bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interaction between values and organizational identification in predicting suggestion‐making at work
Authors: Lipponen Jukka , Bardi Anat , Haapamäki Johanna
Published: June 2007

The present study proposed and found that personal values and organizational identification interact in predicting making suggestions for organizational improvements at work. One hundred and forty‐eight employees of children's day‐care centres rated their values, their identification with the organization and their suggestion‐making behaviour. Their behaviour was also rated by their supervisors. As expected, the value dimension of openness to change vs. conservation predicted suggestion‐making more strongly amongst individuals highly identified with the organization than amongst individuals weakly identified with the organization. This was found using self‐ratings of behaviour as well as supervisor's rating of behaviour. The study points to the importance of values and identification in understanding suggestion‐making and innovative behaviour at work, and it opens new avenues for examining this interaction in predicting other kinds of organizational behaviours.
Aromaticity, π-electron delocalization, and ring currents
Authors: Fowler Patrick W. , Lillington Mark , Olson Leif P.
Published: June 2007

The magnetic criterion of aromaticity is based on the ability of a cyclic system to support a ring current. If the ring current has the diatropic sense, the system is aromatic; if the sense is paratropic, the system is antiaromatic. Attribution of aromaticity ab initio therefore reduces to the calculation and visualization of induced current density. This can be achieved at modest computational cost within the ipsocentric approach, where current density at any point in space is calculated with that point as origin of vector potential. This choice leads to accurate maps of current density and a uniquely simple interpretation in terms of nonredundant orbital contributions governed by translational and rotational selection rules. For example, four-electron diatropicity and two-electron paratropicity are predicted for delocalized forms of [4n+2]- and [4n]-annulenes, respectively. A new application to homoaromatic systems is described. Two model tris-homoaromatics, both neutral molecules, are shown to exhibit a through-space, highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)-dominated, four-electron ring current, in a direct analogy with the conventional "aromatic" benzene π-current.
New development of photoinduced electron-transfer catalytic systems
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: June 2007

As an alternative to conventional charge-separation functional molecular models based on multi-step long-range electron transfer (ET) within redox cascades, simple donor-acceptor dyads have been developed to attain a long-lived and high-energy charge-separated (CS) state without significant loss of excitation energy. In particular, a simple molecular electron donor-acceptor dyad, 9-mesityl-10-methylacridinium ion (Acr+-Mes), is capable of fast charge separation but extremely slow charge recombination. Such a simple molecular dyad has significant advantages with regard to synthetic feasibility, providing a variety of applications for photoinduced ET catalytic systems, including efficient photocatalytic systems for the solar energy conversion and construction of organic solar cells.
New mechanisms centered on reactive intermediates: Examples from diazirine and carbene chemistry
Authors: Moss Robert A. , Tian Jingzhi , Chu Gaosheng , Sauers Ronald R. , Krogh-Jespersen Karsten
Published: June 2007

Laser flash photolysis (LFP) of appropriate diazirine precursors afforded the UV spectra of methylchlorocarbene, benzylchlorocarbene, cyclopropylchlorocarbene, and 1-adamantylchlorocarbene. The σ → p transitions of these carbenes were used to directly monitor their reaction kinetics. The unusual and highly reactive N2CO compound, diazirinone, was obtained from the reaction of fluoride ion with p-nitrophenoxychlorodiazirine. Diazirinone fragmented to CO and N2 in a reaction that was exothermic by >90 kcal/mol. Dichlorodiazirine (DCD) was generated by the reaction of chloride ion with p-nitrophenoxychlorodiazirine. Reactions of dichlorocarbene generated from DCD are discussed.
Proton transfer across hydrogen bonds: From reaction path to Schrödinger's cat
Authors: Fillaux François , Cousson Alain , Gutmann Matthias J.
Published: June 2007

We review recent studies of the interconversion mechanism of OH···O hydrogen-bonded centrosymmetric dimers through proton transfer in the prototype crystals of potassium hydrogen carbonate (KHCO3) and benzoic acid (C6H5COOH). The point at issue is whether the proton distributions at various temperatures arise from classical statistical mixtures of tautomers or quantum mechanical superposition states. A related issue is whether it is possible to probe a quantum superposition without inducing decoherence and classicality. We show that neutron diffraction can realize decoherence-free measurements for strictly defined scattering geometries and thus evidence macroscopic quantum correlations. We present a theoretical framework for decoherence-free macroscopically entangled states of the sublattice of protons. The neutron diffraction cross-section of protons is enhanced by a factor of ~45, compared to regular Bragg diffraction, and quantum correlations are observed with remarkable contrast. At elevated temperatures, up to 300 K, quantum correlations are unaffected by proton transfer. The crystal is a coherent superposition of macroscopic tunnelling states, like Schrödinger's cat in a superposition of dead and alive states.
Self-assembly of a nickel(II) pseudorotaxane nanostructure on a gold surface
Authors: Więckowska Agnieszka , Wiśniewska Marta , Chrzanowski Marcin , Kowalski Jarosław , Korybut-Daszkiewicz Bohdan , Bilewicz Renata
Published: June 2007

Tetraazamacrocyclic complexes of NiII and CuII can be used as components of catenanes or rotaxanes showing electrochemically switched intramolecular motion in solution. In our present studies, we modify these compounds with organothiol chains to attach them to the surface of the electrode using the self-assembly method and employ them next as molecular switches, which change conductivity upon applying appropriate potential. The electrochemical properties of these compounds are studied in the solution and, in the case of thiol derivative, immobilized on the electrode surface. The macrocyclic complex of NiII, immobilized on the Au surface, forms the axis of the rotaxane. This compound can be anchored to the surface by one or two thiol groups. The data obtained from scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) experiments using colloidal Au confirm that the orientation normal to the surface dominates. The electrochemical experiments reveal reversible one-electron oxidation of metal center from +2 to +3. The behavior of the electrode modified with the macrocyclic complex of NiII upon immersion in a solution containing bismacrocyclic complex of NiII points to the formation of a new rotaxane-like nanostructure on the surface of the electrode.
Designing novel organic–inorganic frameworks
Authors: Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Klinowski Jacek
Published: June 2007

Crystal engineering of coordination frameworks is a topical and rapidly advancing field, and a variety of entirely new solid materials have been synthesized. We describe the main challenges involved in the hydrothermal approach to these materials using, as an example, cadmium- and zinc-based coordination frameworks. We discuss the unusual crystal architectures of the products, and show that the kind and quality of the resulting crystals are directly controlled by the composition of the ternary reactive mixture and the temperature regime used in the hydrothermal synthesis.
Solvation in pure and mixed solvents: Some recent developments
Authors: El Seoud Omar A.
Published: June 2007

The effect of solvents on the spectra, absorption, or emission of substances is called solvatochromism; it is due to solute/solvent nonspecific and specific interactions, including dipole/dipole, dipole-induced/dipole, dispersion interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Thermo-solvatochromism refers to the effect of temperature on solvatochromism. The molecular structure of certain substances, polarity probes, make them particularly sensitive to these interactions; their solutions in different solvents have distinct and vivid colors. The study of both phenomena sheds light on the relative importance of the solvation mechanisms. This account focuses on recent developments in solvation in pure and binary solvent mixtures. The former has been quantitatively analyzed in terms of a multiparameter equation, modified to include the lipophilicity of the solvent. Solvation in binary solvent mixtures is complex because of the phenomenon of "preferential solvation" of the probe by one component of the mixture. A recently introduced solvent exchange model allows calculation of the composition of the probe solvation shell, relative to that of bulk medium. This model is based on the presence of the organic solvent (S), water (W), and a 1:1 hydrogen-bonded species (S-W). Solvation by the latter is more efficient than by its precursor solvents, due to probe/solvent hydrogen-bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is an exception, because the strong DMSO/W interactions probably deactivate the latter species toward solvation. The relevance of the results obtained to kinetics of reactions is briefly discussed by addressing temperature-induced desolvation of the species involved (reactants and activated complexes) and the complex dependence of kinetic data (observed rate constants and activation parameters) in binary solvent mixtures on medium composition.
Growth Hormone (GH) Receptor Isoform in Acromegaly: Lower Concentrations of GH but Not Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Patients with a Genomic Deletion of Exon 3 in the GH Receptor Gene
Authors: Schmid Christoph , Krayenbuehl Pierre-Alexandre , Bernays René-Ludwig , Zwimpfer Cornelia , Maly Friedrich E , Wiesli Peter
Published: June 2007

Background: A genomic deletion of exon 3 (d3-GHR) of the growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) has been linked to the effectiveness of GH therapy in children with GH deficiency. Carriers of the d3-GHR genotype had higher GH-induced growth rates than children homozygous for the full-length (fl)-GHR. The aim of this study was to test whether the relationship between GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations is influenced by the GHR genotype in patients with acromegaly.

Methods: Study participants were 44 adult patients with established diagnosis of acromegaly. The genotype of the GHR was determined in leukocyte DNA from peripheral blood. Clinical and biochemical findings at the time of diagnosis of acromegaly were obtained from the medical records of the patients.

Results: fl-GHR homozygosity was found in 22 (50%) of patients, and 22 (50%) of patients had at least 1 d3 allele (d3-GHR). Demographic and clinical characteristics (age, height, weight, estimated duration of disease, and mean tumor size) of the 2 groups were comparable. Median (range) serum IGF-1 concentrations at the time of diagnosis were 670 (447–1443) μg/L in the fl-GHR group and 840 (342–1494) μg/L in the d3-GHR group (P = not significant). Basal GH concentrations were higher in the fl-GHR group [29.7 (3.8–159) μg/L] than in the d3-GHR group [8.4 (2.6–74 μg/L), P = 0.002], and so were mean (30.4 vs 6.1 μg/L, P = 0.005) and nadir (20.5 vs 5.1 μg/L, P = 0.003) GH concentrations during an oral glucose tolerance test.

Conclusions: The GHR fl/d3 genotype modulates the relationship between GH and IGF-1 concentrations in patients presenting with acromegaly.
Idiosyncratic cleavage and ligation activity of individual hammerhead ribozymes and core sequence variants thereof
Authors: Przybilski Rita , Hammann Christian
Published: June 2007

The hammerhead ribozyme is a small RNA endonuclease found in sub-viral plant pathogens, in transcripts from certain animal satellite DNAs and encoded at distinct loci of Arabidopsis thaliana. Kinetic analyses of tertiary stabilised ribozymes from peach latent mosaic viroid (PLMVd), Schistosoma mansoni and A. thaliana revealed a ten-fold difference in cleavage rates. Core nucleotide variations affected cleavage reactions least in the A. thaliana ribozyme, and most in the S. mansoni ribozyme. The reverse ligation reaction was catalysed efficiently by the PLMVd and A. thaliana ribozymes. The different behaviour of the individual hammerhead ribozymes is discussed in terms of structure and function.
RNA self-processing towards changed topology and sequence oligomerization
Authors: Pieper Stefan , Vauléon Stéphanie , Müller Sabine
Published: June 2007

Reversible chemistry, allowing for chain-forming as well as chain-breaking steps, is important for biological self-organization. In this context, ribozymes, catalyzing both RNA cleavage and ligation, may have significantly contributed to extending the sequence space and length of RNA molecules in early life forms. Here we present an engineered RNA that self-processes by passing through a number of cleavage and ligation steps. Intermolecular reactions compete with intramolecular reactions, resulting in a variety of products. Our results demonstrate that RNA can undergo self-oligomerization, which may have been important for extending the RNA genome size in RNA world scenarios.
A chemo-genetic approach for the study of nucleobase participation in nucleolytic ribozymes
Authors: Lilley David M.J.
Published: June 2007

A novel chemo-genetic approach for the analysis of general acid-base catalysis by nucleobases in ribozymes is reviewed. This involves substitution of a C-nucleoside with imidazole in place of a natural nucleobase. The Varkud satellite ribozyme in which the nucleobase at the critical 756 position has been replaced by imidazole is active in both cleavage and ligation reactions. Similarly, a modified hairpin ribozyme with the nucleobase at position 8 substituted by imidazole is active in cleavage and ligation reactions. Although the rates are lower than those of the natural ribozymes, they are significantly greater than other variants at these positions. The dependence of the hairpin ribozyme reaction rates on pH has been studied. Both cleavage and ligation reactions display a bell-shaped pH dependence, consistent with general acid-base catalysis involving the nucleotide at position 8.
The spliceosome: a ribozyme at heart?
Authors: Valadkhan Saba
Published: June 2007

The spliceosome, the multi-megadalton molecular machine that performs splicing, consists of over 200 different proteins and five small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs). Extensive mechanistic and structural similarities to self-splicing group II introns, large ribozymes found in prokaryotes and lower eukaryotes that catalyze an identical reaction, strongly suggest that the spliceosomal RNAs are in fact the catalytic components of the spliceosome. Of the five spliceosomal RNAs, U2 and U6 are the only ones that are absolutely required for both steps of splicing. These two snRNAs form an elaborate base-paired complex that might in fact constitute the active site of the spliceosome.
Plasminogen-dependent internalization of soluble melanotransferrin involves the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein and annexin II
Authors: Michaud-Levesque Jonathan , Demeule Michel , Béliveau Richard
Published: June 2007

We investigated the effect of plasminogen (Plg) on the internalization of recombinant soluble melanotransferrin (sMTf) using U87 human glioblastoma cells and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) deficient in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP). Using biospecific interaction analysis, both Glu- and Lys-Plg were shown to interact with immobilized sMTf. The binding of sMTf at the cell surface increased in the presence of both forms of Plg in control and in LRP-deficient MEF cells, whereas the uptake was strongly stimulated only by Lys-Plg in control MEF and U87 cells. In addition, in the presence of Lys-Plg, the internalization of sMTf was a saturable process, sensitive to temperature and dependent on the integrity of lysine residues. The addition of the receptor-associated protein, lactoferrin and aprotinin, as well as a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against LRP, inhibited the Lys-Plg-dependent uptake of sMTf. These results suggest an important role for LRP in this process. In addition, using binding and uptake assays in the presence of anti-annexin II mAb, we showed that annexin II might be responsible for the initial binding of sMTf in the presence of Plg. Our results suggest a Plg-mediated internalization mechanism for the clearance of sMTf via annexin II and LRP.
Could the effect of modeled microgravity on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells be reversed by regulation of signaling pathways?
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Huang Guoping , Yang Jinfeng , Xu Yulin , Guo Chunjuan , Xi Yongmei , Pan Zhijun , Wang Jinfu
Published: June 2007

Microgravity (MG) results in a reduction in bone formation. Bone formation involves osteogenic differentiation from mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in bone marrow. We modeled MG to determine its effects on osteogenesis of hMSCs and used activators or inhibitors of signaling factors to regulate osteogenic differentiation. Under osteogenic induction, MG reduced osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs and decreased the expression of osteoblast gene markers. The expression of Runx2 was also inhibited, whereas the expression of PPARγ2 increased. MG also decreased phosphorylation of ERK, but increased phosphorylation of p38MAPK. SB203580, a p38MAPK inhibitor, was able to inhibit the phosphorylation of p38MAPK, but did not reduce the expression of PPARγ2. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) increased the expression of Runx2. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) increased the phosphorylation of ERK, but did not significantly increase the expression of osteoblast gene markers. The combination of BMP, FGF2 and SB203580 significantly reversed the effect of MG on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Our results suggest that modeled MG inhibits the osteogenic differentiation and increases the adipogenic differentiation of hMSCs through different signaling pathways. Therefore, the effect of MG on the differentiation of hMSCs could be reversed by the mediation of signaling pathways.
Group II introns: structure, folding and splicing mechanism
Authors: Fedorova Olga , Zingler Nora
Published: June 2007

Group II introns are large autocatalytic RNAs found in organellar genomes of plants and lower eukaryotes, as well as in some bacterial genomes. Interestingly, these ribozymes share characteristic traits with both spliceosomal introns and non-LTR retrotransposons and may have a common evolutionary ancestor. Furthermore, group II intron features such as structure, folding and catalytic mechanism differ considerably from those of other large ribozymes, making group II introns an attractive model system to gain novel insights into RNA biology and biochemistry. This review explores recent advances in the structural and mechanistic characterization of group II intron architecture and self-splicing.
A 2′-methyl or 2′-methylene group at G+1 in precursor tRNA interferes with Mg2+ binding at the enzyme-substrate interface in E-S complexes of E. coli RNase P
Authors: Cuzic Simona , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: June 2007

We analyzed processing of precursor tRNAs carrying a single 2′-deoxy, 2′-OCH3, or locked nucleic acid (LNA) modification at G+1 by Escherichia coli RNase P RNA in the absence and presence of its protein cofactor. The extra methyl or methylene group caused a substrate binding defect, which was rescued at higher divalent metal ion (M2+) concentrations (more efficiently with Mn2+ than Mg2+), and had a minor effect on cleavage chemistry at saturating M2+ concentrations. The 2′-OCH3 and LNA modification at G+1 resulted in higher metal ion cooperativity for substrate binding to RNase P RNA without affecting cleavage site selection. This indicates disruption of an M2+ binding site in enzyme-substrate complexes, which is compensated for by occupation of alternative M2+ binding sites of lower affinity. The 2′-deoxy modification at G+1 caused at most a two-fold decrease in the cleavage rate; this mild defect relative to 2′-OCH3 and LNA at G+1 indicates that the defect caused by the latter two is steric in nature. We propose that the 2′-hydroxyl at G+1 in the substrate is in the immediate vicinity of the M2+ cluster at the phosphates of A67 to U69 in helix P4 of E. coli RNase P RNA.
Mechanisms of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Ryan Julie L. , Carroll Jennifer K. , Ryan Elizabeth P. , Mustian Karen M. , Fiscella Kevin , Morrow Gary R.
Published: June 2007

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is one of the most prevalent symptoms patients with cancer experience, both during and after treatment. CRF is pervasive and affects patients' quality of life considerably. It is important, therefore, to understand the underlying pathophysiology of CRF in order to develop useful strategies for prevention and treatment. At present, the etiology of CRF is poorly understood and the relative contributions of the neoplastic disease, various forms of cancer therapy, and comorbid conditions (e.g., anemia, cachexia, sleep disorders, depression) remain unclear. In any individual, the etiology of CRF probably involves the dysregulation of several physiological and biochemical systems. Mechanisms proposed as underlying CRF include 5-HT neurotransmitter dysregulation, vagal afferent activation, alterations in muscle and ATP metabolism, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysfunction, circadian rhythm disruption, and cytokine dysregulation. Currently, these hypotheses are largely based on evidence from other conditions in which fatigue is a characteristic, in particular chronic fatigue syndrome and exercise-induced fatigue. The mechanisms that lead to fatigue in these conditions provide a theoretical basis for future research into the complex etiology of this distressing and debilitating symptom. An understanding of relevant mechanisms may offer potential routes for its prevention and treatment in patients with cancer.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Cancer-Related Fatigue: The Scale of the Problem
Authors: Hofman Maarten , Ryan Julie L. , Figueroa-Moseley Colmar D. , Jean-Pierre Pascal , Morrow Gary R.
Published: June 2007

Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy, and is distinct from the “normal” drowsiness experienced by healthy individuals in that it is not relieved by rest or sleep. It occurs both as a consequence of the cancer itself and as a side effect of cancer treatment, although the precise underlying pathophysiology is largely unknown. CRF may be an early symptom of malignant disease and is reported by as many as 40% of patients at diagnosis. Virtually all patients expect fatigue from cancer therapy. Up to 90% of patients treated with radiation and up to 80% of those treated with chemotherapy experience fatigue. CRF continues for months and even years ollowing completion of treatment in approximately one third of the patients with cancer. The impact of CRF on a patient's quality of life (QoL), particularly in relation to physical functioning and the ability to perform activities of daily living, is both profound and pervasive. In addition, CRF is associated with considerable psychological distress and can impose a significant financial burden by limiting a patient's ability to work. These effects can extend to caregivers and family members, who may also have to reduce their working capacity in order to provide additional care for a patient with CRF. This paper examines the prevalence of CRF and explores the impact of this distressing symptom on patients' functioning and QoL.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Integrative Nonpharmacologic Behavioral Interventions for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue
Authors: Mustian Karen M. , Morrow Gary R. , Carroll Jennifer K. , Figueroa-Moseley Colmar D. , Jean-Pierre Pascal , Williams Geoffrey C.
Published: June 2007

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a debilitating, multi-faceted biopsychosocial symptom experienced by the majority of cancer survivors during and after treatment. CRF begins after diagnosis and frequently persists long after treatments end, even when the cancer is in remission. The etiological pathopsychophysiology underlying CRF is multifactorial and not well delineated. Mechanisms may include abnormal accumulation of muscle metabolites, dysregulation of the homeostatic status of cytokines, irregularities in neuromuscular function, abnormal gene expression, inadequate ATP synthesis, serotonin dysregulation, abnormal vagal afferent nerve activation, as well as an array of psychosocial mechanisms, including self-efficacy, causal attributions, expectancy, coping, and social support. An important first step in the management of CRF is the identification and treatment of associated comorbidities, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, pain, emotional distress, insomnia, malnutrition, and other comorbid conditions. However, even effective clinical management of these conditions will not necessarily alleviate CRF for a significant proportion of cancer survivors. For these individuals, intervention with additional therapeutic modalities may be required. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend that integrative nonpharmacologic behavioral interventions be implemented for the effective management of CRF. These types of interventions may include exercise, psychosocial support, stress management, energy conservation, nutritional therapy, sleep therapy, and restorative therapy. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of exercise and psychosocial interventions for the management of CRF. Research on these interventions has yielded positive outcomes in cancer survivors with different diagnoses undergoing a variety of cancer treatments. The data from trials investigating the efficacy of other types of integrative nonpharmacologic behavioral therapies for the management of CRF, though limited, are also encouraging. This article provides an overview of current research on the relative merits of integrative nonpharmacologic behavioral interventions for the effective clinical management of CRF and makes recommendations for future research.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Recycled and Virgin Plastic Carriers In Hybrid Reactors for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Paul Etienne , Wolff Delmira Beatriz , Ochoa Juan Carlos , Ribeiro da Costa Rejane Helena
Published: June 2007

The reduction of organic and nitrogen pollution of wastewater was investigated in two hybrid reactors and compared with the reduction obtained by using a conventional activated sludge reactor (ASR) run as a control. Both HR‐1 and HR‐2 were activated sludge systems where a low‐density carrier, P1 (polyethylene) for HR‐1 and P2 (recycled plastics) for HR‐2, was added. Firstly, the three reactors were operated at 10 days Suspended Solid Retention Time (SRT SS), leading to a complete nitrification. Secondly, the SRT SS for each reactor was lowered to 3 days. Nitrification was lost for the ASR but remained complete for HR's. Respirometric techniques were used to measure fixed or suspended biomass activities for heterotrophic and autotrophic biomass. More than 90 % of the autotrophic activity was found on the supports whatever the SRT SS used. The results may underline the role of the carrier geometry or surface characteristics on the autotrophic/heterotrophic microorganism distribution.
Metal Distributions in Soil Receiving Urban Pavement Runoff and Snowmelt
Authors: Sansalone John J. , Glenn Donald W.
Published: June 2007

Wet and dry deposition of anthropogenic metals and particulates generated from urban and traffic activities can result in contamination of urban‐land‐use soils. These particulate residuals encompass a wide size gradation, from 1 to greater than 10 000 μm. This study hypothesized that such contamination of surficial soils can be analyzed and explained as a function of the soil/residual granulometry. This study analyzed the gradation‐based physical characteristics for 10 urban transportation land‐use sites with soil/residual complexes (SRCs) located throughout metropolitan Cincinnati, Ohio, and an urban residential reference site. Particle density (ρ s) of SRCs ranged from 2.8 to 2.1 g/cm 3, with the lower particle density associated with particles less than 100 μm. For each site, specific surface area generally increased with decreasing particle size, while the predominance of total surface area was associated with the coarser size fractions, except for the clayey glacial till reference site not influenced by traffic. Cumulative analysis for lead, copper, cadmium, and zinc associated with SRCs indicated that more than 50% of the metal mass was associated with particles greater than 250 μm, with more than 80% associated with particles greater than 106 μm. Study results are similar to rainfall‐runoff and snowmelt distributions. Results provide guidance when considering potential fate and control of metals transported by urban drainage and are distributed across the SRC size gradation.
Ultraviolet Spectrophotometric Determination of Nitrate: Detecting Nitrification Rates and Inhibition
Authors: Kelly Richard T. , Love Nancy G.
Published: June 2007

Simple methods that rapidly detect nitrification inhibition are needed to enforce pretreatment programs and prevent upsets. The objective of this study was to demonstrate a rapid method for measuring nitrification inhibition by using nitrate generation rates (NGRs) coupled with direct UV detection of nitrate. The NGRs were measured with UV spectrophotometry at wavelengths between 225 and 240 nm, without chemical manipulation, and verified against ion chromatography. The method was shown to quickly and accurately measure nitrate concentrations after correcting for nitrite interference. Cadmium, hypochlorite and 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dintrobenzene (CDNB) were tested for their ability to cause nitrification inhibition using this method. The CDNB was found to cause a correctable interference with the test, while hypochlorite provided an uncorrectable interference. Used as a batch method coupled with biotic and abiotic controls, this approach can be deployed at full‐scale treatment plants as a relatively rapid (1.5 hours) means of identifying nitrification‐inhibiting wastewaters.
Multivariate Analysis of Almendares River Waters
Authors: Mora‐Leyva I. , Pomares‐Alfonso M. , Santiago J. F. , Villanueva‐Tagle M.
Published: June 2007

The Almendares River is the most important surface water body of the Cuban capital, Havana. In the present work, the environmental quality of waters was studied as a function of the following 14 variables: content of calcium, cadmium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, zinc, chlorine, bicarbonate, and sulfate; pH; and electric conductivity parameters, which were reduced to three new variables by means of principal component analysis (PCA). The content of metal increased in waters sampled at stations located near garbage dumps and decreased inside the Ejercito Rebelde dam. The variation of the river water environmental quality with rainy and dry seasons and the differentiation of samples in three groups along the river course were obtained by PCA and corroborated by discriminant analysis. Applied statistical techniques showed their ability for environmental interpretation of limited experimental data.
Uniformity of Domestic Wastewater Effluent Application in a Subsurface Drip Distribution System
Authors: Persyn Russell A. , Lesikar Bruce J. , Duan Xiaojing
Published: June 2007

An on‐site wastewater treatment project with two separate drip fields was operated for 6 years and received no maintenance. The two drip fields (with different design configurations) contained pressure‐compensating emitters (PC) and non‐pressure‐compensating emitters (NPC), respectively, and received wastewater with an average 5‐day biochemical oxygen demand concentration of 23 mg/L. Flowrates of the PC emitters reduced from rated average of 3.50 to 1.00 L/h, and the average flowrate of the NPC emitters reduced from 2.00 to 1.53 L/h. The statistical uniformities were 48 and 71%, and the uniformity coefficients were 70 and 86% for PC and NPC emitters, respectively. Significant, but incomplete, recovery was achieved with field‐flushing and consecutive shock‐chlorination treatments of 500 and 1000 mg/L.
Removal of Selected Natural and Synthetic Estrogenic Compounds in a Canadian Full‐Scale Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Cicek Nazim , Londry Kathleen , Oleszkiewicz Jan A. , Wong Denny , Lee Yoomin
Published: June 2007

The effect of a full‐scale municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and each of the treatment units within the stream on the removal of endocrine‐disrupting compounds was evaluated by tracking 17‐β‐estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and 17‐α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2). The overall performance of the WWTP compared well with other plants, as 90.5% removal of E1+E2 and 74.9% removal of EE2 were observed. A larger fraction of EE2 entered the plant in particulate form than E1 and E2, while a lower fraction of EE2 left the plant in particulate form than soluble form. The activated sludge units reduced the concentration of E1+E2 and EE2 in the liquid phase by 88.2% and 44.6%, respectively. The UV treatment process did not reduce the amount of estrogens. The aqueous phase of the tertiary lagoon solids contained higher levels of estrogens compared with the lagoon influent.
Improvement of Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Bed Performance Using Chitosan
Authors: Lertsittichai Sittpong , Lertsutthiwong Pranee , Phalakornkule Chantaraporn
Published: June 2007

Chitosan, with a degree of deacetylation of 85% and a molecular weight of 2.5 × 10 5 Da, yielding high flocculation efficiency (85 to 100% flocculation) and a broad flocculation region (2 to 45 mg/g suspended solids), was selected for accelerating granulation in a 30‐L upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) used to treat wastewater from a tropical fruit‐processing industry. Compared with other studies, smaller amounts of chitosan were applied (two injections with 2 mg chitosan/g suspended solids in the reactor at each injection). Comparison with the UASB without chitosan addition, the UASB had a 24 to 37% larger particle size and a 6 to 41% longer solids retention time. In addition, the reactor performances were also enhanced. The UASB with chitosan addition had a 9 to 59% lower effluent chemical oxygen demand (COD), 4 to 10% higher COD removal, up to 35% higher biogas production rate, and a 16 to 68% lower biomass washout. The paired t‐test analysis indicated that these performance parameters were significantly different (P < 0.05).
An Assessment of the Perceived Barriers and Strategies to Promoting Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer: A Practitioners' Perspective
Authors: Bajracharya Srijana M.
Published: June 2007

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. Of the kinds of cancers that can be detected early, it is the only type of cancer that has not shown a decrease in mortality rates. The purpose of this study was to gather information on the perceived barriers to screening for CRC from a primary health care professionals' perspective and to compile a list of suggested strategies to reduce these barriers in Tompkins County, New York. A series of structured group meetings was conducted using a Nominal Group Process (NGP) method for data collection. The most common perceived barriers were (in descending order of importance) reluctance because of fear and/or embarrassment, cost, lack of knowledge, denial, lack of providers' support, and insufficient time. The important suggested strategies to promote screening were community education, health practitioners' support, reduction of cost, better screening, providing time, and social support.
Cultural Influences on Parental Bereavement in Chinese Families
Authors: Ho Sio-Wa , Brotherson Sean E.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore the bereavement experiences of parents who had experienced the death of a child in Chinese families. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 bereaved parents in Macau, China. Narrative accounts of Chinese parents' experience in the loss of a child were explored to understand how their connection to the deceased child and their worldview were influenced by cultural beliefs and values. Study themes related to parental connections with the deceased child included the use of object linking, memorializing acts, and avoidance of traditional funeral processes, with clear patterns of Chinese cultural influence. Additionally, themes related to impacts on parental worldview included use of the concept of fate as a rationale for child loss and influences on religious orientation. The influence of cultural beliefs and background on Chinese parents as they deal with the issue of a child's death was apparent. Further research is needed and will benefit our understanding of parental bereavement in Chinese families.
Challenges in Assessing Intent to Die: Can Suicide Attempters Be Trusted?
Authors: Freedenthal Stacey
Published: June 2007

Assessing a person's intent to die in a suicide attempt is crucial for risk assessment and research, yet suicidal intent is notoriously difficult to measure. People who intended to die when they hurt themselves may deny it, and others may feign intent for secondary gain. Additionally, ambivalence, memory gaps, impulsivity, and fluidity of intent can hinder accurate assessment of intent. Circumstantial evidence, such as a suicide note, may illuminate true intentions but also has substantial limitations. This article summarizes disparate challenges to the measurement of suicidal intent; describes strengths and weaknesses of circumstantial indicators; reviews evidence from studies using the Suicide Intent Scale to show that subjective and circumstantial indicators do not strongly correlate with each other; and concludes with a call to place more trust in individuals whose disclosures of suicidal intent are questionable, even if the possibility for manipulation exists.
Qualitative Exploration of the Nature of Grief-Related Beliefs and Expectations
Authors: Costa Beth M. , Hall Lesley , Stewart Jan
Published: June 2007

Societal expectations of grief impact the experience of bereavement. The congruence of societal expectations with current scientific understanding of grief is unknown. Therefore two qualitative studies explored community perceptions of grief. In study one, three small focus groups ( N = 9) examined grief-related expectations associated with hypothetical scenarios of bereavement. In study two, the impact of grief-related perceptions on the lived experience of bereavement for 11 individuals was explored through semi-structured interviews. Across both studies, elements of a traditional stage model view of grief were evident, with participants viewing emotional expression of grief as important. An avoidant coping style in the bereaved was considered problematic. Findings of study two suggested that grief-related beliefs may impact the bereavement experience via appraisal of the grief response and willingness to support bereaved individuals. The studies suggested that stage model assumptions in the beliefs of the general population persist, although there was a recognition of diversity in the grief response.
The Future of Health Care in the United States
Authors: Elwood Thomas W.
Published: June 2007

The U.S. government is involved in health care in various ways that include (1) providing services to veterans, (2) paying for care received by Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, (3) assuring quality through regulatory activity, (4) financing the discovery of medical breakthroughs, and (5) training members of the health workforce and assuring that the nation has an adequate supply of them. With the aging of the population, the role of the government in these endeavors will increase. This essay considers ways in which the health care of tomorrow will be affected by the intermingling of factors such as demography, epidemiology, economics, technology, globalization, and individual health behavior.
University Students in Nigeria: Knowledge, Attitude toward Sickle Cell Disease, and Genetic Counseling before Marriage
Authors: Moronkola O. A. , Fadairo R. A.
Published: June 2007

Sickle cell disease is an inherited debilitating and traumatic disease with severe morbidity and mortality among people of African descent. Children with sickle cell disease have difficulty in coping with school work due to their health conditions. In this cross-sectional survey of University of Ibadan Christian Pentecostal students, a majority of study respondents (63.6%) knew their AA genotype, had a high knowledge level of sickle cell disease, knew the benefits of genetic counseling, and had a positive attitude toward sickle cell disease and genetic counseling. More education about sickle cell disease and access to genetic counseling, especially for students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa, is recommended.
Predicting Childhood Obesity Prevention Behaviors Using Social Cognitive Theory: Children in China
Authors: Murnan Judy , Sharma Manoj , Lin Danhua
Published: June 2007

Four commonly suggested public health strategies to combat childhood obesity are limiting television viewing, encouraging daily physical activity, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, and increasing water consumption. This study examined the extent to which selected social cognitive theory constructs can predict these four behaviors in upper elementary Chinese children. A 55-item valid and reliable scale was administered to 282 fifth-graders. Minutes of physical activity was predicted by self-efficacy to exercise and number of times taught at school ( R2 = 0.198). Hours of TV watching was predicted by self-efficacy of watching less than two hours of TV ( R2 = 0.155). Glasses of water consumed was predicted by self-efficacy for drinking water, gender, and number of times taught about physical activity at school ( R2 = 0.100). Servings of fruits and vegetables consumed was predicted by self-efficacy of eating fruits and vegetables ( R2 = 0.197). Social cognitive theory offers a useful framework for designing primary prevention interventions to reduce childhood obesity.
Attitudes toward Condom Use among High School and University Students in Zimbabwe
Authors: Cort Malcolm A. , Modeste Naomi N.
Published: June 2007

Utilizing a sample of students ( N = 504) from Matabeleland, Zimbabwe, Africa, this study investigated the extent to which knowledge of AIDS and two components of the Health Belief Model are related to: l) attitude toward condom use, and 2) intentions to use a condom in future sexual encounters. Results indicated that knowledge of AIDS is not significantly related to any of the two dependent variables. However, belief in the efficacy of condoms, and lack of barriers to the use of condoms were significantly related to both dependent variables. Discussion focused on the role of religion and SES in influencing attitudes and decisions about condom use.
Search methods that people use to find owners of lost pets
Authors: Lord Linda K. , Wittum Thomas E. , Ferketich Amy K. , Funk Julie A. , Rajala-Schultz Päivi J.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To characterize the process by which people who find lost pets search for the owners.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Sample Population—188 individuals who found a lost pet in Dayton, Ohio, between March 1 and June 30, 2006.

Procedures—Potential participants were identified as a result of contact with a local animal agency or placement of an advertisement in the local newspaper. A telephone survey was conducted to identify methods participants used to find the pets' owners.

Results—156 of 188 (83%) individuals completed the survey. Fifty-nine of the 156 (38%) pets were reunited with their owners; median time to reunification was 2 days (range, 0.5 to 45 days). Only 1 (3%) cat owner was found, compared with 58 (46%) dog owners. Pet owners were found as a result of information provided by an animal agency (25%), placement of a newspaper advertisement (24%), walking the neighborhood (19%), signs in the neighborhood (15%), information on a pet tag (10%), and other methods (7%). Most finders (87%) considered it extremely important to find the owner, yet only 13 (8%) initially surrendered the found pet to an animal agency. The primary reason people did not surrender found pets was fear of euthanasia (57%). Only 97 (62%) individuals were aware they could run a found-pet advertisement in the newspaper at no charge, and only 1 person who was unaware of the no-charge policy placed an advertisement.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Veterinarians and shelters can help educate people who find lost pets about methods to search for the pets' owners.
Comparison of three methods of temperature measurement in hypothermic, euthermic, and hyperthermic dogs
Authors: Greer Rebecca J. , Cohn Leah A. , Dodam John R. , Wagner-Mann Colette C. , Mann F. A.
Published: June 2007

Objective—To assess the reliability and accuracy of a predictive rectal thermometer, an infrared auricular thermometer designed for veterinary use, and a subcutaneous temperature-sensing microchip for measurement of core body temperature over various temperature conditions in dogs.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—8 purpose-bred dogs.

Procedures—A minimum of 7 days prior to study commencement, a subcutaneous temperature-sensing microchip was implanted in 1 of 3 locations (interscapular, lateral aspect of shoulder, or sacral region) in each dog. For comparison with temperatures measured via rectal thermometer, infrared auricular thermometer, and microchip, core body temperature was measured via a thermistor-tipped pulmonary artery (TTPA) catheter. Hypothermia was induced during anesthesia at the time of TTPA catheter placement; on 3 occasions after placement of the catheter, hyperthermia was induced via administration of a low dose of endotoxin. Near-simultaneous duplicate temperature measurements were recorded from the TTPA catheter, the rectal thermometer, auricular thermometer, and subcutaneous microchips during hypothermia, euthermia, and hyperthermia. Reliability (variability) of temperature measurement for each device and agreement between each device measurement and core body temperature were assessed.

Results—Variability between duplicate near-simultaneous temperature measurements was greatest for the auricular thermometer and least for the TTPA catheter. Measurements obtained by use of the rectal thermometer were in closest agreement with core body temperature; for all other devices, temperature readings typically underestimated core body temperature.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Among the 3 methods of temperature measurement, rectal thermometry provided the most accurate estimation of core body temperature in dogs.