bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutionalism in Pakistan: The Changing Patterns of Dyarchy
Authors: Waseem Mohammad
Published: November 2006

This paper deals with the nature and direction of constitutional thinking and practice in Pakistan. It is argued that the country reflects a general malaise of postcolonial societies, characterized by tension between the locus of power in the politico-administrative machinery and the source of legitimacy in the constitution. Under the classical formulation, the constitution represents the way a nation wants to live its collective life in terms of various laws and institutions, as well as the powers and duties of public office-holders. In other words, the institutional-constitutional edifice of the state functions as the vehicle of a nation's life’. One finds comparable theories in the tradition of structural Marxism, for example in Poulantzas, which consider the state as a condensate of the power structure of the society. It is argued that there is a conceptual tension in the formulation of such theories. In the context of postcolonial societies, transplantation of institutions and constitutions from a different era and a different continent played a formative, almost deterministic, role in the way the state's authority was conceived and opera-tionalized. For more than a hundred years, British India remained a laboratory for the implementation of political, economic, legal and administrative values and norms. On the one hand, this shaped the way people came to look at their relations with the state in terms of new implements of power such as non-arbitrary sources of authority, codified law, rational-legal bureaucracy and rule of public representatives. On the other hand, it created the mass public itself which, in due time, rose to stake a claim for societal input into the business of the state. In other words, our discussion needs to go beyond the ahistorical approach to constitutionalism in Pakistan and elsewhere, as embedded in such concepts as the reflection of either the nation's will or the social power structure in a microcosm. The relative autonomy of the state apparatuses of the military, the bureaucracy and the judiciary, as well as constitutional provisions ranging from writ jurisdiction, equality before the law and equality
Alice Thorner (1917-2005)
Authors: Gaborieau Marc
Published: November 2006

My first meeting with the Thorners, Alice and Daniel (1915-74), goes back to the autumn of 1968: I had just joined the CNRS, having returned from five years in India, and had been appointed to the Centre d’Études de l'Inde, the research centre of Section VI of the École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), founded and directed by Louis Dumont (1911-98), where they were based. But as I was in the Nepalese and Indian Himalaya for most of the next three years, I did not really start to spend time with them till the autumn of 1971, when I came back to live in Paris permanently.
Crossover of Burnout and Engagement in Work Teams
Authors: Bakker Arnold B. , Emmerik Hetty van , Euwema Martin C.
Published: November 2006

This study investigates the crossover of burnout and work engagement among 2,229 Royal Dutch constabulary officers, working in one of 85 teams. The authors hypothesized that both states may transfer from teams to individual team members. The results of multilevel analyses confirm this crossover phenomenon by showing that team-level burnout and work engagement are related to individual team members’ burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy) and work engagement (vigor, dedication, and absorption), after controlling for individual members’ job demands and resources. The implications of these findings for interventions aimed at the promotion of employee well-being are discussed.
Rethinking the Ethnographic Local
Authors: Sherman Rachel
Published: November 2006

This article reviews four recent books on workers in the global economy. Taking a range of approaches, these monographs draw on qualitative data to describe workplaces and workers in a variety of economic, cultural, and political contexts. Wilson’s analysis of “intimate economies” in Bangkok brings together economic processes with the multiple social identities of worker-consumers. Adler and Adler offer a deeply grounded portrait of diverse types of workers in Hawaiian resort hotels, who make meaningful selfhoods in an environment of transience and unstable temporalities. Chari brings the politics of production together with history, culture, and identity discourses to explain the particularities of garment manufacture in one South Indian town. Esbenshade evaluates the myriad efforts to monitor garment production worldwide, highlighting the tensions between private models, which are largely ineffective except in the area of public relations for manufacturers, and an independent model that aims to promote worker empowerment.
Optimization of Injection Molding Process for Contour Distortions of Polypropylene Composite Components via Design of Experiments Method
Authors: Yang Yung-Kuang , Shie Jie-Ren , Yang Rong-Tai , Chang Hua-An
Published: November 2006

This study analyzes the contour distortions of polypropylene (PP) composite components, which are applied to the interior coffer of automobiles. The specimens are prepared under different injection molding conditions by varying the parameters, namely, melting temperature, injection speed, and injection pressure via three computer-controlled progressive strokes. The contour distortions are adopted as the quality targets. Experiments of sixteen experimental runs are based on an orthogonal array table, and apply the design of experiments (DOE) method to determine an optimal parameter setting. In this study, regression models are developed, and the models can be utilized to predict the contour distortions at each location under different injection molding conditions.
Hedonic Hot Spots in the Brain
Authors: Peciña Susana , Smith Kyle S. , Berridge Kent C.
Published: November 2006

Hedonic “liking” for sensory pleasures is an important aspect of reward, and excessive ‘liking’ of particular rewards might contribute to excessive consumption and to disorders such as obesity. The present review aims to summarize recent advances in the identification of brain substrates for food ‘liking’ with a focus on opioid hot spots in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum. Drug microinjection studies have shown that opioids in both areas amplify the ‘liking’ of sweet taste rewards. Modern neuroscience tools such as Fos plume mapping have further identified hedonic hot spots within the accumbens and pallidum, where opioids are especially tuned to magnify ‘liking’ of food rewards. Hedonic hot spots in different brain structures may interact with each other within the larger functional circuitry that interconnects them. Better understanding of how brain hedonic hot spots increase the positive affective impact of natural sensory pleasures will help characterize the neural mechanisms potentially involved in ‘liking’ for many rewards.
Modafinil and unconstrained motor activity in
schizophrenia
Authors: Farrow Tom F. D. , Hunter Michael D. , Haque Rozana , Spence Sean A.
Published: November 2006

Avolition affects quality of life in chronic schizophrenia. We investigated
the effect of modafinil upon unconstrained motor activity in 18 male
patients. In a randomised crossover design study wrist-worn actigraphic
monitors were used to objectively record motor activity over a 20 h period.
Patients' total activity was significantly greater when given the drug.
These data suggest that modafinil increases quantifiable motor behaviour in
schizophrenia and may have an impact on avolition.
Factors associated with suicidal ideation in the general population
Authors: Casey Patricia R. , Dunn Graham , Kelly Brendan D. , Birkbeck Gail , Dalgard Odd Stefan , Lehtinen Ville , Britta Sohlam , Ayuso-Mateos Jose Luis , Dowrick Christopher ,   ODIN Group
Published: November 2006

Background

Very few studies have examined the cross-national prevalence of suicidal ideation in the general population or variables associated with it.

Aims

To examine the risk factors for suicidal ideas in the general population.

Method

As part of a five-country two stage epidemiological study of depressive disorder (the ODIN study) a random sample of over 12 000 people were screened using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). There followed detailed analysis of item 9 of the BDI, which measured the severity of suicidal ideation.

Results

Age, marriage, concern by others and severity of depressed mood independently increased or decreased the odds of suicidal ideation overall. An interaction between life events and social supports was identified, although this differed between men and women. Only concern by others and severity of depression were independently associated with serious suicidal ideation. The study does not allow for interpretation of the direction of the association.

Conclusions

A number of social, clinical and demographic variables were independently associated with all suicidal ideation and with serious suicidal ideation. Longitudinal studies are required to confirm whether these are risk factors for or the result of suicidal ideation or have some other relationship.
Neuropsychological performance at the age of 13 years and adult
schizophreniform disorder
Authors: Cannon Mary , Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Murray Robin M. , Harrington Honalee , Poulton Richie
Published: November 2006

We examined neuropsychological functioning at age 13 years in adolescents
who later developed schizophreniform disorder, compared with healthy
controls and with adolescents diagnosed as having had a manic episode or
depression or anxiety disorder. Participants were from an unselected birth
cohort. Attentional, executive and motor impairments at age 13 were found in
those who later fulfilled diagnostic criteria for schizophreniform disorder,
suggesting that these impairments may be the earliest emerging
neuropsychological impairments in schizophrenia-related disorders.
Smoking Is Associated with Lower Bone Mineral Density and Reduced Cortical Thickness in Young Men
Authors: Lorentzon Mattias , Mellström Dan , Haug Egil , Ohlsson Claes
Published: November 2006

Context: Smoking has previously been associated with reduced areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in elderly subjects, but the association remains controversial in adolescents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether smoking was associated with aBMD or volumetric BMD (vBMD) and bone size in young men.

Design and Setting: aBMD was measured using dual x-ray absorptiometry. vBMD and bone size were measured using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT). Smoking habits were assessed using questionnaires. Levels of sex steroids, PTH, and 25-OH-vitamin D were measured in serum.

Participants: The population-based Gothenburg Osteoporosis and Obesity Determinants (GOOD) study includes 1068 young men, age 18.9 ± 0.6 yr (mean ± sd).

Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was smoking as predictor of bone parameters and serum sex hormone levels.

Results: Of the study subjects, 8.7% smoked daily. Bone parameters were compared between smokers and nonsmokers. Smokers had significantly lower aBMD (dual x-ray absorptiometry) of the total body (crude: −2.1%; adjusted for age, height, weight, calcium intake, and physical activity: −1.8%), lumbar spine (crude: −4.3%; adjusted: −3.3%), and trochanter (crude: −6.6%; adjusted: −5.0%) than nonsmokers. Using peripheral quantitative computerized tomography, we found that smokers had lower cortical thickness of both the radius (crude: −2.8%; adjusted: −2.9%) and tibia (crude: −4.5%; adjusted: −4.0%) than the nonsmokers, whereas no difference was seen for cortical vBMD. Smokers had higher serum levels of total and free testosterone and lower 25-OH-vitamin D than nonsmokers. Adjustment for testosterone and/or 25-OH-vitamin D levels did not alter the associations between smoking and bone parameters.

Conclusions: We demonstrate that smoking was associated with lower aBMD and reduced cortical thickness in young men.
Genetic and molecular interactions of the Erv41p-Erv46p complex involved in transport between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex
Authors: Welsh Leah M. , Tong Amy Hin Yan , Boone Charles , Jensen Ole N. , Otte Stefan
Published: November 2006

Erv41p and Erv46p are integral membrane proteins conserved across species. They were originally identified as abundant constituents of COPII-coated vesicles, and form a complex which cycles between the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex. Yeast strains lacking these proteins are viable but display subtle secretory phenotypes. In order to obtain information about possible biological roles of this protein complex in endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport, we employed the Synthetic Genetic Array approach to screen for synthetic genetic interactions with the erv46 null mutation. We identified synthetic interactions with vma12, vma21, vma22 and vps1 deletion mutations. The vma21Δ mutation exacerbates transport defects caused by the erv46Δ mutation. Unexpectedly, yeast strains lacking Vma21p fail to sort the endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi v-SNARE, Bos1p, efficiently into COPII vesicles, yet these vesicles are fully fusion competent. In addition, we set out to identify, by a biochemical approach, proteins interacting with the Erv41p-Erv46p complex. We report a strong interaction between the Erv41p-Erv46p complex and endoplasmic reticulum glucosidase II. Strains lacking a cycling Erv41p-Erv46p complex display a mild glycoprotein processing defect.
Acid Suppressive Therapy and the Effects on Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Fulco Patricia Pecora , Vora Urvi B , Bearman Gonzalo ML
Published: November 2006

Objective:

To review the literature associated with the pharmacokinetic interaction between protease inhibitors (Pls) and acid suppressive therapies and to characterize the impact of this interaction on virologic and immunologic outcomes.

Data Sources:

A MEDLINE search (1966–October 2006) was conducted using the names of the 10 Pls and specific acid suppressive therapies including antacids, histamine2-receptor antagonists, and proton pump inhibitors. Abstracts and poster presentations from recent HIV/AIDS meetings were reviewed for relevance. References from retrieved articles, as well as product packaging and manufacturer information, were evaluated.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Pertinent pharmacokinetic, immunologic, and virologic studies, in healthy and HIV-infected patients, evaluating the use of a PI and acid suppressive therapy were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Potential interactions between concomitant acid suppressive therapy and Pls were evaluated. Available information indicates that indinavir and atazanavir require an acidic gastric medium for adequate absorption. Indinavir pharmacokinetic parameters are variable with acid suppressive therapy but primarily result in decreased oral absorption. This interaction abates with concurrent ritonavir use. No immunologic or virologic data are available regarding the concomitant use of indinavir and acid suppressive therapy. The minimum concentration of atazanavir, area under the concentration-time curve, and maximum concentration are significantly reduced when used concurrently with acid suppressive therapy. Atazanavir 300 or 400 mg boosted with ritonavir 100 mg increases plasma concentrations when used with acid suppressive drugs. Virologic and immunologic outcomes appear stable when boosted atazanavir is used in HIV-positive patients. Atazanavir therapeutic monitoring should be considered when used in combination with acid suppressive therapy.

Conclusions:

Of the Pls reviewed, significant pharmacokinetic interactions exist between acid suppressive therapy and indinavir or atazanavir. These Pls should be used with low-dose ritonavir if acid suppressive therapy is necessary.
Prescription Medications: Beliefs, Experiences, Behavior, and Adherence of Sheltered Housing Residents
Authors: George Johnson , Munro Kim , Mccaig Dorothy J , Stewart Derek C
Published: November 2006

Background:

Data on medication utilization among residents of sheltered housing complexes (SHCs) are limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the extent of nonadherence to prescribed medications among residents of SHCs and identify factors associated with nonadherence.

Methods:

A 58 item, pre-piloted questionnaire with validated items for patient self-assessment of medication risk; adherence; disability; health beliefs, experiences, and behavior; and general items on demographics, health, and medication use was mailed to 1137 SHC residents in Aberdeen, Scotland. Predictors of nonadherence (Morisky score >0) were identified using logistic regression.

Results:

Of the 695 (61.1%) respondents, 645 (mean ± SD age, 78.2 ± 7.8 y) reported using prescribed drugs. Nonadherence was reported by 176 of 627 (28.1%) residents. The predictors of nonadherence were: disagreeing with the statement, “I ensure I have enough medicines so that I don't run out” (OR 0.48; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.77), agreeing with the statements, “I make changes in the recommended management to suit my lifestyle” (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60) and “I get confused about my medicines” (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.77), younger age (OR 0.96; 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99), not getting help from someone to use the medications correctly (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.21 to 3.99), and agreeing with the statement, “I am concerned about the side effects from my medicines” (OR 1.31; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.63).

Conclusions:

Over one-quarter of SHC residents were found to be nonadherent to prescribed drugs. Risk factors for nonadherence include younger age, confusion about drugs, lack of support for drug supply and administration, interference of treatment recommendations with lifestyle, and a perceived view of risks outweighing benefits in using recommended drug therapy.
Storage of hydrogen and lithium in inorganic nanotubes and nanowires
Authors: Cheng Fangyi , Chen Jun
Published: November 2006

The search for cleaner and more efficient energy storage and conversion technologies has become an urgent task due to increasing environmental issues and limited energy resources. The aim of energy storage and conversion is to obtain energy with environmental benefit, high efficiency, and low cost (namely, maximum atomic and recycling economy). Progress has been made in the fields of hydrogen storage and rechargeable batteries. The emerging nanotechnology offers great opportunities to improve the performance of existing energy storage systems. Applying nanoscale materials to energy storage offers a higher capacity compared to the bulk counterparts due to the unique properties of nanomaterials such as high surface areas, large surface-to-volume atom ratio, and size-confinement effect. In particular, one- dimensional (1D) inorganic nanostructures like tubes and wires exhibit superior electrochemical characteristics because of the combined advantages of small size and 1D morphology. Hydrogen and lithium can be stored in different 1D nanostructures in various ways, including physical and/or chemical sorption, intercalation, and electrochemical reactions. This review highlights some of the latest progress with the studies of hydrogen and lithium storage in inorganic nanotubes and nanowires such as MoS2, WS2, TiS2, BN, TiO2, MnO2, V2O5, Fe2O3, Co3O4, NiO, and SnO2.
Layer-by-layer and step-flow growth mechanisms in GaAsP/GaP nanowire heterostructures
Authors: Chen C. , Plante M.C. , Fradin C. , LaPierre R.R.
Published: November 2006

GaP–GaAsP segmented nanowires (NWs), with diameters ranging between 20 and 500 nm and lengths between 0.5 and 2 μm, were catalytically grown from Au particles on a GaAs (111)B substrate in a gas source molecular beam epitaxy system. The morphology of the NWs was either pencil-shaped with a tapered tip or rod-shaped with a constant diameter along the entire length. Stacking faults were observed for most NWs with diameters greater than 30 nm, but thinner ones tended to exhibit fewer defects. Moreover, stacking faults were more likely found in GaAsP than in GaP. The composition of the pencil NWs exhibited a core–shell structure at the interface region, and rod-shaped NWs resulted in planar and atomically abrupt heterointerfaces. A detailed growth mechanism is presented based on a layer-by-layer growth mode for the rod-shaped NWs and a step-flow growth mode for the tapered region of the pencil NWs.
Size-dependent theoretical tensile strength and other mechanical properties of [001] oriented Au, Ag, and Cu nanowires
Authors: Ma F. , Xu K.W.
Published: November 2006

A uniaxial tensile loading process was simulated on rectangular [001] oriented single-crystal Au, Ag, and Cu nanowires using the modified embedded atom method. The calculated theoretical tensile strength as well as elastic modulus and “yield strength” increases with decreasing wire width almost logarithmically, which is qualitatively consistent with relevant experimental results. According to the present observed linear relationship among these three parameters, we think, the size dependent mechanical behaviors in nanowires may be due to the enhanced attraction between atoms, which is caused by the accumulation of electron charges along wire axial direction.
Optical enzymatic detection of glucose based on hydrogen peroxide-sensitive HiPco carbon nanotubes
Authors: Song Chulho , Pehrsson Pehr E. , Zhao Wei
Published: November 2006

We recently observed that surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-encased HiPco single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) respond optically to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the near-infrared region. In this report, we demonstrate that SDS-encased SWNTs immobilized with glucose oxidase (GOx) can be used to optically detect an enzymatic reaction of glucose based on their H2O2sensitivity as well as pH sensitivity. Only the enzymatic product H2O2induces the SWNT near-infrared spectral changes in buffer solutions (pH = 6.0), but both H2O2and gluconic acid products do this in unbuffered solutions. The SWNT optical response to glucose possesses sensitivity and selectivity similar to an electrochemical method using carbon nanotube nanoelectrode arrays. Our results suggest possible carbon nanotube-based optical tools for molecular recognition applications.
Growth of width-controlled nanowires MnO2 from mesoporous carbon and investigation of their properties
Authors: Zhu Shenmin , Wang Xiaolin , Huang Wei , Yan Deyue , Wang Honghua , Zhang Di
Published: November 2006

One-dimensional α-MnO2 nanowires with a controlled width of 10–20 nm have been developed by means of ultrasonic waves from mesoporous carbon using KMnO4 as the precursor. The formation mechanism has been proposed based on the results. A peak around 100 K was detected in the temperature-dependence of magnetization curve, indicating the ferromagnetic state in nanocomposite mesoporous carbon-MnO2, which is in agreement with the transition temperature found from the magnetization versus applied magnetic field curve. The magnetization versus temperature curve of the obtained MnO2 nanowires showed a magnetic transition at about 50 K, illustrating that a parasitic ferromagnetic component is composed on the antiferromagnetic structure of MnO2. The advantage of the method reported here is that phase-controlled synthesis of α-MnO2 nanowires was implemented regardless of pH, temperature, and types of ions in the reaction system. A major advantage of this approach is the efficient, fast, and reproducible control of width and the facile strategy to synthesize nanowires MnO2, in addition to the high purity of the resultant material.
The Gender of Generations
Authors: Muers Rachel
Published: November 2006

This paper explores the usefulness of various aspects of recent feminist thought on the ‘maternal subject’ for thinking about the ethical relation to future generations. Much ethical literature on future generations is characterized by an assumption that future generations are separate and distant from the ‘present’ generation who make ethical decisions. I put forward the idea of the ‘social maternal’ to challenge this assumption, and suggest that this idea also has significant theological implications.
Advection Influences on Evapotranspiration of Alfalfa in a Semiarid Climate
Authors: Tolk Judy A. , Evett Steven R. , Howell Terry A.
Published: November 2006

Advective enhancement of crop evapotranspiration (ET) occurs when drier, hotter air is transported into the crop by wind, and can be an important factor in the water balance of irrigated crops in a semiarid climate. Thirteen days of moderate to extremely high ET rates of irrigated alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) were evaluated using energy balance and atmospheric coupling models to examine the magnitude of ET enhancement due to advection. Alfalfa ET was measured using precise, monolithic weighing lysimeters. The average ET of the selected days was 11.3 mm d−1, with ET exceeding 15 mm d−1 on 3 d, with mean 24‐h vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of 2.1 kPa and 2‐m wind speed of 4.4 m s−1. Evapotranspiration due to available energy (net radiation + soil heat flux) was fairly stable at an average of 6.6 mm d−1 whereas advected atmospheric deficits and sensible heat flux (H) added as much as 10.5 mm d−1 to ET, with H providing an average of 42% of the energy used in ET. Overnight ET losses due to continued H flux gains and VPD resulted in ET losses as large as 3.0 mm. Advective enhancement of ET plays a significant role in the water balance of the semiarid region of the southern High Plains.
Winter Pea and Lentil Response to Seeding Date and Micro‐ and Macro‐Environments
Authors: Chen Chengci , Miller Perry , Muehlbauer Fred , Neill Karnes , Wichman David , McPhee Kevin
Published: November 2006

Winter pea (Pisum sativum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) have potential agronomic advantages over spring types in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) and northern Great Plains (NGP). The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine suitable seeding date and cereal stubble height in no‐till systems for winter pea and lentil; (ii) quantify and compare biomass and seed yield of winter pea and lentil with spring types; and (iii) compare adaptation of winter pea and lentil between the PNW and the NGP. Two breeding lines each of winter pea (PS9430706 and PS9530726) and winter lentil [LC9979010 (‘Morton’) and LC9976079] and two commercial cultivars each of spring pea (CDC Mozart and Delta) and spring lentil (Brewer and CDC Richlea) were sown on different dates (early and late fall dates for winter lines and spring date only for spring cultivars) and into different stubble heights (0.1 and 0.3 m) and compared for yield and agronomic adaptation in no‐till systems at four locations: Moccasin and Amsterdam, MT; Genesee, ID; and Rosalia, WA. Stubble height did not influence winter or spring pea biomass production or seed yield. Tall stubble increased lentil biomass by 220 to 530 kg ha−1 and seed yield by 100 to 260 kg ha−1 in five out of nine site–years. Fall‐seeded winter pea lines produced as much as 1830 kg ha−1 more seed yield than spring cultivars at the PNW sites, but not at the NGP sites. Early fall‐seeded lentil yielded as much as 480 and 590 kg ha−1 greater than spring types in the NGP and PNW, respectively. Delayed fall seeding and reduced stubble height decreased yields more frequently in the NGP than in the PNW.
Searching the NCBI Databases Using Entrez
Authors: Baxevanis Andreas D.
Published: November 2006

One of the most widely‐used interfaces for the retrieval of information from biological databases is the NCBI Entrez system. Entrez capitalizes on the fact that there are pre‐existing, logical relationships between the individual entries found in numerous public databases. The existence of such natural connections, mostly biological in nature, argued for the development of a method through which all the information about a particular biological entity could be found without having to sequentially visit and query disparate databases. Two Basic Protocols describe simple, text‐based searches, illustrating the types of information that can be retrieved through the Entrez system. An Alternate Protocol builds upon the first Basic Protocol, using additional, built‐in features of the Entrez system, and providing alternative ways to issue the initial query. The Support Protocol reviews how to save frequently‐issued queries. Finally, Cn3D, a structure visualization tool, is also discussed.
Chromatographic Analysis of Amino and Organic Acids in Physiological Fluids to Detect Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Woontner Michael , Goodman Stephen I.
Published: November 2006

This unit describes methods for the preparation of samples for analysis of physiological amino acids and organic acids. Amino acids are analyzed by ion‐exchange chromatography using an automated system. Organic acids are analyzed by gas‐chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Analysis of amino and organic acids is necessary to detect and monitor the treatment of many inborn errors of metabolism.
Principles of Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Szöllősi János , Damjanovich Sándor , Nagy Péter , Vereb György , Mátyus László
Published: November 2006

This unit describes the basic principles of the fluorescence resonance energy (FRET) process. In addition, it characterizes available parameters and instruments for FRET measurements, discusses limitations, and shows a few examples of the application of FRET.
Investigation of electric current perception thresholds of different EHS groups
Authors: Schröttner Jörg , Leitgeb Norbert , Hillert Lena
Published: November 2006

An increasing number of persons with health symptoms of unclear origin take refuge in the hypothesis that they suffer from electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). So far EHS is not an accepted diagnosis and there is no validated test to verify the proposed relationship between electromagnetic fields and symptoms. Groups reporting EHS are very heterogeneous but share a belief that they have an increased sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. It was studied to which extent a quantitative indicator for electrosensitivity, the electric current perception threshold, and its variability coefficient, depend on the recruitment strategy for self‐declared hypersensitive persons. Individual electrosensitivity was investigated by provocation of the lower arms to directly coupled 50 Hz electric currents. Self‐declared EHS persons were selected from members of a self aid group, from responders to a newspaper call, and from persons actively asking for investigations in their search for help. It turned out that quantitative electrosensitivity was quite different among the three groups. It is interesting that the members of the EHS self aid group exhibit a considerable overlap with general population sample. Pooled together it could be shown that hypersensitive persons as a group differ significantly from the general population sample, however with a pronounced overlap with the normal range. It can be concluded that EHS groups are very inhomogeneous and contain numerous persons with no increased ability to perceive low frequency electric or magnetic fields. This investigation shows the importance of the study design, in particular of the recruitment strategies of EHS persons for the final outcome. Bioelectromagnetics 28:208–213, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular dynamics simulations of RNA: An in silico single molecule approach
Authors: McDowell S. Elizabeth , Špačková Nad'a , Šponer Jiří , Walter Nils G.
Published: November 2006

RNA molecules are now known to be involved in the processing of genetic information at all levels, taking on a wide variety of central roles in the cell. Understanding how RNA molecules carry out their biological functions will require an understanding of structure and dynamics at the atomistic level, which can be significantly improved by combining computational simulation with experiment. This review provides a critical survey of the state of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of RNA, including a discussion of important current limitations of the technique and examples of its successful application. Several types of simulations are discussed in detail, including those of structured RNA molecules and their interactions with the surrounding solvent and ions, catalytic RNAs, and RNA–small molecule and RNA–protein complexes. Increased cooperation between theorists and experimentalists will allow expanded judicious use of MD simulations to complement conceptually related single molecule experiments. Such cooperation will open the door to a fundamental understanding of the structure–function relationships in diverse and complex RNA molecules. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85:169–184, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Under the microscope: Single molecule symposium at the University of Michigan, 2006
Authors: Walter Nils G. , Meiners Jens‐Christian , Meyhofer Edgar , Neubig Richard R. , Sunahara Roger K. , Perkins Noel C. , Steel Duncan G. , Swanson Joel A.
Published: November 2006

In recent years, a revolution has occurred in the basic sciences, which exploits novel single molecule detection and manipulation tools to track and analyze biopolymers in unprecedented detail. A recent Gordon Research Conference style meeting, hosted by the University of Michigan, highlighted current status and future perspectives of this rising field as researchers begin to integrate it with mainstream biology and nanotechnology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85:106–114, 2007
Analysis of the inter‐molecular interactions between amino acids and acetone by THz spectroscopy
Authors: Nagai Naoto , Katsurazawa Yutaka
Published: November 2006

The THz spectra of amino acids after application of spots of acetone were measured. The 0.6 THz band was commonly observed in many amino acids that formed the intra‐molecular salt structure. The band can be attributed to the interaction vibration from the common structural configuration of amino acids and acetone molecules. The evidence suggests that the vibration between the amino acids with intra‐molecular salt structure and acetone has a peak at 0.6 THz. A model of the interaction vibration of acetone and the functional groups of amino acids is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 85: 207–213, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Predictors of weight maintenance after hospital discharge in adolescent anorexia nervosa
Authors: Castro‐Fornieles Josefina , Casulà Vanessa , Saura Begoña , Martínez Esteve , Lazaro Luisa , Vila Montserrat , Plana Maria Teresa , Toro Josep
Published: November 2006

Objective:

To analyze variables that predict weight maintenance in adolescent anorexia nervosa.

Method:

The Eating Attitudes Test, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Leyton Obsessional Inventory, the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Anorexia Nervosa Stages of Change Questionnaire were administered to 49 anorexia nervosa patients (mean age 14.3 years, SD 1.7) consecutively admitted to an eating disorder unit. They were evaluated at admission, at discharge, and after nine months follow‐up.

Results:

At discharge, patients had improved in body mass index (p < .001), eating attitudes (p = .002), depressive symptomatology (p = .001), and motivation to change (p < .001). Patients with good weight maintenance at follow‐up had higher body mass index (p = .017) at admission, lower abnormal eating attitudes (p = .035), depressive symptomatology (p = .026), and higher motivation to change (p = .004) at discharge. Logistic regression analysis showed a high motivation to change at discharge and a high body mass index at admission to be predictors of weight maintenance.

Conclusion:

High motivation to change, low abnormal eating attitudes, depressive symptomatology at discharge, and high body mass index at admission are associated with weight maintenance in adolescent anorexia nervosa. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006
Effect of response format on endorsement of eating disordered attitudes and behaviors
Authors: Anderson Drew A. , Simmons Angela M. , Milnes Suzanne M. , Earleywine Mitchell
Published: November 2006

Objective:

The present study was designed to compare response rates on a standard self‐report questionnaire that was nominally anonymous to an unmatched count questionnaire that allowed for true anonymity in responding.

Method:

Four hundred and fifty‐four college students were asked about several topics, including attitudes towards weight and shape, dieting, and eating disordered behavior using one of two response formats; either a standard questionnaire in true‐false format or an unmatched count questionnaire that did not require participants to directly answer sensitive questions.

Results:

Both males and females had significantly different rates of endorsement between the two methods of assessment on the majority of the eating‐related questions.

Conclusion:

Response format and degree of anonymity affect endorsement of eating‐related thoughts and behaviors. Understanding response bias is critical to determining accurate rates of eating disordered thoughts and behaviors. © 2006 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2006
Differential tissue‐on‐tissue lubrication by ophthalmic formulations
Authors: Meyer Anne E. , Baier Robert E. , Chen Huagang , Chowhan Masood
Published: November 2006

Tissue‐on‐tissue friction testing was used to determine how instillation of hydrophilic polymer‐containing formulations between the “blinking” tissues would compare with lubrication by saline, alone, or an oil‐emulsion preparation. Best results were obtained for a formulation that contained active demulcents polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) and propylene glycol (PG), as well as a gellable polymer hydroxypropyl guar (HP‐Guar) in a borate‐buffered solution, in comparison with hydroxypropylcellulose‐containing and carboxymethylcellulose‐containing formulations. Superior performance of all the formulations was found for lubricating tissue‐on‐tissue couples, compared with metal‐oxide‐to‐metal oxide interfaces, or metal oxide‐to‐tissue interfaces. A reciprocating pin‐on‐disc type friction/wear test device articulated the intimal faces of preserved human umbilical cord vein segments under increasing loads during simulated continuous “eye‐blinking” with addition of increasing weights up to 60 g/cm2, simulating maximal eyelid force on the orbital globe. The tissue‐on‐tissue couples moved from liquid phase lubrication to boundary lubrication. After residual formulations were rinsed away with saline, persistence of low friction at the highest loads was indicative of formulation substantivity. Human umbilical cord vein segments were utilized in saline‐wetted tissue‐on‐tissue couples that showed variable starting coefficients of friction in the range 0.2–0.4, producing moderate tearing and disruption of the interfacial layers above the medial collagen zone. The best‐performing formulations instilled to the tissues pre‐wetted with saline apparently reacted separately with each tissue face to produce a lower final and persistent coefficient of friction of about 0.05. Scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy of these guar‐modified tissue specimens showed only a few superficial tissue disruptions, and some interphase swelling consistent with polymer uptake. The frictional values for lubricated couples having non‐tissue members were considerably higher than the coefficients of friction measured for the similarly lubricated tissue‐on‐tissue couples, emphasizing the requirement that appropriate simulations are critical to obtaining clinically predictive data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Addressing thrombogenicity in vascular graft construction
Authors: Sarkar Sandip , Sales Kevin M. , Hamilton George , Seifalian Alexander M.
Published: November 2006

Thrombosis is a major cause of poor patency in synthetic vascular grafts for small diameter vessel (<6 mm) bypass. Arteries have a host of structural mechanisms by which they prevent triggering of platelet activation and the clotting cascade. Many of these are present in vascular endothelial cells. These mechanisms act together with perpetual feedback at different levels, providing a constantly fine‐tuned non‐thrombogenic environment. The arterial wall anatomy also serves to promote thrombosis as a healing mechanism when it has been severely injured. Surface modification of synthetic graft surfaces to attenuate the coagulation cascade has reduced thrombosis levels and improved patency in vitro and in animal models. Success in this endeavor is critically dependent on the methods used to modify the surface. Platelets adhere to positively charged surfaces due to their own negative charge. They also preferentially attach to hydrophobic surfaces. Therefore synthetic graft development is concerned with hydrophilic materials with negative surface charge. However, fibrinogen has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic binding sites–amphiphilic materials reduce its adhesion and subsequent platelet activation. The self‐endothelializing synthetic graft is an attractive proposition as a confluent endothelial layer incorporates many of the anti‐thrombogenic properties of arteries. Surface modification to promote this has shown good results in animal models. The difficulties experienced in achieving spontaneous endothelialisation in humans have lead to the investigation of pre‐implantation in vitro endothelial cell seeding. These approaches ultimately aim to result in novel synthetic grafts which are anti‐thrombogenic and hence suitable for coronary and distal infrainguinal bypass. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Raman spectroscopy of the borosilicate mineral ferroaxinite
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Bouzaid Jocelyn M. , Martens Wayde N. , Reddy B. Jagannadha
Published: November 2006

Raman spectroscopy, complemented by infrared spectroscopy, has been used to characterise the ferroaxinite minerals of the theoretical formula Ca2Fe2+Al2BSi4O15(OH), a ferrous aluminium borosilicate. The Raman spectra are complex but are subdivided into sections on the basis of the vibrating units. The Raman spectra are interpreted in terms of the addition of borate and silicate spectra. Three characteristic bands of ferroaxinite are observed at 1082, 1056 and 1025 cm−1 and are attributed to BO4 stretching vibrations. Bands at 1003, 991, 980 and 963 cm−1 are assigned to SiO4 stretching vibrations. Bands are found in these positions for each of the ferroaxinites studied. No Raman bands were found above 1100 cm−1 showing that ferroaxinites contain only tetrahedral boron. The hydroxyl stretching region of ferroaxinites is characterised by a single Raman band between 3368 and 3376 cm−1, the position of which is sample‐dependent. Bands for ferroaxinite at 678, 643, 618, 609, 588, 572, 546 cm−1 may be attributed to the ν4 bending modes and the three bands at 484, 444 and 428 cm−1 may be attributed to the ν2 bending modes of the (SiO4)2−. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ammi visnaga: Composition of the fatty acids present in the seed fat
Authors: Grindley D. N.
Published: November 2006

The seed fat of the Umbelliferous plant Ammi visnaga Linn, has been analysed, and the composition of the fatty acids has been shown to be palmitic acid 5%, petroselinic acid 50%, oleic acid 32%, linoleic acid 13%.

This species thus resembles other members of the family Umbelliferae, which are characterized by major proportions of petroselinic acid in the seed fat. The presence of the chromone, khellin, in the seeds has been confirmed.
The determination of extraneous materials in biscuits
Authors: Coppock J. B. M. , Bradshaw R. C. A.
Published: November 2006

A method is described for examining biscuits, with and without chocolate couverture, for the presence of extraneous materials such as rodent and other animal hairs, insect fragments and mould spores. The application of this method to the problem of “good housekeeping” in this type of food manufacture is briefly discussed.
Determination of ethylene oxide and methods of its recovery from fumigated substances
Authors: El Khishen Shafik Ali
Published: November 2006

Previous attempts to determine ethylene oxide are surveyed and critically investigated. New methods of analysis have been suggested and certain modifications of existing methods applied to suit conditions of experiments. New methods for the detection and approximate determination of the fumigant in an atmosphere containing the gas have been established. Methods of recovery of ethylene oxide from grain and sultanas have been studied; part of the oxide has been shown to be readily recoverable and the remainder only with great difficulty.

The relation between water content in the fumigated substance and the amount of fumigant retained has been studied, on the supposition that ethylene oxide reacts with the water in the material to form ethylene glycol. However, attempts to isolate and determine the glycol in the fumigated substance have failed. Various methods for the recovery of the firmly held portion of ethylene oxide have been devised and a procedure is described by which 92% of the total fumigant added can be recovered and determined.

Contrary to the opinion of many authors, ethylene glycol is not formed in fumigated grain; practically the whole of the fumigant is retained as ethylene oxide. It seems likely that a small proportion not exceeding 8% is combined with some constituents of the fumigated substance; the proportion so combined depends on the period of contact and on the temperature to which the fumigated substance is subjected.
The composition of stillingia oil and the presence therein of 2:4‐decadienoic acid
Authors: Devine J.
Published: November 2006

The literature analysis of stillingia oil, which has recently been shown to contain an abnormal spectroscopic component, does not accord with its excellent drying properties. In a re‐examination of a number of commercial samples the abnormal component is shown to be 2: 4‐decadienoic acid, present to the extent of 3% to 6%, and hitherto undetected in naturally occurring oils. This component behaves anomalously during analysis by alkali isomerization, but the effect can be allowed for and the remaining components of the oil are estimated approximately at 40% linolenic, 25% to 30% linoleic, 20% oleic and 9% saturated acids, together with a little conjugated triene acid of the elaeostearic type which is possibly an adulterant. The 2: 4‐decadienoic acid may play a relatively prominent part in the drying and polymerizing properties of stillingia oil.
A colorimetric modification of McLean's method for the determination of phosphorus in soils
Authors: McGregor A. J.
Published: November 2006

McLean's technique of extraction of soil phosphate by digestion of soil with concentrated sulphuric and nitric acids has been adapted to a colorimetric method of determining soil phosphate by use of metol. The complete technique is performed with use of glassware alone and is simple and accurate.