bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stage effects of negative emotion on spatial and verbal working memory
Authors: Li Xuebing , Chan Raymond CK , Luo Yue-jia
Published: May 2010

Background

The effects of negative emotion on different processing periods in spatial and verbal working memory (WM) and the possible brain mechanism of the interaction between negative emotion and WM were explored using a high-time resolution event-related potential (ERP) technique and time-locked delayed matching-to-sample task (DMST).

Results

Early P3b and late P3b were reduced in the negative emotion condition for both the spatial and verbal tasks at encoding. At retention, the sustained negative slow wave (NSW) showed a significant interaction between emotional state and task type. Spatial trials in the negative emotion condition elicited a more negative deflection than they did in the neutral emotion condition. However, no such effect was observed for the verbal tasks. At retrieval, early P3b and late P3b were markedly more attenuated in the negative emotion condition than in the neutral emotion condition for both the spatial and verbal tasks.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the differential effects of negative emotion on spatial and verbal WM mainly take place during information maintenance processing, which implies that there is a systematic association between specific affects (e.g., negative emotion) and certain cognitive processes (e.g., spatial retention).
Atypical response regulators expressed in the maize endosperm transfer cells link canonical two component systems and seed biology
Authors: Muñiz Luís M , Royo Joaquín , Gómez Elisa , Baudot Gaelle , Paul Wyatt , Hueros Gregorio
Published: May 2010

Background

Two component systems (TCS) are phosphotransfer-based signal transduction pathways first discovered in bacteria, where they perform most of the sensing tasks. They present a highly modular structure, comprising a receptor with histidine kinase activity and a response regulator which regulates gene expression or interacts with other cell components. A more complex framework is usually found in plants and fungi, in which a third component transfers the phosphate group from the receptor to the response regulator. They play a central role in cytokinin mediated functions in plants, affecting processes such as meristem growth, phyllotaxy, seed development, leaf senescence or tissue differentiation. We have previously reported the expression and cellular localization of a type A response regulator, ZmTCRR-1, in the transfer cells of the maize seed, a tissue critical for seed filling and development, and described its regulation by a tissue specific transcription factor. In this work we investigate the expression and localization of other components of the TCS signalling routes in the maize seed and initiate the characterization of their interactions.

Results

The discovery of a new type A response regulator, ZmTCRR-2, specifically expressed in the transfer cells and controlled by a tissue specific transcription factor suggests a previously unknown role for TCS in the biology of transfer cells. We have characterized other canonical TCS molecules, including 6 histidine kinases and 3 phosphotransfer proteins, potentially involved in the atypical transduction pathway defined by ZmTCRR-1 and 2. We have identified potential upstream interactors for both proteins and shown that they both move into the developing endosperm. Furthermore, ZmTCRR-1 expression in an heterologous system (Arabidopsis thaliana) is directed to xylem parenchyma cells, probably involved in transport processes, one of the major roles attributed to the transfer cell layer.

Conclusions

Our data prove the expression of the effector elements of a TCS route operating in the transfer cells under developmental control. Its possible role in integrating external signals with seed developmental processes is discussed.
OCT-4 expression in follicular and luteal phase endometrium: a pilot study
Authors: Bentz Eva-Katrin , Kenning Marina , Schneeberger Christian , Kolbus Andrea , Huber Johannes C , Hefler Lukas A , Tempfer Clemens B
Published: May 2010

Background

The stem cell marker Octamer-4 (OCT-4) is expressed in human endometrium. Menstrual cycle-dependency of OCT-4 expression has not been investigated to date.

Methods

In a prospective, single center cohort study of 98 women undergoing hysteroscopy during the follicular (n = 49) and the luteal (n = 40) phases of the menstrual cycle, we obtained endometrial samples. Specimens were investigated for OCT-4 expression on the mRNA and protein levels using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Expression of OCT-4 was correlated to menstrual cycle phase.

Results

Of 89 women sampled, 49 were in the follicular phase and 40 were in the luteal phase. OCT-4 mRNA was detected in all samples. Increased OCT-4 mRNA levels in the follicular and luteal phases was found in 35/49 (71%) and 27/40 (68%) of women, respectively (p = 0.9). Increased expression of OCT-4 protein was identified in 56/89 (63%) samples. Increased expression of OCT-4 protein in the follicular and luteal phases was found in 33/49 (67%) and 23/40 (58%) of women, respectively (p = 0.5).

Conclusions

On the mRNA and protein levels, OCT-4 is not differentially expressed during the menstrual cycle. Endometrial OCT-4 is not involved in or modulated by hormone-induced cyclical changes of the endometrium.
The RNA binding protein HuR does not interact directly with HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and does not affect reverse transcription in vitro
Authors: Ahn Jinwoo , Byeon In-Ja L , Dharmasena Sanjeewa , Huber Kelly , Concel Jason , Gronenborn Angela M , Sluis-Cremer Nicolas
Published: May 2010

Background

Lemayet alrecently reported that the RNA binding protein HuR directly interacts with the ribonuclease H (RNase H) domain of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) and influences the efficiency of viral reverse transcription (Lemayet al., 2008, Retrovirology 5:47). HuR is a member of the embryonic lethal abnormal vision protein family and contains 3 RNA recognition motifs (RRMs) that bind AU-rich elements (AREs). To define the structural determinants of the HuR-RT interaction and to elucidate the mechanism(s) by which HuR influences HIV-1 reverse transcription activityin vitro, we cloned and purified full-length HuR as well as three additional protein constructs that contained the N-terminal and internal RRMs, the internal and C-terminal RRMs, or the C-terminal RRM only.

Results

All four HuR proteins were purified and characterized by biophysical methods. They are well structured and exist as monomers in solution. No direct protein-protein interaction between HuR and HIV-1 RT was detected using NMR titrations with15N labeled HuR variants or the15N labeled RNase H domain of HIV-1 RT. Furthermore, HuR did not significantly affect the kinetics of HIV-1 reverse transcriptionin vitro, even on RNA templates that contain AREs.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that HuR does not impact HIV-1 replication through a direct protein-protein interaction with the viral RT.
Reconstruction of an emergency thoracotomy wound with free rectus abdominis flap: Anatomic and radiologic basis for the surgical technique
Authors: Gilman Kaitlyn , Ipaktchi Kyros , Moore Ernest E , Barnett Carlton , Gurunluoglu Raffi
Published: May 2010

An alcoholic 50-year-old male patient with a history of schizophrenia sustained stab wounds into both ventricles and left lung, and survived following an emergency department thoracotomy. The EDT wound, however became infected requiring serial debridements of soft tissue, rib cartilage and sternum. Regional flap options such as pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscle flaps could not be employed due to inadequate reach of these flaps. Additionally, bilateral transection of the internal mammary arteries during emergency thoracotomy eliminated the use of rectus abdominis muscles as pedicled flaps based on the superior epigastric vasculature. Therefore, the EDT wound was reconstructed by using the right rectus abdominis muscle as a free flap. The deep inferior epigastric vessels of the flap were anastomosed to the right internal mammary vessels proximal to their transection level in the third-forth intercostal space. The flap healed with no further wound complications.
An integrated machine learning approach for predicting DosR-regulated genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hatch Kim A , Bacon Joanna , Wernisch Lorenz
Published: May 2010

Background

DosR is an important regulator of the response to stress such as limited oxygen availability in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Time course gene expression data enable us to dissect this response on the gene regulatory level. The mRNA expression profile of a regulator, however, is not necessarily a direct reflection of its activity. Knowing the transcription factor activity (TFA) can be exploited to predict novel target genes regulated by the same transcription factor. Various approaches have been proposed to reconstruct TFAs from gene expression data. Most of them capture only a first-order approximation to the complex transcriptional processes by assuming linear gene responses and linear dynamics in TFA, or ignore the temporal information in data from such systems.

Results

In this paper, we approach the problem of inferring dynamic hidden TFAs using Gaussian processes (GP). We are able to model dynamic TFAs and to account for both linear and nonlinear gene responses. To test the validity of the proposed approach, we reconstruct the hidden TFA of p53, a tumour suppressor activated by DNA damage, using published time course gene expression data. Our reconstructed TFA is closer to the experimentally determined profile of p53 concentration than that from the original study. We then apply the model to time course gene expression data obtained from chemostat cultures of M. tuberculosis under reduced oxygen availability. After estimation of the TFA of DosR based on a number of known target genes using the GP model, we predict novel DosR-regulated genes: the parameters of the model are interpreted as relevance parameters indicating an existing functional relationship between TFA and gene expression. We further improve the prediction by integrating promoter sequence information in a logistic regression model. Apart from the documented DosR-regulated genes, our prediction yields ten novel genes under direct control of DosR.

Conclusions

Chemostat cultures are an ideal experimental system for controlling noise and variability when monitoring the response of bacterial organisms such as M. tuberculosis to finely controlled changes in culture conditions and available metabolites. Nonlinear hidden TFA dynamics of regulators can be reconstructed remarkably well with Gaussian processes from such data. Moreover, estimated parameters of the GP can be used to assess whether a gene is controlled by the reconstructed TFA or not. It is straightforward to combine these parameters with further information, such as the presence of binding motifs, to increase prediction accuracy.
The expression and significance of IDH1 and p53 in osteosarcoma
Authors: Hu Xiang , Yu Ai-Xi , Qi Bai-Wen , Fu Tao , Wu Gang , Zhou Min , Luo Jun , Xu Jun-Hua
Published: May 2010

Background

To detect the expression of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and transformation-related protein 53 (p53) in osteosarcoma and analyze the correlation between them and the clinico-pathological features.

Methods

The expressions of IDH1 and p53 were detected in human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63 and U2OS) by immunocytochemistry, Real-time PCR and Western Blotting. The expressions of IDH1 and p53 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections from 44 osteosarcoma patients were determined by immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between them and clinicopagthological features were analyzed. None of these patients received chemotherapy prior to surgery.

Results

IDH1 is detected in osteosarcoma cell lines and biopsies. IDH1 expresses higher in U2OS cells with wild type p53 than in MG-63 cells with mutation p53. IDH1 correlates with histological Rosen grade and metastasis negatively. P53 correlates with histological Rosen grade, metastasis and overall survival in clinical osteosarcoma biopsies. Osteosarcoma patients with High IDH1 expression have a very high p53 expression.

Conclusion

IDH1 may correlate with p53 and be a candidate biomarker for osteosarcoma correlate with histological Rosen grade and metastasis.
Multiple Pd-catalyzed reactions in the synthesis of natural products, drugs, and materials
Authors: Tietze Lutz F. , Düfert Alexander
Published: May 2010

The efficient synthesis of natural products, drugs, and materials with economical and ecological advantages is a very important goal in modern synthetic chemistry. In such an approach, toxic substrates as well as reagents have to be avoided, the amount of waste has to be reduced, and the exploitation of our resources has to be diminished. In this respect, the use of catalytic processes is highly advantageous; however, even more beneficial is the combination of several catalytic processes either in a sequential or, more efficiently, in a domino mode. In this article, the synthesis of several natural products, drugs, and materials is described, employing multiple Pd-catalyzed processes either in a sequential or a domino fashion. Based on a double-Heck reaction developed by us for the preparation of estradiol, the efficient synthesis of the highly potent contraceptive desogestrel is discussed; for the synthesis of α-tocopherol and diversonol an enantioselective domino-Wacker/Heck reaction was utilized, whereas in the case of diversonol, a domino-Wacker/carbonylation was even more effective, and several molecular switches containing a helical tetrasubstituted double bond were prepared employing a domino-carbopalladation/Stille reaction. Finally, acenaphthylenes could be obtained by a domino-carbopalladation/C–H-activation.
Free vs Total Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) as a Predictor of 1-Year Outcome in Patients Presenting with Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Lund Juha , Wittfooth Saara , Qin Qiu-Ping , Ilva Tuomo , Porela Pekka , Pulkki Kari , Pettersson Kim , Voipio-Pulkki Liisa-Maria
Published: May 2010

Background: The free fraction of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (FPAPP-A) was found to be the PAPP-A form released to the circulation in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We estimated the prognostic value of FPAPP-A vs total PAPP-A (TPAPP-A) concentrations in forecasting death and nonfatal myocardial infarction (combined endpoint) in patients with non–ST-elevation ACS.

Methods: We recruited 267 patients hospitalized for symptoms consistent with non–ST-elevation ACS and followed them for 12 months. FPAPP-A, TPAPP-A, C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were measured at admission; cTnI was also measured at 6–12 h and 24 h. Because of the recently shown interaction between PAPP-A and heparin, we excluded patients treated with any heparin preparations before the admission blood sampling.

Results: During the follow-up, 57 (21.3%) patients met the endpoint (22 deaths and 35 nonfatal myocardial infarctions). According to FPAPP-A (<1.27, 1.27–1.74, >1.74 mIU/L) and TPAPP-A (<1.98, 1.98–2.99, >2.99 mIU/L) tertiles, this endpoint was met by 12 (13.5%), 18 (20.2%), 27 (30.3%) (P = 0.02), and 17 (19.1%), 17 (19.1%), 23 (25.8%) (P = 0.54) patients, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, and ischemic electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, FPAPP-A >1.74 mIU/L [risk ratio (RR) 2.0; 95% CI 1.0–4.1, P = 0.053), increased cTnI, and CRP ≥2.0 mg/L were independent predictors of an endpoint. The prognostic performance of TPAPP-A was inferior to that of FPAPP-A.

Conclusions: FPAPP-A seems to be superior as a prognostic marker compared to TPAPP-A, giving independent and additive prognostic information when measured at the time of admission in patients hospitalized for non–ST-elevation ACS.
The epigenetic regulation of autonomous replicons
Authors: Hagedorn Claudia , Lipps Hans J. , Rupprecht Sina
Published: May 2010

The discovery of autonomous replicating sequences (ARSs) inSaccharomyces cerevisiaein 1979 was considered a milestone in unraveling the regulation of replication in eukaryotic cells. However, shortly afterwards it became obvious that inSaccharomyces pombeand all other higher organisms ARSs were not sufficient to initiate independent replication. Understanding the mechanisms of replication is a major challenge in modern cell biology and is also a prerequisite to developing application-oriented autonomous replicons for gene therapeutic treatments. This review will focus on the development of non-viral episomal vectors, their use in gene therapeutic applications and our current knowledge about their epigenetic regulation.
Leptin and adiponectin levels in pubertal children: relationship with anthropometric variables and body composition
Authors: Schoppen Stefanie , Riestra Pía , García-Anguita Alicia , López-Simón Laura , Cano Beatriz , de Oya Iria , de Oya Manuel , Garcés Carmen
Published: May 2010

Background:Adipocytokines play an important role in controlling energy homeostasis, and in various metabolic processes related to obesity. The aim of this study was to describe serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations in a sample of pubertal Spanish children and to evaluate their association with anthropometric parameters and body composition.

Methods:The study included 833 pubertal boys and girls. Serum leptin and adiponectin concentrations were determined by ELISA.

Results:Leptin concentrations were significantly higher (p<0.0001) in obese or overweight (OW) children compared with children with normal weight (NW). Adiponectin was significantly lower (p<0.01) in obese or OW girls compared with girls of NW, although these findings were not the same for boys. Weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and waist to hip ratio were significantly correlated (p<0.01) with leptin concentrations in both genders. Correlation of leptin with fat mass and % fat mass was strong, particularly in boys. The association of adiponectin concentrations with anthropometric variables was weaker in both genders. No significant correlations were found between adiponectin concentrations and fat mass or % fat mass.

Conclusions:In summary, our study showed that, in pubertal children, leptin is related to weight, BMI, WC and HC and correlates even more strongly with % fat mass. However, adiponectin was weakly related to anthropometric variables and was not correlated with body fat.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:707–11.
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): old dogmas, a new perspective?
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Targher Giovanni
Published: May 2010

The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assay provides a reliable measure of chronic glycemia and correlates well with the risk of long-term diabetes complications, so that it is currently considered the test of choice for monitoring and chronic management of diabetes. Recently, HbA1c testing has been included within the diagnostic criteria recommended for diagnosis of diabetes in nonpregnant individuals by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The emerging concept that HbA1c can be used rather than blood glucose in the diagnosis of diabetes is highly appealing for a variety of reasons, including less sensitivity to preanalytical variables, lower within subject biological variablity, little to null interference from diurnal variations, acute stress and common drugs which are known to influence glucose metabolism, as well as the fact that one single measurement might provide information for both diagnosing diabetes and tracking glycemic control. On the other hand, the use of HbA1c for screening and diagnosing diabetes also carries some limitations, including the worse diagnostic performance in different populations (i.e., pregnancy, elderly and non-Hispanic blacks), the risk of overdiagnosis in subjects with iron deficiency anemia, in subjects genetically predisposed to hyperglycation, and in those with increased red blood cell turnover. There is also a higher risk of misdiagnosis in patients with end-stage renal disease and heavy alcohol consumption. Finally, HbA1c testing might be biased due to the interference from several hemoglobin variants, is characterized by a higher imprecision than blood glucose measurement, and is more expensive. This paper will critically summarize the potential advantages and limitations of HbA1c as a recommended test for diagnosing diabetes.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:609–14.
Commentary-FSH and bone 2010: evolving evidence
Authors: Iqbal Jameel , Sun Li , Zaidi Mone
Published: May 2010

Bone loss due to menopause, natural or artificial, has been attributed solely to low estrogen. However, in a woman's life, the most precipitous bone loss begins 2 years prior to the last menstrual period, during which time estrogen levels are unperturbed whereas FSH is elevated. Our cell-based and mouse genetic studies have shown that FSH stimulates bone resorption by osteoclasts directly in a pituitary–bone axis, independently of the estrogen effect. On the basis of this and evolving clinical and scientific evidence, we propose that elevated FSH contributes to bone loss across the menopausal transition, particularly during late perimenopause. In the current issue of theEuropean Journal of Endocrinology, Rendinaet al.strengthen the view for a primary role of FSH signaling in the regulation of bone mass and bone remodeling in humans by demonstrating that an ‘activating’ polymorphism AA rs6166 causes low bone mass and high bone turnover.
New species of Hasemania (Characiformes: Characidae) from Central Brazil, with comments on the endemism of upper rio Tocantins basin, Goiás State
Authors: Bertaco Vinicius A , Carvalho Fernando R
Published: May 2010

Hasemania kalunga is described from the upper rio Tocantins basin, Chapada dos Veadeiros, Goiás State, Brazil. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the number of perforated lateral line scales (11-21 vs. 5-9, except from H. crenuchoides and H. piatan), by the presence of a black ver tically-elongate humeral spot (vs. absent, except from H. crenuchoides, H. nambiquara, and H. piatan), and by absence of scale sheath along anal-fin base (vs. presence, except from H. maxillaris, and H. piatan), by 19 principal caudal-fin rays (vs. 18 in H. piatan). It differs also from H. crenuchoides by morphometric data. The absence of scale sheath covering the anal-fin base, an uncommon character in Characidae, and the endemism of the ichthyofauna from the upper rio Tocantins are discussed.
The Influence of the Bucco‐Palatal Distance on Sinus Augmentation Outcomes
Authors: Avila Gustavo , Wang Hom‐Lay , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Misch Carl E. , Bagramian Robert A. , Rudek Ivan , Benavides Erika , Moreno‐Riestra Ildefonso , Braun Thomas , Neiva Rodrigo
Published: May 2010

Background:Maxillary sinus augmentation is one of the most reliable implantsite development options to increase vertical bone height. However,graft consolidation requires adequate angiogenesis and migration ofcells involved in osteogenesis and bone remodeling. It isspeculated that these biologic events are greatly determined by thedimensions of the maxillary sinus cavity. Hence, the purpose ofthis study is to assess the influence of the distance from thelateral to the medial wall of the maxillary sinus on the outcomesof sinus augmentation procedures.

Methods:A total of 25 patients in need of sinus augmentation were recruitedfor the study. After initial examination, customized radiographicand surgical guides were fabricated and a cone‐beam computerizedtomography scan was obtained per patient. The bucco‐palataldistance (BPD) was measured at 8, 10, and 12 mm from the alveolarcrest. Sinus grafting was performed by a lateral window approachusing a particulated allograft material. Patients were followed‐upfor 6 months. At the time of implant placement, bone core biopsieswere harvested using the radiographic‐surgical guide. Sections ofthe bone cores at 8, 10, and 12 mm from the alveolar crest werehistomorphometrically analyzed. The proportion of vital bone (%VB)was correlated with the BPD using a statistical model.

Results:Twenty‐one patients underwent sinus augmentation for a total of 24sinuses; however, the data analyzed contained only one sinus perpatient. One sinus developed an infection after grafting, resultingin a 96% success rate for the sinus grafting procedure. Twentysinuses were used in the final statistical analysis.Histomorphometric analysis revealed that mean %VB was 22.71 ±19.08, mean percent of remaining allograft was 23.39 ±20.85, and average percent of non‐mineralized connective tissue was53.90 ±13.23. Analysis of the correlation between %VB and BPD by linearregression, using the actual values of BPD showed a strong negativeassociation (R2 =0.141;P<0.001).

Conclusion:The findings suggest that the %VB formation after maxillary sinusaugmentation is inversely proportional to the sinus BPD.
The Effect of Clarion Transitions on Student Academic Performance and Retention
Authors: Shao Xiaorong , Hufnagel Pamela , Karp Rashelle
Published: May 2010

Developed in 1999 by teams of faculty, staff, and students, Clarion Transitions is a multi-year student success program designed to increase student retention at a public university in western Pennsylvania. Clarion Transitions: Exploration is a credit-bearing, peer/faculty-facilitated co-curricular that engages freshmen in activities designed to encourage high levels of academic performance, campus knowledge, and social integration, thus encouraging higher levels of retention to the second semester and second year of college. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Exploration co-curricular on first-year students' academic performance and retention. Results indicate that, compared to students who do not complete the Exploration program, completers of the Exploration program earn higher semester GPAs, are more likely to attempt and earn more credit hours, are less likely to be placed on probation or suspension, and are more likely to return for their second semester and their second year.
Executive Management Team Demography and Minority Student Retention: Does Executive Team Diversity Influence the Retention of Minority Students?
Authors: Fincher Mark , Katsinas Stephen , Bush V. Barbara
Published: May 2010

Many colleges and universities are expected to produce more graduates while responding to an increasing level of racial and ethnic diversity among students. While the importance of diversity within executive management leadership teams may be accepted among nonprofit higher education institutions, the connection between diversity among the leadership in higher education and the retention of minority students has not been empirically established. This study, focusing on Texas public colleges and universities, finds that: 1) a diverse executive management team makes a positive difference in minority student retention at community colleges and 4-year universities institutions; and 2) the impact of a diverse executive management team on retention is not limited to race and ethnicity, but instead includes other demographic aspects.
Understanding Racial Differences in the Effects of Loans on Degree Attainment: A Path Analysis
Authors: Museus Samuel D.
Published: May 2010

Recent trends in the financing of higher education have increased the urgency of understanding how financial aid affects degree attainment among college students. Specifically, increased reliance on loans in the composition of financial aid packages renders it critical for policymakers and institutional leaders to understand the impact of borrowing on degree attainment. This study was aimed at understanding the complex relationship between loan amounts and degree completion using path modeling techniques. Results reveal that the process by which loans influence attainment is complex and varies across racial groups. The direct effect of loans on degree attainment was positive for Black students and negative for their Asian, Latina/o, and White counterparts. That direct effect was strongest for Latina/o students. Loan amounts also exhibited several indirect influences on attainment, via their effects on various mediating variables, among all four groups. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.
The Squishy and Stubborn Problem of Retention: A Study of a Mid Atlantic Historically Black Institution with a Land-Grant Mission
Authors: Nyirenda Stanley M. , Gong Tao
Published: May 2010

This study of a Mid Atlantic Historically Black Institution (MAHBI) examines cognitive, social, and institutional factors to identify those that are most critical in contributing to the steady decline of the rate of student retention for this institution and others with similar characteristics. Secondary source data pertaining to three cohorts (i.e., 2,854 students) of first-time, full-time students were used and a regression analysis was performed to determine the likelihood of student retention for the variables in the matrix. While the Odds-ratio analysis confirmed significant potential for increasing retention by increasing the amount of financial aid, in-state tuition status, fall semester GPA, and taking Math 101 (i.e., Intermediate Algebra), a 1-point increase in the Spring Semester GPA for a student at the MAHBI increases student chances of being retained by 453%. These results have serious implications for student academic support services at the MAHBI.
Football and Freshmen Retention: Examining the Impact of College Football on Institutional Retention Rates
Authors: Jones Willis A.
Published: May 2010

Student retention has been one of the more researched topics in the study of American higher education over the past 20 years (Braxton, Hirschy, & McClendon, 2004; Pascarella & Terenzini, 2005). Very little of this research, however, has attempted to examine the impact of college athletics on an institution's ability to retain students. This study examined the relationship between institutional support of college football (as measured by attendance at home football games) and freshmen retention at NCAA Division 1A and 1AA colleges and universities. Findings indicated that, after controlling for various factors associated with student retention, attendance at home football games was positively and significantly related to an institution's freshmen retention rate. Football game attendance was more significant, however, at Division 1A institutions as compared to Division 1AA institutions.
A Preliminary Theory of the Defining Dynamic of the Healthy Human Mind
Authors: Vyner Henry M.
Published: May 2010

This article presents some of the results of an ongoing study of Tibetan lamas in which the lamas are being individually interviewed about their experiences of their own mind in meditation for the purpose of developing an empirically valid theory of the nature of the healthy human mind. The article begins by first briefly summarizing the case for the position that an empirically valid theory of the healthy mind must be, for reasons of scientific method, a theory that has been derived from observations of the phenomena that appear in the stream of consciousness. It then goes on to: (1) present a descriptive science of these phenomena as they have been described by the lamas in this study; and then (2) derive from this descriptive science a preliminary theory of the defining dynamic of the healthy human mind. An appendix at the end of the article contains a representative sample of the lama interviews from which the data and hypotheses of this article have been derived.
Lock-In and the Transition to Hydrogen Cars: Should Governments Intervene?
Authors: Greaker Mads , Heggedal Tom-Reiel
Published: May 2010

The density of fuel filling stations influences consumers' utility of private car transport. We investigate the technology choice of firms and consumers in a formal model of the private transport market. Two competing technologies exist; today's internal combustion engine based on fossil fuels, and tomorrow's hydrogen car. Due to network externalities, several market equilibria may exist, of which one is likely to Pareto dominate the other(s). Thus, a lock-in situation is possible. On the other hand, if either the costs of establishing hydrogen filling stations are too high or the hydrogen car technology is still in its infancy, the only equilibrium is the current internal combustion engine equilibrium. Hence, apart from internalizing the environmental externality on gasoline cars, the government has no reason to intervene before the technology is ripe.
Genealogies of Balancing as Discourse
Authors: Bomhoff Jacco
Published: May 2010

The language of balancing and proportionality figures increasingly, often in judicial and academic constitutional legal reasoning in Western democracies. The spread of this particular form of discourse raises important methodological and substantive issues for scholars of comparative law. While the dominant narrative in the relevant lines of scholarship has long been one of similarity and convergence, this article argues that not enough attention has been paid to the possibility of differencethe idea that references to balancing might mean very different things in different settings. In Parts I and II, the article suggests that a methodological shiftfrom a focus on balancing as doctrine to a focus on balancing as legal argumentwill be necessary to bring out these different meanings. Based on a case study of early and mid-twentieth century practices in Germany and the United States, it is argued that one crucial difference in the local meanings of balancing in these settings relates to the extent to which choices of legal form are locally expected to have inherent substantive implications (Parts III and IV).
2009: 40th Birthday of the Mineralogical Society of Poland
Authors: Kryza Ryszard , Michalik Marek , Wyszomirski Piotr
Published: May 2010

2009: 40th Birthday of the Mineralogical Society of Poland
Characterization of granites by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Hassan Kamaledin
Published: May 2010

Characterization of granites by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy

Two granite complexes in Egypt, a sodic type and an aluminous type are characterized by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Mössbauer spectra (MS) of the sodic granite show a major doublet of ferric (Fe3+) iron that is attributable to octahedral coordination (M1) sites plus/minus a tetrahedron Fe3+ doublet plus/minus a doublet of ferrous (Fe2+) iron on the M1 sites plus/ minus another Fe2+ (M1) doublet and a sextet of Fe3+. The sextet is attributed to α-Fe2O3 (hematite) and the other Fe components are due to NaCaFeSi2O6 (aegirine-augite) plus/minus minor contributions from (Ca2(Mg, Fe)5(Si, Al)8O22(OH)2 (magnesium-hornblende). Changes in the quadrupole splitting and width line of Fe2+ ions are likely composition-related. The MS of the aluminous-type granite, on the other hand, shows evidence only of single doublets containing Fe2+ or Fe3+ in the octahedral M1 sites, with parameters that remain almost constant. This consistency implies that the existing minerals - K(Mg, Fe2+)3 (Al, Fe3+)Si3O10(OH, F)2 (biotite), (Mg, Fe)6(Si, Al)4O10(OH)8 (clinochlore), (Na, K)Ca2(Fe, Mg)5(Al, Si)8O22(OH)2 (ferrohornblende and magnesiohornblende) - have similar iron positions. The intensity of iron oxidized (Fe3+/ΣFe) for the sodic granite is 79.1 to 100% and for the aluminous granite, 28.4 to 38.2%. The observed Fe3+/ΣFe differences between the two granites are source-related and consistent with distributions of other redox-sensitive elements.
Closing the Gap Between Ethics Knowledge and Practice Through Active Engagement: An Applied Model of Physical Therapy Ethics
Authors: Delany Clare M. , Edwards Ian , Jensen Gail M. , Skinner Elizabeth
Published: May 2010

Physical therapist practice has a distinct focus that is holistic (ie, patient centered) and at the same time connected to a range of other providers within health care systems. Although there is a growing body of literature in physical therapy ethics knowledge, including clinical obligations and underlying philosophical principles, less is known about the unique ethical issues that physical therapists encounter, and how and why they make ethical decisions. As moral agents, physical therapists are required to make autonomous clinical and ethical decisions based on connections and relationships with their patients, other health care team members, and health institutions and policies. This article identifies specific ethical dimensions of physical therapist practice and highlights the development and focus of ethics knowledge in physical therapy over the last several decades. An applied ethics model, called the “active engagement model,” is proposed to integrate clinical and ethical dimensions of practice with the theoretical knowledge and literature about ethics. The active engagement model has 3 practical steps: to listen actively, to think reflexively, and to reason critically. The model focuses on the underlying skills, attitudes, and actions that are required to build a sense of moral agency and purpose within physical therapist practice and to decrease gaps between the ethical dimensions of physical therapist practice and physical therapy ethics knowledge and scholarship. A clinical case study is provided to illustrate how the ethics engagement model might be used to analyze and provide insight into the ethical dimensions of physical therapist practice.
Indirect maternal mortality increases in the Netherlands
Authors: SCHUTTE JOKE M. , DE JONGE LAYLA , SCHUITEMAKER NICO W. E. , SANTEMA JOB G. , STEEGERS ERIC A. P. , VAN ROOSMALEN JOS
Published: May 2010

Objective. To assess causes, trends, and substandard care in indirect maternal mortality in the Netherlands. Design. Confidential enquiry into causes of maternal death. Setting. Nationwide in the Netherlands. Population. A total of 2,557,208 live births. Methods. Data analysis of indirect maternal deaths in the period 1993–2005. Main outcome measures. Indirect maternal mortality. Results. Of the study subjects, 97 were classified as indirect deaths, representing a maternal mortality ratio of 3.3/100,000 live births, a significant increase compared to the preceding enquiry in the period 1983–1992 (MMR 2.4, OR 1.5, 95%CI 1.0–2.1). The percentage of cases not directly reported to the Maternal Mortality Committee decreased from 15 to 5%. Cardiovascular disorders were the leading cause of indirect maternal mortality, followed by cerebrovascular disorders. Vascular dissection (n = 19) was the most frequent specified cause of death. Risk factors were advanced maternal age, non‐indigenous origin (Surinam and Dutch Antilles), and medical health risks before pregnancy. Substandard care was present in 35%, mainly being misjudgment of the severity of the condition and delay in initiating therapy. Conclusion. The rise of mortality due to indirect causes is considered a reflection of the change in risk profile of women of childbearing age and the result of demographic alterations concerning ethnicity and maternal age. The identification of high risk groups, preferably by programs of preconception care, should lead to improved care for these women, with a multidisciplinary approach when needed.
Self‐reporting compared to motion monitor in the measurement of physical activity during pregnancy
Authors: HAAKSTAD LENE A.H. , GUNDERSEN INGVILD , BØ KARI
Published: May 2010

Most pregnancy‐studies have relied on retrospective, cross‐sectional surveys to measure physical activity level. Questionnaires are cost‐effective, but validity of the data may be questionable. Objective. The aim of the present study was to validate a physical activity and pregnancy questionnaire (PAPQ) with a portable activity monitor (ActiReg®). Design. Prospective comparison study. Setting. Healthy pregnant women recruited in a capital area. Population. Seventy‐seven pregnant women wore the ActiReg® sensors during waking hours for seven consecutive days and answered the PAPQ. Main outcome measures. Agreement between the two methods was analyzed by Bland–Altman plots and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results. The results indicated only small differences between the PAPQ and the ActiReg® in cross‐tabulation of total physical activity level and proportion of participants meeting the current exercise guidelines. The correlation between the methods was good (r = 0.59) for time spent in activities with high intensity (METS > 6), moderate for time spent standing/moving (r = 0.36) and fair for sitting/lying (r = 0.29). The Bland–Altman plot of the activity patterns, showed a mean difference near zero with no apparent trends and wide scatter of individual observations. Conclusions. The PAPQ may be considered an acceptable method for assessing habitual physical activity and exercise among pregnant women at group level. However, as questionnaires and portable activity monitors have their strengths in measuring different aspects of physical activity, there may be advantages in combining these two types of instruments for registrations of physical activity level during pregnancy.
Editorial Vol.5(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: May 2010

DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3075 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1)
Comparison of Proportion and Resistance Ratio Methods for Drug Susceptibility Testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolated from Patients Attending National Tuberculosis Centre, Nepal
Authors: Acharya S , Ghimire P , Khadka DK , Nepali S
Published: May 2010

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is among the most serious infectious cause of global morbidity and mortality. Emergence of Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is posing an increased threat to TB control programs. Drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) isolates is important for tackling such problems. Setting: National Tuberculosis Centre (NTC), Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal. Objectives: Comparative evaluation of two in vitro DST methods in determining susceptibility of M. tuberculosis isolates from patients attending NTC, to front-line anti-TB drugs: (Isoniazid-INH, Rifampicin-RFP, Streptomycin-SM, and Ethambutol-EMB). Methodology: This study was conducted from Sep 2006-Jun 2007. A total of 862 sputum samples (diagnosis or follow up cases) collected from patients (type of patients or their categories was not differentiated in this study) attending NTC bacteriology lab for sputum direct smear microscopy were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy. All smear positive samples, smear negative samples requested for culture were cultured. All culture positive samples confirmed as M. tuberculosis by biochemical tests were processed for DST by both proportion (PR) and resistance ratio (RR) methods. Results: Out of 862 sputum samples analyzed, 226 (26.2%) samples were positive for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) by fluorescence microscopy. Among 323 samples 226 smear positive samples and 97 smear negative samples requested for culture), 221 (68.4%) were culture positive, 92 (28.5%) were culture negative and 10 (3.1%) were contaminated. Out of 221 isolates of M. tuberculosis, 57.5% were resistant to one or more drugs by the PR method and 56.6% by the RR method. Similarly, MDR isolates were 29.9% and 29% by PR and RR methods respectively. On correlation analysis using Mc Nemar Chi-square test, no significant difference between the two tests were observed (p>0.05). The results showed high agreement between both methods and agreement rates to INH, RFP, SM and EMB were 93.2%, 93.7%, 93.2% and 94.1% respectively. Similarly, the agreement rates between both methods using kappa analysis showed kappa (k) value of 0.86, 0.85, 0.86 and 0.84 for INH, RFP, SM and EMB respectively, which is believed to be good agreement between both methods (k=0.80 to 1.00: Very good agreement). Conclusion: In conclusion, this study showed that both the Proportion and Resistance ratio methods are equally good for determining drug susceptibility of M. tuberculosis. Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Drug Susceptibility Testing; Proportion Method; Resistance Ratio Method. DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3078 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1) 13-20
Opportunistic Intestinal Protozoan Parasitic Infection in HIV Positive Patient in Jamnagar, Gujarat
Authors: Gupta M , Sinha M , Raizada N
Published: May 2010

The case definition of AIDS encompasses a spectrum of infections and malignancies, labelled as opportunistic infections. In recent years, numerous studies have outlined the emergence of opportunistic gastrointestinal protozoa that have caused diarrhoeal illness among HIV - AIDS patients. Purpose of present study was to determine the prevalence of opportunistic intestinal protozoal parasites in HIV positive patients with or without diarrhoea. A total of 100 stool samples of HIV positive patients were examined for protozoal parasites by microscopy. Protozoal parasites were detected in 25 HIV positive patients; in 41.37 % of patients with diarrhoea and in 2.38% of patients without diarrhoea. Isospora belli appeared to be a predominant parasite associated with diarrhoea among HIV patients. Cryptosporidium revealed of its asymptomatic carriage along with its association with acute and chronic diarrhoea. Prevalence of Microsporidia and Cyclospora cayetenensis was found to be very low. Key words: HIV; diarrhoea; opportunistic protozoa. DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3079 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1) 21-24
Review of Management of ART Service Delivery for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha L , Subedi BK , Subedi A
Published: May 2010

HIV/AIDS epidemic has been gradually spreading in Nepal. It is one of the major public health problems of the nation. Treatment, Care and Support are the critical and essential components of the response to HIV infection and AIDS related morbidity in Nepal. The cross sectional study was carried out at four public and three private Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) sites during last 6 months of 2006 by selecting public ART sites based on the developmental regions of the country. From institutional set-up, human resources supply and availability of ART medicine's perspectives, the management practices of ART in Nepal is satisfactory. However, services need to be improved to make it more effective and efficient and client friendly, considering the standardization and sustainability of services. Government has targeted to increase the number of certified service delivery points for provision of comprehensive treatment and care services in relation to HIV/AIDS. Hence, in order to achieve the targets with increasing the coverage there is a need to review the management process in established ART service delivery sites. Key Words: HIV/AIDS; Nepal; ART DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3081 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1)
Lung Cancer and Smoking in Asia
Authors: Jha R , Weerakoon AP , Karki KB , Shrestha S , Gamage PWK
Published: May 2010

The incidence of lung cancer is rising dramatically in Asia. Cancer is currently placed 6th to 9th in the common causes of mortality in the SAARC region. The most common cancers in Asia are the cancers of head, neck and thorax, which can be directly attributed to the smoking and tobacco chewing habits in the region especially SAARC region. The pattern of cigarette smoking changed globally during last three decade. It is slowly decreasing in developed countries, at a rate of 1% annually and rising in developing countries, at a rate of 2%. Recent studies have shown in addition to the direct tobacco smoking, environmental tobacco smoke has a proven lung carcinogenic effect. As the single most important cause for lung cancer is tobacco smoke, every effort should be taken to control this menace.Key Words: Lung cancer; Asia; Tobacco Smoking DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v5i1.3082 SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2008 Vol.5(1) 33-38