bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humor Styles, Creative Personality Traits, and Creative Thinking in a Hong Kong Sample
Authors: Yue Xiao Dong , Hui Anna Na
Published: November 2015

Humor is found to be an essential element of creative thinking in Western culture. In Eastern culture, however, the relationship between creativity and humor is ambivalent. This study examined the relationship among humor styles, creative personality traits, and creative thinking abilities. A sample of 118 Chinese undergraduates in Hong Kong was recruited to complete the Humor Styles Questionnaire, the three Creative Personality subscales of the Chinese Personality Assessment Inventory-2 (CPAI-2), and the Verbal Test of the Wallach-Kogan Creativity Tests. Results show that humor styles are uncorrelated with creative thinking abilities of flexibility, fluency, and originality, but affiliative humor and aggressive humor are correlated with creative personality traits of novelty and diversity. A hierarchical multiple regression shows that both humor styles and creative personality traits of novelty and diversity account for non-significant variance on creative thinking abilities. These findings largely support a hypothesized non-association between humor styles and creative measures. They also pose a sharp contrast to findings obtained in the West, in which humor styles are typically correlated with both creative thinking abilities and creative personality traits.
Psychometric Properties of the Obsessive—Compulsive Inventory—Revised in a Turkish Analogue Sample
Authors: Yorulmaz Orcun , Inozu Mujgan , Clark David A. , Radomsky Adam S.
Published: November 2015

The Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory–Revised (OCI–R) assesses distress associated with the symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). This study reports on the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the OCI–R as a widely known measure. The sample consisted of 319 Turkish university students (67.1% women; M age = 21.5, SD = 2.0). The questionnaire battery included measures of OCD symptoms, specific cognitions, thought control, and personality characteristics. A target rotation analysis supported the factorial validity of the Turkish OCI–R as indicated by its replicability with the original factor structure (i.e., checking, washing, obsessing, hoarding, ordering, and mental neutralizing). High-scoring OCD symptom groups also significantly differed on the Turkish OCI–R and thus presented preliminary evidence for its criterion validity. Correlational analysis supported convergent and divergent validity of the measure, with significant correlations between the Turkish OCI–R and OCD symptoms, OCD-specific beliefs, two thought control strategies (e.g., worry and punishment), and neuroticism, but not with psychoticism or extraversion. The current findings provide initial evidence of sound psychometric properties for the Turkish OCI–R In a nonclinical sample.
The Relationship between Motor Competence and Physical Fitness is Weaker in the 15–16 Yr. Adolescent Age Group than in Younger Age Groups (4–5 Yr. and 11–12 Yr.)
Authors: Haga Monika , Gísladóttír Thórdís , Sigmundsson Hermundur
Published: November 2015

Developing motor competence and physical fitness can affect the maintenance of a sufficient level of physical activity in children and adolescents. This study assesses the relationship between motor competence and physical fitness from childhood through early adolescence. A cross-sectional sample of 194 participants from 4 to 16 years old were divided into three groups; 4–6yr. ( n = 42, M age = 5.2, SD 0.6), 11–12yr. ( n = 58, M age = 12.4, SD = 0.3), and 15–16 yr. ( n = 94, M age = 15.9, SD = 0.4). To assess motor competence, each child completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC). To measure physical fitness, three tasks (strength, speed, and endurance) were selected from the Test of Physical Fitness (TPF). To analyze the significance of the difference between the correlation coefficient in the three age groups (samples) (4–6, 11–12, and 15–16yr.), Fischer r-to- z transformation was used. The correlation (Pearson's) between motor competence and physical fitness in the age groups was statistically higher for the youngest age groups (4–6 and 11–12yr.) and the adolescent group (age 15–16). The differences between the two youngest age groups were not statistically significant. The results demonstrate that the correlation between motor competence and physical fitness decreases with age.
The Effect of Self-Set Grade Goals and Core Self-Evaluations on Academic Performance: A Diary Study
Authors: Bipp Tanja , Kleingeld Ad , Van Den Tooren Marieke , Schinkel Sonja
Published: November 2015

The aim of this diary study was to examine the eff ect of self-set grade goals and core self-evaluations on academic performance. Data were collected among 59 university students ( M age = 18.4 yr., SD = 0.8) In a 2-wk. exam period on up to five exam days. Multilevel analyses revealed that the individual grade goals students set for their exams were positively related to the grades they obtained for these exams. However, the goal–performance relationship only applied to students scoring high on core self-evaluations. The results of this study contribute to the understanding of the effect of self-set grade goals and core self-evaluations on academic performance and imply important practical applications to enhance academic performance.
Suicide on Death Row
Authors: Tartaro Christine , Lester David
Published: November 2015

For the period 1976–2011, the suicide rate on death rows In the United States was only weakly (and non-significantly) associated with the marriage, birth, divorce, and unemployment rates in the general population. Possible explanations for why social indicators in the larger society might be associated with the behavior of prisoners on death row were discussed.
Motivation Internalization and Simplex Structure in Self-Determination Theory
Authors: Ünlü Ali , Dettweiler Ulrich
Published: November 2015

Self-determination theory, as proposed by Deci and Ryan, postulated different types of motivation regulation. As to the introjected and identified regulation of extrinsic motivation, their internalizations were described as “somewhat external” and “somewhat internal” and remained undetermined in the theory. This paper introduces a constrained regression analysis that allows these vaguely expressed motivations to be estimated in an “optimal” manner, in any given empirical context. The approach was even generalized and applied for simplex structure analysis in self-determination theory. The technique was exemplified with an empirical study comparing science teaching in a classical school class versus an expeditionary outdoor program. Based on a sample of 84 German pupils (43 girls, 41 boys, 10 to 12 years old), data were collected using the German version of the Academic Self-Regulation Questionnaire. The science-teaching format was seen to not influence the pupils' internalization of identified regulation. The internalization of introjected regulation differed and shifted more toward the external pole in the outdoor teaching format. The quantification approach supported the simplex structure of self-determination theory, whereas correlations may disconfirm the simplex structure.
Sources of Stress and Recovery as Concurrent Predictors of the Affect Balance of Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: González José Luis , López-López Almudena , Alonso-Fernández Miriam , Matías-Pompa Borja , Ciudad Noelia , Carnero Josué Fernández
Published: November 2015

This study examined sources of stress and recovery in a group of 107 patients with fibromyalgia ( M age = 50.4 yr., SD = 11.8), in comparison to a control group of 68 healthy participants ( M age = 47.8 yr., SD = 8.1) of equivalent age and marital status. Between-group differences in sources of stress and recovery were examined by means of an independent samples t test. In addition, between-groups differences in the relationship between sources of stress and recovery and affect balance were explored through a multi-group SEM analysis. The results provided evidence in support of the hypothesis that fibromyalgia patients find fewer sources of recovery and that the contribution of such sources for improving their affective well-being is lower than in healthy individuals. Relevant clinical implications were discussed.
Compulsive Buying Tendencies
Authors: Spinella Marcello , Lester David , Yang Bijou
Published: November 2015

Compulsive buying behavior is typically viewed as pathological, but recent research has shown that compulsive buying tendencies are associated with attitudes toward money, personal financial behavior, and having materialistic values, suggesting that compulsive buyers are manifesting an extreme form of habits shown by people in general. In a study of 240 community residents, scores on the Compulsive Buying Scale were associated positively with scores on the Material Values Scale and the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, and negatively with scores on the Executive Personal Finance Scale and Ardelt's wisdom scale. These results suggest that, as is the case for many abnormal behaviors, tendencies toward compulsive buying may not be pathological, but are associated with attitudes toward money in general, financial management behavior, and materialistic values.
The Influence of Social Support on Psychological Distress in Older Persons: An Examination of Interaction Processes in Australia
Authors: Sharpley Christopher , Wark Stuart , Hussain Rafat , McEvoy Mark , Attia John
Published: November 2015

Social support is proposed as a coping mechanism against anxiety and depression amongst older persons, but few data have examined how this occurs. This study assessed the contributions of two sub-components of social support as mediators against psychological distress—broadly defined as anxiety and depression. 1,560 men and 1,758 women from the Hunter Community Study (Australia) completed the Duke Social Support Scale and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. The Duke Social Support Scale examined the amount of social interaction and satisfaction with social interactions. Significant mediating effects of social support were found in the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale items measuring depression but not anxiety. Satisfaction with social support was a significant predictor of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale total score and Sadness items, but the amount of social support was not a predictor of stress. Social support may assist with symptoms of depression, i.e., specific sadness/depressed mood, but not necessarily with anxiety. Implications for policy and service delivery were discussed.
A Brief Note on the Validity and Reliability of the Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale in Monitoring Exercise Intensity among Chinese Older Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Chung Pak-Kwong , Zhao Yanan , Liu Jing-Dong , Quach Binh
Published: November 2015

This study examined the validity and reliability of the Cantonese Borg 6–20 Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale in monitoring exercise intensity among Chinese older adults. A total of 40 apparently healthy older adults (16 men, 24 women; M age = 69.8yr., SD = 4.56) performed two trials of three intermittent exercise tests administered in random order using the cycle ergometer. Results revealed significant differences of RPE, HR, and VO2 between different workloads, and there were moderate to high correlations between RPE and HR and VO2, respectively. Results also found moderate consistency of RPE between Trial 1 and Trial 2. These indicated that the Cantonese 6–20 RPE scale can be used as a valid and reliable tool for monitoring exercise intensity among the Chinese older adults.
A Balanced Team Wins Championships: 66 Years of Data from the National Basketball Association and the National Football League
Authors: Otten Mark P. , Miller Travis J.
Published: November 2015

Explicitly monitoring one's own actions has been noted as detrimental to the performance of fine motor skills under duress. Offensive skills rather than defensive skills are typically studied in this context. Defensive techniques typically require skills such as footwork and continuous movement, as opposed to more precise, hand–eye coordinated action. Explicit monitoring theory may be less relevant for defensive skills than offensive skills when playing under pressure. Archival data (66 years) for teams and for individual players was compiled from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). For basketball ( n = 778) and football ( n = 515) teams, regular season offensive and defensive statistics similarly predicted success in the postseason, which was assumed to create more pressure. For individual basketball players ( n = 5,132), nine indices of offensive (FG, free throw and three-point shooting, offensive win shares, points, and assists) and defensive (defensive win shares, steals, and blocks) production were compared; among these, three-point shooting percentage was least correlated from season to postseason, suggesting it is especially variable under pressure. A balanced basketball or football team that focuses on both offense and defense may be most successful.
Effectiveness of Video Feedback and Interactive Questioning in Improving Tactical Knowledge in Volleyball
Authors: Gil-Arias Alexander , García-González Luís , Del Villar Fernando , Moreno Alberto , Moreno M. Perla
Published: November 2015

The objective of the study was to develop and apply a tactical-cognitive training program based on the use of video feedback and questioning in real game time, in order to improve tactical knowledge in volleyball. A two-group quasi-experimental design was used with a sample of eight female players ( M = 14.8yr., SD = 0.7), who were divided into an Experimental group ( n = 4) and a Control group ( n = 4). The independent variable was the tactical-cognitive training program, which was applied for 11 wk. in a 6 × 6 game situation training context. The dependent variable was tactical knowledge, which was measured by problem representation and strategy planning with a verbal protocol. The results showed that after applying the intervention program the players in the Experimental group showed more complex, sophisticated, and structured tactical knowledge, compared with the players from the Control group. These results suggest that complementing the training process with cognitive tools may enable athletes to increases their tactical behavior and presumably improve their performance.
Evaluation of the Effect of Phytol on the Formation of PAHs in Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Moldoveanu SC , Coleman WM III , Kulshreshtha NP
Published: November 2015

Phytol or (2E,7R,11R)-3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen- 1-ol (MW = 296.53 a.u.), is naturally present in tobacco at levels around 100-150 µg/g dry leaf, where it is bound in the form of an ester to a porphyrine type group (known as chlorin) with several substituents and chelated to Mg2+ ion, to form chlorophyll. This study evaluated the formation of PAHs when several levels of phytol up to ten times higher than typical phytol level were added on 3R4F cigarettes. The cigarettes were smoked under two different smoking conditions. One regimen (indicated as 35/60) used 35 mL puff volume, 2 s puff duration, each puff taken every 60 s, and in the other used 60 mL puff volume, 2 s puff duration, each puff taken every 30 s (indicated as 60/30). The increase in the PAHs level upon phytol addition was not significant. A statistical evaluation of the dependence of total PAHs and the added level of phytol showed that the hypothesis of a zero slope for the dependence line phytol/total PAHs cannot be rejected (with a p = 0.101 for 35/60 smoking and p = 0.626 for 60/30 smoking). Still, for 35/60 smoking conditions, an increase of about 14% in total levels of PAHs was noticed when the added phytol level was 1.5 mg phytol per cigarette. However, this PAHs increased level was not necessarily determined by the phytol addition, and can be caused by random procedural/analytical errors (as indicated by the statistical analysis) or by the modification of cigarettes during phytol addition. Also, the observed level is much lower than the expected 100% increase in the PAHs level, based on literature prediction. Intensive smoking did not show an increase in PAHs level at all. Flash pyrolysis of free phytol and of chlorophyll a provided results that indicated that phytol bound in chlorophyll is not likely to generate different PAHs level compared to free phytol. Thus, phytol has been shown not to be a significant contributor/ precursor to the PAHs formation in cigarette smoke.
HPLC-MS Determination of Acrolein and Acetone Generated from 13C3 -Labeled Glycerol Added to Cigarette Tobacco Using Two Machine-Smoking Regimes
Authors: Yip SH , Taylor LT , Ashraf-Khorassani M , Yu J , Borgerding MF , Coleman WM , Bodnar JA
Published: November 2015

The extent of blend glycerol degradation in a burning cigarette to form acrolein and acetone has been quantitatively determined by the addition of glycerol-13C3 to three styles of a leading commercial cigarette brand. Multiple Cambridge pads soaked with a solution of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) were employed to trap hydrazone derivatives of low molecular weight carbonyl compounds in both mainstream and sidestream smoke. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with negative ion mass spectrometry was used to isolate DNPH derivatives of the volatile carbonyl products of combustion and to ascertain their concentration. Acrolein, acetone, and propionaldehyde were the principal compounds of interest. The DNPH derivatives of acrolein-13C3 and acetone-13C3 were independently synthesized, and they served as external standards for absolute quantitation. The cost of fully labeled propionaldehyde precluded its use in this study. The brand styles selected for study represent the cigarette design features that are most prevalent in the U.S. market today and afford a representative range of standardized “tar” yields (14, 10, and 5 mg/cig, respectively by the Cambridge Filter Method). The brand styles studied are part of a commercial cigarette brand family that does not contain additives to the tobacco blend, including glycerol. Mainstream smoke was generated by an automated smoking machine employing the standard Cambridge Filter Smoking Regime and a more intense regime requiring larger, more frequent puffs and 100% vent blocking that is specified for regulatory purposes by the Canadian federal government. The research indicated that only a small fraction of added glycerol (~0.25%-0.30%, w/w) was converted to the two compounds of interest, with the larger portion generally observed in sidestream smoke. Less than 0.1% of the added glycerol was converted to acrolein in mainstream smoke for all cigarette designs and smoking regimes studied.
Influence of Tobacco Additives on the Chemical Composition of Mainstream Smoke - Additional Analysis of Three Tobacco Industry Based Laboratories
Authors: Intorp M , Pani J , Blumenstock M
Published: November 2015

Three tobacco industry based laboratories determined selected mainstream components using their established in-house methods. Machine smoking was done according to the ISO smoking regime. The Test cigarettes smoked for this investigation were manufactured with different amounts of added glycerol, cocoa powder and sucrose. Variability between the three laboratories differed clearly for the analyzed smoke components. No overall effects due to the added ingredients on smoke components could be found. The high ‘tar’ products with the highest lodading of sucrose showed a slight increase in formaldehyde emissions among all three laboratories.
The Effect of Cigarette Design on the Content of Phenols in Mainstream Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Dagnon S , Stoilova A , Ivanov I , Nikolova S
Published: November 2015

The influence of cigarette design on the content of phenols in mainstream tobacco smoke was studied. The most abundant phenols - catechol, hydroquinone, phenol, o-, m-, and p-cresol, and resorcinol - were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Hydroquinone and catechol made the most significant contribution to the total content of phenols with maximum values of 135.0 µg/cig and 95.7 µg/cig, respectively. The highest total content of phenols (330.9 µg/cig) was measured in the smoke of a Virginia tobacco cigarette. The total content of phenols (µg/cig) in cigarette mainstream smoke decreased linearly with increased filter ventilation, R2 = 0.9536. The results obtained indicate that filtration and ventilation can strongly influence the mainstream tobacco smoke content of phenol and its less polar derivatives, o-, m-, and p-cresol, which were reduced by up to 85%. Hydroquinone and catechol are less affected and only cigarettes with the special “recessed charcoal filter system” and cigarettes with filter ventilation over 50% showed significant reductions. On a per mg ‘tar’ basis the largest contributor to phenols in cigarette mainstream smoke was the selection of the tobacco type. The use of any standard commercial filter on an unfiltered cigarette can substantially reduce the yield of phenols in cigarette mainstream smoke. The use of special filters (e.g., the “recessed charcoal filter system”) or high levels of cigarette ventilation does not reduce the amount of phenols in tobacco smoke considerably when normalized on a per mg ‘tar’ basis.
Determination of Selected Volatiles in Cigarette Mainstream Smoke. The CORESTA 2009 Collaborative Study and Recommended Method
Authors: Intorp M , Purkis SW , Wagstaff W
Published: November 2015

A recommended method has been developed and published by CORESTA, applicable to the quantification of selected volatiles (1,3-butadiene, isoprene, acrylonitrile, benzene, and toluene) in the gas phase of cigarette mainstream smoke. The method involved smoke collection in impinger traps and detection and measurement using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques.

This report describes the final collaborative study applying the recommended method. It provides additional notes to inform other laboratories that might wish to adopt it, about some of the main features that need to be well controlled to provide data as robust and consistent as the data presented herein.

Data was provided by 15 industry-related and 4 independent laboratories and one governmental laboratory. Overall, 6 linear and 14 rotary smoking machines were used.

The joint experiments and collaborative work between the large number of participating laboratories has provided solutions to several methodological problems and reduced the high data variability that had initially been found particularly for 1,3-butadiene and acrylonitrile smoke yields.

Even so, the levels of reproducibility among laboratories are much greater than the levels found for ‘tar’, nicotine and carbon monoxide and given in the equivalent ISO standards. When expressing the reproducibility (R) value as a percentage of the mean yield among-laboratories and across all of the studied products, values ranged from 63-93% for 1,3-butadiene; from 36-62% for isoprene; from 41-110% for acrylonitrile; from 35-70% for benzene, and from 27-116% for toluene. For the higher ‘tar’ yielding products, the lower levels of variability were in line with those previously evaluated during Task Force work on standard methods for benzo[a]pyrene and tobacco specific nitrosamines. As expected, the lowest ‘tar’ yielding product gave the most variable data.
Comparison of Mouth Level Exposure to ‘Tar’ and Nicotine in Smokers of Normal and Superslim King Size Cigarettes in Romania
Authors: Ashley M , Sisodiya A , McEwan M , McAughey J , Prasad K
Published: November 2015

Filter analysis methodology can be used to estimate smokers’ mouth level exposure (MLE) to ‘tar’ and nicotine from spent cigarette filters. Variation in smoking behaviour and cigarette design are known to have an impact on the range of ‘tar’ and nicotine MLE. Most ‘King Size’ (KS) cigarettes have a circumference of about 25 mm and are 83-84 mm long, with filters 20-27 mm in length. Recently, a slimmer format, described as a ‘King Size Superslim’ (KSSS), with a circumference of 17 mm, has become popular in several countries. Although several studies have estimated the MLE to ‘tar’ and nicotine of smokers of KS cigarettes, there have been no studies of KSSS smokers reported to date. KSSS cigarettes from Romania were chosen for this study with a single product to represent each 1, 4 and 7 mg machine-smoked ISO ‘tar’ yields. Since these products have filters containing activated carbon, comparisons were made with a single product at each ISO ‘tar’ level of KS cigarettes with both activated carbon filters (King Size Carbon - KSC), to assess the effect of format on MLE, and cellulose acetate filters (King Size Non-carbon - KSNC) to assess the effect of filter carbon on MLE. A target population of 50 to 70 male and female smokers (subjects) aged 21 to 50 years of each product were recruited in Romania, with self-reported consumption of 15-25 cigarettes per day. The subjects gave written informed consent before commencing the study. Mean MLE to ‘tar’ and nicotine obtained by the smokers of all products were greater than ISO pack ‘tar’ and nicotine as reported in numerous studies. Regarding MLE to ‘tar’, there were no significant differences between the KSC, KSNC and KSSS smokers within each of the 1, 4 and 7 mg machine-smoked ISO ‘tar’ yield groups, but there were significant differences between the ISO pack ‘tar’ groups: 1 mg < 4 mg < 7 mg. Regarding MLE to nicotine, KSC and KSSS smokers obtained similar yields within an ISO pack ‘tar’ group. KSNC smokers obtained lower MLE nicotine yields than the KSC and KSSS smokers at both 4 mg and 7 mg ISO pack ‘tar’, corresponding to lower blend nicotine levels. No gender differences were observed.
Optimal Spacing of Pheromone Traps for Monitoring the Tobacco Moth, Ephestiaelutella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Phyralidae), in Tobacco Warehouses
Authors: Imai T , Kasaishi Y
Published: November 2015

Pheromone traps have been widely used for monitoring insect pests in tobacco factories and warehouses. Generally, these traps are placed 10-20 m apart, although a precise scientific rationale for this practice is not available. We examined the effect of trap density on the recovery and localization of tobacco moths released in a 42.3 × 36.5 × 4.0 m tobacco warehouse compartment (1540 m2). In single-trap experiments (0.06 traps/100m2), 15-51% (33% on average) of the released male moths were captured. The capture ratio was not correlated with the distance between the trap and the release point; the highest catch rate was attained when a trap was placed at the most distant position: 47 m from the release point. Capture data from experiments using groups of 4-23 traps revealed that the highest catch rates were always attained by the trap nearest the release point when more than eight traps (0.5 traps/100 m2) were set. These results indicate that the number of traps required for monitoring purposes should be changed - one trap is sufficient for detecting the presence or absence of infestation in a 1540 m2 warehouse compartment (0.06 traps/100 m2); more than eight traps (0.5 traps/100 m2) should be set for localization, allowing the location of the infestation to be inferred from the trap with the highest catch rate.
Trace Analysis of Mutagenic Heterocyclic Aromatic Amines in Cigarette Smoke Condensate and its Base Fractions via Silylation-GC-MS
Authors: Liu S , Taylor LT , Borgerding MF , Coleman WM , Bombick BR
Published: November 2015

Among the more than 5000 chemicals reported in cigarette smoke condensate (CSC), heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are considered to be a contributor to observed biological activity. HAAs are non-volatile and are reported at ppb levels in CSC. A new method for HAA analysis at the trace level is reported here. N, O-Bis(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) containing 1% trimethylchlorosilane was employed to derivatize amino groups by heating the reagent containing a sample of CSC at 80 °C for 30 min followed by analysis employing gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) in the selected-ion-monitoring (SIM) mode. This derivatization method afforded symmetrical peak shapes on a ZB-50 stationary phase and achieved instrumental limits of quantification (LOQ) at 10:1 S/N from -1 ng/mL for AαC to120 ng/mL for Glu-P-1. The chemical identity of each derivative was confirmed by comparison of retention time and mass spectra of standards. The latter were characterized by the following ions: M·+ or [M-1]+, [M-15]+, and m/z 73 (i.e., trimethylsilyl). CSC and its base sub-fractions were studied using the GC-MS method. Ten HAAs were screened and five were quantified in cigarette smoke condensate, while 2-5 HAAs were quantified in each of three base sub-fractions. Values obtained with the new procedure agree well with values reported in the literature and with results obtained from a commercial laboratory via a different analytical method. The potential contribution of each HAA to the overall mutagenic activity observed for CSC and its base fractions is discussed. When considered together, HAAs account for only a small portion (-7.8%) of the observed mutagenicity of the CSC.
Quantitative Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Cited by the United States Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Guthery W , Taylor MJ
Published: November 2015

The yields of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined from cigarette mainstream smoke condensate extracts using Gas Chromatography- Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The method has been validated for ISO and Health Canada Intense (HCI) smoking protocols. Quantifiable levels (ISO means 0.16 to 365 ng/cig; HCI means 0.33 to 1595 ng/cig; n = 30) of 15 PAHs were found in the Kentucky reference cigarette K3R4F. The coefficient of variance (CV) was derived from ten determinations each run in triplicate. The CV range was 8.7% to 24.8% (ISO) and 6.6% to 24.3% (HCI). The limit of detection (LOD) based on empirical precision was ≤ 0.06 ng/cig (ISO) and ≤ 0.20 ng/cig (HCI) for all components except naphthalene (2.89 and 9.62 ng/cig, respectively). The yields from 5 unspecified branded cigarettes (Samples A-E) and 2 other reference cigarettes, K1R5F and the CORESTA monitor CM7, were determined under ISO smoking conditions. The same 15 PAHs were detected as in the K3R4F; however, cigarettes with lower yields of total particulate matter (TPM) were found to contain significantly less PAHs. One component was measured below the limit of quantification (LOQ) in Sample E and 2 components were < LOQ in the K1R5F.
Limitations in the Statistical Analysis of Normalised Cigarette Smoke Analyte Yield per Milligram of Nicotine Yield
Authors: Cahours X , Verron T , Purkis SW , Colard S
Published: November 2015

Yields of selected mainstream smoke analytes expressed per milligram of nicotine yield (nicotine ratio) and ceilings on these ratios have been proposed by WHO as part of future cigarette product regulation. This paper describes the different approaches required for precision assessment, depending on whether yields or nicotine ratios are being studied. The widely used approach of assessment of yield precision is to perform a collaborative study using a standardised method. However, for assessment of ratio precision the measurement of smoke analyte and smoke nicotine yields are often not carried out on the same set of cigarettes (unpaired) due to analytical constraints and therefore the statistical approach described in ISO 5725 is inappropriate due to the various replicate combinations. In this paper, the precision of ratios was computed with unpaired measurements for NNN and nicotine yield data for the CM6 monitor test piece and the Kentucky Reference 1R5F cigarette carried out during a collaborative study in 2011 (1). A sampling technique, based on the draw of the most representative ratios, has been used to evaluate the range of both estimated repeatability and reproducibility under the ISO smoking regime that might be expected when comparing data between different laboratories. This statistical evaluation highlighted that a robust estimate of repeatability and reproducibility could not be determined for ratios obtained with unpaired measurements, using the method defined by ISO5725-2.
Assessing Smoking Behaviour and Tobacco Smoke Exposure: Definitions and Methods
Authors: Gregg E , Bachmann T , Bito R , Cahours X , McEwan M , Nelson P , Prasad K , Scherer G , Stiles M
Published: November 2015

In recent years, the increased availability of tobacco products other than conventional cigarettes, the use of puffing topography devices for smoking behaviour studies and the use of biomarkers to study smoke constituents exposure have generated the need for a more comprehensive set of definitions concerning smoking behaviour and exposure to smoke. The definitions offered in this paper are based on many years of practical experience and on consensus within a broad group of scientists working in these areas. It is intended that, with wider and more consistent usage, these definitions should reduce any misunderstandings and facilitate interpretation of future studies.
Impacts of the Implementation of a Project Management Information System – a Case Study of a Small R&D Company
Authors: Borštnar Mirjana Kljajić , Pucihar Andreja
Published: November 2015

Background: The problems of resources management (human, financial, time) in multi-project companies are inherently complex and need to be addressed systematically, in both small and large organizations. Furthermore, there is a need for transparent communication and collaboration within the organization as well as with partnering organizations. There are many methodologies and tools supporting project management, which are themselves complex and are therefore not widely adopted, especially among small companies. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to analyse impact of the implementation of a flexible cloud-based project management information system (PMIS) from the human resources, financial management, and collaboration points of view. Method: We have conducted a case study in a small Slovenian research and development company, that has implemented the 4PM PMIS. Results: The findings imply the importance of keeping the balance of the creative processes that are unstructured, rule free and even chaotic, with structured processes monitor and control. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest that the use of “4PM” in support of multi-project management improves human resources and financial management in a collaborative and transparent way when implemented in an open and highly motivated environment
Multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging in the evaluation of prostate cancer
Authors: Turkbey Baris , Brown Anna M. , Sankineni Sandeep , Wood Bradford J. , Pinto Peter A. , Choyke Peter L.
Published: November 2015

Imaging has traditionally played a minor role in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. However, recent controversies generated by the use of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening followed by random biopsy have encouraged the development of new imaging methods for prostate cancer. Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has emerged as the imaging method best able to detect clinically significant prostate cancers and to guide biopsies. Here, the authors explain what mpMRI is and how it is used clinically, especially with regard to high‐risk populations, and we discuss the impact of mpMRI on treatment decisions for men with prostate cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2016;66:326‐336. © 2015 American Cancer Society
Effect of different fertilization practices on the growth and yield of cabbage
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Forhad , Farhana Taneya , Raihan Md Zahir , Hasan Md Saeed , Mia Md Mukul , Rahman M Mazibur
Published: November 2015

The field experiment was conducted at the farmers field of Sutiakhali, a village near the BAU, Mymensingh to investigate effect of integrated nutrient management on yield of cabbage and soil fertility during the period from 5th November 2013 to February2014. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications and five treatments levels viz. T1: Recommended Dose (RD, N150P53K50S30Zn1.5Bo.7Mo0.5) T2: Soil Test Base (STB, N178P65K51S27Zn1.5B0.7Mo0.5) T3: Integrated Plant Nutrition System (IPNS, N158P59K42S24Zn1.5B0.7Mo0.5) + Cow dung (CD) @ 5.0 tha-1, T4: Farmers Practice (FP, N65P42K71S6) T5: Control (no fertilizer). The Integrated Plant Nutrition System showed significant positive effect on the yield and yield components of cabbage cv. Atlas-70. The results of the present study showed that cow-dung with inorganic fertilizers have significant variation on all the parameters except number of loose leaves. The highest values for plant height (25.88cm), number of folded leaves per head (42.50), length of the biggest leaf (34.77cm), length of the lateral root (31.92 cm), length of stem (6.83cm) were recorded in T3 treatments, on the other hand the highest values in case of number of loose leaves at the treatment of T5 (control). The yield of cabbage crop has increased significantly with application of inorganic fertilizer in combination of cow dung over the control. The highest values for fresh weight of cabbage was 89.16 t ha-1, dry matter content of head (5.93%), dry matter content of loose leaves (9.72%), were recorded at T3 treatments by the application of inorganic fertilizer (N158P59K42S24Zn1.5B0.7Mo0.5) in combination with cow dung @ 5.0 tha-1. The above results indicated that the integrated nutrient management had a remarkable effect in promoting soil fertility and increasing yield and yield components of cabbage.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(2): 182-186
Effects of long-term mineral fertilization and manuring on rice-rice cropping pattern in sub-tropical floodplain soil
Authors: Mostofa Bornali , Raihan Md Zahir , Hossain Mohammad Forhad , Farhana Taneya , Mia Md Mukul , Kader Md Abdul
Published: November 2015

An experiment was carried out both boro season (FebruaryJune, 2013) and aman season (July-December, 2013) in the permanent experimental field of the Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh. The objectives of present research work were tosee the effects of long-term fertilization and manuring on soil fertility and yield of boro and aman rice in flood plain (Subtropical) soil (AericHaplaquepts). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were 10 treatment combinations viz, Control, N, NP, NK, NPK, NZn, NS, NSZn, NPKSZn and NPK+FYM. The results indicated that the yield contributing characters and yield of BRRI dhan28 (Boro rice) and BR11 (Aman rice) were significantly increased due to different treatments. For boro rice, the highest plant height (cm), 1000-grain weight (g), effective tiller hill-1 and biological yield (t ha-1) were found in NPKSZn treatment. The highest grain yield and straw yield of boro ricewere also observed in NPKSZn treatment. Grain yield was increased by 71%, 119%, 127%, 132%, 133%, 144%, 161% and 200% over Control in NZn, NS, NK, N, NP, NPK+FYM, NPK, NSZn and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Straw yield was increased by 82%, 83%, 98%, 110%, 112%, 139%, 145%, and 167% over Control in N, NP, NPK+FYM, NZn, NK, NPK, NSZn, NS and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Again for aman rice, the highest number of unfilled grain panicle-1, grain yield (t ha-1) and harvest index (%) were recorded in NPKSZn treatment. Grain yield was increased by 79%, 85%, 87%, 97%, 116%, 117%, 159% and 165% over Control in NP, NZn, N, NPK, NPK+FYM, NK, NSZn, NS and NPKSZn treatments, respectively. Straw yield was increased by 119%, 121%, 135%, 142%, 149%, 152%, 200%, 217%, and 246% over Control in NP, N, NPK, NPK+FYM, NK, NZn, NPKSZn, NSZn and NS treatments, respectively.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(2): 222-229
Comparison of some serum biochemical parameters between lactating and non-lactating dairy cows in selected dairy farms of Chittagong district of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Md Samun , Ahaduzzaman Md , Sayeed Md Abu , Sarker Rajib , Nanno Minhazul Abedin , Mannan Abdul , Hossain Mohammad Belayet
Published: November 2015

Physiological status-related changes in serum biochemical values are known to occur in many species. The aim of the current study was to evaluate total serum protein, albumin, glucose, calcium and phosphorus concentration and these parameters were measured by the serum analyzer for lactating (n=50) and non-lactating (n=50) dairy cattle in selected dairy farms of Chittagong district. The results (mean ± standard deviation) of the study showed that among serum biochemical parameters total protein (82.3 ± 2.15 gm/l), albumin (27.45 ± 5.06 gm/l), calcium (12.97±6.67 mg/dl) and phosphorus (7.26 ± 0.41 mg/dl) level in non-lactating cows were higher than the value of lactating cows as (81.28 ± 2.41 gm/l), (14.09 ± 2.05 gm/l), (10.05 ± 2.51 mg/dl) and (6.52 ± 0.30 mg/dl) respectively. Only glucose level in lactating cows (63.01 ± 6.67 mg/dl) was found higher than the non lactating cows (58.47 ± 3.84 mg/dl). In case of parity-wise parameters insignificant variation was noticed. It may be concluded that biochemical variation present between lactating cow and non lactating cow is important for interpretation of laboratory data and also for physiological diagnosis.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(2): 259-264
In-vitro cytotoxicity and antioxidant property evaluation from methanolic extract of Cuscuta Reflexa flowers
Authors: Sakib Md Hossan , Hossain Mohammad Shahadat , Hossain Muhammad Sazzad , Mahmood Asif Al , Sarkar Md Yasin , Rahman Sadequr , Shill Limon Kanti
Published: November 2015

This investigation is made upon the plant Cuscuta reflexa, the flowers of it, to find out its Cytotoxicity property. The anti-oxidant property of this plant part was investigated using methanol extraction. Methanolic extract of Cuscuta reflexa.Was used to evaluate its cytotoxicity in Brine shrimp lethality bioassay where vincristine sulphate was used as standard drug. In Brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC50 value of the extract was 36.72?g/ml and vincristine sulphate served as the positive control showed LC50 value 10.51?g/ml. So, compared to vincristine sulphate, it is evident that the methanol extract of flowers of Cuscuta reflexa was cytotoxic. In case of anti-oxidant the scavenging power (IC50) of DPPH radical was 29.26, 17.07, 18.29, 19.55 and 54.87?g/ml respectively.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(2): 285-291
Foraging behavior and honey production of Apismellifera L.
Authors: Islam Md Ektarul , Biswas Md Jamil Hossain , Ahmed Kazi Shahanara , Maraj Faruki Shabia
Published: November 2015

Honeybee, Apismellifera L. was reared and maintained in bee box and placed in around Bangladesh Agricultural University campus in Mymensingh to study its life cycle, behaviour, pollen gathering activity, honey production and its effect on yield of mustard. There was no relationship between sunrises, sunset, first out from the box and last entrance into the box. But positive relationship was found with day temperature to first out and last entrance. The highest number of bees collected pollen in the 3rd week of March. Maximum pollen gathering activities were found at 12.00 to 1.00 p.m. The highest amount of honey production was 4.00 kg per box in mustard and there was positive correlation between percent pollen gathering activity and honey production. The highest number of queen cell was found in the month of March. The results showed that honey bee pollination had significant effect on increase in all the plant parameters and yield.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(2): 359-366
Inhibition of cell proliferation by 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate through suppression of STAT3 activation in human glioma cells
Authors: Hao Ji-Heng , Hu Dian-Feng , Mao Li-Mei , Zhang Shi-Gang , Wang Ji-Yue , Li Gang
Published: November 2015

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate on activation of STAT3 pathway in human glioma cells. The results revealed that the compound exhibited inhibitory effect on the activation of STAT3 induced constitutively and by interleukin-6. The inhibitory effect on STAT3 activation was found to be concentration- and time-dependent. In U373 glioma cells, 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate treatment caused a significant enhancement in the expression of proapoptotic proteins like Bax and Bak. Its treatment inhibited the expression of genes including, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, Mcl-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in U373 glioma cells. Furthermore, the conjugate inhibited proliferation, induced apoptosis and caused accumulation of cells in G1-G0 phase of cell cycle. Thus, 2-fluorobenzaldehyde retinoic acid conjugate acts as a potent inhibitor of STAT3 activation that can be promising importance for the prevention and treatment of gliomas.

 
Self-assemblies of γ-CDs with pentablock copolymers PMA-PPO-PEO-PPO-PMA and endcapping via atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine
Authors: Lin Jing , Kong Tao , Ye Lin , Zhang Ai-ying , Feng Zeng-guo
Published: November 2015

Pentablock copolymers PMA-PPO-PEO-PPO-PMA synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were self-assembled with varying amounts of γ-CDs to prepare poly(pseudorotaxanes) (PPRs). When the concentration of γ-CDs was lower, the central PEO segment served as a shell of the micelles and was preferentially bent to pass through the γ-CD cavity to construct double-chain-stranded tight-fit PPRs characterized by a channel-like crystal structure. With an increase in the amount of γ-CDs added, they began to accommodate the poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) segments dissociated from the core of the micelles. When more γ-CDs were threaded and slipped over the segments, the γ-CDs were randomly distributed along the pentablock copolymer chain to generate single-chain-stranded loose-fit PPRs and showed no characteristic channel-like crystal structure. All the self-assembly processes of the pentablock copolymers resulted in the formation of hydrogels. After endcapping via in situ ATRP of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), these single-chain-stranded loose-fit PPRs were transformed into conformational identical polyrotaxanes (PRs). The structures of the PPRs and PRs were characterized by means of 1H NMR, GPC, 13C CP/MAS NMR, 2D 1H NOESY NMR, FTIR, WXRD, TGA and DSC analyses.
MAXIMUM-PROFIT INVENTORY MODEL WITH STOCK-DEPENDENT DEMAND, TIME-DEPENDENT HOLDING COST, AND ALL-UNITS QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Authors: Alfares Hesham Kamal
Published: November 2015

Abstract A new production-planning model with a unique set of realistic features is considered. First, the demand rate is a function of the current inventory level. Second, a new order is gradually produced according to a finite production rate. Third, the unit holding cost per time period is a function of both the unit purchase cost and the storage time duration. Fourth, the unit purchase cost is a function of the production lot size. Fifth, the starting/ending inventory for each cycle is a decision variable to be optimized. Finally, the objective of the model is to maximize the total profit per unit time. The purchase cost per unit decreases with larger lot size according to all-units quantity discount. On the other hand, the holding cost per unit increases with longer storage duration, either retroactively or incrementally. Mathematical models are formulated to represent this production planning system, and optimum solution procedures are developed.
“VEGET ATION IMPACT ON THE DUNE STABI LITY AND FORMATION ON THE LITHUANIAN COAST OF THE BALTIC SEA”
Authors: URBONIENĖ Ramunė , KELPŠAITĖ Loreta , BORISENKO Ingrida
Published: November 2015

"Corrigendum. 'Veget ation impact on the dune stabi lity and formation on the Lithuanian coast of the Baltic sea'."Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management, 23(4), p. 312