bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Attitude Towards Research among Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Survey from Taif, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alfaki Mysara
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Research skills are an essential part of what it takes to be a professional nurse. While the research attitudes of nursing students in other countries have been extensively studied, research on nursing students’ attitude towards nursing research in Saudi Arabia is limited. Aim: To examine the factors affecting nursing students’ Attitude Towards Research (ATR). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences at Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia, over a duration of five months from March 2023 to August 2023. 60 fourth-year nursing students from a single Saudi University (Taif University) participated in the present cross-sectional research. The English version of the ATR questionnaire scale was the main instrument for data collection. The scale consists of 32 items, each with a corresponding Likert scale answer option ranging from “1-strongly disagree” to “5-strongly agree.” Those who scored higher exhibited a more positive attitude toward research. Differences in research attitudes were analysed using the t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean age of the study population was 21.7±1.4 years. All 60 (100%) participants were males, and 44 (73.3%) of the study subjects were in the age group of 21 to 23 years. A total of 32 (53.3%) of the participants had high school research experience. The research attitude among nursing students had a composite mean score of 106.6±18.4. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in mean attitude toward research scores among different age groups, types of secondary and high school graduates, and those with high school research experience. Conclusion: The present study found a significant difference in ATR among nursing undergraduates concerning age, types of secondary and high school graduates, and high school research experience. Qualitative research might provide additional insights into the topic of attitude toward research among undergraduates.
Framing Service User Involvement in Mental Health: A Qualitative Review
Authors: Evans Cara , Panday Janelle , Bullock Heather , Levasseur Mary Anne , Canning Christopher , Tripp Laura , Abelson Julia , Vanstone Meredith
Published: April 2024

Partnering with patients and family caregivers (commonly referred to as patient partnership) is increasingly common in health services, research, education, and policy. In the field of mental health, service user involvement intersects with distinct historical trajectories and as such, may take on unique forms. This review draws on a broader systematic review of literature on patient partnership. We ask: How does literature on patient partnership in mental health and addictions describe the history of service user involvement and the roles of service users? Two broad frames for service user involvement are identified, which offer contrasting perspectives about the history, value, and power relations involved in service user involvement. Future research can consider implications of these perspectives, and opportunities for synthesis.
Analysis of the Operating Energy Variables Involved in Mechanized Khoa Production
Authors: A. D Patel , S. I. Patel , S. M Patel , Modi R. B.
Published: April 2024

Significant portion of the total milk production of India has been utilized for the manufacture of the Traditional Indian Dairy Products (TIDP). Khoa based products were traditionally produced in the Indian sub-continent since ancient times. Khoa produced by the mechanized methods can overcome the demerits of traditional manufacturing methods like insufficient use of energy, poor hygiene and sanitation, non-uniform product quality, etc. In the present study, steam jacketed open type hemispherical kettle equipped with spring loaded Teflon edged scraper blade assembly was utilized for the mechanized production of khoa. A standardized mixed milk having (6.0±0.1%) fat and (9.0±0.2%) SNF, was evaporated to the different level of concentration using a batch type vacuum pan. The performance of the mechanized manufacture of khoa was evaluated at different steam pressures (P1= 98.06 kPa, P2=147.1 kPa, P3=171.61 kPa), scraper speed (R1=0.67rps), and different level of milk concentration (C1=35 %TS, C2=40 %TS, C3=45 %TS) for first stage. During the second stage, effect of operating variables on process mechanization were evaluated at different steam pressures (S1= 49.03 kPa and S2= 78.45 kPa) and scraper speed (R2=0.33rps). The primary objective of present study is to carry out thermal and electrical energy analysis associated with mechanized khoa production, which has a significant role in process optimization, scale-up of the operation and to design and fabricate the mechanized system. The overall heat transfer coefficients (U-values) of the mechanized system obtained at various processing parameters ranged from 156.87 to 234.16 W/m2K during khoa manufacturing. The treatment C1 P1 S2 gave the highest U-values for sensible and latent heating. The mean U-values of sensible heating and latent heating were increased with an increase in steam pressure during khoa making in the mechanized system. The mean value of specific steam consumption (kg steam/kg water evaporated) for the optimized operating conditions was 1.950 (kg steam/kg water evaporated) for manufacture of khoa in mechanized system. The total heat losses of mechanized system during manufacture of khoa was 17.15 to 28.02 % at different operating conditions studied. The mean values of electrical power consumption ranged from 141 to 203 Wh under different operating conditions. Considering the energy consumption data, we can narrate that existing system is energy efficient with lower electrical energy consumption and can reduce the labour cost due to mechanization.
Occurrence and Removal Efficiencies of Four Antibiotics in Kisii and Kabarnet Waste Water Treatment Plants, Kenya
Authors: Wendott Joseph K. , Were Munyendo L.L. , Cherutoi Jackson , Odero Mark P.
Published: April 2024

Background: Antibiotics are presently considered as emerging contaminants with adverse effects in the environment and the population such as the development of antimicrobial resistant genes (ARG) and antimicrobial resistant bacteria (ARB). This study was guided by objective entailing to determine the seasonal occurrences and removal efficiencies of four antibiotics in Kisii and Kabarnet waste water treatment plants in Kenya. 

Place and Duration of Study: Waste water samples were picked from Suneka wastewater treatment plant in Kisii county and Kabarnet Level V Hospital in Baringo County Kenya in the months of June and December 2020

Methodology: Multiple samples were picked in Kisii and Kabarnet waste water treatment plants in the months of June and December correspond to the dry and wet seasons in Kenya. Collected waste water samples were centrifuged and filtered with glass microfiber filter papers and subsequently passed through a Solid phase extractor cartridge. High Performance Liquid Chromatography was used for quantification of antibiotics as per international commission for harmonization and subsequently applied for analysis.

Results: The results revealed that the dry season had higher antibiotic concentrations at 1.29, 0.09, 2.92 and 1.82 µg/l for sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ampicillin and amoxicillin respectively for the Kisii waste water treatment plant and 0.18, 0.05, 1.34 and 0.09 µg/l respectively for Kabarnet waste water treatment plant. During the wet seasons the measured concentrations were 1.11, 0.14, 2.04 and 1.34 µg/l for sulphamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ampicillin and amoxicillin at the Kisii WWTP, and 0.14, 0.06, 1.01 and 0.09 µg/l for Kabarnet WWTP. The removal efficiencies in the WWTPs, ranged from a high of 94 % to a low of 11.11 % depending on the type of antibiotic in both wet and dry seasons.

Conclusion: Amoxicillin, ampicillin, trimethoprim and sulphamethaxazole were found in both Kisii WWTPs and Kabarnet WWTPs with nearly all antibiotics having a higher concentration of in the dry season than in the wet season. The highest calculated percentage removal was 94.03 % while the lowest calculated percentage removal was 7.14 %. The results suggest that the two WWTPs are effective for the removal of different types of antibiotics.
Enhancing Security Using GPS-GSM Motorcycle Tracking System
Authors: Abukari Arnold Mashud , Adams Alhassan , Manda Vijaya Kittu , Ibrahim Iddrisu
Published: April 2024

Motorcycles are progressively becoming a well-known mode of transportation in Ghana, especially in the northern region. Their affordability and easy movement on our rough roads make them a choice many users prefer. Nonetheless, the increase in the number of these motorcycles brought some concerns connected with safety and security. To resolve these issues, the improvement of the security framework is fundamental. Real-time monitoring is part of the Internet of Things (IoT), which permits distance monitoring. Different tracking technologies such as RFID, Internet tracking, cellphone triangulation, GPS, and other technologies. This research work expects to plan a far-reaching motorcycle security and global positioning framework utilizing an Arduino microcontroller Uno r3, Neo-6mGPS, and GSM SIM800L modules. The GPS module obtains the location area while the GSM module works with interaction between the Arduino Uno and the client's cell phone, showing the area on Google Maps. The framework comprises a locking component and a global positioning framework. The motorcycle's ignition system is controlled by a locking mechanism that enhances protection against theft. Besides, the scarcity of these security systems and the existing motorcycle tracking systems are very costly to purchase and maintain. There is restricting openness for the overwhelming majority of bike users. This prompt is a high pace of bike theft, making recovery challenging. One of the project's goals are to decrease power utilization in the global positioning framework, upgrade GPS following precision, and use SMS as the essential means of communication. This research work adopted the Agile Methodology of designing applications. While this research work presents various benefits, it additionally has limits. These incorporate the expenses of equipment parts. Restricted accessibility of Arduino components in the Ghanaian market and time. Regardless of these restrictions, the exploration attempts to create powerful and open bike security in the Ghanaian market.
Cesarean Sectional as a Treatment of Dystocia Caused by Uterine Torsion in Mehsana Buffalo
Authors: Kalaswa Sachin , Jadav Ravindra , Panchal Janak , Solanki Vipul , Keshav . , Nakhashi H. C. , Suthar B. N.
Published: April 2024

A case of dystocia due to post-cervical right side uterine torsion with the history of colic and straining since (days) in a pluriparous Mehsana buffalo was presented at the clinics of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Veterinary College, Sardarkrushinagar, Dantiwada, Gujarat, India. Maternal dystocia due to of uterine torsion was diagnosed by history, a clinical sign, per rectal and per vaginal examinations. At first we used modified Schaffer’s method for management of uterine torsion in buffalo. After the three rolls torsion was detorted successfully, but due to insufficient dilated cervix the fetus could not be delivered. Further, the buffalo was treated therapeutically using intravenous administration of 10ml-Dexamethasone®, 75IU-Oxytocin®, 1litre-Normal saline, 1litre-Ringer lactate, 100ml-Calcium borogluconate and 10ml-Valethamate bromide (Epidosin®) was given intramuscularly for treating incomplete cervical dilation(ICD). However, the buffalo could not responded to treatment, therefore finally the caesarean section was performed and a dead male fetus was delivered. Buffalo was post-medicated with various fluids, analgesic, antibiotic and antihistamine parentally apart from intra-uterine pessaries which resulted to recovery of affected Mehsana buffalo within some days.
A Comparative Study of the Breast Feeding Practice of Mothers between Rural Area and Urban Area in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Rasel , Akter Taslima , Khatun Sharmin , Raza Md Salim , Siddiqa Ayesha , Mamun Yousuf al
Published: April 2024

The exclusive breast feeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and the later age breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for infants and children. But it is not properly maintained in Bangladesh with limited resources, such as Sirajganj, where poverty and illiteracy are prevalent. Poor nutritional status during childhood can have long-lasting consequences in adulthood, including health, mortality, and human capital. It was a community based cross sectional comparative study which was conducted on 500 hundred mothers and their 500 hundred children in which 250 mothers and 250 children from each of Sirajganj and Dhaka City were selected. The target respondents were selecting randomly. χ 2 test, and  Pearson’s correlation was performed as P<0.05 level of significance. The study found that there was a higher number of female children and higher birth frequencies in Sirajganj and Dhaka City. The study assessed mothers' breast feeding practices, including knowledge of colostrums, first baby food feeding, initiation, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Sirajganj city mothers received more breastfeeding attention than Dhaka City mothers, with findings decreasing with child's birth order. Breast feeding privileges in Sirajganj City increase as mothers' education levels rise from low school to a bachelor's degree or higher. Breast-feeding prevalence in infants up to 12 months is influenced by factors like sex, maternal age, birth order, education, employment status, and mother's poverty income ratio. The sickness of children is also influence to stop breast-feeding. The child birth weight was found to comparatively lower in the Sirajganj city than Dhaka City.
From Zimbabwean Indigenous Knowledge: Scientific Substantiation of the Aphrodisiac Efficacy and Safety of Pittosporum viridiflorum in Male Rat Models
Authors: Chifamba J , Zengeni S
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Pittosporum viridiflorum, the multi habitat thriving plant species is widely believed to have been the source of sexual prowess for the polygamous kings and elites of the mighty medieval empire known as ‘Great Zimbabwe’. Despite the lack of systematic scientific validation, the macerated roots fractions continue to be the aphrodisiacs of choice among Zimbabweans.

Aims: To scientifically validate the aphrodisiac claims using male rats’ sexual performance investigation protocols. To evaluate the toxicity profile and to identify the pharmacologically active metabolites present in the lyophilized hydro-ethanolic crude extracts.

Methodology: Four concentrations of prepared Pittosporum viridiflorum root extract doses of 200, 400, 800 and 2000mg/kg as well as a commercial 5 mg/kg sildenafil citrate (standard) and distilled water (control) dosages were gavaged to male rats (n = 5 animals per group) for 21 days. The crude extract was subjected to screening protocols for various secondary metabolites of pharmacological relevance as well as acute oral toxicity profiling using OECD 425 TG. The sexual behaviour, mating parameters and hormonal changes in the male rats were evaluated accordingly.

Observation and Results: Compared with the control, a significant increase in mating behaviour, mating performance and the serum hormonal levels were observed in test animals which showed a dose‑dependent bias. The phytoscreening evaluation confirmed the presence of saponins, phytosterols, flavonoids, di-terpenoids, tannins, and polyphenols. The Extract was toxicological safe with an LD50 above 2000mg/kg body weight.

Conclusion: Pittosporum viridiflorum has excellent aphrodisiac activity on rats and is toxicologically safe for oral use. The abundant phytochemicals found are known to be pharmacologically active with regards to modulation of sexual hormones as well as sexual enhancement. It was further concluded that the traditional belief is valid, the plant can indeed be used as an alternative to modern medicines for various sexual dysfunctions and sexual performance enhancement.
Analysis of Turing Instability of the Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model in Diffusive Network
Authors: Gao Shaoyang
Published: April 2024

This study mainly investigates the dynamical analysis of the FitzHugh-Nagumo (FHN) neuron model. Firstly, it analyzes the equilibrium stability of the system in the absence of network diffusion. Then, it considers two types of network topologies: random networks and higher-order networks. The paper analyzes the Turing instability phenomenon in the presence of network diffusion, identifies the critical diffusion coefficient in the FHN model that leads to Turing instability, and plots the eigenvalue distribution diagram, known as the Turing pattern. The research findings indicate that networks with higher-order connections, as opposed to random networks, display a more intricate interplay among neurons. This heightened interconnection intensifies the Turing instability phenomenon, amplifying its significance within the system. The stability of the dynamical system can be associated with the onset of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, caused by abnormal neuronal firing. This analogy facilitates the transfer of content related to the instability of control systems to the regulation of neurological disorders.
Adaptive regulation of MIMO linear systems against unknown sinusoidal exogenous inputs
Authors: Ficocelli Maurizio , Ben Amara Foued
Published: October 2008

This paper deals with the adaptive regulation problem in linear multi‐input multi‐output systems subject to unknown sinusoidal exogenous inputs, where the frequencies, amplitudes, and phases of the sinusoids are unknown and where the number of sinusoids is assumed to be known. The design of an adaptive regulator for the system under consideration is performed within a set ofQ‐parameterized stabilizing controllers. To facilitate the design of the adaptive regulator, triangular decoupling is introduced in part of the closed‐loop system dynamics. This is achieved through the proper selection of the controller state feedback gain and the structure of theQparameter. Regulation conditions are then presented for the case where the sinusoidal exogenous input properties are known. For the case where the sinusoidal exogenous input properties are unknown, an adaptation algorithm is proposed to tune theQparameter in the expression of the parameterized controller. The online tuning of theQparameter allows the controller to converge to the desired regulator. Convergence results of the adaptation algorithm are presented. A simulation example involving a retinal imaging adaptive optics system is used to illustrate the performance of the proposed adaptive system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time signal processing for high‐density microelectrode array systems
Authors: Imfeld K. , Maccione A. , Gandolfo M. , Martinoia S. , Farine P.‐A. , Koudelka‐Hep M. , Berdondini L.
Published: October 2008

The microelectrode array (MEA) technology is continuously progressing towards higher integration of an increasing number of electrodes. The ensuing data streams that can be of several hundreds or thousands of Megabits/s require the implementation of new signal processing and data handling methodologies to substitute the currently used off‐line analysis methods. Here, we present one approach based on the hardware implementation of a wavelet‐based solution for real‐time processing of extracellular neuronal signals acquired on high‐density MEAs. We demonstrate that simple mathematical operations on the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) coefficients can be used for efficient neuronal spike detection and sorting. As the DWT is particularly well suited for implementation on dedicated hardware, we elaborated a wavelet processor on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) in order to compute the wavelet coefficients on 256 channels in real‐time. By providing sufficient hardware resources, this solution can be easily scaled up for processing more electrode channels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar Cells, Photodetectors, and Optical Sources from Infrared Colloidal Quantum Dots
Authors: Sargent Edward H.
Published: October 2008

Optoelectronic devices made via spin‐coating of soft materials onto an arbitrary substrate enable ready integration, low cost, and physical flexibility. The use of solution‐processed colloidal quantum dots offers the added advantage of quantum‐size‐effect tuning of material bandgap. Tuning across the near‐ and short‐wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectral regions enables applications in fiber‐optic communications, night vision and biomedical imaging, and efficient solar energy collection. Here we review progress in infrared solar cells, light sensors, and optical sources based on solution‐processed materials. The latest solution‐processed photovoltaics now provide 4.2% power conversion efficiencies in the infrared, placing them a factor of three away from enabling a doubling in overall solar power conversion efficiency of visible‐wavelength solution‐processed photovoltaics. The best solution‐processed photodetectors now provide sensitivities of 1013 Jones D* (normalized detectivity), exceeding the sensitivity of the best epitaxially grown SWIR photodetectors. Infrared optical sources, both broadband light‐emitting diodes and, more recently, lasers, have now also been reported at 1.5 µm.
Generation and phenotyping of mCd59a and mCd59b double‐knockout mice
Authors: Qin Xuebin , Hu Weiguo , Song Wenping , Grubissich Luciano , Hu Xuemei , Wu Gongxiong , Ferris Sean , Dobarro Martin , Halperin Jose A.
Published: October 2008

CD59 is a membrane protein inhibitor of the membrane attack complex (MAC) of complement. Humans express only one, whereas mice express two CD59 genes. We previously reported the targeted deletion of the mCd59b gene in which absence of mCd59b together with an unintended down regulation of mCd59a caused hemolytic anemia with spontaneous platelet activation. To confirm the complement role in the hemolytic anemia caused by abrogation of mCd59 function, we have developed a mCd59a and mCd59b double knock out mice and analyzed its phenotype in complement sufficient and deficient (C3−/−). We report here that total abrogation of mCd59 function in mCd59ab−/− mice results in complement‐mediated hemolytic anemia that is rescued by the deficiency of C3 in compound mCd59ab−/−/C3−/− mice. Am. J. Hematol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Convergent patterns of association between phenylalanine hydroxylase variants and schizophrenia in four independent samples
Authors: Talkowski Michael E. , McClain Lora , Allen Trina , Bradford L. DiAnne , Calkins Monica , Edwards Neil , Georgieva Lyudmila , Go Rodney , Gur Ruben , Gur Raquel , Kirov George , Chowdari Kodavali , Kwentus Joseph , Lyons Paul , Mansour Hader , McEvoy Joseph , O'Donovan Michael C. , O'Jile Judith , Owen Michael J. , Santos Alberto , Savage Robert , Toncheva Draga , Vockley Gerard , Wood Joel , Devlin Bernie , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L.
Published: October 2008

Recessive mutations in the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) gene predispose to phenylketonuria (PKU) in conjunction with dietary exposure to phenylalanine. Previous studies have suggested PAH variations could confer risk for schizophrenia, but comprehensive follow‐up has not been reported. We analyzed 15 common PAH “tag” SNPs and three exonic variations that are rare in Caucasians but common in African‐Americans among four independent samples (total n = 5,414). The samples included two US Caucasian cohorts (260 trios, 230 independent cases, 474 controls), Bulgarian families (659 trios), and an African‐American sample (464 families, 401 controls). Analyses of both US Caucasian samples revealed associations with five SNPs; most notably the common allele (G) of rs1522305 from case–control analyses (z = 2.99, P = 0.006). This SNP was independently replicated in the Bulgarian cohort (z = 2.39, P = 0.015). A non‐significant trend was also observed among African‐American families (z = 1.39, P = 0.165), and combined analyses of all four samples were significant (rs1522305: χ2 = 23.28, 8 d.f., P = 0.003). Results for rs1522305 met our a priori criteria for statistical significance, namely an association that was robust to multiple testing correction in one sample, a replicated risk allele in multiple samples, and combined analyses that were nominally significant. Case–control results in African‐Americans detected an association with L321L (P = 0.047, OR = 1.46). Our analyses suggest several associations at PAH, with consistent evidence for rs1522305. Further analyses, including additional variations and environmental influences such as phenylalanine exposure are warranted. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sexually dimorphic effects of four genes (COMT, SLC6A2, MAOA, SLC6A4) in genetic associations of ADHD: A preliminary study
Authors: Biederman Joseph , Kim Jang Woo , Doyle Alysa E. , Mick Eric , Fagerness Jesen , Smoller Jordan W. , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: October 2008

A growing body of literature finds gender differences in ADHD. However, little is known about the causes of these differences. One possibility is that ADHD risk genes have sexually dimorphic effects. We have investigated four ADHD candidate genes (COMT, SLC6A2, MAOA, SLC6A4) for which there is evidence of sexually dimorphic effects. Past neurobiological and genetic studies suggest that COMT, and SLC6A4 variants may have a greater influence on males and that SLC6A2, and MAOA variants may have a greater influence on females. Our results indicate that genetic associations are stronger when stratified by sex and in the same direction as the previous neurobiological studies indicate: associations were stronger in males for COMT, SLC6A4 and stronger in females for SLC6A2, MAOA. Moreover, we found a statistically significant gender effect in the case of COMT (P = 0.007) when we pooled our work with a prior study. In conclusion, we have found some evidence suggesting that the genetic association for these genes with ADHD may be influenced by the sex of the affected individual. Although our results are not fully validated yet, they should motivate further investigation of gender effects in ADHD genetic association studies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of molecular alterations in environmental and genetic rat models of ADHD: A pilot study
Authors: DasBanerjee Tania , Middleton Frank A. , Berger David F. , Lombardo John P. , Sagvolden Terje , Faraone Stephen V.
Published: October 2008

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in school‐aged children. In addition to genetic factors, environmental influences or gene × environmental interactions also play an important role in ADHD. One example of a well studied environmental risk factor for ADHD is exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In this study, we investigated whether the well‐established genetic model of ADHD based on the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) and a well established PCB‐based model of ADHDexhibitedsimilar molecular changes in brain circuits involved in ADHD. The brains from 28 male rats (8 SHR, 8 Sprague–Dawley (SD) controls, 8 Wistar/Kyoto (WKY) controls, and 4 PCB‐exposed SD rats) were harvested at postnatal days (PNDs) 55–65 and RNA was isolated from six brain regions of interest. The RNA was analyzed for differences in expression of a set of 308 probe sets interrogating 218 unique genes considered highly relevant to ADHD or epigenetic gene regulation using the Rat RAE230 2.0 GeneChip (Affymetrix). Selected observations were confirmed by real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR. The results show that the expression levels of genes Gnal, COMT, Adrbk1, Ntrk2, Hk1, Syt11, and Csnk1a1 were altered in both the SHR rats and the PCB‐exposed SD rats. Arrb2, Stx12, Aqp6, Syt1, Ddc, and Pgk1 expression levels were changed only in the PCB‐exposed SD rats. Genes with altered expression only in the SHRs included Oprm1, Calcyon, Calmodulin, Lhx1, and Hes6. The epigenetic genes Crebbp, Mecp2, and Hdac5 are significantly altered in both models. The data provide strong evidence that genes and environment can affect different set of genes in two different models of ADHD and yet result in the similar disease‐like symptoms. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biofuels and Biomass‐To‐Liquid Fuels in the Biorefinery: Catalytic Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass using Porous Materials
Authors: Stöcker Michael
Published: October 2008

At a time when the focus is on global warming, CO2 emission, secure energy supply, and less consumption of fossil‐based fuels, the use of renewable energy resources is essential. Various biomass resources are discussed that can deliver fuels, chemicals, and energy products. The focus is on the catalytic conversion of biomass from wood. The challenges involved in the processing of lignocellulose‐rich materials will be highlighted, along with the application of porous materials as catalysts for the biomass‐to‐liquids (BTL) fuels in biorefineries. The mechanistic understanding of the complex reactions that take place, the development of catalysts and processes, and the product spectrum that is envisaged will be discussed, along with a sustainable concept for biorefineries based on lignocellulose. Finally, the current situation with respect to upgrading of the process technology (pilot and commercial units) will be addressed.
The influence of heat treatment on the properties of shape memory fibers. II. Tensile properties, dimensional stability, recovery force relaxation, and thermomechanical cyclic properties
Authors: Meng Qinghao , Hu Jinlian , Yeung Lap Yan , Hu Yang
Published: October 2008

Shape memory fibers (SMFs) were prepared via a melt spinning process. The fibers were subject to different heat treatments to eliminate internal stress and structure deficiency caused during the melt spinning process. The influences of heat treatments on the SMF thermal properties, molecular orientation, tensile properties, dimensional stability, recovery force relaxation, and thermomechanical cyclic properties were studied. It was found that the heat treatments increased soft segment crystallinity and phase separation while decreased molecular orientation. The low‐temperature heat treatment increased the breaking elongation, shape fixity ratios, and decreased boiling water shrinkage while shape recovery ratios were decreased. High‐temperature treatment increased both the shape recovery ratios, fixity ratios, recovery stress stability and at the same time decreasing the fiber mechanical strength. The results from differential scanning calorimetry, molecular orientation apparatus, and cyclic tensile testing were used to illustrate the mechanism governing the mechanical properties and shape memory effect. To obtain comprehensive outstanding properties, the SMF is expected to be treated at a high temperature because of the hard segment high glass transition temperature. Unfortunately, the heat treatment could not be conducted at a too high temperature because the SMF became too tacky and soft due to the melting of the soft segment phase. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Genetic and biochemical determinants of serum concentrations of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, a potential neural tube defect risk factor
Authors: Lu Zhi‐Yong , Morales Megan , Khartulyari Stephanie , Mei Minghua , Murphy Kristen M. , Stanislawska‐Sachadyn Anna , Summers Carolyn M. , Huang Yuehua , Von Feldt Joan M. , Blair Ian A. , Mitchell Laura E. , Whitehead Alexander S.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

Women with the AA genotype at the (−2518)A>G promoter polymorphism of CCL‐2, which encodes the potent pro‐inflammatory chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1), may be at increased risk for having offspring affected by spina bifida. As the A allele at this locus has been associated with decreased transcription of MCP‐1 mRNA relative to the G allele, the observed genetic association suggests that the risk of spina bifida may be increased in the offspring of women with low MCP‐1 levels. The present study was undertaken to identify potential determinants of MCP‐1 levels in women of reproductive age.

METHODS:

A small cohort of Caucasian and African‐American women of reproductive age was recruited to participate in an exploratory investigation of the determinants of several disease‐related, biochemical phenotypes, including MCP‐1. Subjects completed a brief questionnaire and provided a fasting blood sample for biochemical and genetic studies. Potential biochemical, genetic, and lifestyle factors were assessed for their association with MCP‐1 levels using linear regression analyses.

RESULTS:

In this cohort, MCP‐1 levels were significantly higher in Caucasians as compared to African‐Americans. Further, among women of both races, there was evidence that MCP‐1 levels were associated with smoking status, MTHFR 677C>T genotype, and red blood cell tetrahydrofolate levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of these analyses indicate that, if maternal CCL‐2 genotype is related to the risk of spina bifida, this relationship is likely to be more complex than initially hypothesized, perhaps depending upon folate intake, MTHFR 677C>T genotype, the distribution of folate derivatives, and immune/inflammatory activity. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 82:736–741, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Further evidence for a maternal genetic effect and a sex‐influenced effect contributing to risk for human neural tube defects
Authors: Deak Kristen L. , Siegel Deborah G. , George Timothy M. , Gregory Simon , Ashley‐Koch Allison , Speer Marcy C. ,   the NTD Collaborative Group
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND:

Neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida and anencephaly, are the second most common birth defect with an incidence of 1/1000. Genetic factors are believed to contribute to NTD risk and family‐based studies can be useful for identifying such risk factors.

METHODS:

We ascertained 1066 NTD families (1467 affected patients), including 307 multiplex NTD families. We performed pedigree analysis to describe the inheritance patterns, pregnancy outcomes, and recurrence risks to relatives of various types.

RESULTS:

Myelomeningocele or spina bifida (66.9%) and cranial defects (17.7%) were the most common NTD subtypes observed. The overall male:female ratio for affected individuals was 0.82, and there were even fewer males among individuals with an upper level NTD (0.62). Among twins, 2 of the 5 monozygotic twins and only 3 of 35 dizygotic twins were concordant, while 27% of the same sex twins were concordant, but none of the different sex twins. The estimated 6.3% recurrence risk to siblings (CI 0.04–0.08) is consistent with previous reports. Families with two or more affected individuals show a higher proportion of female transmitters (p = 0.0002). Additionally, the number of affected relatives in maternal compared to paternal lineages was more than double (p = 0.006). There were significantly more miscarriages, infant deaths, and stillborn pregnancies of the maternal aunts and uncles (p < 0.0001) and of first cousins (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data provide several lines of evidence consistent with a maternal effect, as well as a sex‐influenced effect, in the etiology of NTDs. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 82:662–669, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FDTD assessment of human exposure to electromagnetic fields from WiFi and bluetooth devices in some operating situations
Authors: Martínez‐Búrdalo M. , Martín A. , Sanchis A. , Villar R.
Published: October 2008

In this work, the numerical dosimetry in human exposure to the electromagnetic fields from antennas of wireless devices, such as those of wireless local area networks (WLAN) access points or phone and computer peripherals with Bluetooth antennas, is analyzed with the objective of assessing guidelines compliance. Several geometrical configurations are considered to simulate possible exposure situations of a person to the fields from WLAN or Bluetooth antennas operating at 2400 MHz. The exposure to radiation from two sources of different frequencies when using a 1800 MHz GSM mobile phone connected via Bluetooth with a hands‐free car kit is also considered. The finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) method is used to calculate electric and magnetic field values in the vicinity of the antennas and specific absorption rates (SAR) in a high‐resolution model of the human head and torso, to be compared with the limits from the guidelines (reference levels and basic restrictions, respectively). Results show that the exposure levels in worst‐case situations studied are lower than those obtained when analyzing the exposure to mobile phones, as could be expected because of the low power of the signals and the distance between the human and the antennas, with both field and SAR values being far below the limits established by the guidelines, even when considering the combined exposure to both a GSM and a Bluetooth antenna. Bioelectromagnetics 30:142–151, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The dynamics of synaptic scaffolds
Authors: Specht Christian G. , Triller Antoine
Published: October 2008

Complex functions of the central nervous system such as learning and memory are believed to result from the modulation of the synaptic transmission between neurons. The sequence of events leading to the fusion of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic active zone and the detection of this signal at the postsynaptic density involve the activity of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Their accumulation and dynamic exchange at synapses are dependent on their interaction with synaptic scaffolds. These are synaptic structures composed of adaptor proteins that provide binding sites for receptors and channels as well as other synaptic proteins. While in its entirety the synaptic scaffold is a relatively stable structure, individual adaptor proteins exchange at a fast time scale. These properties of scaffolds help to ensure the stability of synaptic transmission while permitting the modulation of synaptic strength. Here, we review the dynamics of the synaptic scaffold and of adaptor proteins in relation to their roles in the organisation of the synapse as well as in the clustering and trafficking of receptor proteins. BioEssays 30:1062–1074, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The social evolution of somatic fusion
Authors: Aanen Duur K. , Debets Alfons J.M. , de Visser J. Arjan G.M. , Hoekstra Rolf F.
Published: October 2008

The widespread potential for somatic fusion among different conspecific multicellular individuals suggests that such fusion is adaptive. However, because recognition of non‐kin (allorecognition) usually leads to a rejection response, successful somatic fusion is limited to close kin. This is consistent with kin‐selection theory, which predicts that the potential cost of fusion and the potential for somatic parasitism decrease with increasing relatedness. Paradoxically, however, Crozier1 found that, in the short term, positive‐frequency‐dependent selection eliminates the required genetic polymorphism at allorecognition loci. The ‘Crozier paradox’ may be solved if allorecognition is based on extrinsically balanced polymorphisms, for example at immune loci. Alternatively, the assumption of most models that self fusion is mutually beneficial is wrong. If fusion is on average harmful, selection will promote unconditional rejection. However, we propose that fusion within individuals is beneficial, selecting for the ability to fuse, but fusion between individuals on average costly, selecting for non‐self recognition (rather than non‐kin recognition). We discuss experimental data on fungi that are consistent with this hypothesis. BioEssays 30:1193–1203, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An even “newer” animal phylogeny
Authors: DeSalle Rob , Schierwater Bernd
Published: October 2008

Metazoa are one of the great monophyletic groups of organisms. They comprise several major groups of organisms readily recognizable based on their anatomy. These major groups include the Bilateria (animals with bilateral symmetry), Cnidaria (jellyfish, corals and other closely related animals), Porifera (sponges), Ctenophores (comb jellies) and a phylum currently made up of a single species, the Placozoa. Attempts to systematize the relationships of these major groups as well as to determine relationships within the groups have been made for nearly two centuries. Many of the attempts have led to frustration, because of a lack of resolution between and within groups. Other attempts have led to “a new animal phylogeny”. Now, a study by Dunn et al.,1 using the expresssed sequence tag (EST) approach to obtaining high‐throughput large phylogenetic matrices, presents an “even newer” animal phylogeny. There are two major aspects of this study that should be of interest to the general biological community. First, the methods used by the authors to generate their phylogenetic hypotheses call for close examination. Second, the relationships of animal taxa in their resultant trees also prompt further discussion. BioEssays 30:1043–1047, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can we use diffusion MRI as a bio‐marker of neurodegenerative processes?
Authors: Assaf Yaniv
Published: October 2008

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an imaging technique with a rapidly expanding application range. This methodology, which relies on quantum physics and substance magnetic properties, is now being routinely used in the clinics and medical research. With the advent of measuring functional brain activity with MRI (functional MRI), this methodology has reached a larger section of the neuroscience community (e.g. psychologists, neurobiologists). In the past, the use of MRI as a biomarker or as an assay to probe tissue pathophysiological condition was limited. However, with the new applications of MRI: molecular imaging, contrast‐enhanced imaging and diffusion imaging, MRI is turning into a powerful tool for in vivo characterization of tissue pathophysiology. This review focuses on the diffusion MRI. Although it only measures the averaged Brownian translational motion of water molecules, using different analysis schemes, one can extract a wide range of quantitative indices that represent tissue morphology and compartmentalization. Statistical and visualization routines help to relate these indices to biologically relevant measures such as cell density, water content and size distribution. The aim of this review is to shed light on the potential of this methodology to be used in biological research. To that end, this review is intended for the non‐MRI specialists who wish to pursue biological research with this methodology. We will overview the current applications of diffusion MRI and its relation to cellular biology of brain tissue. BioEssays 30:1235–1245, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Permeability and toxicological profile estimation of organochlorine compounds by biopartitioning micellar chromatography
Authors: Escuder‐Gilabert L. , Villanueva‐Camañas R. M. , Sagrado S. , Medina‐Hernandez M. J.
Published: October 2008

This paper points out the usefulness of biopartitioning micellar chromatography (BMC) as a high‐throughput primary screening tool providing key information about the oral absorption, skin permeability (Kp), brain–blood distribution coefficient (BB) and ecotoxicological parameters such as median lethal concentration (LC50) and bioconcentration factors of 15 organochloride compounds. The retention data of compounds in BMC conditions were interpolated in previously developed quantitative–retention activity relationships by our research group. Results show that the compounds studied readily cross the intestinal barrier (oral absorption >ercnt;) and the blood–brain barrier (log BB >p;0.4). In addition, the organochlorines DDE, chlorobenzene, 1,3‐dichlorobenzene and 1,2‐dichlorobenzene are the compounds which can more quickly cross the skin barrier (log Kp >nus;0.74 cm/h). From a ecotoxicological point of view, it can be concluded that the most retained compounds, DDE, DDD, hexachlorobenzene and dicofol, are the most toxic and bioacumulative. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethnic variations in diagnosis, treatment, socioeconomic status, and survival in a large population‐based cohort of elderly patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Wang Michael , Burau Keith D. , Fang Shenying , Wang Harry , Du Xianglin L.
Published: October 2008

BACKGROUND.

There is a lack of research on ethnic disparities in survival among patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), although these disparities have been documented for patients with many other tumors.

METHODS.

A retrospective cohort of 13,321 patients diagnosed with incident NHL at age ≥65 years from 1992 to 1999 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked database with 11 years of follow‐up. Of these patients, 11,868 were Caucasians, 533 were African Americans, and 920 were other ethnicities. A time‐to‐event Cox regression model was used to examine the relative risk of all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality.

RESULTS.

A larger proportion (72.2%) of African Americans were in the poorest quartile of socioeconomic status as measured by the poverty level compared with 21.8% of Caucasians, and 43.2% of African Americans received chemotherapy compared with 52.4% of Caucasians (P < .01). Hazard ratio of all‐cause and NHL‐specific mortality increased significantly with age, advanced stage, higher comorbidity scores, and poorer socioeconomic status. Patients receiving either chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both were significantly less likely to die. After taking into account differences in treatment, comorbidity, and socioeconomic status, there was no statistically significant difference in the risk of all‐cause (hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.88‐1.08) and disease‐specific mortality (hazard ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.92‐1.25) between African Americans and Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS.

The risk of mortality in patients with NHL was associated with socioeconomic status and was reduced in patients receiving chemotherapy. No significant differences in the risk of mortality were observed between African Americans and Caucasians after controlling for factors such as treatment and socioeconomic status. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.