting it into rotational motion. Consequently, the design of wind turbine blades holds the utmost importance in determining the overall performance and efficiency of the entire wind turbine system. One essential aspect of blade design involves selecting an appropriate airfoil. Throughout history, numerous airfoil profiles have been developed for various applications. Notably, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) and National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) airfoils have been tailored for aircraft and large-scale wind turbine blades, respectively. However, the quest for suitable airfoil types for small-scale wind turbine blades has been ongoing. This study delves into an examination of over 62 distinct NACA and NREL aerofoil types tailored for small horizontal-axis wind turbine blades. Employing specialized software, namely QBlade, specifically designed for modeling and simulating wind turbine blades, the study calculates key parameters such as power output, stress, deformation, and weight for each airfoil. Subsequently, based on the simulated data, the optimal airfoil is identified using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) multi-criteria selection approach. This selection process takes into account simulation results pertaining to power output, stress, deformation, and weight. The decision-making process involving multiple criteria is facilitated using Excel and Python. The findings of this study reveal that among the 62 airfoil types under consideration, the NACA 0024, NACA 2424, and NACA 4424 airfoils emerge as the most suitable choices for small horizontal-axis wind turbine blades.
Socio-economic Status as Correlate of Health Status of Undergraduates in Public Universities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Peter-Kio, O. B.  , Diri, M.
Published: March 2024

This study examined socio-economic status as correlate of health status of undergraduate students in public universities, Rivers State. A descriptive research design was adopted with a population which consisted of 64,691 undergraduates in public universities, Rivers State, Nigeria. A sample size of 1,194 was selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. The data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.82. Data analysis was carried out using regression statistics at 0.05 alpha level. The result indicated that a significant positive relationship was found between parent financial status (monthly income) and mental health status (r = 0.13, R2 = 0.019, p<0.05), physical (r = 0.82, R2 = 0.750, p<0.05) and social health status (r = 0.86, R2 = 0.75, p<0.05). Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was found between parent employment status and mental health status (r = 0.94, R2 = 0.883, p<0.05), physical health status (r = 0.93, R2 = 0.866, p<0.05) and social health status (r = 0.91, R2 = 0.825, p<0.05). It was concluded that socio-economic status of parents such as monthly income, and employment status of parents contributed less than 50% to health status of undergraduates in public universities in Rivers State. It was recommended that, the government should establish poverty alleviation programmes for parents/guardians whose children/wards are in university to help any financial stress which may contribute or influence the health status of the students.
Variation in Crude Protein Content among Recombinant Inbred Lines of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Lakshmeesha R  , Mahesh, H.B.  , Pattanashetti Basavaraj M , Harinikumar K.M. , Anil Veena S
Published: March 2024

Rice, Oryza sativa L., is the world's most important staple crop, feeding more than half of the world's population, protein plays important role in human nutrition. Protein is the second most abundant storage matter in rice grain. Protein, crucial for growth, antibody production, and immunity, ranks as the second most abundant storage component in rice grains. Various factors, including grain protein content, amino acid composition, and fat content, influence the nutritional quality of rice, with grain protein content being particularly significant. This study conducted screening and evaluation of crude protein content across 200 recombinant inbred lines of rice, derived from an inter-specific cross between BPT5204 and HPR14 parents. Results indicated a range of total crude protein content from 14.99 (mg/g) to 28.11 (mg/g) among samples. Grouping analysis based on available crude protein content categorized the lines into three major groups: approximately 3% (7 lines) exhibited significantly higher protein content (>25mg/g), 59% (119 lines) displayed moderate content (20 mg/g to 25 mg/g), and 38% (76 lines) showed low protein content (<20 mg/g). The identification of high protein content genotypes in this study holds potential for mapping key genomic regions associated with protein content in rice.
Effect of different Potting Mixtures on Acclimatization of In vitro Developed Plants on Survival Percentage under Glass House Condition
Authors: Choudhary Ramawatar , Gurjar P. K. S. , Tripathia Manoj Kumar , Kantwa Ramesh Chand , Astha  , Sharma Anu , Khandoliya Sunil , Ram Ganesh
Published: March 2024

The experiment was conducted during the years 2020-22, all of the experiments for the current research were carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (M. P.). Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa plantlets were placed in polythene bags containing various potting mixtures, such as soil, FYM, and Vermicompost, alone and in various combinations. The hardened plantlets were then exposed to direct sunshine to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. The percentage of tissue culture plantlets that survived was calculated. Experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications of each treatment and each replication contain three explants. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test whereas the survival percentages were analysed by arc-sine transformation. On the basis of present study it is concluded that cocopeat soil combination had the highest survival rate (95.00%), followed by cocopeat (85%). In the case of pomegranate, sand, perlite, vermiculite, vermiculite soil and perlite sand alone were not shown to be effective hardening materials because all of the plants withered within a week. After two months of hardening under polyhouse circumstances, cocopeat soil showed the greatest growth with a notable increase in plant height (37.23 cm), followed by cocopeat (33.03 cm). Therefore, we may conclude that cocopeat is the ideal material for pomegranate plants that have been produced in vitro.
Efficacy of Hydrogels under Sensor Based Irrigation on Biochemical Contents of Tree Mulberry Leaves
Authors: Mala P. Harshita , Banuprakash K. G. , Vinoda K. S. , Sadatulla Fatima , Kadalli G. G. , Hanumanthappa D. C.
Published: March 2024

The efficacy of hydrogels under sensor-based irrigation on biochemical contents of tree mulberry leaves was studied during 2022-23 and the experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with nine treatment combinations and three replications. The hydrogels were applied during beginning of first crop and the observations were recorded at 45th Day After Pruning (DAP), the pooled data of five crops were analyzed. Main plot include two different types of hydrogels viz., Pusa hydrogel (T1- Pusa hydrogel @ 1 kg/ac, T2- Pusa hydrogel @ 2 kg/ac, T3- Pusa hydrogel @ 3 kg/ac and T4- Pusa hydrogel @ 4 kg/ac) and Zeba hydrogel (T5- Zeba hydrogel @ 3 kg/ac, T6- Zeba hydrogel @ 4 kg/ac, T7- Zeba hydrogel @ 5 kg/ac, and T8- Zeba hydrogel @ 6 kg/ac) and T9-control without hydrogel. The biochemical composition of leaf viz., total chlorophyll (2.59 mgg-1), protein (20.32%), carbohydrates (20.29%), crude fibre (12.13%), fat (1.12%) and ash contents (9.54%) were found highest in the treatment which received Zeba hydrogel @ 6 kg/ac.
Post-harvest Biotechnology or Genetic Engineering Solutions: Extending Shelf Life and Reducing Food Waste
Authors: Ninama Nilesh , Gangal Lakshmi , Khayum Arshad , Harshitha S B  , Divya C  , Sowmya H M  , Singh Abhishek , Anushi
Published: March 2024

Post-harvest losses and food waste have become critical challenges in the global food supply chain, contributing to economic losses, environmental degradation, and food insecurity. This article explores the innovative applications of post-harvest biotechnology and genetic engineering as promising solutions to address these issues by extending the shelf life of perishable products and minimizing food waste. Advancements in genetic engineering techniques have paved the way for the development of crops with enhanced resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. Additionally, the manipulation of genes associated with ripening and senescence has allowed scientists to engineer fruits and vegetables with extended shelf life. These genetically modified organisms (GMOs) exhibit improved post-harvest characteristics, providing a longer window for transportation, storage, and consumption. Biotechnological interventions also include the use of biocontrol agents and beneficial microorganisms to suppress post-harvest pathogens, thereby reducing spoilage and decay. The development of bio-preservatives, such as antimicrobial peptides and natural compounds, offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical preservatives, contributing to both food safety and sustainability. Furthermore, the integration of smart packaging technologies with genetic modifications enhances the monitoring and control of environmental conditions during storage and transportation. Intelligent packaging materials equipped with sensors can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and gas composition, enabling real-time adjustments to prolong the freshness of perishable goods.
Intellectual Property Rights and Economical Development: A Brief Overview
Authors: Kumar Nishant , Gour Reetu , Sharma Navneet
Published: March 2024

A "strong" IPRs regime, in the sense of providing robust protection of private intellectual property rights, was not a necessary prerequisite for their economic growth, according to the historical experiences of the now-developed nations while they were growing themselves, which we reviewed. Most of them did not provide PIPRs with any real protection until quite late in their development related to life science and especially biotechnology. Even the most developed nations, like the UK and the US, didn't create robust PIPRs regimes until the middle of the 19th century (with the exception of copyright protection in the US's instance), while the less developed nations didn't establish such regimes until much later. The legal framework governing the ownership and protection of intangible works of human intelligence, such as inventions, literary and creative creations, designs, symbols, names, and pictures used in commerce, is known as the Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) regime. This system consists of international agreements, rules, and laws that provide owners or inventors of intellectual property the exclusive right to profit from their creations or investments in them.  For the purposes of this paper, it is more important to note that all of these nations were quite willing to v30isolate the intellectual property rights (IPRs) of other nations, even when they had put in place laws protecting the IPRs. Examples include hiring illegal foreign labor, smuggling machinery, industrial espionage, violating trademark laws, allowing the patenting of imported inventions, and outright refusing to adopt the patent system (in the case of the Netherlands and Switzerland) related to life science and especially biotechnology. Some nations approached this issue in ways that can only be described. The best examples include the routine infringement of British trademarks by German producers in the late 19th century, when the nation was pressuring Switzerland to enact a patent law, and the US pressing other nations for the "improvement" of their patent laws in the lead-up to the adoption of the Paris Convention while flatly refusing to protect foreign copyrights related to life science and especially biotechnology. We talked about the issues with the dominant IPR regime that is now in place, which is centered on the patent system, and the TRIPS agreement that represents its apex. Contrary to popular belief, a "good" IPRs regime need not provide the strongest protection for private IPRs. Next, we looked at whether developing nations would likely gain from a stronger PIPRs system, particularly the one required under the TRIPS. Given that most developing nations do minimal R&D and that much of the new information they produce is not patentable, the "domestic" advantages of a stronger IPRs system—that is, an increase in knowledge production by the citizens—are probably relatively minor related to life science.
An Assessment of Dining Room Design Aspects in Housing for Elderly People
Authors: Fareq R. Unesha , Neeraja T. , Prasuna V.
Published: March 2024

Dining room in houses should be designed ergonomically in a way that are easy to handle and operateand should be provided with age-friendly furniture to avoid any injuries.The study aimed to understand the dining room design features in elderly people housing. Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh is selected as study location. A sample of 60 elderly women was selected purposively. The existing dining room of elderly houses were physically observed and evaluated as per the standard recommended design guidelines. The study revealed that majority (93%) of the dining rooms had both direct and indirect accessibility to various rooms as per the guidelines. It was observed that maximum houses where elderly are residing had ceiling of dining area at a height above the recommended guidelines.Provision of circulation Space in dining area was felt neutral by more than half respondents. Most of the elderly preferred dining area in every house with recommended features.There is an association between the existing dining room design and the needs of the respondents to age in place with reference to dining room design.
Code-mixing Used By Putri Tanjung To People Who Had Different Statuses In Ngrobrol Sore Semaunya Podcast
Authors: Ciputra Katsujai Jathniel , Tedjaatmadja Herwindy Maria
Published: March 2024

This study was conducted to investigate the code-mixing types used by Putri Tanjung when she was talking to Hedi Rusdian, a non-government official who had the same status as her, and when she was talking to Erick Thohir, a government official who had a higher status than her with its differences and similarities. In this study, the theory of code-mixing types by Muysken (2000) and the status scale theory by Holmes (2013) were used. A qualitative approach was employed in this study. The findings revealed that Putri Tanjung chose a different type of code-mixing when talking to people with different statuses. This can probably happen due to the status of the interlocutors, the situation of the podcast, or the absence of appropriate terms. More studies involving podcasts are recommended. Other social factors or dimensions on code-mixing can also be included in further studies.
Occupation and breast cancer risk in Polish women: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Peplonska Beata , Stewart Patricia , Szeszenia‐Dabrowska Neonila , Rusiecki Jennifer , Garcia‐Closas Montserrat , Lissowska Jolanta , Bardin‐Mikolajczak Alicja , Zatonski Witold , Gromiec Jan , Brzeznicki Slawomir , Brinton Louise A. , Blair Aaron
Published: January 2007

Background

The etiology of breast cancer is not well understood and the role of occupational exposures in breast carcinogenesis is still uncertain.

Methods

The population‐based case‐control study included 2,386 incident breast cancer cases diagnosed in 2000–2003, and 2,502 controls. Lifetime occupational histories and information on other potential breast cancer risk factors were obtained through personal interviews. Conditional logistic regression analyses calculated odds ratios (ORs) associated with various occupations and industries after control for potential confounders.

Results

We found statistically significant excesses of breast cancer among engineers (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.0–3.8), economists (2.1; 1.1–3.8), sales occupations‐retail (1.2; 1.0–1.5), and other sales occupations (1.2; 1.0–1.5). Industries showing significantly elevated risks included special trade contractors (2.2; 1.2–4.3), electronic and electric equipment manufacturers (1.7; 1.1–2.7); and public administration/general government n.e.c. (2.7; 1.3–5.7). Each of these findings was supported by a statistically significant positive trend for duration of employment (P<0.05). A decreased breast cancer risk was observed in janitors and cleaners (0.7; 0.5–0.8).

Conclusions

In this study, we found few associations for breast cancer and occupations or industries. The suggestive findings for the electronic and electric equipment manufacturing industry and for the occupations with potential exposure to magnetic fields deserve further evaluation. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:97–111, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of physical and chemical properties of swimming pool water and its close environment on the development of contact dermatitis in hydrotherapists
Authors: Pardo A. , Nevo K. , Vigiser D. , Lazarov A.
Published: January 2007

Background

The association between physical and chemical parameters in swimming pool water and the incidence of contact dermatitis (CD) in hydrotherapists was studied.

Methods

Chemical and physical parameters characterizing the water and air environment of swimming pools conducting hydrotherapy program were recorded. Differences between the values of these parameters associated with affected and non‐affected hydrotherapists employed in 39 pools were tested statistically.

Results

No significant difference was found between the means of each of the physical and chemical parameters associated with the affected and the non‐affected group of hydrotherapists. The prevalence ratio of the incidence of CD in pools chlorinated by gaseous chlorine was significantly higher than that in pools disinfected by other forms of chlorine compounds (PR = 1.49, CI = 1.17–1.89, P = 0.017).

Conclusions

Dosing the water with larger amounts of gaseous chlorine compared to other disinfectants and a subsequent temporary decrease in the pH of the water may produce a more aggressive environment. It is suggested that combined effect of the various factors concomitantly with the irritating effect of prolonged exposure to water may trigger CD in pools treated with other chlorine‐based compounds. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:122–126, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of atractylenolide II in rat plasma by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Ge Jian , Wang You‐wei , Lu Xiao‐cong , Sun Xiao‐hong , Gong Fu‐jun
Published: January 2007

A method for quantitative determination of atractylenolide II in rat plasma using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) coupled with UV spectrometry was established. From a variety of compounds and solvents tested, atractylenolide III was selected as the internal standard (IS) and ethyl acetate was found to be the best solvent for extracting atractylenolide II from plasma samples. RP‐HPLC analysis of the extracts was performed on an analytical column (DIKMA ODS, 150 × 4.6 mm; i.d., 5 µm) equipped with a security guard pre‐column system. There was good linearity over the range 0.05–5.0 µg/mL (r > 0.99). The recoveries were more than 90.0% in plasma, and the intra‐ and inter‐day coefficients of variation were less than 10.0% in all cases. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.025 µg/mL and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.05 µg/mL. The RP‐HPLC method was applied to quantitate atractylenolide II in rat plasma within 24 h in a pharmacokinetics study where experimental rats received a single dose of atractylenolide II (60 mg/kg). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical method for determination of disaccharides derived from keratan sulfates in human serum and plasma by high‐performance liquid chromatography/turbo‐ionspray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Oguma Toshihiro , Tomatsu Shunji , Okazaki Osamu
Published: January 2007

We established a highly sensitive LC/MS/MS method for the analysis of the disaccharides produced from keratan sulfates (KS). It was revealed that the disaccharides produced by keratanase II enzymatic digestion of KS could be determined with high sensitivity by negative ion mode of multiple reaction monitoring. Furthermore, monosulfated and disulfated disaccharides can be separated using a Hypercarb (2.0 mm i.d. × 150 mm, 5 µm) with a gradient elution of acetonitrile–0.01 m ammonium bicarbonate (pH 10). This method was applied to the determination of KS in serum and plasma of control subjects. The intra‐day precision expressed as %CV was within 6.8% for five replicate analyses with three different control serum. The inter‐day (overall, n = 15) precision was within 7.3% for three days. This method is sensitive, reproducible and would be useful for clinical analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relating psychiatric disorders, offender and offence characteristics in a sample of adolescent sex offenders and non‐sex offenders
Authors: Van Wijk A.Ph. , Blokland A.A.J. , Duits N. , Vermeiren R. , Harkink J.
Published: January 2007

Introduction Several studies have paid attention to the relationship between psychiatric disorders and adolescent offending but few have distinguished different types of offenders, especially within the category of youngsters who have committed sex offences.

Aim To test for relationships between psychiatric disorder and specific offence category among young male offenders.

Method Nationwide data were extracted from Dutch Forensic Psychiatric Services (FPD) files for five groups of offenders, as defined by their index offence: 308 violent sex offenders; 134 non‐violent sex‐offenders; 270 sex offenders against children; 3148 violent offenders and 1620 offenders charged with any crime other than interpersonal body contact crimes. They were compared on individual characteristics and psychiatric diagnoses according to DSM‐IV criteria. Having a diagnosis of a paraphilia alone was exclusively associated with sex offending, therefore all such youths were excluded from further analyses. The OVERALS technique was used to explore possible relationships between offence, psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic and individual characteristics among the remaining young men for whom all pertinent data were available (n = 1894).

Results Sex offenders constituted a distinct group of juvenile delinquents. Developmental disorders were more common among non‐violent sex offenders and child molesters. Violent offences were more typical of delinquents from immigrant backgrounds.

Conclusion Group differences in types of psychiatric diagnoses may reflect differences in aetiological factors for the various types of sexual and other delinquent behaviour, and this would be worthy of further study. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adapted version of the Rosenzweig Picture‐Frustration Study (PFS‐AV) for the measurement of hostility in violent forensic psychiatric patients
Authors: Hornsveld Ruud H.J. , Nijman Henk L.I. , Hollin Clive R. , Kraaimaat Floor W.
Published: January 2007

Background The original Rosenzweig Picture‐Frustration Study (PFS), designed to measure reactive aggressive behaviour in adults, contains 24 pictures of ambiguous situations in which someone is making a remark that can be interpreted as provocative.

Aim An adapted version of Rosenzweig's PFS (PFS‐AV) was developed to assess the hostile thoughts elicited by interpersonal frustrating situations in forensic psychiatric patients with a conduct disorder or an antisocial personality disorder.

Methods Patients were asked to give their responses in a few words on paper, which were then evaluated for hostility using a seven‐point Likert scale. The patients also completed questionnaires on personality and on aggressive and socially competent behaviour.

Results Twelve of the 24 pictures that had a good internal consistency, inter‐rater reliability, and test–retest reliability were selected. In support of the instrument's concurrent validity, scores on the PFS‐AV were positively correlated with those on the aggressive behaviour questionnaires but less strongly than the correlations between the aggressive behaviour questionnaires mutually. The validity of the PFS‐AV was demonstrated by the positive correlation between PFS‐AV hostility and neuroticism, and by the negative correlation with extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness. A relatively low but positive correlation was found with social anxiety and a negative correlation was found with social skills in situations where approaching behaviour may be exhibited.

Conclusion The adapted version of the PFS‐AV appears reliably and validly to measure hostility in violent forensic psychiatric patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the left circumflex coronary artery: A fatal complication following drug‐eluting stent implantation
Authors: Le Mimi Q. , Narins Craig R.
Published: January 2007

Coronary artery stent infection is a rare complication of percutaneous intervention. We report a case of fulminant coronary stent infection with Staphylococcus aureus presenting as a pseudoaneurysm of the left circumflex artery following repeated implantation of drug‐eluting stents in the setting of multiple episodes of recurrent in‐stent restenosis. We speculate that sirolimus‐ and paclitaxel‐eluting stents may be more likely to predispose to infection than bare metal stents because of their immunomodulating and antiproliferative effects. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Properties of Two Modifications of MgB12C2
Authors: Adasch Volker , Hess Kai‐Uwe , Ludwig Thilo , Vojteer Natascha , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: January 2007

Single crystals of two modifications of the new magnesium boride carbide MgB12C2 were synthesized from the elements in a metallic melt by using tantalum ampoules. Crystals were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis (energy‐dispersive (EDX) and wavelength‐dispersive (WDX) X‐ray spectroscopy). Orthorhombic MgB12C2 is formed in a Cu/Mg melt at 1873 K. The crystal structure of o‐MgB12C2 (Imma, Z=4, a=5.6133(10), b=9.828(2), c=7.9329(15) Å, 574 reflections, 42 variables, R1(F)=0.0208, wR2(I)=0.0540) consists of a hexagonal primitive array of B12 icosahedra with Mg atoms and C2 units in trigonal‐prismatic voids. Each icosahedron has six exohedral BB and six BC bonds. Carbon is tetrahedrally coordinated by three boron atoms and one carbon atom with a remarkably long CC distance of 1.727 Å. Monoclinic MgB12C2 is formed in an Al/Mg melt at 1573 K. The structure of m‐MgB12C2 (C2/c, Z=4, a=7.2736(11), b=8.7768(13), c=7.2817(11) Å, β=105.33(3)°, 1585 reflections, 71 variables, R1(F)=0.0228, wR2(I)=0.0610) may be described as a distorted cubic close arrangement of B12 icosahedra. Tetrahedral voids are filled by C atoms and octahedral voids are occupied by Mg atoms. The icosahedra are interconnected by four exohedral BB bonds to linear chains and by eight interstitial C atoms to form a three‐dimensional covalent network. Both compounds fulfill the electron‐counting rules of Wade and Longuet‐Higgins.
The effect of combined simulated microgravity and microgrooved surface topography on fibroblasts
Authors: Loesberg W. A. , Walboomers X. F. , Bronkhorst E. M. , van Loon J. J. W. A. , Jansen J. A.
Published: January 2007

This study evaluated in vitro the differences in morphological behaviour between fibroblast cultured on smooth and microgrooved substrata (groove depth: 0.5 μm, width: 1, 2, 5, and 10 μm), which were subjected to simulated microgravity. The aim of the study was to clarify which of these parameters was more dominant to determine cell behaviour. Morphological characteristics were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy in order to obtain qualitative information on cell alignment and area. Confocal laser scanning microscopy visualised distribution of actin filaments and focal adhesion points. Finally, expression of collagen type I, fibronectin, and α1‐ and β1‐integrin were investigated by PCR. Microscopy and image analysis showed that the fibroblasts aligned along the groove direction on all textured surfaces. On the smooth substrata, cells had spread out in a random fashion. The alignment of cells cultured on grooved surfaces decreased under simulated microgravity, especially after 24 h of culturing. Cell surface area on grooved substrata were significantly smaller than on smooth substrata, but simulated microgravity on the grooved groups resulted in an enlargement of cell area. ANOVA was performed on all main parameters: topography, gravity force, and time. In this analysis, all parameters proved significant. In addition, gene levels were reduced by microgravity particularly those of β1‐integrin and fibronectin. From our data it is concluded that the fibroblasts primarily adjust their shape according to morphological environmental cues like substratum surface whilst a secondary, but significant, role is played by microgravity conditions. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Numerical investigation of the reliability of a posteriori error estimation for advection–diffusion equations
Authors: ElSheikh A. H. , Smith S. , Chidiac S. E.
Published: January 2007

A numerical investigation of the reliability of a posteriori error estimation for advection–diffusion equations is presented. The estimator used is based on the solution of local problems subjected to Neumann boundary conditions. The estimated errors are calculated in a weighted energy norm, a stability norm and an approximate fractional order norm in order to study the effect of the error norm on both the effectivity index of the estimated errors and the mesh adaptivity process. The reported numerical results are in general better than what is available in the literature. The results reveal that the reliability of the estimated errors depends on the relation between the mesh size and the size of local features in the solution. The stability norm is found to have some advantages over the weighted energy norm in terms of producing effectivity indices closer to the optimal unit value, especially for problems with internal sharp layers. Meshes adapted by the element residual method measured in the stability norm conform to the sharp layers and are shown to be less dependent on the wind direction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The coding region of TP53INP2, a gene expressed in the developing nervous system, is not altered in a family with autosomal recessive non‐progressive infantile ataxia on chromosome 20q11‐q13
Authors: Bennetts Jennifer S. , Rendtorff Nanna D. , Simpson Fiona , Tranebjaerg Lisbeth , Wicking Carol
Published: January 2007

The locus for autosomal recessive infantile cerebellar ataxia (CLA3 or SCAR6) has been mapped to chromosome 20q11‐q13 in a single Norwegian pedigree. We identified a relatively uncharacterised mouse gene Tp53inp2, and showed that its human orthologue mapped within this candidate interval. Tp53inp2 appears to encode a mammalian‐specific protein with homology to the two Tp53inp1 isoforms that respond to cellular stress and interact with p53. We show that Tp53inp2 expression is highly restricted during mouse embryogenesis, with strong expression in the developing brain and spinal cord, as well as in the sensory and motor neuron tracts of the peripheral nervous system. Given this expression pattern, the neurological phenotype of CLA3 and the chromosomal localisation of TP53INP2, we searched the coding region for mutations in samples from individuals from the CLA3 pedigree. Our failure to detect causative mutations suggests that alterations in the coding region of TP53INP2 are not responsible for ataxia in this family, although we cannot rule out changes in non‐coding elements of this gene. Developmental Dynamics 236:843–852, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Electrochemical Behaviour of Organonickel Complexes: Mono‐, Di‐ and Trivalent Nickel
Authors: Klein Axel , Kaiser André , Sarkar Biprajit , Wanner Matthias , Fiedler Jan
Published: January 2007

The redox properties of organometallic nickel complexes of the type [(α‐diimine)Ni(Mes)Br], [(α‐diimine)Ni(Mes)2] and the complexes trans‐[(PPh3)2Ni(Mes)Br] and trans‐[(PPh3)2Ni(Fmes)Br] [Mes = mesityl (2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl); Fmes = tris(2,4,6‐trifluoromethyl)phenyl] have been studied in detail by various electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical (UV/Vis/NIR and EPR) methods. Upon electrochemical reduction, the bromido mesityl derivatives undergo cleavage of the bromide ligand. The resulting reactive species and their products from follow‐up reactions are investigated. Electrochemical oxidation leads to formally trivalent nickel species. The metal contribution to the unpaired electron for the formally monovalent and trivalent nickel species can be estimated from EPR spectroscopy. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Methanolysis of triacylglycerols by organic basic catalysts
Authors: Peter Siegfried , Weidner Eckhard
Published: January 2007

Methanolysis of rapeseed and soybean oil was studied using organic basic catalysts at boiling with reflux. The molar ratio methanol/free fatty acids (FFA) amounted to approx 2.8 : 1. The catalyst (guanidine carbonate) is used at concentrations between 0.5 and 1.3 wt‐% with respect to the oil. During boiling at reflux, guanidine carbonate disintegrates into guanidine and gaseous carbon dioxide. This is a very special reaction; other alcohols such as ethanol, propanol, etc. do not react in this way with guanidine carbonate. Under these conditions, the reaction mixture consists of two phases. The catalyst is mainly dissolved in the methanol phase. The rate of the phase transfer reaction is increased by stirring. With guanidine carbonate as a catalyst, neutralized rapeseed oil yielded, within 45 min and in one step, a product that meets the European Norm for biodiesel. Degummed and dried crude rapeseed oil contains ca. 1 wt‐% FFA, whereas crude degummed and dried soybean oil contains 0.3–0.7 wt‐% FFA. During catalysis with guanidine carbonate, the FFA are transformed into their methyl esters to about 60–70% at low concentrations in the crude oil (approximately up to 1–1.5%). Neutralization of the degummed and dried crude oil proved to be unnecessary in such cases.
Comparison of near‐infrared emission spectroscopy and the Rancimat method for the determination of oxidative stability
Authors: Gonzaga Fabiano B. , Pasquini Celio , Rodrigues Christianne E. C. , Meirelles Antônio J. A.
Published: January 2007

This work presents a comparison between a new method for the determination of the oxidative stability of edible oils at frying temperatures, based on near‐infrared emission spectroscopy (NIRES), and the Rancimat method at 110  °C. In the NIRES‐based method, the induction time (IT) is determined by means of the variation of the emission band at 2900 nm during heating at 160  °C. The comparison between the IT values obtained with the two methods for 12 samples of edible oils shows some correlation for samples of the same type once there is an agreement on the sequence of highest to lowest IT values between the methods, but a poor correlation considering all samples (correlation coefficient of 0.78). This lack of correlation demonstrates that the results obtained with the Rancimat method cannot be used as an indication of the oxidative stability, or the resistance to degradation, of edible oils at frying temperatures. The difference in the heating temperatures used in the two methods leads to 20–36 times higher IT values for the Rancimat method in relation to the NIRES‐based method, but with similar repeatabilities (2.0 and 2.8%, respectively).
Synthesis of Substrates and Biochemical Probes for Study of the Peptidoglycan Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Narayan Radha S. , VanNieuwenhze Michael S.
Published: January 2007

Several widely used antibiotics such as β‐lactams, glycopeptides, and lipoglycopeptides exhibit their activity by interfering with peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Ever‐increasingresistance to these and other agents has placed a renewed emphasis on the need to understand the reactions in this biosynthetic pathway at the molecular level. While efficientaccess to many of the biosynthetic enzymes has been gained, the isolation of their natural substrates has proven difficult. Chemical synthesis has provided valuable tools to circumvent this problem and has allowed convenient access to several key intermediates and analogs thereof. Recent advances in the synthesis of the late‐stage intermediates, including the Park nucleotide, lipid I, lipid II, fragments of the bacterial cell wall, along with other biochemical probes are reviewed. A brief discussion on the use of these substrates in study of this important biosynthetic pathway is also included. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Instrumental activities of daily living in the screening of dementia in population studies: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Castilla‐Rilo Juan , López‐Arrieta Jesús , Bermejo‐Pareja Felix , Ruiz Miguel , Sánchez‐Sánchez Fernando , Trincado Rocío
Published: January 2007

Background

Despite the fact that the current definitions of dementia in the DSM‐IV and ICD‐10 require functional deterioration for the diagnosis of dementia, it is not necessary a formal evaluation of functional capacity.

Objectives

To examine the efficiency of functional assessment as a method of screening dementia in population studies.

Methods

This systematic review was based on information from MEDLINE, EMBASE, Index Médico Español (IME), and related articles. The studies included are population studies of patients over 65, in which normal and demented (established diagnosis) subjects are compared. In all of them, subjects were evaluated using the instrumental activities of daily living scale (IADL) as the method of screening for dementia.

Results

Two thousand three hundred and three abstracts and bibliographical references were reviewed. The authors of the selected studies were contacted and asked about other ongoing studies or indexes not included in our review in order to complete a meta‐analysis. Finally, five studies were selected (n = 11.960). A meta‐analysis was performed, with a statistical Q* value of 0.88 (SE 0.26).

Conclusions

The functional assessment of the IADL showed an acceptable efficiency for the screening of dementia in the population studies included in this review, although few studies have verified this efficiency (sensitivity and specificity of the scales used). Further research is necessary in this field to be able to draw definitive conclusions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing risk for imminent violence in the elderly: the Brøset Violence Checklist
Authors: Almvik Roger , Woods Phil , Rasmussen Kirsten
Published: January 2007

Objective

The Brøset Violence Checklist (BVC) assesses confusion, irritability, boisterousness, verbal threats, physical threats and attacks on objects as either present or absent. It is hypothesised that an individual displaying two or more of these behaviours is more likely to be violent in the next twenty‐four hour period. This study aims to test the validity of the instrument in geriatric settings and to report on the predictive value of an easy‐to‐use risk assessment instrument.

Method

Eight thousand eight hundred and thirty‐five BVC observations were completed in two psychogeriatric wards (n = 42 patients) and two special care units for patients with dementia (n = 40 residents). To measure violent incidents the study group was monitored using the Staff Observation Aggression Scale‐Revised (SOAS‐R).

Results

This study disclosed that patients in geriatric wards and residents in nursing homes who are aggressive have higher BVC scores than the non‐violent subjects indicating that the BVC does predict violent episodes in these settings.

Conclusion

From a clinical perspective, it is most important that a prediction aid has good sensitivity, so that most cases are detected and have a high negative predictive value so that most non‐cases on the measure are indeed non‐cases. Our results indicate that the BVC was able to achieve this goal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of hydrogen peroxide in composite repair
Authors: Papacchini Federica , Monticelli Francesca , Radovic Ivana , Chieffi Nicoletta , Goracci Cecilia , Tay Franklin R. , Polimeni Antonella , Ferrari Marco
Published: January 2007

This study examined the influence of different surface conditioning methods on composite‐to‐composite microtensile bond strength. Thirty two‐year old composite resin discs were randomly divided into three groups according to the different mechanical/chemical surface pretreatment tested: (1) 38% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐treatment; (2) 50‐μm aluminum oxide sandblasting; (3) no treatment. Depending on the intermediate agent applied, two subgroups were created: (A) three‐step adhesive system; (B) prehydrolyzed silane coupling agent + three‐step adhesive system. Microtensile bond strength measurements were performed and the data were statistically analyzed with Kruskall–Wallis Analysis of Variance and Dunn's multiple range test for post hoc comparisons (p < 0.05). Failure mode was evaluated with a scanning electron microscope. Changes in composite surface topography after H2O2 treatment were also investigated. Composite repair strength did not benefit from H2O2 treatment and adhesive application. Preliminary sandblasting significantly improved interfacial bond strength regardless of the intermediate agent applied. No changes in surface texture were produced after H2O2 treatment. An atypical fracture pattern was detected at the interfacial level between H2O2‐treated composite surfaces and the overlying adhesive and composite. H2O2 treatment affected the composite‐to‐composite repair strength: a compromised resin polymerization may occur, resulting in a poor interfacial quality and a weak bond. Sandblasting still remains a reliable technique for composite repair. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007