bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Faculty Acceptance and Adoption of Learning Management Systems (LMS) using the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM)
Authors:   Information Technology Department, Palompon Institute of Technology, Palompon, Leyte, Philippines, Quiban Josie
Published: May 2024

This paper examines various factors that influenced the acceptance and adoption of LMS among the faculty of the selected State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) in Leyte and Biliran Provinces in the Philippines using the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (ETAM). Additionally, a cross-sectional survey, purposive sampling, and stratified sampling were all used in the study as part of a quantitative, non-experimental research design. A sample of 306 faculty members completed a Google Form survey. The mean, standard deviation, Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient, and one-way ANOVA were used in data analysis. Further, the study found significant relationships between faculty factors and their perceived ease of LMS use and LMS usefulness. In addition, the faculty members perceived that the ease of LMS use significantly affected their attitude toward using LMS. Likewise, the faculty members also perceived that the usefulness of LMS significantly affected their attitude and acceptance of the use of LMS. Similarly, their attitude toward using the LMS significantly affected their acceptance of the use of the LMS. Moreover, the study's findings supported the validity of ETAM in measuring LMS acceptance and adoption.
Cellular Phones versus Study Habits: A Case Study for College Students
Authors:   Information Technology Department, Palompon Institute of Technology, Palompon, Leyte, Philippines, De Veyra-Selpa Haide
Published: May 2024

The immature knowledge of the students about what smartphones can offer them might lead them to an unknown world. The objective of this study is to examine the effects of cellular phones on the study habits of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSInfoTech) college students of Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT), Palompon, Leyte. The research methodology used in the study was descriptive correlation. 61 students were given access to an online questionnaire to conduct the research. The questionnaires gathered data on the students' general characteristics, gender, preferred mobile application for studying, phone usage habits, average amount of time spent studying, length of study sessions, and degree of study habit. The findings indicated a strong correlation between students' cell phone use and their study habits, which was indicative of good study habits. The findings showed that students frequently utilized their phones for communication, leisure, amusement, and academic purposes. The researcher hypothesized that a mobile phone would provide them with the information they required, and most students concurred that cellular phones would not interfere with their ability to study. Rather, smartphones are progressively evolving into an intriguing educational tool that helps students study more. When used, it guarantees that students can connect digitally, access course materials, and use online learning environments.
Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University Medical OutPatient Records Management System: A Prototype
Authors:   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines, Abad Enrique , Bacungan Ezekiel ,   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines, Llavore Darwin ,   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines, Marzan Charlie ,   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines, Marzan Richard ,   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines, Songcuan Jerome ,   College of Computer Science, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, La Union, Philippines
Published: May 2024

Exploring a transformative solution is driven by the inefficiencies inherent in the traditional manual, paper-based outpatient record management system at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). This research introduces the Medical Out-Patient Records Management System (MORMS) to fill this gap. Developed through the software development lifecycle, this OMRMS optimally maintains outpatient records; therefore, it assists medical professionals in recording, organizing, and retrieving patient data effortlessly. Notably, statistical reports represent data trends that are an invaluable product. The overall approval of MORMS was unanimous during User Acceptance Testing (UAT), with each tested component receiving a 100 percent acceptability index. Based on this assessment, it can be concluded that there is a high likelihood of integrating the system into the daily processes of DMMMSU’s medical officers across all its three campuses because its usefulness is valued by them. Moreover, usability testing validates the functional practicality of MORMS with respect to the Computer System Usability Questionnaire subscales -system usefulness, information quality, and interface quality. Consistent median ratings of 1 for these scales indicate pragmaticity or practicability; dependability; precision and ease of use, which are some merits of this methodical tool. Consequently, not only gaining acceptance from users but also being highly usable makes MORMS effective in complying with various requirements set by different groups within DMMMSU’s medical staff.
Acceptability of AutoBeaut: An Automated Judging System for Beauty Pageants Throughout the Five Years Operation
Authors:   College of Computer Studies, Mindoro State University, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, Anthony John Edgar
Published: May 2024

The Philippines is a home of hospitable, peace-loving, beautiful, handsome, and intelligent people. Beauty contests are always part of traditions and in celebrating festivals, fiestas, and other social activities. When the beauty contests are done, people often feel disappointed in the results because errors usually occur in the manual computation of the scores. As a result, the judges are oftentimes commented as biased, that judges have their proteges, and favoritism prevails. Thus, with the advent of technology, AutoBeaut was developed, intended for barangays, municipalities, organizations, and institutions. The contests consist of different categories to be competed in by the candidates, and every category has its own criteria. The application runs on desktop computers and mobile phones. The pageant's results will be sent to the server, and the tabulated results will be printed. The Prototyping Model was used in the development of the system. The system was used in the different beauty pageants, especially for organizations or agencies requesting the Pageant Computerized Tabulation System. This is one of the extension activities of the College of Computer Studies, particularly the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. The system is important in computing, tabulating, and monitoring the scores given by the judges to every candidate. Results would be readily accessible once the judges entered the points garnered by candidates. It will lessen and hasten the work of the judges and statisticians and provide fast, accurate, valid, and reliable results that can be retrieved anytime if somebody needs the computation for reference. The system was tested and evaluated by the respondents based on ISO 25010 and rated as “Very Acceptable” among the different criteria set.
C4.5 Decision Tree Algorithm and Linear Regression in Guidance and Counseling Decision Support System
Authors:   College of Computer Studies, Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City, Philippines, Balontong Rea , Pomperada Jake ,   Department of Information Technology, Technological University of the Philippines Visayas, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
Published: May 2024

This study employs a combination of quantitative and experimental approaches to explore the relationship between family dynamics, psychological test results, and academic performance among students in specific courses. Quantitative data collection was conducted using existing student profiles from the guidance office, while an experimental research method utilized the C4.5 algorithm to determine these relationships. The participants were students enrolled in various courses over a specific academic year. The decision tree generated by the C4.5 algorithm was used to predict academic performance based on family dynamics and psychological test results. The study also employed Simple Linear Regression to identify the predictors of academic performance. The accuracy of the predictive model was tested using a confusion matrix, which yielded an accuracy rate of 97%. Additionally, a correlation matrix and regression analysis were performed to identify significant correlates and predictors of academic performance. The findings of this study suggest the potential for positive changes in guidance services, particularly in identifying predictors of academic performance and informing decision-making processes. These findings contribute to our understanding of schooling outcomes in relation to family dynamics and parental migration status.
In the Footsteps of Wolfgang Franke: Revisiting Chinese Temples in Bangkok
Authors:   Temple University, Bingenheimer Marcus , McBain Paul ,   Pridi Banomyong International College, Thammasat University
Published: May 2024

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chinese immigrants constituted up to 50% of the population in Bangkok. Beyond their religious role, Chinese temples served as community centers, fostering social connections, news exchange, and providing entertainment for newcomers in the Thai capital. With archival records scarce, the preserved epigraphy within these temples emerges as a crucial historical source. This article revisits Wolfgang Franke’s documented sites from the 1970s and 1980s, finding that the inscribed objects generally remain intact, and indicating stability in Bangkok’s Chinese temple culture over the last fifty years. Addressing the lack of a comprehensive listing of Chinese temples and their locations, the article presents a geo-referenced survey, significantly expanding previous lists. The survey data are available online as supplemental material, contributing to the documentation of Chinese religious sites in Southeast Asia. The article concludes by reflecting on the historical evolution of temple construction in Bangkok.
A Newly Unearthed Travelogue: Relation to Siam in 1685, by Jean Basset
Authors:   Sorbonne Université, Pennéguès Maëlle
Published: May 2024

This notice introduces a newly discovered travelogue by Jean Basset, detailing his 1685 journey to Siam as part of the French embassy led by Chevalier de Chaumont. Preserved in Lyon, the manuscript offers fresh insights into the young missionary’s experiences, complementing existing accounts of 17th-century diplomatic relations. Basset’s narrative, marked by factual detail and occasional personal reflections, sheds light on the challenges of maritime travel and diplomatic encounters. Furthermore, his portrayal of Siamese culture, particularly Buddhism, invites nuanced exploration. This rediscovery not only enriches our understanding of historical maritime voyages but also offers a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the experiences of a young missionary navigating foreign cultures.
The Development of a Christian Leadership and Ethics in Business Course
Authors: Kirkpatrick Nathan
Published: May 2024

In Christian higher education, business programs often lack a specific Gospel-centered class on Christian leadership that prepares students well to integrate their Christian faith into their workplace while leading for Jesus Christ. This article addresses the need for a Christian leadership and ethics in business course, the importance of having a biblical worldview of work, the impact leading through humility can have on coworkers, and one specific pathway for developing a course like this.
Making Personal Finance Personal: The Use Of Service-Learning In Personal Finance Classes
Authors: Trent Colene
Published: May 2024

Service-learning integrates community service and classroom instruction and promotes civic awareness and significant learning. This paper describes an innovation in pedagogy through a service-learning project within personal finance classes at a Christian university. In this project, college students create art projects explaining basic personal finance concepts to second graders and lead an interactive lesson at a local school. This project provides an example of biblical financial stewardship through giving of one’s money, time, and talents.
Disciples Discipling Disciples: Implementing Examples of Jesus’s Leadership Lessons
Authors: Kelly Patrick , Stuebs Martin
Published: May 2024

Jesus provides many leadership and discipleship lessons that are applicable to today’s accounting and business students and business leaders. In this paper, we offer instructional resources to better disciple students in the classroom and better prepare them to disciple others they will encounter and lead. We provide four reflection learning assignments that have students consider how they can build their discipleship charac- teristics by studying Jesus’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, his examples, and the examples of Christian business leaders who have discipled others. The resources are intended to help instructors and students disciple disciples as disciples of Christ.
Fury and Honor in the Palace: Faith Integration in Organizational Behavior Using the Book of Esther
Authors: Underwood Julia , Roller Robert , Burns Alan
Published: May 2024

This paper provides an example of discipline-specific biblical faith integration in an Organizational Behavior course through a series of eight faith-integration exercises and a final integrative assignment based on a single book of the Bible, Esther. This approach encourages students to have meaningful dialogue about important biblical concepts as applied to business and management, thus raising their moral and biblical consciences and contributing to their whole-person development. The benefits of this approach are discussed, and the faith-integration assignments and sample responses are included.
The Impact of a Theological Studies Course on The Ethical Development of Undergraduate Business Students
Authors: Brock James
Published: May 2024

In this article, the researcher examined the impact of a theological studies course on the ethical development of undergraduate business students. The researcher administered the Defining Issues Test version 2 (DIT2) instrument to participants and compared their assessed levels of ethical development. Participants were grouped according to whether they had completed a theological studies course prior to participation. Participants completing a theological studies course were not assessed to have superior levels of ethical development to those who had not completed a theological studies course. The findings suggest that exposure to theological studies courses alone is insufficient to improve ethical development.
An Tobar Nua II: Scaling the Mission
Authors: Locke Larry , Tristan Alejejandra , Witten Reagan
Published: May 2024

Since the first An Tobar Nua case study was published in the Christian Business Academy Review in 2017, Kelly and Susan Curry have continued to build the brand within Galway, Ireland, by operating the café, baking their famous cookies, selling books, providing counseling services, and conducting student retreats. Now the Currys feel called to expand the student retreat ministry to all of Ireland, but the business continues to rely heavily on donations from abroad. Are they financially able to grow the business to the scale required to reach the whole country? What strategic financial choices can the Currys make to fund the growth needed to fulfill this new mission?
Endings
Authors: Holbrook Robert
Published: May 2024

Endings for Christian Business Academy Review.
O que os pares de Teletandem (não) negociam: práticas para um novo contexto online interativo para o ensino/aprendizagem de línguas estrangeiras no século XXI
Authors: Garcia Daniela Nogueira de Moraes
Published: May 2024

A questão abordada neste livro é como proporcionar ao estudante brasileiro de uma língua estrangeira contato autêntico com falantes dessa língua. Para a autora, a solução está no uso das tecnologias de informação, que estão se tornando cada vez mais acessíveis – hoje, um aluno brasileiro pode conversar com pessoas de praticamente qualquer lugar do mundo via internet, ao custo de uma fração do preço de uma chamada local de telefone. O livro detalha um projeto que vem se consolidando no Brasil e que já é bastante conhecido no exterior: o “Projeto Teletandem: línguas estrangeiras para todos”, que coloca alunos universitários brasileiros desejosos de aprender uma língua estrangeira em contato com universitários de outros países que estão aprendendo português. A modalidade Tandem nasceu na Alemanha no final dos anos 1960 e há décadas é utilizado em vários países da Europa. Segundo a autora, o complicador no Brasil é a distância geográfica e cultural de outros povos e línguas e também os obstáculos técnicos e financeiros para o estabelecimento de um intercâmbio realmente eficiente e frutuoso. O livro oferece subsídios para contornar essas dificuldades e auxiliar as práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas nas aulas de línguas baseadas nas parcerias de teletandem.
Synergistic effect of seaweed extract and boric acid and/or calcium chloride on productivity and physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange
Authors: Alebidi Abdullah , Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud
Published: May 2024

Many citrus species and cultivars are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as in arid and semi-arid regions with low levels of organic matter and low cation exchange, resulting in lower nutrient uptake by the plant. The essential nutrients needed for citrus flowering and fruit set are limited in winter due to a reduction in transpiration rate, negatively effecting vegetative growth, flowering, yield, and fruit quality. The present investigation was carried out to assess the nutritional status, fruit yield parameters, and fruit quality of Valencia orange trees after foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations in the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design (three levels spraying seaweed extract × four levels spraying calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations × four replicates × one tree/replicate). The results indicated that all of the characteristics measured, including leaf chlorophyll, leaf mineral contents, fruit yield parameters, fruit physical properties, and fruit chemical properties, were significantly affected by the foliar spraying of seaweed extract (SW) combined with calcium chloride and boric acid and their combinations. Although all treatments increased the productivity and the physical and chemical properties of Valencia orange fruits compared to the control, a treatment of 10 g/L SW combined with 0.5 g/L boric acid and 1 g/L calcium chloride produced superior results. This ratio of SW, boric acid, and calcium chloride is therefore recommended to enhance productivity and improve the physico-chemical properties of Valencia orange for greater fruit yield.
Minimal Gap among Integers having a Common Divisor with an Odd Semi-prime
Authors: Wang Xingbo
Published: May 2024

For an odd semi-prime N = pq, this paper proves that the gaps are symmetrically distributed between two integers in interval [1,N - 1] that have a common divisor with N and there exists a gap of zero between a multiple of p and a multiple of q. These results exhibit that the multiples of the divisors of a composite odd integer lie accumulatively here and there although each of them lies sparsely in a whole interval. Such distribution of local accumulation in global sparsity is beneficial for designing randomized algorithms that can find a divisor of a composite odd integer. The paper also leaves a problem to find out the detail distribution of the non-zero gaps.
Kajian Bentuk Wind Turbine Aksial untuk Fasad Miring Bangunan Bertingkat Menengah
Authors: Budiman Ronald Samuel , Arifin Lilianny Sigit , Elsiana Feny
Published: May 2024

Sumber daya alam yang semakin menipis menyadarkan akan pentingnya mencari alternatif lain untuk menghasilkan energi terbarukan. Kemunculan bangunan-bangunan bertingkat yang unik di Indonesia, seperti memiliki kemiringan pada fasad, memiliki potensi lebih besar untuk menghasilkan energi terbarukan melalui energi angin. Namun  kemiringan yang ada membuat wind turbine vertikal sulit diterapkan dengan mengikuti kemiringan yang ada. Poros wind turbine vertikal diletakan menjadi sejajar dengan permukaan tanah guna mengikuti kemiringan fasad yang membuatnya berputar secara aksial dan radial. Penelitian ini mengkaji 6 (enam) model yang berfokus melihat pengaruh modifikasi bentuk serta rasio D:H terhadap kemampuannya mengolah angin secara aksial (Cp) dan kecepatan rotasi minimum yang dibutuhkan (TSR). Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa wind turbine aksial tanpa modifikasi bentuk dengan rasio D/H 1:2 lebih baik untuk diterapkan pada fasad miring.
Preparation of (3,5‐Dimethoxy‐1‐Phenyl‐Cyclohexa‐2,5‐Dienyl)‐Acetonitrile through Birch Reductive Alkylation (
BRA
)
Authors: Lebeuf Raphaël , Berlande Muriel , Robert Frédéric , Landais Yannick
Published: January 2010

5‐Phenylcyclohexane‐1,3‐dione

Iodine

Sodium thiosulfate

Lithium

Chloroacetonitrile
Benzyl Alcohol as an Alkylating Agent Using the Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Borrowing Hydrogen Strategy
Authors: Nixon Tracy D. , Slatford Paul A. , Whittlesey Michael K. , Williams Jonathan M. J.
Published: January 2010

Benzyl alcohol

4,4‐Dimethyl‐3‐oxopentanenitrile

4,5‐bis(Diphenylphosphino)‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene

Piperidinium acetate

Carbonyl(dihydro)tris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II)
(
S
)‐(–)‐2‐Allylcyclohexanone
Authors: Braun Manfred , Meletis Panos , Fidan Mesut
Published: January 2010

Tris(dibenzylideneacetone)‐dipaldium(0)‐chloroform adduct

(
S)
‐(‐)‐5,5'‐Dichloro‐6,6'‐dimethoxy‐2,2’‐bis(diphenylphosphine)‐1,1'‐biphenyl

Lithium chloride

Allyl methyl carrbonate

Diisopropylamine

n‐
Butyllithium

Cyclohexanone

(
S)
‐(‐)‐2‐Allylcyclohexanone
Synthesis of 2‐Arylindole‐4‐Carboxylic Amides: [2‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)‐1

H

‐Indol‐4‐
YL
]‐1‐Pyrrolidinylmethanone
Authors: Kuethe Jeffrey T. , Beutner Gregory L.
Published: January 2010

Methyl 2‐methyl‐3‐nitrobenzoate

4‐Fluorobenzaldehyde

2‐[
trans‐
2‐(4‐Fluorophenyl)vinyl]‐3‐nitrobenzoic acid

2‐([
trans‐
2‐(4‐Fluorophenylvinyl]‐3‐nitrophenyl‐1‐pyrrolidinylmethanone

1,10‐Phenanthroline

Palladium acetate

[2‐(4‐Fluorophenyl‐1
H‐
indol‐4‐yl]‐1‐pyrrolidinylmethanone
Palladium (
II
) Acetate‐Butyldi‐1‐Adamantylphosphine Catalyzed Arylation of Electron‐Rich Heterocycles. Preparation of 5‐Phenyl‐2‐Isobutylthiazole
Authors: Lazareva Anna , Chiong Hendrich A. , Daugulis. Olafs
Published: January 2010

Palladium (II) acetate

Sodium acetate

Butyl di‐1‐adamantylphosphine

Tribasic potassium phosphate

2‐Isobutylthiazole

Chlorobenzene

Hydrazine hydrate

5‐Phenyl‐2‐isobutylthiazole
Protection of Diols with 4‐(
tert
‐Butyldimethylsilyloxy)Benzylidene Acetal and its Deprotection: (4‐((4

R

,5

R

)‐4,5‐Diphenyl‐1,3‐Dioxolan‐2‐
Yl
)Phenoxy)(
Tert
‐ Butyl)Dimethylsilane
Authors: Osajima Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Hideto , Okano Kentaro , Tokuyama Hidetoshi , Fukuyama Tohru
Published: January 2010

Tert‐
Butyldimethylsilyl chloride

4‐Hydroxybenzaldehyde

Imidazole

4‐(Dimethylamino)pyridine

Trimethyl orthoformate

Pyridinium
p‐
toluenesulfonate

(1
R,
2
R)
‐1,2‐Diphenylethane1,2‐diol

Potassium fluoride

Potassium carbonate

Hydroxylamine hydrochloride
The Direct Acyl‐Alkylation of Arynes
Authors: Ebner David C. , Tambar Uttam K. , Stoltz Brian M.
Published: January 2010

Methyl 2‐(2‐acetylphenyl)acetate

Cesium fluoride

Methyl acetoacetate

2‐Trimethylsilyl)phenyl trifluoromethanesulfonate
Convenient Preparation of 3‐Ethoxycarbonyl Benzofurans from Salicylaldehydes and Ethyl Diazoacetate
Authors: Dudley Matthew E. , Morshed M. Monzur , Hossain. M. Mahmun
Published: January 2010

3‐Benzofurancarboxylic acid 5‐chloro‐ ethyl ester

Acetic acid, 2‐diazo‐,ethyl ester

Tetrafluoroboric acid diethyl etherate

5‐Chlorosalicylaldehyde
Preparation of (
S
)‐
tert
‐Butyl
PHOX
Authors: Krout Michael R. , Mohr Justin T. , Stoltz Brian M.
Published: January 2010

(L)‐
tert‐
Leucine

(
S)‐tert‐
Leucinol

Sodium borohydride

2‐Bromobenzoyl chloride

Methanesulfonyl chloride

Copper iodide

Diphenylphosphine

N,N‐
Dimethylethylenediamine

Cesium carbonate

(
S)‐tert‐
ButylPHOX
Phosphine‐Catalyzed [4+2] Annulation: Synthesis of Ethyl 6‐Phenyl‐1‐Tosyl‐1,2,5,6‐Tetrahydropyridine‐3‐Carboxylate
Authors: Lu Kui , Kwon Ohyun
Published: January 2010

Ethyl 2‐(triphenylphosphoranylidne)propionate

Ethyl 2‐methylbuta‐2,3‐dienoate

(
E)‐N‐
Benzylidene‐4‐methylbenzenesulfonamide

p‐
Tolunesulfonamide

Benzaldehyde

BF3.Et2O

Ethyl 6‐phenyl‐1‐tosyl‐1,2,5,6‐tetrahydropyridene‐3‐carboxylate

Tri‐
n‐
butylphosphine
Enantioselective Preparation of Dihydropyrimidones
Authors: Goss Jennifer M. , Dai Peng , Lou Sha , Schaus Scott E.
Published: January 2010

Carbamic acid, 2‐propen‐‐1‐yl ester

Carbamic acid,N‐[phenyl(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]‐,2‐propen‐1‐yl ester

(betaR)‐Benzenpropanoic acid, alpha acetyl‐beta‐[[(2‐propen‐1‐yloxy)carbonyl]amino]‐methyl ester

(betaR)‐Benzenepropanoic acid, alpha acetyl‐beta‐[[[(phenylmethyl)amino]carbonyl]amino]‐,methyl ester

(4S)‐5‐Pyrimidinecarboxylic acid, 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐6‐methyl‐2‐oxo‐4‐phenyl‐1‐(phenylmethyl)‐,methyl ester
Synthesis of Ethyl 2‐Ethanoyl‐2‐Methyl‐3‐Phenylbut‐3‐Enoate
Authors: Fujimoto Taisuke , Endo Kohei , Nakamura Masaharu , Nakamura Eiichi
Published: January 2010

Ethyl 2‐methylacetoacetate

Phenylacetylene

Indium(III) tris(trifluoromethanesulfonate)
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Addition of Arylboronic Acids to
in situ
Generated
N
‐Boc Arylimines. Preparation of (
S
)‐
tert
‐Butyl (4‐Chlorophenyl)(Thiophen‐2‐Yl)Methylcarbamate
Authors: Storgaard Morten , Ellman Jonathan A.
Published: January 2010

Tert
‐Butyl phenylsulfonyl(thiphen‐2‐yl)methylcarbamate

Tert
‐Butyl carbamate

2‐Thiophene carboxaldehdye

Benzensulfinic acid sodium salt

[RhCl(cod)]2

(
R,R)
‐degusPHOS

4‐Chlorophenylboronic acid
Magnesiation of Weakly Activated Arenes using tmp
2
Mg·2LiCl: Synthesis of
Tert
‐Butyl Ethyl Phthalate
Authors: Rohbogner Christoph J. , Wagner Andreas J. , Clososki Giuliano C. , Knochel Paul
Published: January 2010

Isopropylmagnesium chloride lithium chloride complex

2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine

Ethyl benzoate

Dicarbonic acid,
C,C′‐
bis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)ester

Tert‐
Butyl ethyl phthalate
The molecular genetics of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Roessler Erich , Muenke Maximilian
Published: January 2010

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) has captivated the imagination of Man for millennia because its most extreme manifestation, the single‐eyed cyclopic newborn infant, brings to mind the fantastical creature Cyclops from Greek mythology. Attempting to understand this common malformation of the forebrain in modern medical terms requires a systematic synthesis of genetic, cytogenetic, and environmental information typical for studies of a complex disorder. However, even with the advances in our understanding of HPE in recent years, there are significant obstacles remaining to fully understand its heterogeneity and extensive variability in phenotype. General lessons learned from HPE will likely be applicable to other malformation syndromes. Here we outline the common, and rare, genetic and environmental influences on this conserved developmental program of forebrain development and illustrate the similarities and differences between these malformations in humans and those of animal models. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genesis of teratogen‐induced holoprosencephaly in mice
Authors: Lipinski Robert J. , Godin Elizabeth A. , O'leary‐Moore Shonagh K. , Parnell Scott E. , Sulik Kathleen K.
Published: January 2010

Evidence from mechanical, teratological, and genetic experimentation demonstrates that holoprosencephaly (HPE) typically results from insult prior to the time that neural tube closure is completed and occurs as a consequence of direct or indirect insult to the rostral prechordal cells that induce the forebrain or insult to the median forebrain tissue, itself. Here, we provide an overview of normal embryonic morphogenesis during the critical window for HPE induction, focusing on the morphology and positional relationship of the developing brain and subjacent prechordal plate and prechordal mesoderm cell populations. Subsequent morphogenesis of the HPE spectrum is then examined in selected teratogenesis mouse models. The temporal profile of Sonic Hedgehog expression in rostral embryonic cell populations and evidence for direct or indirect perturbation of the Hedgehog pathway by teratogenic agents in the genesis of HPE is highlighted. Emerging opportunities based on recent insights and new techniques to further characterize the mechanisms and pathogenesis of HPE are discussed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for non‐syndromic holoprosencephaly in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Miller Eric A. , Rasmussen Sonja A. , Siega‐Riz Anna Maria , Frías Jaime L. , Honein Margaret A.
Published: January 2010

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a complex structural brain anomaly that results from incomplete cleavage of the forebrain. The prevalence of HPE at birth is low, and risk factors have been difficult to identify. Using data from a large multi‐state population‐based case‐control study, we examined risk factors for non‐syndromic HPE. Data from maternal telephone interviews were available for 74 infants with HPE and 5871 controls born between 1997 and 2004. Several characteristics and exposures were examined, including pregnancy history, medical history, maternal diet and use of nutritional supplements, medications, tobacco, alcohol, and illegal substances. We used χ2‐tests and logistic regression (excluding women with pre‐existing diabetes) to examine associations with HPE. Except for diet (year before pregnancy) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (throughout pregnancy), most exposures were examined for the time period from the month before to the third month of pregnancy. HPE was found to be associated with pre‐existing diabetes (χ2 = 6.0; P = 0.01), aspirin use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6–6.9], lower education level (aOR = 2.5; 95%CI 1.1–5.6), and use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (crude OR = 4.2; 95%CI 1.3–13.7). Consistent maternal folic acid use appeared to be protective (aOR = 0.4; 95%CI 0.2–1.0), but the association was of borderline statistical significance. While some of these findings support previous observations, other potential risk factors identified warrant further study. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Holoprosencephaly and holoprosencephaly‐like phenotypes: Review of facial and molecular findings in patients from a craniofacial hospital in Brazil
Authors: Richieri‐Costa Antonio , Ribeiro Lucilene Arilho
Published: January 2010

Here we report on the clinical and genetic data for a large sample of Brazilian patients studied at the Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalas Craniofaciais—Universidade de São Paulo (HRAC‐USP) who presented with either the classic holoprosencephaly or the holoprosencephaly‐like (HPE‐L) phenotype. The sample included patients without detected mutations in some HPE determinant genes such as SHH, GLI2, SIX3, TGIF, and PTCH, as well as the photographic documentation of the previously reported patients in our Center. The HPE‐L phenotype has been also called of HPE “minor forms” or “microforms.” The variable phenotype, the challenge of genetic counseling, and the similarities to patients with isolated cleft lip/palate are discussed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A front line police perspective of mental health issues and services
Authors: Mclean Nicola , Marshall Lisa A.
Published: January 2010

Background Changes in mental health service provision in most western countries have been associated with an increasing role of the police in the community management of people with mental health problems, but little is known about how the police perceive this in the UK.

Objectives To investigate police officers' views on their roles in dealings with people with mental health problems and with mental health services.

Methods Nine in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with front line police officers. These interviews were analysed for recurrent themes using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results The recurrent themes identified were: emotional aspects of dealing with people with mental health problems and with services, impact of incidents on police resources and on people with mental health problems, success through collaborative working with health services and failure in its absence.

Conclusions Police officers' experiences of work with people with mental disorder in the community in Scotland had much in common with those previously reported in the USA and in Australia. Development of more collaborative approaches and mutual respect between the police and mental health service providers would resolve many of the currently perceived difficulties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the ortho Modification of Azobenzene on the Photoregulatory Efficiency of DNA Hybridization and the Thermal Stability of its cis Form
Authors: Nishioka Hidenori , Liang Xingguo , Asanuma Hiroyuki
Published: January 2010

We synthesized various azobenzenes methylated at their ortho positions with respect to the azo bond for more effective photoregulation of DNA hybridization. Photoregulatory efficiency, evaluated from the change of Tm (ΔTm) induced by trans–cis isomerization, was significantly improved for all ortho‐modified azobenzenes compared with non‐modified azobenzene due to the more stabilized trans form and the more destabilized cis form. Among the synthesized azobenzenes, 4‐carboxy‐2′,6′‐dimethylazobenzene (2′,6′‐Me‐Azo), in which two ortho positions of the distal benzene ring with respect to carboxyl group were methylated, exhibited the largest ΔTm, whereas the newly synthesized 2,6‐Me‐Azo (4‐carboxy‐2,6‐dimethylazobenzene), which possesses two methyl groups on the two ortho positions of the other benzene ring, showed moderate improvement of ΔTm. Both NMR spectroscopic analysis and computer modeling revealed that the two methyl groups on 2′,6′‐Me‐Azo were located near the imino protons of adjacent base pairs; these stabilized the DNA duplex by stacking interactions in the trans form and destabilized the DNA duplex by steric hindrance in the cis form. In addition, the thermal stability of cis‐2′,6′‐Me‐Azo was also greatly improved, but not that of cis‐2,6‐Me‐Azo. Solvent effects on the half‐life of the cis form demonstrated that cis‐to‐trans isomerization of all the modified azobenzenes proceeded through an inversion route. Improved thermal stability of 2′,6′‐Me‐Azo but not 2,6‐Me‐Azo in the cis form was attributed to the retardation of the inversion process due to steric hindrance between lone pair electrons of the π orbital of the nitrogen atom and the methyl group on the distal benzene ring.
Model‐based clustering of longitudinal data
Authors: McNicholas Paul D. , Murphy T. Brendan
Published: January 2010

A new family of mixture models for the model‐based clustering of longitudinal data is introduced. The covariance structures of eight members of this new family of models are given and the associated maximum likelihood estimates for the parameters are derived via expectation–maximization (EM) algorithms. The Bayesian information criterion is used for model selection and a convergence criterion based on the Aitken acceleration is used to determine the convergence of these EM algorithms. This new family of models is applied to yeast sporulation time course data, where the models give good clustering performance. Further constraints are then imposed on the decomposition to allow a deeper investigation of the correlation structure of the yeast data. These constraints greatly extend this new family of models, with the addition of many parsimonious models. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38:153–168; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada
An adaptive sampling scheme guided by BART—with an application to predict processor performance
Authors: Yu Qingzhao , Li Bin , Fang Zhide , Peng Lu
Published: January 2010

The evaluation of new processor designs is an important issue in electrical and computer engineering. Architects use simulations to evaluate designs and to understand trade‐offs and interactions among design parameters. However, due to the lengthy simulation time and limited resources, it is often practically impossible to simulate a full factorial design space. Effective sampling methods and predictive models are required. In this paper, the authors propose an automated performance predictive approach which employs an adaptive sampling scheme that interactively works with the predictive model to select samples for simulation. These samples are then used to build Bayesian additive regression trees, which in turn are used to predict the whole design space. Both real data analysis and simulation studies show that the method is effective in that, though sampling at very few design points, it generates highly accurate predictions on the unsampled points. Furthermore, the proposed model provides quantitative interpretation tools with which investigators can efficiently tune design parameters in order to improve processor performance. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 38: 136–152; 2010 © 2010 Statistical Society of Canada
Characteristic Analysis of Plants for the Removal of Nutrients from a Constructed Wetland using Reclaimed Water
Authors: Wang Lin , Gan Hong , Wang Fang , Sun Xiumin , Zhu Qilin
Published: January 2010

One of the main issues with the East Route (ER) of the South‐to‐North Water Transfer Project (SNWTP) in China is water pollution. The Pingyin wetland, situated near the SNWTP, collects reclaimed water discharging from a sewage treatment plant. Selected aquatic plants were cultivated in the constructed wetland and their biomass, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) contents and accumulation were studied to assess whether the selected plants were suitable for cultivation in the reclaimed water environment and to determine their nutrient removal rates. Most of the introduced species showed high vitality after 60 days growth, and plant biomass increased greatly from the early to the middle part of the growing season. The TN content for different plant species during the growing season varied from 30–165 mg/g, while the TP contents varied from 5–35 mg/g. The TN and TP contents of the introduced species were significantly higher than those of the local species. The main TN absorption organ was the plant leaves. The nutrient accumulation by the local species was significantly higher than that of the main introduced species since accumulation is determined mainly by the species biomass. The TN and TP removal of plants contributed 9.66% and 49%, respectively, to total nutrient removal in the constructed wetland.
Electrochemical Coagulation for Chromium Removal: Process Optimization, Kinetics, Isotherms and Sludge Characterization
Authors: Vasudevan Subramanyan , Lakshmi Jothinathan , Vanathi Ramasamy
Published: January 2010

This study presents an electrochemical coagulation process for the removal of chromium from water using magnesium as the anode and galvanized iron as the cathode. The effects of pH, current density, concentration, temperature, adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms on chromium removal were investigated. The results showed that an optimum removal efficiency of 98.6% was achieved at a current density of 0.2 A/dm2 and a pH of 7.0. The adsorption kinetics showed that the first order rate expression fitted the adsorption kinetics. The equilibrium isotherm was measured experimentally. Results were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin‐Redushkevich and Frumkin isotherms using linearized correlation coefficients. The characteristic parameters for each isotherm were determined. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was found to fit the equilibrium data best for chromium adsorption. Temperature studies showed that adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Toward a Consensus Model of the hERG Potassium Channel
Authors: Stary Anna , Wacker Sören J. , Boukharta Lars , Zachariae Ulrich , Karimi‐Nejad Yasmin , Åqvist Johan , Vriend Gert , de Groot Bert L.
Published: January 2010

Malfunction of hERG potassium channels, due to inherited mutations or inhibition by drugs, can cause long QT syndrome, which can lead to life‐threatening arrhythmias. A three‐dimensional structure of hERG is a prerequisite to understand the molecular basis of hERG malfunction. To achieve a consensus model, we carried out an extensive analysis of hERG models based on various alignments of helix S5. We analyzed seven models using a combination of conventional geometry/packing/normality validation methods as well as molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking. A synthetic test set with the X‐ray crystal structure of Kv1.2 with artificially shifted S5 sequences modeled into the structure served as a reference case. We docked the known hERG inhibitors (+)‐cisapride, (S)‐terfenadine, and MK‐499 into the hERG models and simulation snapshots. None of the single analyses unambiguously identified a preferred model, but the combination of all three revealed that there is only one model that fulfils all quality criteria. This model is confirmed by a recent mutation scanning experiment (P. Ju, G. Pages, R. P. Riek, P. C. Chen, A. M. Torres, P. S. Bansal, S. Kuyucak, P. W. Kuchel, J. I. Vandenberg, J. Biol. Chem. 2009, 284, 1000–1008).1 We expect the modeled structure to be useful as a basis both for computational studies of channel function and kinetics as well as the design of experiments.
Pharmacokinetics of contrast agents targeted to the tumor vasculature in molecular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Oostendorp Marlies , Douma Kim , Hackeng Tilman M. , van Zandvoort Marc A. M. J. , Post Mark J. , Backes Walter H.
Published: January 2010

Molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to investigate tumor angiogenic activity non‐invasively. However, the pharmacokinetic behavior and tumor penetration of the often large contrast agent particles is thus far unknown. Here, pharmacokinetic analysis of cyclic asparagine–glycine–arginine (cNGR) labeled paramagnetic quantum dots (pQDs) was developed to quantify the contrast agent's homing efficacy to activated endothelial cells of angiogenic tumor vessels using dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) MRI. cNGR homes to CD13, an overexpressed aminopeptidase on angiogenic tumor endothelial cells. First, a two‐compartment pharmacokinetic model, comprising the blood space and endothelial cell surface, was compared with a three‐compartment model additionally including the extravascular–extracellular component. The resulting extravasation parameter was irrelevantly small and was therefore neglected. Next, the association constant Ka, the dissociation constant kd and the fractional plasma volume vP were determined from the time‐series data using the two‐compartment model. Magnitude and spatial distribution of the parameters were compared for cNGR‐labeled and unlabeled pQDs. The tumor area with significant Ka values was approximately twice as large for cNGR‐pQDs compared with unlabeled pQDs (p < 0.05), indicating more contrast agent binding for cNGR‐pQDs. Using cNGR‐pQDs, a two‐fold larger area with significant Ka was also found for the angiogenic tumor rim compared with tumor core (p < 0.05). It was furthermore found that both contrast agents perfused the tumor at all depths, thereby providing unequivocal evidence that rim/core differences can indeed be ascribed to stronger angiogenic activity in the rim. Summarizing, molecular DCE‐MRI with pharmacokinetic modeling provides unique information on contrast agent delivery and angiogenic activity in tumors. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonendosomal cellular uptake of ligand‐free, positively charged gold nanoparticles
Authors: Taylor Ulrike , Klein Sabine , Petersen Svea , Kues Wilfried , Barcikowski Stephan , Rath Detlef
Published: January 2010

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have interesting optical properties, such as exceptionally high quantum yields and virtually limitless photostability. Therefore, they show the potential for applications as biomarkers especially suitable for in vivo and long‐term studies. The generation of GNPs using pulsed laser light rather than chemical means provides nanoparticles, which are remarkably stable in a variety of media without the need of stabilizing agents or ligands. This stabilization is achieved by partial oxidation of the gold surface resulting in positively charged GNPs. However, little is known about cellular uptake of such ligand‐free nanoparticles, their intracellular fate, or cell viability after nanoparticle contact. The current work is aimed to explore the response of a bovine cell line to GNP exposure mainly using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) supported by other techniques. Cultured bovine immortalized cells (GM7373) were coincubated with GNP (average diameter 15 nm, 50 μM Au) for 2, 24, and 48 h. The detection of GNP‐associated light scattering by the LSCM facilitated a clear distinction between GNP‐containing cells and the negative controls. After 48 h, 75% of cells had visibly incorporated nanoparticles. No colocalization was detected with either Rab5a or Lamp1‐positive structures, i.e., endosomes or lysosomes, respectivley. However, transmission electron microscope analysis of GNP‐coincubated cells indicated the nanoparticles to be positioned within electron‐dense structures. Coincubation at 4°C did not inhibit nanoparticle uptake, suggesting diffusion as possible entrance mechanism. Although the assessment of cell morphology, membrane integrity, and apoptosis revealed no GNP‐related loss of cell viability at a gold concentration of 25 μM or below, a cytotoxic effect was observed in a proliferation assay after exposing low cell numbers to 50 μM Au and above. In conclusion, this study confirmed the cellular uptake of ligand‐free gold nanoparticles during coincubation apparently without using endocytic pathways. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Translocation of histone H1 subtypes between chromatin and cytoplasm during mitosis in normal human fibroblasts
Authors: Gréen Anna , Lönn Anita , Peterson Kajsa Holmgren , Öllinger Karin , Rundquist Ingemar
Published: January 2010

Histone H1 is an important constituent of chromatin, which undergoes major structural rearrangements during mitosis. However, the role of H1, multiple H1 subtypes, and H1 phosphorylation is still unclear. In normal human fibroblasts, phosphorylated H1 was found located in nuclei during prophase and in both cytoplasm and condensed chromosomes during metaphase, anaphase, and telophase as detected by immunocytochemistry. Moreover, we detected remarkable differences in the distribution of the histone H1 subtypes H1.2, H1.3, and H1.5 during mitosis. H1.2 was found in chromatin during prophase and almost solely in the cytoplasm of metaphase and early anaphase cells. In late anaphase, it appeared in both chromatin and cytoplasm and again in chromatin during telophase. H1.5 distribution pattern resembled that of H1.2, but H1.5 was partitioned between chromatin and cytoplasm during metaphase and early anaphase. H1.3 was detected in chromatin in all cell cycle phases. We propose therefore, that H1 subtype translocation during mitosis is controlled by phosphorylation, in combination with H1 subtype inherent affinity. We conclude that H1 subtypes, or theirphosphorylated forms, may leave chromatin in a regulated way to give access for chromatin condensing factors or transcriptional regulators during mitosis. © 2010 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry