bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a Point‐of‐Care Metabolic Risk Screening Program in Outpatients Receiving Antipsychotic Agents
Authors: Schneiderhan Mark E. , Batscha Catherine L. , Rosen Cherise
Published: July 2009

Study Objective. To assess the usefulness of a metabolic risk screening program, including point‐of‐care glucose testing, to quantify baseline metabolic risk in outpatients receiving antipsychotics.

Design. Retrospective, cross‐sectional, cohort study.

Setting. University‐affiliated department of psychiatry clinic.

Patients. A total of 92 adult outpatients (49 women, 43 men; mean ± SD age 38.96 ± 12 yrs) who were receiving antipsychotics and had undergone screening for metabolic syndrome at the clinic during 2004–2007.

Measurements and Main Results. Patient data were recorded on a metabolic screening checklist by a pharmacist or nurse. The checklist captured demographics, vital signs (height, weight, body mass index [BMI], blood pressure, waist and hip circumference, point‐of‐care random glucose level), personal and family knowledge of current illnesses (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia), modifiable risk factors (smoking, alcohol, level of activity), current drug therapy, and recommendations to the psychiatrist. The patient population who underwent screening included 49 African‐Americans (53%), 21 Caucasians (23%), 16 Hispanics (17%), and 6 Asians (7%). Diagnoses were documented for 88 patients: schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder in 53 patients (60%), and bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder was equally divided in the remaining 35 patients (40%). Of 89 patients (three patients had missing data on waist circumference), 63 (71%) met criteria for level 1 metabolic risk (abdominal obesity); of these 63 patients, 38 (60%) met criteria for level 2 risk (abdominal obesity plus hypertension). Patients with a random glucose level greater than 140 mg/dl had a higher likelihood for being at level 2 risk than level 1 risk (χ2=5.99, df=1, p=0.014). Women had a significantly higher likelihood for level 1 metabolic risk compared with men (χ2=5.99, df=1, p=0.019). African‐Americans had a significantly higher likelihood of level 1 risk (p=0.026) and BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 (p=0.003) compared with Caucasians. Patients with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 had a significantly higher likelihood of diabetes (p=0.006), hypertension (p=0.03), and hyperlipidemia (p=0.05). Overall, 5 (5%) of the 92 patients met criteria for prediabetes risk.

Conclusion. Point‐of‐care metabolic risk screening, done with a systematic interprofessional team approach, can provide clinicians with a practical method for identifying metabolic risk in patients prescribed antipsychotics.
Thrombocytopenia from Combination Treatment with Oseltamivir and Probenecid: Case Report, MedWatch Data Summary, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Raisch Dennis W. , Straight Timothy M. , Holodniy Mark
Published: July 2009

The possibility of an avian flu pandemic has spurred interest in preventive treatments with antivirals such as oseltamivir. Combining treatment with probenecid to delay excretion may extend limited supplies of oseltamivir. We previously conducted a pharmacokinetic study of oseltamivir plus probenecid among healthy volunteers. In this article, we describe a 68‐year‐old woman who, during the pharmacokinetic study, developed severe thrombocytopenia 2 weeks after starting oseltamivir plus probenecid. She was receiving no other drug therapy at the time. Her platelet count decreased from 200 to 15 times 103/mm3, although no clinically evident bleeding abnormalities were noted. The two drugs were discontinued. One week later, without any therapeutic intervention, her platelet count returned to normal. By using the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale to assess the strength of the association between the drugs and the adverse event, a score of 7 was derived for both drugs, indicating that the association was probable. We found no previous literature reports of thrombocytopenia associated with either drug. However, a review of the United States Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System database found 93 cases of thrombocytopenia and/or decreased platelet counts associated with oseltamivir and 24 cases associated with probenecid administration. Signal detection analyses were significant for oseltamivir (p=0.001), but not probenecid. The underlying mechanism of thrombocytopenia with these drugs is unknown. Clinicians should be aware that the use of oseltamivir and probenecid has been reported to be associated with thrombocytopenia.
A New Palladium-Based Ethylene Scavenger to Control Ethylene-Induced Ripening of Climacteric Fruit
Authors: Smith Andrew W. J. , Poulston Stephen , Rowsell Liz , Terry Leon A. , Anderson James A.
Published: July 2009

A novel palladium-promoted zeolite material with a significant ethylene adsorption capacity at room temperature is described. It was characterised by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to show palladium particles
dispersed over the support. Initial measurements of the ethylene adsorption capacity were conducted with a synthetic gas stream at a higher ethylene concentration than would normally be encountered in fruit/vegetable storage, in order to obtain an accelerated testing protocol. Further laboratory-based
trials on fruit samples show that the palladium-promoted zeolite material can be effective as an ethylene scavenger to prolong the shelf-life of fresh fruits.
Thermodynamic Properties of Platinum Diatomics
Authors: Tandon Pavitra , Uttam K. N.
Published: July 2009

Thermodynamic properties of diatomic molecules containing platinum (PtH, PtC, PtN and PtO) have been calculated using spectroscopic data and partition function theory. Values of the Gibbs energy (G), enthalpy (H), entropy (S) and specific heat capacity at constant
pressure (C
P) are presented for each species in the temperature range from 100 K to 3000 K. To obtain the most accurate data, anharmonicity, nonrigidity and stretching effects have been incorporated in the calculations. The variation of these properties with temperature is
also discussed in terms of different modes of molecular motion.
Administrative Pressures to Practice Unethically: Research and Suggested Strategies
Authors: Helton George , Ray Barbara
Published: July 2009

Research indicates that school psychologists and special education teachers sometimes face pressures from school administrators to practice unethically. It includes quantitative and qualitative data on: School psychologists’ and special education teachers’ predictions of their responses to administrative pressures to practice unethically; personal and situational factors related to their predictions; errors in some respondents’ ethical reasoning; strategies for responding to pressures to practice unethically; and the ethical obligations shared by school psychologists, special educators, and school counselors in responding to these pressures. The purpose of the article is to increase school-based practitioners’ abilities to understand and cope successfully with administrative pressures to practice unethically.
Is a Correct Psychiatric Diagnosis Possible? Major Depressive Disorder as a Case in Point
Authors: Jacobs David H.
Published: July 2009

The desire on the part of American psychiatry in the 1970s to “rejoin medicine” resulted in DSM–III and subsequent editions. The form of medical conditions is imitated as closely as possible by listing criteria symptom sets for supposedly discrete, autonomous clinical entities, although relevant biological phenomena remain conspicuously lacking. As in somatic medicine, symptoms are unconnected to social background, history, context, and so on. But the necessity to interpret what people say and to depict behavior as the basis for diagnosis inevitably leads to intractable problems of meaning and evidence, as illustrated by a close examination of Major Depressive Episode. Plausible description and understanding of personal problems requires patient-supplied depiction of the nature and scope of the problem, history, and context, and when these are fleshed-out clinical entities and the usefulness of mental disorder disappear.
Surgical Site Infections Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures
Authors: Thangarajah T , Prasad P.S.V , Narayan B
Published: July 2009

Background:

Ankle fracture fixation is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. Although the results are generally favourable, complications are not uncommon, particularly in the case of surgical site infections. These have considerable impact on both postoperative morbidity and healthcare costs. Paradoxically, there is a paucity of literature studying patients who sustain them and therefore little is known about ways such occurrences can be minimised. The purpose of this study was to determine the infection rate following ankle fracture fixation and elucidate variables in their causation.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an ankle fracture. The study group consisted of 26 females and 24 males with an average age of 43 (Range 16-82) years.

Results:

Problems with superficial infections were noted in seven patients and deep infections in five. Of the latter, four patients underwent further surgery including two that had their metal work removed. With use of the Fisher’s exact test we determined that only smoking and a bimalleolar fracture pattern were significant variables, having p-values of 0.02 and 0.04 respectively.

Conclusion:

We recommend that patients with ankle fractures who either have a history of smoking and/or bimalleolar injury be counselled about the potential risk of infection and its implications on their functional recovery. The ability to identify patients at risk of such problems highlights the need for caution during the perioperative period so that care strategies may be altered to facilitate recovery.
Legal Education in a World Perspective
Authors: Peñailillo Daniel
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this work is to communicate some reflections on the present status of legal education, as well as the innovations on content and methodology which we consider necessary to implement for legal education, that can better contribute to achieve the goals of the Law in current times (preventing that the Law may hinder or delay the fluency and development of social and economic relationships). These appreciations have been influenced by some decades of experience teaching Civil Law (at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels), the observation of programs and methods run by some Latin American universities–and, to a lesser extent, by European and American universities–and by some essays on legal education with different tendencies.
Inhibition of mitochondrial Na-dependent Ca2+ efflux from rat brain stem by 17β-estradiol
Authors: Petrovic Snjezana , Milosevic Maja , Stanojevic Ivana , Velickovic Natasa , Drakulic Dunja , Horvat Anica
Published: July 2009

The role of membrane-bound estradiol in modulation of mitochondrial Ca2+ flux in nerve endings isolated from rat brain stem was examined. Physiological concentrations of 17?-estradiol bind specifically to isolated mitochondria (Bmax 33.8 ? 2.5 fmoles estradiol/mg of protein, Km 0.185 ? 0.006 nmoles/l free estradiol). At concentrations ranging from 1 x 10-10 to 2 x 10-9 moles/l, estradiol significantly (by 23-28%) decreases mitochondrial Na-dependent calcium efflux. Decreased calcium efflux was associated with increased affinity of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger for Na+ and decreased capacity of the exchanger to extrude Ca2+. Calcium ion efflux modulation and mitochondrial ion retention may be the way that 17?-estradiol exerts its role in nerve cell homeostasis.
The antibiotic erythromycin did not affect micronucleus frequency in human PHA-stimulated lymphocytes
Authors: Grujicic D. , Stosic Ivana , Milosevic-Djordjevic Olivera
Published: July 2009

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of the antibiotic erythromycin to induce micro?nucleus (MN) frequency and the cytokinesis block proliferation index (CBPI) in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vitro using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus test (CBMN). Cell cultures were treated with five different concentrations of erythromycin ranging from 0.68 x 10-4 to 5.45 x 10-4 M. The positive control cells were treated with a known mutagen, mitomycin C (MMC), in a concentration of 1.6 x 10-6 M. None of the tested concentrations of erythromycin significantly changed the average MN frequency or CBPI in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes (p > 0.05).
Sequence variability at the internal ribosome entry site of the HCV genome in relation to therapy outcome
Authors: Jovanovic-Cupic Snezana , Simonovic-Babic Jasmina , Blagojevic Jelena , Bozic Milena , Jesic Rada , Nozic D. , Stamenkovic Gorana
Published: July 2009

Different types of interferon are widely used to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Results obtained in vitro suggest that interferon inhibits internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-mediated translation of the HCV genome. To elucidate the possible effect of the nucleotide sequence of IRES on therapy outcome, we compared HCV isolates from patients with sustained response and non-response to interferon/ribavirin combination therapy. In 56 analyzed HCV isolates, nucleotide changes appeared strictly in the stem-loop IIIb region, the stem part from 243 nt to 248 nt, and the polypyrimidine-II region. The natural sequence variability of IRES in isolates of genotype 3a was significantly higher than in isolates of genotype 1b (p < 0.05). The average number of nucleotide changes in genotype 3a correlated with response to therapy (p < 0.05).
In vitro effect of essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants on mushroom pathogens: Verticillium fungicola var. fungicola, Mycogone perniciosa, and Cladobotryum sp.
Authors: Tanovic Brankica , Potocnik Ivana , Delibasic G. , Ristic M. , Kostic M. , Markovic Mirjana
Published: July 2009

Lavender, anise, chamomile, fennel, geranium, oregano, parsley, and sage essential oils were tested for their effectiveness against mushroom pathogens: Verticillium fungicola var. fungicola, Mycogone perniciosa, and Cladobotryum sp. Isolates were exposed to the volatile phase of the oils and then ventilated in order to determine if the effect of the oil was lethal to the pathogen. Oregano and geranium oils were the most toxic, having a fungicidal effect at 0.02-0.08 ?l/ml of air, depending on the pathogen. Oregano oil was characterized by high content of carvacrol and thymol, while citranelol and geraniol were the main components of geranium oil.
Manganese effects on in vitro development of lesser centaury [Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce]
Authors: Todorovic Sladjana , Giba Z. , Simonovic Ana , Bozic Dragana , Banjanac Tijana , Grubisic D.
Published: July 2009

To determine the manganese requirement necessary for optimal development of lesser centaury [Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce] in vitro, we investigated the effect of exogenously applied Mn on different developmental processes such as growth, flowering, fruiting, and seed germination. The application of Mn had no effect on stem length, except at the highest concentration of 10-2 M, which was inhibitory. In addition, C. pulchellum plants were capable of in vitro flowering and fruiting even on media without added Mn. However, Mn content in the media affected seed dimensions, since both length and width of the seeds increased with increasing Mn concentration. Moreover, both excess and absence of Mn in the media caused appearance of necrotic plants. Exogenously applied Mn had no effect on seed germination percentage, except at concentrations greater than 3x10-3 M.
Partial root drying irrigation technique: Practical application of drought stress signaling mechanism in plants
Authors: Savic Sladjana , Stikic Radmila , Jovanovic Zorica , Prokic Ljiljana , Paukovic Milena
Published: July 2009

Partial root-zone drying (PRD) technique, a novel approach to watering crops, was developed on the basis of knowledge of root-to-shoot signaling in drying soil. The aim of the present paper was to investigate the effects of the PRD treatment on tomato growth and the water regime. The obtained PRD results showed significant reduction in shoot but not fruit growth in the absence of any changes in shoot water status, indicating the involvement of chemical root-to-shoot signals. Higher water use efficiency (WUE) results mean that the PRD technique can be used to reduce irrigation water without significant reduction of tomato yield.
Flora of the city of Podgorica, Montenegro: Chorologic structure and comparison with the floras of Rome, Patras, and Salonika
Authors: Stesevic Danijela , Jovanovic S. , Scepanovic S.
Published: July 2009

Research on the geographical structure of the flora of Podgorica revealed that 85.9% of the species are native, while 14.1% are non-native. This ratio is typical of Mediterranean settlements, where even the most urbanized region reflects the overall character of the surrounding flora. In terms of chorologic groups, the three largest are: eury-Mediterranean (18.2%), cosmopolitan (12.6%), and steno-Mediterranean (8.3%). The percentage of endemic and subendemic plants is also significant (6.8%). Within the group of aliens, species of Asian origin prevail. Comparative analysis of the chorologic spectra of Podgorica, Rome, Patras, and Salonika revealed some similarities.
Use of gabions and vegetation in erosion-control works
Authors: Matic Vjaceslava
Published: July 2009

Heavy winter and spring rainfall during the years 2005, -06, -07, and -08 brought about numerous torrential floods and landslides throughout the world and in Serbia. They endangered people, animals, settlements, fields, and roads. This reminded us of a readily available, cheap, and efficient material: stone in wire baskets of doubly galvanized wire of various sizes and forms - gabions - which are also long-lasting, flexible, and ecological. If made according to prescribed standards, they offer a permanent solution for many erosion-control problems. In addition, they can be used in urgent interventions to protect the lives of humans, animals, and plants and prevent of immense material losses. This paper calls attention to an unjustifiably neglected but important material, easily manipulated and with significant advantages compared to other structural materials, as well as to the possibility of its successful combination with vegetation, viz., willow (Salix sp.) cuttings and grasses.
Effect of temperature on life history and population growth parameters of Planococcus citri (Homoptera, Pseudococcidae) on coleus [Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd.]
Authors: Goldasteh Shila , Talebi Asghar , Fathipour Yaghoub , Ostovan Hadi , Zamani Abbasali , Shoushtari Vafaei
Published: July 2009

The development, life history, reproduction, and population growth parameters of Planococcus citri Risso on coleus [Solenostemon scutellarioides (L.) Codd.] were studied at various temperatures ranging from 10 to 37?C, 70?10% RH, and photoperiod length of 16: 8 h (L: D). Females and males successfully developed into adults at from 15 to 32?C and 18 to 32?C, respectively. All first instars died at 10, 12, and 37?C. Lower temperatures (10, 12, and 15?C) caused higher egg mortality than did higher temperatures (32, 35, and 37?C). At all temperatures (except 15?C), the highest percentage of nymphal mortality was observed in the first instar. The sex ratio was female-biased between 15 and 30?C, but there was a slightly higher number of males at 32?C. The highest adult longevities of females and males were obtained at 18 and 25?C, respectively. The pre-oviposition, oviposition, and post-oviposition periods were significantly different at various temperatures. The highest fecundity was observed at 23?C. The shortest and longest oviposition periods occurred at 32 and 18?C, respectively. Maximum values of the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), net reproduction rate (R0), and finite rate of increase (?) and the shortest mean generation time (T) and doubling time (DT) were obtained at 25?C. Our findings showed citrus mealybug performances to be highly affected by temperature.
Reproducibility of age determination by scale and vertebra in pontic shad (Alosa pontica Eichwald, 1838), from the Danube
Authors: Visnjic-Jeftic Zeljka , Lenhardt Mirjana , Navodaru I. , Hegedis A. , Gacic Z. , Nikcevic M.
Published: July 2009

Specimens of Pontic shad (Alosa pontica Eichwald, 1838) were collected during April and May of 2006 in the Danube River (rkm 863) just downstream of the Iron Gate (Djerdap) II dam. Twenty-eight scales and 30 vertebrae were prepared and given to five interpreters with fish aging experience of from 3 to 30 years and with shad aging experience of from 0 to 12 years. Interpreters with experience in shad age determination showed lower values for the index of average percent error (IAPE) and an index of coefficient of variation (ICV). In regard to within-interpreter reproducibility, no significant differences were found between scale and vertebrae as structure for age determination. The most experienced reader showed the lowest value for IAPE, while the least experienced reader showed the highest value for IAPE. The results of this work indicate that experience in age determination by particular structure had more impact on age determination precision than specificity of structure, scale or vertebra. More work is needed on adopting standard protocols that must include some sort of common interaction between responsible age readers.
Synthesis of some biologically active 2,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitriles carrying the 4-hydroxyphenylthio moiety
Authors: Karabasanagouda T. , Adhikari Vasudeva , Parameshwarappa G.
Published: July 2009

A series of new 4-aryl-2'-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]-6oxo-1,6-dihydro- 2,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitriles (3a-k) and 6-amino-4aryl-2'-[(4-hydroxyphenyl) thio]-2,4'-bipyridine-5-carbonitriles (4a-h) were synthesized from 4-hydroxythiophenol (1). The reaction of 4-hydroxythiophenol with 4-acetyl-2-chloropyridine yielded 1-{2-[(4-hydroxyphenyl)thio]pyridin-4-yl}ethanone (2). Further treatment of 2 with ethyl cyanoacetate in the presence of ammonium acetate with various aromatic aldehydes furnished the compounds 3a-k. On the other hand, condensation of 2 with aromatic aldehydes in the presence of alcoholic malononitrile in ammonium acetate gave compounds 4a-h. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established on the basis of their elemental analysis, as well as their IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR and mass spectral data. All the title compounds were subjected to in vitro antibacterial testing against two strains and antifungal screening against two fungi. Some of the compounds showed promising activity.
On π-electron conjugation in the five-membered ring of fluoranthene-type benzenoid hydrocarbons
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Djurdjevic Jelena
Published: July 2009

A fluoranthene-type benzenoid hydrocarbon (FTBH) is a polycyclic conjugated system obtained by joining two ordinary benzenoid hydrocarbons so as to form a five-membered ring. The main differences between the ?-electron properties of FTBHs and those of ordinary benzenoid hydrocarbons are caused by this five-membered ring. The most important structural factors influencing the ?-electron conjugation in the five-membered ring of FTBHs were analyzed and established.
Net analyte signal standard addition method for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and nickel
Authors: Asadpour-Zeynali Karim , Majidi Reza , Tahmasebpour Masoud
Published: July 2009

A novel net analyte signal standard addition method (NASSAM) is presented for the simultaneous determination of Cd2+ and Ni2+ in their mixture by differential pulse polarography. The method combines the advantages of the standard addition method with the net analyte signal concept, which enables the extraction of information concerning a certain analyte from voltammograms of multi-component mixtures. This method has some advantages, such as: the use of a full voltammogram, realization in a single step, therefore it does not require calibration and prediction steps and only a few measurements are required for the determination. The simultaneous determination of Cd2+ and Ni2+ was performed in Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 2.87) and 0.40 M potassium thiocyanate solution.
Micromechanical and structural properties of nickel coatings electrodeposited on two different substrates
Authors: Lamovec Jelena , Jovic Vesna , Aleksic Radoslav , Radojevic Vesna
Published: July 2009

Fine-structured nickel coatings were electrodeposited from a sulfamate-based electrolyte onto different substrates: polycrystalline cold-rolled copper and single crystal silicon with (111) orientation. The influence of the substrate layers and chosen plating conditions on the mechanical and structural properties of these composite structures were investigated by Vickers microhardness testing for different loads. Above a certain critical penetration depth, the measured hardness value was not the hardness of the electrodeposited film, but the so-called 'composite hardness', because the substrate also participated in the plastic deformations during the indentation process. Two composite hardness models (Chicot-Lesage and Korsunsky), constructed on different principles, were chosen and applied to the experimental data in order to distinguish film and substrate hardness. The microhardness values of the electrodeposited nickel layers were mainly influenced by the current density. Increasing the current density led to a decrease in grain size, which resulted in higher values of the microhardness.
Is there a sociodemographic model of acceptance of postmaterialist values?: The case of Serbia
Authors: Pavlovic Zoran
Published: July 2009

The paper offers an analysis of the factors of acceptance of postmaterialist values in Serbia. In accordance with the assumptions of Inglehart's postmaterialist value theory, but also on the basis of empirical works of his critics, the correlation between postmaterialist values and four sociodemographic variables: age, level of education, level of family income and population size of settlement, was analyzed. The data, collected in a 2007 public opinion research including 1410 citizens of Serbia aged 15-89, indicate that all the analyzed factors are important, but that age is the best predictor of these values. The conclusion discusses the adequacy of generation hypothesis as a mechanism of changing predominant values in a society and the explanatory power of the analyzed sociodemographic model.
Capital theory and rational choice
Authors: Golubovic Natasa
Published: July 2009

Almost from the very beginning of economic science the notion of capital has been the subject of numerous controversies. The main reason for the concept's controversial nature is that it explains interest and profit. In Marxian theory, where 'manner of production' determines forms of activities, mutual relationships and life of individuals, capital appears as a social phenomenon i.e. social relation. Goods and money are not capital by themselves but become capital in the capitalist way of production. Economics mainstream is based on methodological individualism upon which explanation of social phenomena and processes must be derived from individual behavior and motivation. Capital, therefore, is not a product of capitalism as a socially and historically specific form of economic organization, but is rather perceived as connected to the individual and his or her rational behavior. Rational choice is the basic and sometimes the only explanatory factor in the neoclassic theories of capital. Although theories of human and cultural capital point out the interdependence between individual activity and choice on the one hand, and social position on the other hand in the process of capitalization, the connection remains in the background and somehow unclear. A more explicit indication of the interdependence between social structure and choice can be found in the theory of social capital. The goal of this paper is to explore the role of rational choice theory in explaining the nature of capital.
Public Speaking Apprehension (PSA), Motivation, and Affect among Accounting Majors: A Proof-of-Concept Intervention
Authors: Miller Tim C. , Stone Dan N.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: The importance of public speaking (PS) skills to professional accounting success motivates improving students' self-perceptions of these skills. In addition, evidence of higher levels of public speaking apprehension (PSA) among accounting majors makes understanding and working with students' affective (emotive) reactions to PS critical to their future success. In three studies, we design and implement an intervention based on principles from self-determination theory (SDT) and motivational interviewing (MI). Its purpose is to improve students' PSA and PS motivation; it includes substantive PS instruction, dialogues, nonjudgmental feedback, and interpersonal support. The results of the three “proof-of-concept” interventions (Study 1, n = 23; Study 2, n = 14; Study 3, n = 36) suggest improvements in students' perceptions of their PS cognition, motivation, and affect. Despite the limitations of self'reported measures and exclusively graduate participants, the results suggest that (1) the interventions, described in appendices, may merit replication and extension, and (2) SDT- and MI-based interventions may prove useful in addressing aspects of accountancy pedagogy that induce student apprehension.
Paranorm I-convergent sequence spaces
Authors: Tripathy Biond , Hazarika Bipan
Published: July 2009

In this article we introduced the sequence spaces c
I(p), c
0I(p), m
I(p) and m
0I(p) for p = (p
k), a sequence of positive real numbers. We study some algebraic and topological properties of these spaces. We prove the decomposition theorem and obtain some inclusion relations.
An Investigation on the Growth and Characterization of Thiourea Single Crystal Grown from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Begum SA , Hossain M , Podder J
Published: July 2009

Thiourea single crystals have been grown from aqueous solution by slow cooling technique. The stability of the saturated solutions of different pH values has been assessed by measuring the metastable zone width (MSZW) by a nucleation method. MSZW has been enhanced by the influence of pH of thiourea solution. The growth rate of the thiourea crystal along the c-direction [001] was found faster for the higher pH value of the solution. The structural, optical and mechanical properties of the grown crystals were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. FT-IR and UV-Vis spectra provide information about the presence of functional groups. The Vicker's micro-hardness study has been performed on the grown crystals and the results reveal the softening nature according to Onistch concept. The growth features of the thiourea crystals were observed by etching study. A hexagonal spiral growth was observed on the [001] faces of thiourea crystals.  DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2951 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 63-70, 2009
Characterization of dye Industry Effluent and Assessment of Its Suitability for Irrigation Purpose
Authors: Jolly YN , Islam A , Mustafa AI
Published: July 2009

A study was carried out to characterize dye industry effluent by measuring its various physicochemical characteristics and trace  heavy metals and to asses its quality to be used as an alternate means of irrigation.  As a case study the results obtained from the investigation of effluent of the Bangladesh Dyeing and Finishing Industries Ltd., Karnapara, Savar  are reported in this study. The direct effluent (untreated effluent) and  after it was treated in the laboratory (treated effluent) were investigated.  As groundwater is a part of the effluent, it was also analysed. The average pH  values of the untreated and treated effluents were found to be 7.83 and 5.13, respectively.  The EC values of the untreated effluent (1.81mS cm-1) and treated effluent (2.01 mS cm-1) were found to be higher than that of groundwater (0.93 mS cm-1). No significant variation in pH and EC values of monthly collected effluent samples was observed. The average concentrations of trace elements except Fe were found to be lower than their DoE recommended values for irrigation land. The concentrations of Na and K in the untreated effluent were found to be higher and the Ca and Mg concentrations  lower than those of the  treated effluents. Assessment of the untreated and treated effluent was made based on their EC, the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and soluble sodium percent (SSP), COD  and heavy trace metal contents. From the overall assessment, the treated effluent was found to be  suitable for irrigation. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2954 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 99-106, 2009
A Problem on Viscous Fluid Motion Between two Fixed Cylinders
Authors: Ken SK , Ahammad MJ
Published: July 2009

A problem on the two dimensional slow viscous fluid motion obeying the Stokes equations is solved in terms of the Earnshaw stream function, when a line source and equal line sink are arbitrarily situated in a viscous fluid bed between two fixed co-axial circular cylinders. Fluid mechanical properties of interest, such as drags and torques acting upon the cylinders are calculated. Also we have shown the variation of the forces per unit length on the inner cylinder with its radius keeping outer cylinder fixed, whose radius is assumed to be one. DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2955 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 107-115, 2009
Distribution of Radionuclides in Surface Soil and Bottom Sediment in the District of Jessore, Bangladesh and Evaluation of Radiation Hazard
Authors: Kabir KA , Islam SMA , Rahman MM
Published: July 2009

This paper presents the first reports on the natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in soil and sediment of Jessore, a south-western district of Bangladesh. Surface soil and freshwater sediment were collected from in and around some major water-bodies of this district. To assess the radiological hazard of the natural radioactivity, the radium equivalent activity, the absorbed dose rate, and the external and internal hazard indices were calculated. In the soil and sediment in general, the activity concentration of 232Th was found to be higher than that of  226Ra, while that of 40K markedly exceeds the values of both 226Ra and 232Th. The average activities of 226Ra and 232Th in this area were found to be higher than the world average. There was no activity due to fallout (137Cs) in this area. The radium equivalent activity and the absorbed dose rate due to the natural radionuclides were found to be respectively lower and higher than the world average. The external and internal hazard indices were found to be well below the hazard limit of unity. Our results compare fairly well with other published results.  Key words: Soil, Sediment, Natural lake, Radioactivity, Dose rate DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2956 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 117-130, 2009
Application of Probiotic Bacteria: A Novel Approach Towards Ensuring food Safety in Shrimp Aquaculture
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur , Khan Shakila N , Naser M Niamul , Karim M Manjurul
Published: July 2009

Shrimp export is the second largest exportable commodity in Bangladesh. However, frequent outbreaks of microbial diseases over the last few years challenged its prospect to flourish. The use of antimicrobial chemicals have led to the emergence of more virulent pathogens, with the eventual transfer of antimicrobial resistance to human pathogens. The use of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) to displace pathogens by competitive processes and to inhibit their proliferation is a better remedy than administering antibiotics. A good number of bacteria from rearing environment for shrimp aquaculture with potential probiotic activity in vitro have been isolated. Two approaches, the well diffusion method and co-culture experiments confirmed their probiotic nature. Their non-hemolytic property also ensured their safe mode for application in shrimp aquaculture. Once the effect is successfully translated in the culture ponds, this will be an eco-friendly, harmless approach to combat the disaster caused by bacterial infections without compromising the shrimp quality, thereby ensuring food safety in shrimp industries of Bangladesh. Key words: Probiotic bacteria, food safety, shrimp aquaculture, vibrios DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v33i1.2958 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 33, No. 1, 139-144, 2009
The Politics of Prophecy: The US Culture Wars and the Battle Over Public Education in the Left Behind Series for Kids
Authors: Michelle Ann Abate
Published: July 2009

This essay argues that in spite of their obvious Biblically-based subject matter, clear Christian content, and undeniable evangelical perspective, the Left Behind novels for kids are not simply religious books; they are also political ones. Co-authors Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins may claim that their narratives are interested in sharing the good news about Jesus for the sake of the future, but they are equally concerned with offering commentary on contentious US cultural issues in the present. Given the books’ adolescent readership, they are especially preoccupied with the ongoing conservative crusade concerning school prayer. As advocates for this issue, LaHaye and Jenkins make use of a potent blend of current socio-political arguments and of past events in evangelical church history: namely, the American Sunday School Movement (ASSM). These free, open-access Sabbath schools became the model for the public education system in the United States. In drawing on this history, the Left Behind series suggests that the ASSM provides an important precedent for the presence not simply of Christianity in the nation's public school system, but of evangelical faith in particular.
Structure and Motif in the ‘Innocent Persecuted Heroine’ Tale in Vietnam and Other Southeast Asian Countries
Authors: Ngoc Bui Tran Quynh
Published: July 2009

Through a study of structure and motifs in the innocent persecuted heroine tale in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, this article argues that although folktale traditions across the world share the same plots, themes, and motifs, the function and significance of plots and motifs may perform differently in local cultural contexts. Folktales originate in a time at some distance from the present, and may contain traces of various archaic modes of thought and custom that accrue as social apparatuses change. By focusing on the different structure of the innocent persecuted heroine tale type in Vietnam and in other Southeast Asian countries, and making a comparison with other tales of the same type in other cultures, the article explores some historical layers contained in these tales. The article also offers an explanation for the existence of this unusual structure and confirms the cultural uniqueness of apparently international structures and motifs.
Blacker than Black: Contextualising the Issue of White Supremacy in Heinrich Hoffmann's ‘The Story of the Inky Boys’
Authors: Wesseling Elisabeth
Published: July 2009

Heinrich Hoffmann's ‘The Story of the Inky Boys’ has been criticised repeatedly on account of its supposed racism. This article argues that when this story is read within the cultural, political and scientific contexts of Hoffmann's own time, with close attention to the word-picture dynamic, a different perspective on this tale emerges. It is suggested that Der Struwwelpeter [Shock-Headed Peter] can be read as a parody of Romantic idealisations of the child, including the developmentalist schemes of Romantic Naturphilosophie. Read in relation to such schemes, which repeatedly supported racist notions, ‘The Story of the Inky Boys’ may be viewed, not as a racist story, but, rather, as a parody of the type of racism that lurked within Romantic idealism.
Power through Intersubjectivity: Representing the Resilient Child in Urban Survival Narratives
Authors: Hammer Yvonne
Published: July 2009

The problematic relationship between urban dislocation, the proscribed spaces of urban childhood, child marginnalisation and the societal invisibility of under-age citizens is widely thematised in contemporary children's literature. This article examines how childhood agency, as a form of power, becomes aligned with resilience through intersubjectivity in the narrative representations of marginalised child subjects in Virginia Hamilton's The Planet of Junior Brown (1987) and Julie Bertagna's The Spark Gap ( 1996 ). Depictions of child homelessness, which construct resilience in the determination to survive experiences of marginalisation, dislocation and loss, offer an opportunity to examine representations of child subjectivity. This discussion centres on the role of intersubjectivity as an alternative construction to some humanistic frames that privilege the notion of an individual agency divested of childhood's limitations. It identifies the experiential codes which more accurately reflect the choices available to young readers, where liminal spaces of homelessness that first establish social and cultural dependencies are re-interpreted through depictions of relational connection among displaced child subjects. The discussion suggests that these multifocal novels construct dialogic representations of social discourse that affirm intersubjectivity as a form of agency.
The Politics of Affect in English-Language Translations of Toshi Maruki’s Hiroshima no Pika
Authors: Ochiai Tatsuko
Published: July 2009

Picture books have a large potential to expand cross-cultural interactions because their visual codes seem to be intelligible and accessible from one culture to another. However, the interpretation of pictures is affected by interaction with the verbal text, which, during transmission, may undergo significant changes under the influences of linguistic structures and cultural politics. Taking Toshi Maruki’s Hiroshima No Pika ( 1980 ) as its example, the article examines cultural transmission in translations of a picture book about war, a topic which normally entails a political issue and emotional affect. Comparison of the original text with a British translation (1983) and an American translation (1982) suggests that political perspectives in England and the USA in the early 1980s not only shape how the Japanese text is translated, but also prompt the translators to omit or add material. Making adjustments in order to mediate a text for an audience with a different set of cultural assumptions can dismantle the innermost significance of the original work and reduce narrative depth. The article concludes that, for effective cross-cultural communication, both a deep and culturally accurate interpretation of the original work and adequate consideration of the effects of any cultural or linguistic adjustment is essential.
Efficient Syntheses of [(n-C4H9)4N]4[α-Mo8O26] and [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Mo2O7]
Authors: Ikegami Shusaku , Yagasaki Atsushi
Published: July 2009

Efficient and simple syntheses of [(n-C4H9)4N]4[a-Mo8O26] (I) and [(n-C4H9)4N]2[Mo2O7] (II) from MoO3 and aqueous [(n-C4H9)4N]OH are described. The yield is 72% for I and 73% for II.
Protective effect by Bacillus smithii TBMI12 spores of Salmonella serotype Enteritidis in mice
Authors: Suitso I. , Jõgi E. , Talpsep E. , Naaber P. , Lõivukene K. , Ots M. , Michelson T. , Nurk A.
Published: July 2009

Avoiding food-borne diseases by competitive exclusion agents is a proactive strategy. In the current paper, we report the use of Bacillus smithii TBMI12 spores as potential competitive exclusion agents. One group of mice was predosed for three successive days with 108 colony forming units of B. smithii TBMI12 spores followed by inoculation with 106 colony forming units of wild-type Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis cells. Microbial plate counts of the animals' livers and spleens showed that only 40% of the mice were infected with S. enterica serotype Enteritidis, while the control group was 100% infected. These results suggest that B. smithii TBMI12 spores may protect against infection by S. enterica serotype Enteritidis.
Functional Modulation of Dendritic Cells and Macrophages by Japanese Encephalitis Virus through MyD88 Adaptor Molecule-Dependent and -Independent Pathways
Authors: Aleyas Abi G. , George Junu A. , Han Young Woo , Rahman M. M. , Kim Seon Ju , Han Sang Bae , Kim Byung Sam , Kim Koanhoi , Eo Seong Kug
Published: July 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) are potent initiators of T cell-mediated immunity that undergo maturation during viral infections. However, few reports describing the interactions of DCs with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), which remains the most frequent cause of acute and epidemic viral encephalitis, are available. In this study, we investigated the interaction of JEV with DCs and macrophages. JEV replicated its viral RNA in both cells with different efficiency, and JEV infection of macrophages followed the classical activation pathway of up-regulation of tested costimulatory molecules and proinflammatory cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12). On the contrary, JEV-infected DCs failed to up-regulate costimulatory molecules such as CD40 and MHC class II. Of more interest, along with production of proinflammatory cytokines, DCs infected by JEV released antiinflammatory cytokine IL-10, which was not detected in macrophages. Moreover, signaling through MyD88 molecule, a pan-adaptor molecule of TLRs, and p38 MAPK in JEV-infected DCs was found to play a role in the production of cytokines and subversion of primary CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. We also found that IL-10 released from JEV-infected DCs led to a reduction in the priming of CD8+ T cells, but not CD4+ T cells. Taken together, our data suggest that JEV induces functional impairment of DCs through MyD88-dependent and -independent pathways, which subsequently leads to poor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, resulting in boosting viral survival and dissemination in the body.
Peptidoglycan Enhances IL-6 Production in Human Synovial Fibroblasts via TLR2 Receptor, Focal Adhesion Kinase, Akt, and AP-1- Dependent Pathway
Authors: Chiu Yung-Cheng , Lin Ching-Yuang , Chen Chao-Ping , Huang Kui-Chou , Tong Kwok-Man , Tzeng Chung-Yuh , Lee Tu-Sheng , Hsu Horng-Chaung , Tang Chih-Hsin
Published: July 2009

Peptidoglycan (PGN), the major component of the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria, activates the innate immune system of the host and induces the release of cytokines and chemokines. We investigated the signaling pathway involved in IL-6 production stimulated by PGN in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. PGN caused concentration- and time-dependent increases in IL-6 production. PGN-mediated IL-6 production was attenuated by TLR2 small interfering RNA and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 small interfering RNA. Pretreatment with PI3K inhibitor (Ly294002 and wortmannin), Akt inhibitor, and AP-1 inhibitor (tanshinone IIA) also inhibited the potentiating action of PGN. PGN increased the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), PI3K, and Akt phosphorylation. Stimulation of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast cells with PGN increased the accumulation of phosphorylated c-Jun in the nucleus, AP-1-luciferase activity, and c-Jun binding to the AP-1 element on the IL-6 promoter. PGN mediated an increase in the accumulation of phosphorylated c-Jun in the nucleus, AP-1-luciferase activity, and c-Jun binding to AP-1 element was inhibited by Ly294002, Akt inhibitor, and FAK mutant. Our results suggest that PGN increased IL-6 production in human synovial fibroblasts via the TLR2 receptor/FAK/PI3K/Akt and AP-1 signaling pathway.