bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial Skills Development of Selected Private Institutions of Higher Learning in Batangas, Philippines
Authors: Magbojos Carina R.
Published: November 2012

Abstract - Institutions of higher learning face a new situation on higher education. It holds some novel threats and presents some fresh opportunities. Given the uncertainty of the future, collage and university administrators cannot allow their organizations to drift. This study assessed the managerial skills development of the administrators of the five (5) well-established private institutions of higher learning in Batangas, Philippines. A combination of descriptive-purposive research design and survey method was used to determine the managerial dimensions exhibited by the administrators. Mean, Likert Scale, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and and Bivariate Correlation were used. There is no significant difference in the assessment of the three groups of respondents in terms of communication skills and solving problems effectively. However, there is a significant difference in terms of self leadership, managing the task effectively, managing the people effectively, and managing interpersonal relations effectively. There is a very high significant relationship among all the managerial skills dimensions required of the institution administrators using the same managerial dimensions. The managerial skills of the administrators have to be enhanced to improve the quality of people in the institution. The Proposed Executive Development Program and Training Model are strongly recommended. Keywords – managerial skills, institution of higher learning, private institutions, education
Recruitment of Research Volunteers: Methods, Interest, and Incentives
Authors: Goldenberg Lee R. , Owens Edward F. , Pickar Joel G.
Published: November 2012

College research departments use students as participants in trials and often receive course credit or other incentives, but sometimes challenges are found in recruiting participants without compensation. This commentary describes methods of recruitment for one study at Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research and comments from two other schools about how they recruit volunteers.
Student Mental Health in a Chiropractic University Setting
Authors: Rubin Lisa E.
Published: November 2012

Objective: This report is an attempt to frame the types of emotional challenges seen at a university counseling center with a unique population of chiropractic students compared with the normative college population. Methods: The psychological complaints of students were examined to determine the population that has utilized psychological counseling over the last 2 years at this institution. Results: The following issues were identified as the top three presenting concerns for individuals pursuing psychological counseling: mood disorders, relationships, and substance-related disorders. Conclusion: The counseling center's top three issues pursued for counseling are consistent with the research of mental health issues on college campuses. Counseling services at a university are an integral part of the institution, as evidenced by statistics from undergraduate and graduate college settings.
Trends in Articles Published Over the Past 20 Years in The Journal of Chiropractic Education: Country of Origin, Academic Affiliation, and Data Versus Nondata Studies
Authors: Johnson Claire D. , Green Bart N.
Published: November 2012

Purpose: To review trends in articles published during the first 20 years of The Journal of Chiropractic Education (JCE), which is the primary periodical that publishes chiropractic educational research. This study focused on article type, country of origin, contributions by institutions, use of references, and use of structured abstracts. Methods: All volumes of the JCE were retrieved (1987–2006). Only full articles were included in this study; abstracts from proceedings and ephemera were excluded from this analysis. Articles that presented no data (eg, commentary, narrative descriptions) were classified as nondata articles. Articles that reported data (eg, experimental studies, survey research, etc) were classified as data articles. Each article was reviewed by hand for the type of study (data vs nondata), geographic region of origin, college of origin, use of references, and the presence of a structured or unstructured abstract. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 153 papers were assessed. Published articles came from 5 countries and represented 23 chiropractic colleges. A majority (80.2%) of papers were from the United States. Of all articles, 101 articles (66%) were nondata in nature. Consistent use of references and structured abstracts increased over time. Conclusion: During its first 20 years, the JCE has published more nondata than data studies and the number of data papers published per year has remained constant. The journal has reached a consistent level of quality in its publication of manuscripts containing structured abstracts and references, and articles have been authored primarily by US authors. It is recommended that more efforts and resources are dedicated to data-driven studies and that greater geographic diversity is obtained to better represent the worldwide distribution of the chiropractic profession's educational institutions.
The Digital Bridge: A Boomer's View of Course Management Software in the Gen Y Classroom
Authors: Shreeve Michael W.
Published: November 2012

Today's Generation Y student population entered adulthood in a world immersed with digital technology. This commentary discusses the migration of educators, primarily from the Baby Boomer generation, in the use of digital technology as part of an educational process designed to engage current student cohorts.
Chiropractic Students and Research: Assessing the Research Culture at a North American Chiropractic College
Authors: Weber Kenneth A. , He Xiaohua
Published: November 2012

Purpose: To continue positive professional growth and boost research endeavors, chiropractic institutions need to develop a research-oriented foundation and produce a larger body of researchers. The purpose of this study was to provide a current analysis of the research culture among students at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. This study will gain insight toward the research contributions of the next generation of chiropractors and identify the difficulties toward participation. This will help modify current academic programs to better foster research and ensure a promising, credible future for the chiropractic profession. Methods: Participants were students at Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida enrolled in quarters 1 through 12 during the 2008 summer term. To evaluate the research culture, participants were asked to complete a 33-item web-based survey. Results: A total of 303 students completed the survey. Forty-four percent were female, and the mean age was 26 (SD = 4.2). Ninety-nine percent of respondents agreed that research was necessary for positive growth within the chiropractic profession. A majority of students reported having research experience, and 58% planned to participate in research activities prior to graduation. Technical writing was reported as the most challenging aspect of research, and heavy academic workload was reported as the greatest deterrent to participation. Conclusion: This study expresses possibilities for building a strong research culture at the college. Students were aware of the necessity for research and were openly interested in conducting research. Modification of current academic policies will allow for greater student research opportunities and the development of tomorrow's researchers.
Faculty Perception of Clinical Value of Five Commonly Used Orthopedic Tests
Authors: Kleinfield Steven L. , Daniel Dwain , Ndetan Harrison
Published: November 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions of the value of five orthopedic tests (straight leg raise, Braggard's test, Kemp's test, Valsalva maneuver, and Patrick's fabere test) in the diagnosis of specific neuromusculoskeletal conditions among the chiropractic faculty at a large chiropractic college. Methods: This is an observational study that employed a survey of 41 academic and clinic faculty members with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Results: Of the 12 posed questions, only five demonstrated statistically significant consistency (positive straight leg raise for the presence of disc pathology, positive Valsalva maneuver for the presence of disc pathology, negative Valsalva maneuver to rule out disc pathology, negative Braggard's test to rule out the presence of disc pathology, and positive Patrick's fabere test for the presence of hip joint pathology). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the school of graduation may be the only predictor of consistency. Conclusion: There were strong indications that faculty members were not consistent in their perception of the value for common orthopedic tests for diagnosing specific conditions. In an evidence-based model of education, there should be a consensus among academic and clinical faculty in order for the students to learn, integrate, and apply in practice what they have learned in the classroom. Active intervention in the academic process is required to accomplish necessary change.
Effect of Implementing Instructional Videos in a Physical Examination Course
Authors: Zhang Niu , Chawla Sudeep
Published: November 2012

Objective: This study examined the effect of implementing instructional video in ophthalmic physical examination teaching on chiropractic students' laboratory physical examination skills and written test results. Methods: Instructional video clips of ophthalmic physical examination, consisting of both standard procedures and common mistakes, were created and used for laboratory teaching. The video clips were also available for student review after class. Students' laboratory skills and written test results were analyzed and compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc multiple comparison tests among three study cohorts: the comparison cohort who did not utilize the instructional videos as a tool, the standard video cohort who viewed only the standard procedure of video clips, and the mistake-referenced video cohort who viewed video clips containing both standard procedure and common mistakes. Results: One-way ANOVA suggested a significant difference of lab results among the three cohorts. Post hoc multiple comparisons further revealed that the mean scores of both video cohorts were significantly higher than that of the comparison cohort (p < .001). There was, however, no significant difference of the mean scores between the two video cohorts (p > .05). However, the percentage of students having a perfect score was the highest in the mistake-referenced video cohort. There was no significant difference of written test scores among all three cohorts (p > .05). Conclusion: The instructional video of the standard procedure improves chiropractic students' ophthalmic physical examination skills, which may be further enhanced by implementing a mistake-referenced instructional video.
Degree of Vertical Integration Between the Undergraduate Program and Clinical Internship With Respect to Cervical and Cranial Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures Taught at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College
Authors: Leppington Charmody , Gleberzon Brian , Fortunato Lisa , Doucet Nicole , Vandervalk Kyle
Published: November 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the cervical and cranial spine taught to students during the undergraduate program at Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College are required to be used during their internship by their supervising clinicians and, if so, to what extent these procedures are used. Methods: Course manuals and course syllabi from the Applied Chiropractic and Clinical Diagnosis faculty of the undergraduate chiropractic program for the academic year 2009–2010 were consulted and a list of all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the cranial and cervical spine was compiled. This survey asked clinicians to indicate if they themselves used or if they required the students they were supervising to use each procedure listed and, if so, to what extent each procedure was used. Demographic information of each clinician was also obtained. Results: In general, most diagnostic procedures of the head and neck were seldom used, with the exception of postural observation and palpation. By contrast, most cervical orthopaedic tests were often used, with the exception of tests for vertigo. Most therapeutic procedures were used frequently with the exception of prone cervical and “muscle” adjustments. Conclusion: There was a low degree of vertical integration for cranial procedures as compared to a much higher degree of vertical integration for cervical procedures between the undergraduate and clinical internship programs taught. Vertical integration is an important element of curricular planning and these results may be helpful to aid educators to more appropriately allocate classroom instruction.
Background, Expectations and Beliefs of a Chiropractic Student Population: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Gliedt Jordan A. , Briggs Shaun , Williams Joshua S.M. , Smith Derek P. , Blampied Joseph
Published: November 2012

Purpose: Research encompassing the characteristics of chiropractic students is limited. The purpose of our study was to evaluate a current chiropractic student population enrolled at a chiropractic college concerning demographics, expectations, and beliefs. Methods: A 44-item survey was administered to volunteer participants. Direct verbal interaction in a classroom setting to potential participants was the recruitment strategy used. Data were collected and stored on a safe network. Percentages for all responses were calculated and means were recorded where appropriate. Results: A total of 664 students participated of 877 potential eligible candidates (75%). The respondents tended to be 21–25 years of age, Caucasian, and male. Most respondents expected to work in a private practice immediately following graduation and anticipated an annual income of at least $100,000 eventually. Respondents preferred the retaining of the term, “subluxation,” and identified the importance of new and emerging scientific data. Additionally, respondents held the viewpoint that some non-musculoskeletal diseases can be treated effectively with spinal manipulation as a primary treatment. Conclusions: The majority of chiropractic students in our study were represented by specific demographic characteristics, and a strong favoritism toward the expectations of working in a private practice setting and earning at least $100,000 per year at some point in their career. Distinct beliefs are shared between chiropractic students and practicing chiropractors in North America, and certain aspects of students in our study are comparable to chiropractic students in similar studies.
The origins and genetic distinctiveness of the chamorros of the Marianas Islands: An mtDNA perspective
Authors: Vilar Miguel G. , Chan Chim W , Santos Dana R , Lynch Daniel , Spathis Rita , Garruto Ralph M , Lum J Koji
Published: November 2012

Background:

Archaeological and linguistic evidence suggests the Marianas Islands were settled around 3,600 years before present (ybp) from Island Southeast Asia (ISEA). Around 1,000 ybp latte stone pillars and the first evidence of rice cultivation appear in the Marianas. Both traditions are absent in the rest of prehistoric Oceania.

Objective:

To examine the genetic origins and postsettlement gene flow of Chamorros of the Marianas Islands.

Methods:

To infer the origins of the Chamorros we analyzed ∼360 base pairs of the hypervariable‐region 1 (HVS1) of mitochondrial DNA from 105 Chamorros from Guam, Rota, and Saipan, and the complete mitochondrial genome of 32 Guamanian Chamorros, and compared them to lineages from ISEA and neighboring Pacific archipelagoes from the database.

Results:

Results reveal that 92% of Chamorros belong to haplogroup E, also found in ISEA but rare in Oceania. The two most numerous E lineages were identical to lineages currently found in Indonesia, while the remaining E lineages differed by only one or two mutations and all were unique to the Marianas. Seven percent of the lineages belonged to a single Chamorro‐specific lineage within haplogroup B4, common to ISEA as well as Micronesia and Polynesia.

Conclusions:

These patterns suggest a small founding population had reached and settled the Marianas from ISEA by 4,000 ybp, and developed unique mutations in isolation. A second migration from ISEA may have arrived around 1,000 ybp, introducing the latte pillars, rice agriculture and the homogeneous minority B4 lineage. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2013. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Health and adult productivity: The relation between adult nutrition, helminths, and agricultural, hunting, and fishing yields in the Bolivian Amazon
Authors: Tanner S. , Rosinger A. , Leonard W.R. , Reyes‐García V. ,   Taps Bolivia Study Team
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

Infectious disease and nutritional stress have both been associated with reductions in adult work productivity and work capacity in the context of wage labor, but less research has investigated their effects among groups relying on more traditional subsistence practices of horticulture and foraging. In this article, we examine the relations among measures of adult nutritional status (BMI, skinfold measurements, and fat‐free mass) and infection (presence of soil transmitted helminth infections) and measures of adult work productivity.

Methods:

As part of a larger panel study among Tsimane', a foraging–horticulturalist group in the Bolivian Amazon, health surveys, anthropometric information, and the quantity of products (both crops and game) brought into the household were collected for 320 Tsimane' adults over a four‐month period in 2003. In addition, a single fecal sample was collected for a sub‐sample of 86 adults.

Results:

Our analysis shows mixed associations between either BMI or the presence of parasitism and reported adult productivity. Muscularity was not clearly related to adult productivity. In contrast, body fatness (Skinfold z‐score) was inversely associated with the average quantity of fish and game brought into the household, especially for men.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that the effects of adult infection and nutritional stress may be less clearly identified outside of the context of wage labor. Further research linking adult physical activity levels and metabolic rates to productivity in diverse contexts is needed. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2013. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
C‐reactive protein by pregnancy and lactational status among Filipino young adult women
Authors: Kuzawa Christopher W. , Adair Linda S. , Borja Judith , Mcdade Thomas W.
Published: November 2012

Objectives:

Pregnancy and lactation involve adaptations in immune regulation, but little is known about cross‐cultural variation in inflammatory changes during pregnancy or lactation. Here we report concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP) in a large cross‐sectional sample of healthy Filipino women who vary in parity, gestational, and lactational status, and who come from a population previously described as having low CRP.

Methods:

Fasting plasma CRP was measured among female participants (ages 20.8–22.4 years) in the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 822).

Results:

Median CRP was 0.2 mg/l in nulliparous women and peaked at 2.0 mg/l in women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Parous but post‐partum women had higher CRP compared to nulliparous women, which was largely explained by body composition differences as reflected in waist circumference and skinfold measures. Among post‐partum women with infants, CRP was similar in women who were currently breastfeeding compared to those who were not.

Conclusions:

At Cebu, women late in gestation have 10‐fold higher C‐reactive protein compared to nulliparous women, with no evidence that lactation is inflammatory. These population‐based findings are similar with findings from prior clinic‐based studies and are consistent with the maternal immunological adaptations initiated during pregnancy. The tendency of human females to spend more time than females of other great apes in gestation rather than lactation suggests that the human life history strategy involved increased time spent by reproductively aged females in a pro‐inflammatory state. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2013. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ceruloplasmin dysfunction and therapeutic potential for Parkinson disease
Authors: Ayton Scott , Lei Peng , Duce James A. , Wong Bruce X. W. , Sedjahtera Amelia , Adlard Paul A. , Bush Ashley I. , Finkelstein David I.
Published: November 2012

Ceruloplasmin is an iron‐export ferroxidase that is abundant in plasma and also expressed in glia. We found a ∼80% loss of ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity in the substantia nigra of idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) cases, which could contribute to the pro‐oxidant iron accumulation that characterizes the pathology. Consistent with a role for ceruloplasmin in PD etiopathogenesis, ceruloplasmin knockout mice developed parkinsonism that was rescued by iron chelation. Additionally, peripheral infusion of ceruloplasmin attenuated neurodegeneration and nigral iron elevation in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine mouse model for PD. These findings show, in principle, that intravenous ceruloplasmin may have therapeutic potential in PD. Ann Neurol 2013;73:554–559
X‐band dielectric and microwave‐absorbing properties of the incompletely carbonized polyacrylonitrile cloth
Authors: Huang Zhibin , Kang Wenbo , Tang Xiufeng , Qing Yuchang , Luo Fa
Published: November 2012

Incompletely carbonized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) cloths were prepared by heating stabilized PAN cloth at 600–800°C in different atmosphere. Their X‐band dielectric and microwave‐absorbing properties were investigated. Results showed that the complex permittivity constantly increased with the increasing heating temperature due to the growth of carbon sheets. Conversely, the cloths carbonized in air exhibit lower complex permittivity than those carbonized in nitrogen because the reaction with oxygen restricts the progress of carbonization. The reflection loss below −10 dB can be obtained in X band for the sample carbonized at 650°C for 2 h in air. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Nanostructured thermosetting epoxy systems modified with poly(isoprene‐b‐methyl metacrylate) diblock copolymer and polyisoprene‐grafted carbon nanotubes
Authors: Espósito Leandro H. , Ramos José A. , Mondragon Iñaki , Kortaberria Galder
Published: November 2012

Nanostructured thermosetting composites based on an epoxy matrix modified with poly(isoprene‐b‐methyl methacrylate) (PI‐b‐PMMA) block copolymer were prepared through PI block segregation. Morphological structures were examined by means of atomic microscopy force microscopy. As epoxy/pristine multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) systems were found to present big agglomerations, with a very poor dispersion of the nanofiller, epoxy/PI‐b‐PMMA/MWCNT systems were prepared by using polyisoprene‐grafted carbon nanotubes (PI‐g‐CNT) to enhance compatibility with the matrix and improve dispersion. It was found that the functionalization of MWCNT with grafted polyisoprene was not enough to totally disperse them into the epoxy matrix but an improvement of the dispersion of carbon nanotubes was achieved by nanostructuring epoxy matrix with PI‐b‐PMMA when compared with epoxy/MWCNT composites without nanostructuring. Nevertheless, some agglomerates were still present and the complete dispersion or confinement of nanotubes into desired domains was not achieved. Thermomechanical properties slightly increase with PI‐g‐CNT content for nanostructured samples, whereas for nonnanostructured epoxy/PI‐g‐CNT composites they appeared almost constant and even decreased for the highest nanofiller amount due to the presence of agglomerates. Compression properties slightly decreased with block copolymer content, while remained almost constant with nanofiller amount. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Structure–property relationship of polyetheramines as clay‐swelling inhibitors in water‐based drilling fluids
Authors: Peng Bo , Luo Ping‐Ya , Guo Wen‐Yu , Yuan Qiuyue
Published: November 2012

The influences of structure parameters of polyetheramines as clay‐swelling inhibitors in water‐based drilling fluids on the application performances were studied. Interactions of polyetheramines with clays were investigated through elemental analysis (EA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that lower molecular weight, hydrophobic oxypropylene segment, and plentiful amino group of polyetheramines favored improvement of inhibitive properties, enhancement of adsorption abilities, and expelling interlayer bound waters of clays (as confirmed by cutting rolling test, bentonite inhibition test, EA, XRD, and TGA studies). Simultaneously, the polyetheramines did not produce adverse effect to filtration control of the drilling fluids. In addition, XRD patterns revealed that these polyetheramines could intercalate into interlayer spaces of clays and display a monolayer arrangement. The corresponding basal spacing of clays was correlated only with molecular weight of polyetheramines. The dense loading of polyetheramines in the interlayer of clays was beneficial in improving inhibitive properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Thermomechanical and shape memory properties of thermosetting shape memory polymer under compressive loadings
Authors: Fulcher J. T. , Karaca H. E. , Tandon G. P. , Lu Y. C.
Published: November 2012

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are an emerging class of active polymers that may be used for a range of reconfigurable structures. In this study, the thermomechanical and shape memory behavior of a thermosetting SMP was investigated using large‐scale compressive tests and small‐scale indentation tests. Results show that the SMP exhibits different deformation modes and mechanical properties in compression than in tension. In glassy state, the SMP displays significant plastic deformation and has a much higher modulus and yield strength in comparison to those obtained in tension. In rubbery state, the SMP behaves like a hyperelastic material and again has a much higher modulus than that obtained in tension. The SMPs were further conditioned separately in simulated service environments relevant to Air Force missions, namely, (1) exposure to UV radiation, (2) immersion in jet‐oil, and (3) immersion in water. The thermomechanical and shape recovery properties of the original and conditioned SMPs were examined under compression. Results show that all the conditioned SMPs exhibit a decrease in Tg as compared to the original SMP. Environmental conditionings generally result in higher moduli and yield strength of the SMPs in the glassy state but lower modulus in the rubbery state. In particular, the UV exposure and water immersion, also weaken the shape recovery abilities of the SMPs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Resistivity relaxation behavior of carbon black filled high‐density polyethylene conductive composites
Authors: Liang Ji‐Zhao , Yang Quan‐Quan
Published: November 2012

The variation of resistivity for high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) conductive composites filled with carbon black (CB) with time was investigated under the excitation of different temperature field. The movement of CB particles in the HDPE matrix was not a momentary equilibrium process, but a relaxation process. The relaxation of resistivity of the composites was monotonic, and it could be described by an exponential form above melting temperature. However, the relaxation of resistivity was nonmonotonic below melting temperature, herein a parameter t0 which was the beginning time of the resistivity attenuation could be introduced into the exponential equation. The attenuation of resistivity at constant temperature was limited for the composites with certain content of CB. The resistivity of the composites would incline to a constant value with the prolongation of time no matter what the heat treatment temperature was. Heating rate had influence on the relaxation of resistivity of the composites, and the lower heating velocity resulted in less time to approach to the equilibrium resistivity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Enantioseparation of Four Organophosphonate Derivatives on N‐(3,5‐Dinitrobenzoyl)‐ l‐leucine–n‐Propylamide Stationary Phase by Molecular Modeling
Authors: Liu Bing , Zhou Yong , Yang Guo‐Sheng , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: November 2012

Four groups of organophosphonate derivatives enantiomers were separated on N‐(3,5‐dinitrobenzoyl)‐S‐leucine chiral stationary phase. The three‐dimensional structures of the complexes between the single enantiotopic chiral compounds and chiral stationary phase have been studied using molecular model and molecular dynamics simulation. Detailed results regarding the conformation, auto‐docking, and thermodynamic estimation are presented. The elution order of the enantiomer could be determined from the energy. The predicted chiral discrimination was obtained by computational results. Chirality 25:101–106, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enantioanalysis of Pipecolic Acid with Stochastic and Potentiometric Microsensors
Authors: Stefan‐van Staden Raluca‐Ioana , Moldoveanu Iuliana , Sava Daniel‐Florin , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina , van Staden Jacobus Frederick
Published: November 2012

Stochastic and potentiometric microsensors based on porphyrins and polymeric surfactants such as polysodium N‐undecanoyl‐ l‐leucylvanilate and polysodium N‐undecanoyl‐ l‐vanilate were developed for enantioselective assay of pipecolic acid. The matrices used for the design of the stochastic sensors were diamond paste and graphite paste, while the matrix used for the design of potentiometric sensors was carbon paste. The response characteristics of the microsensors were determined for the enantiomers of pipecolic acid. The response characteristics, selectivity, and enantioselectivity studies proved that the proposed microsensors can be used for clinical enantioanalysis of pipecolic acid in biological fluids, e.g., urine and whole blood. Chirality 25:114–118, 2013 © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regional variation in mercury and stable isotopes of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) in the northern gulf of Mexico, USA
Authors: Zapp Sluis Michelle , Boswell Kevin M. , Chumchal Matthew M. , Wells R.J. David , Soulen Brianne , Cowan James H.
Published: November 2012

The presence of total mercury (Hg) in fish tissue and the potential associated health risks has become a global concern in marine ecosystems. Few studies have examined basin-scale variation in Hg accumulation in marine ecosystems, and determining if Hg concentrations in fish tissue vary across marine ecosystems is a key monitoring question. The present study evaluated Hg concentrations in red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) tissue across three regions of the northern Gulf of Mexico (Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas, USA) and between two habitat types (oil and gas platforms and nonplatforms) within each region. Nitrogen (δ15N), carbon (δ13C), and sulfur (δ34S) stable isotopes were used to investigate ecological differences that may affect Hg concentrations among regions and between habitats. Mercury concentrations in red snapper tissue were positively correlated with fish total length. Regional differences in Hg concentrations were significant, with fish collected from Alabama having the highest concentrations and fish collected from Louisiana having the lowest. No significant difference existed in Hg concentrations between habitats, suggesting that association with platforms may not be a significant factor contributing to red snapper Hg concentrations. While δ15N did not differ significantly among the three regions, Texas red snapper were more enriched in δ34S and depleted in δ13C compared with Alabama and Louisiana red snapper. Although the majority of red snapper collected in the present study had Hg concentrations below safe consumption guidelines, regional differences suggest that spatially explicit monitoring programs may be important for basin-wide assessments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:434–441. © 2012 SETAC
Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a beta-1 adrenergic receptor–based assay for monitoring the drug atenolol
Authors: Sapir A. , Shalev A. Hariton , Skalka N. , Bronshtein A. , Altstein M.
Published: November 2012

Two approaches for monitoring atenolol (ATL) were applied: an immunochemical assay and a competitive-binding assay, based on the interaction between ATL and its target receptor, β1 adrenergic receptor (β1AR). Polyclonal antibodies (Abs) for ATL were generated, and a highly specific microplate immunochemical assay, that is, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), for its detection was developed. The ATL ELISA exhibited I50 and limit of detection (I20) values of 0.15 ± 0.048 and 0.032 ± 0.016 ng/ml, respectively, and the Abs did not cross-react with any of the tested beta-blocker drugs. Furthermore, a human β1AR (h-β1AR) was stably expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda cells (Sf9). The receptor was employed to develop a competitive-binding assay that monitored binding of ATL in the presence of isoproteranol by quantification of secondary messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), levels in the transfected cells. The assay showed that the recombinant h-β1AR was functional, could bind the agonistic ligand isoproterenol as well as the antagonist ATL, as indicated by a dose-dependent elevation of cAMP in the presence of isoproteranol, and decrease after ATL addition. The highly efficient and sensitive ELISA and the receptor assay represent two methods suitable for efficient and cost-effective large-scale, high-throughput monitoring of ATL in environmental, agricultural, and biological samples. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:585–593. © 2012 SETAC
Mitigating with macrophytes: Submersed plants reduce the toxicity of pesticide-contaminated water to zooplankton
Authors: Brogan William R. , Relyea Rick A.
Published: November 2012

In ecotoxicology, appreciation is growing for the influence that ecological interactions have on the toxicity of contaminants, such as insecticides, to sensitive species. Most previous studies, however, have focused on factors that exacerbate insecticide effects on species, while factors that may mitigate these effects have been relatively ignored. In aquatic habitats, a small number of studies have shown that submersed macrophytes can remove some insecticides from the water column via sorption. Although examining sorption dynamics is important for understanding the environmental fate of insecticides, whether and to what extent macrophytes actually mitigate insecticide effects on aquatic species remains unknown. In the present study, the authors examined how much and how quickly several realistic densities of the macrophyte Elodea canadensis decreased the toxicity of the insecticide malathion to Daphnia magna, a keystone aquatic herbivore. To do this, the authors quantified Daphnia survival in outdoor test systems (0.95 L) exposed to a factorial combination of five Elodea densities crossed with five malathion concentrations. The authors discovered that malathion's lethality to Daphnia decreased with increasing Elodea density. Furthermore, the rate at which Elodea reduced malathion's toxicity in the water column increased with macrophyte density. These results provide strong evidence that submersed macrophytes can mitigate the ecological impacts of a popular insecticide and further support that ecological interactions can strongly influence contaminant environmental effects. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:699–706. © 2012 SETAC
Assessing the sublethal effects of in-river concentrations of parameters contributing to cumulative effects in the athabasca river basin using a fathead minnow bioassay
Authors: Squires Allison J. , Dubé Monique G. , Rozon-Ramilo Lisa D.
Published: November 2012

The Athabasca River basin, located in Alberta, Canada, covers 157, 000 km2 and holds significant cultural and economic importance. Recent research assessed changes in several water quality and quantity parameters that have changed both spatially (along the river continuum) and temporally (pre-development and present day) in the Athabasca River Basin. In particular, parameters such as salinity and dissolved sulphate have changed significantly across the Athabasca River mainstem over the past five decades. Further laboratory testing has linked concentrations of these parameters to changes in fathead minnow reproduction. Research is required to determine whether these changes observed in the laboratory can be applied to actual in-river conditions. The objectives of the present study were to twofold: assess changes in fathead minnow response metrics (i.e., condition, liver and gonad size, egg production, and gill histology) associated with increasing concentrations of salinity and dissolved sulphate and determine whether sublethal effect thresholds established in laboratory experiments correspond to actual in-river concentrations using water from the mouth and headwaters of the Athabasca River. Three dose−response experiments (NaCl, SO4, and water sampled from the mouth of the Athabasca River) were conducted at Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. Significant increases in mean eggs per female per day occurred at the 50% treatment for the mouth experiment and thresholds previously developed in the laboratory were verified. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:662–672. © 2012 SETAC
Avoidance of contaminated sediments by an amphipod (Melita plumulosa), A harpacticoid copepod (Nitocra spinipes), and a snail (Phallomedusa solida)
Authors: Ward Daniel J. , Simpson Stuart L. , Jolley Dianne F.
Published: November 2012

The distribution of contaminants is seldom homogeneous in aquatic systems. In the present study, the avoidance response of Melita plumulosa, Nitocra spinipes, and Phallomedusa solida when exposed to contaminated sediments was investigated. Test vessels were designed to allow the congruent placement of two sediments and assessment of the movement of organisms between the sediments. When exposed to reference sediment, each species dispersed evenly between test chambers regardless of differences in sediment particle size. In the presence of contaminated sediment, the magnitude and rate of avoidance varied. Avoidance assays showed that test species avoided contaminated sediment as early as 6, 6, and 24 h following exposure for N. spinipes, P. solida, and M. plumulosa, respectively. The 48-h avoidance response of M. plumulosa for nine contaminated sediments of varying toxicity showed that avoidance was generally greater for sediments which elicited greater 10-d lethality to this species. The study demonstrated that each of these species has the ability to respond to chemical cues in the environment to inhabit sediment that provides the best opportunity for survival. The avoidance response for each species indicates the potential for developing rapid screening methods to assess sediment quality. Evidence suggests that avoidance was related to sediment toxicity and that static 10-d toxicity methods are likely to overestimate toxicity for species, which would avoid contamination in heterogeneous field settings. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:644–652. © 2012 SETAC
Spatial patterns of groundwater‐lake exchange – implications for acid neutralization processes in an acid mine lake
Authors: Neumann Christiane , Beer Julia , Blodau Christian , Peiffer Stefan , Fleckenstein Jan H.
Published: November 2012

Exchange of groundwater and lake water with typically quite different chemical composition is an important driver for biogeochemical processes at the groundwater‐lake interface, which can affect the water quality of lakes. This is of particular relevance in mine lakes where anoxic and slightly acidic groundwater mixes with oxic and acidic lake water (pH < 3). To identify links between groundwater‐lake exchange rates and acid neutralization processes in the sediments, exchange rates were quantified and related to pore‐water pH, sulfate and iron concentrations as well as sulfate reduction rates within the sediment. Seepage rates measured with seepage meters (−2.5 to 5.8 L m‐2 d‐1) were in reasonable agreement with rates inverted from modeled chloride profiles (−1.8 to 8.1 L m‐2 d‐1). Large‐scale exchange patterns were defined by the (hydro)geologic setting but superimposed by smaller scale variations caused by variability in sediment texture. Sites characterized by groundwater upwelling (flow into the lake) and sites where flow alternated between upwelling and downwelling were identified. Observed chloride profiles at the alternating sites reflected the transient flow regime. Seepage direction, as well as seepage rate, were found to influence pH, sulfate and iron profiles and the associated sulfate reduction rates. Under alternating conditions proton‐consuming processes, for example, sulfate reduction, were slowed. In the uppermost layer of the sediment (max. 5 cm), sulfate reduction rates were significantly higher at upwelling (>330 nmol g‐1 d‐1) compared to alternating sites (<220 nmol g‐1 d‐1). Although differences in sulfate reduction rates could not be explained solely by different flux rates, they were clearly related to the prevailing groundwater‐lake exchange patterns and the associated pH conditions. Our findings strongly suggest that groundwater‐lake exchange has significant effects on the biogeochemical processes that are coupled to sulfate reduction such as acidity retention and precipitation of iron sulfides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphometric, quantitative, and three‐dimensional analysis of the heart muscle fibers of old rats: Transmission electron microscopy and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy methods
Authors: Cury Diego Pulzatto , Dias Fernando José , Sosthenes Marcia Consentino Kronka , Dos Santos Haemmerle Carlos Alexandre , Ogawa Koichi , Da Silva Marcelo Cavenaghi Pereira , Mardegan Issa João Paulo , Iyomasa Mamie Mizusaki , Watanabe Ii‐Sei
Published: November 2012

This research investigated the morphological, morphometric, and ultrastructural cardiomyocyte characteristics of male Wistar rats at 18 months of age. The animals were euthanized using an overdose of anesthesia (ketamine and xylazine, 150/10 mg/kg) and perfused transcardially, after which samples were collected for light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that cardiomyocyte arrangement was disposed parallel between the mitochondria and the A‐, I‐, and H‐bands and their M‐ and Z‐lines from the sarcomere. The sarcomere junction areas had intercalated disks, a specific structure of heart muscle. The ultrastructural analysis revealed several mitochondria of various sizes and shapes intermingled between the blood capillaries and their endothelial cells; some red cells inside vessels are noted. The muscle cell sarcolemma could be observed associated with the described structures. The cardiomyocytes of old rats presented an average sarcomere length of 2.071 ± 0.09 μm, a mitochondrial volume density (Vv) of 0.3383, a mitochondrial average area of 0.537 ± 0.278 μm2, a mitochondrial average length of 1.024 ± 0.352 μm, an average mitochondrial cristae thickness of 0.038 ± 0.09 μm and a ratio of mitochondrial greater length/lesser length of 1.929 ± 0.965. Of the observed mitochondrial shapes, 23.4% were rounded, 45.3% were elongated, and 31.1% had irregular profiles. In this study, we analyzed the morphology and morphometry of cardiomyocytes in old rats, focusing on mitochondria. These data are important for researchers who focus the changes in cardiac tissue, especially changes owing to pathologies and drug administration that may or may not be correlated with aging. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex partial nasal reconstruction using free prelaminated temporoparietal fascial flap
Authors: Cinpolat Ani , Bektas Gamze , Coskunfirat O. Koray
Published: November 2012

The reconstruction of nasal defects together with nasal lining, skeletal support, and skin loss constitutes difficulty to plastic surgeons. We present a single‐stage reconstruction of the defect formed on the nasal tip, columella, septum, and upper lip after tumor excision by performing free temporoparietal fascial flap, costal cartilage, and skin graft. In this case, cartilage support was created by the graft taken from costal cartilage, and free temporoparietal fascial flap was wrapped around this cartilage scaffold. Skin graft taken from scalp was placed on the skin surface, and skin graft taken from the thigh was placed on the mucosal surface. Vascular anastomoses were performed on the labial artery and the concomitant vein. In consequence of this operation, a nasal reconstruction with acceptable esthetic and functional results was provided in a complex nasal defect. Internal lining, skin, and cartilage structures were replaced in one single stage and with single flap and graft. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Sustainable Growth for Europe: The Four Crises and a Call for Reform
Authors: Brok Elmar , Langen Werner
Published: November 2012

In this paper, the authors demonstrate that the current crisis is based upon four different crises with different sources, which must all be solved in different ways. In addition to this, they highlight individual issues within individual European economies and in the current institutional set-up of the European Union. On the basis of this analysis they provide clear suggestions about what needs to be done to recover growth in Europe.
Brief report: Improving the validity of assessments of adolescents' feelings of privacy invasion
Authors: Laird Robert D. , Marrero Matthew D. , Melching Jessica , Kuhn Emily S.
Published: November 2012

Studies of privacy invasion have relied on measures that combine items assessing adolescents' feelings of privacy invasion with items assessing parents' monitoring behaviors. Removing items assessing parents' monitoring behaviors may improve the validity of assessments of privacy invasion. Data were collected from 163 adolescents (M age 13 years, 5 months; 47% female; 50% European American, non‐Hispanic, 46% African American) and their mothers. A model specifying separate factors for privacy invasion and monitoring behavior fit adolescent‐reported and parent‐reported data significantly better than a single factor model. Although privacy invasion and monitoring behavior were positively associated, privacy invasion and monitoring behavior correlations were significantly different from one another across all ten variables reported by adolescents and across eight of the nine variables reported by mothers. The pattern of results strongly supports a recommendation for researchers to exclude items assessing monitoring behaviors to provide a more valid assessment of privacy invasion.