bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitude towards healthy nutrition and mental toughness: a study of taekwondo athletes
Authors: Özsarı Arif , Kara Mehmet , Dilek Ahmet Naci , Uysal Halil , Tek Tolga , Deli Şekip Can
Published: March 2024

Healthy nutrition is widely considered the cornerstone of optimal athletic performance, both physically and mentally. This study investigates the critical role of healthy nutrition in shaping the physical and mental performance of athletes, with a specific focus on taekwondo. This research aims to explore the potential relationship between taekwondo athletes’ attitudes towards healthy nutrition and their mental toughness. The research group comprised 276 active and licensed taekwondo athletes who voluntarily participated in the study (Age M = 17.18 ± SD = 7.13, N = 125 women, N = 151 men). Ethical approval for the research was obtained prior to the commencement of the study. Data collection instruments included the Healthy Nutrition Attitude Scale, Mental Toughness Scale, and a personal information form. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the validity and reliability of the scales. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis were performed to explore the relationship between the variables within the research model. The correlation analysis identified two significant, positive, and moderate correlations: (1) between knowledge about nutrition and mental toughness (r = 0.626) and (2) between positive nutrition and mental toughness (r = 0.672). The regression analysis revealed that both knowledge about nutrition (β = 0.360) and positive nutrition (β = 0.461) significantly contribute to mental toughness. The findings suggest that as athletes’ knowledge of nutrition expands and their attitudes towards healthy eating become more positive, their mental toughness also appears to improve. These results are both important and original, adding significant new insights to the existing research landscape.
Factors that contributed to Ontario adults’ mental health during the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic: a decision tree analysis
Authors: Shillington Katie J. , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Burke Shauna M. , Ng Victor , Tucker Patricia , Irwin Jennifer D.
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the mental health of individuals globally. However, less is known about the characteristics that contributed to some people having mental health problems during the pandemic, while others did not. Mental health problems can be understood on a continuum, ranging from acute (e.g., depression following a stressful event) to severe (e.g., chronic conditions that disrupt everyday functioning). Therefore, the purpose of this article was to generate profiles of adults who were more or less at risk for the development of mental health problems, in general, during the first 16-months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada. Data were collected via online surveys at two time points: April-July 2020 and July-August 2021; 2,188 adults (Mage = 43.15 years; SD = 8.82) participated. Surveys included a demographic questionnaire and four previously validated tools to measure participants’ mental health, subjective wellbeing, physical activity and sedentary behaviour, and sleep. A decision tree was generated at each time point for those with mental health problems, and those with no mental health problems. Results showed that subjective wellbeing was the biggest contributor to mental health status. Characteristics associated with no mental health problems among adults included having good wellbeing, being a good sleeper (quantity, quality, and patterns of sleep), and being over the age of 42. Characteristics associated with mental health problems included having poor wellbeing and being a poor sleeper. Findings revealed that specific characteristics interacted to contribute to adults’ mental health status during the first 16 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that wellbeing was the biggest contributor to mental health, researchers should focus on targeting adults’ wellbeing to improve their mental health during future health crises.
Airway Challenges in a Child with Treacher Collins Syndrome having Ventricular Septal Defect, Oculofacial Malformations and Oesophageal Atresia: A Case Report
Authors: Dahake Janhavi , Verma Neeta
Published: March 2024

Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS), also known as Franceschetti syndrome, is an autosomal dominant condition marked by various developmental anomalies confined to the head and face. It primarily affects craniofacial structures derived from the first and second branchial arches. Patients usually present with down-slanting palpebral fissures, mandibular hypoplasia, lower eyelid colobomas, external ear malformations, and hearing loss. Congenital heart defects and cryptorchidism are two other unusual anomalies. It is typically a bilateral condition. The symptoms and physical features of TCS can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may be affected so mildly that their condition goes undiagnosed, whereas others may develop serious, lifethreatening complications. Individuals with TCS may require specialised airway management due to a narrow mouth aperture and micrognathia. They are best served by an interprofessional team that can coordinate all aspects of their care. Timely detection and management can improve the quality of life for these patients. The present case report presents the airway challenges in an eightyear-old child with TCS who has congenital malformations and presented with swallowing difficulty, which was later diagnosed as oesophageal atresia.
Fish Biodiversity Assessment of Tawarja Reservoir, Latur (Maharashtra): A Case Study
Authors: Sutar Vijay B. , Kulkarni Ajay S. , Markad Adinath T. , Meshre Supriya D. , Bansode Vikrant V.
Published: March 2024

The present study deals with the ichthyofaunal diversity of Tawarja reservoir, Latur, Maharashtra. Tawarja reservoir is a perennial water body used for human and livestock consumption in nearby areas. This reservoir's primary purpose is irrigation, and it is also used for culture-based capture fisheries by the fisherman community of Latur taluka. Tawarja reservoir is allocated to Mahadev Koli Samaj Matsyavawsay Cooperative Society Ltd., Kava of Latur taluka. The present study observed that the ichthyofauna belongs to 05 orders, 09 families, 19 genera and 31 species. Cyprinidae family was reported dominant with 17 species (54.83%) followed by Bagridae & Siluridae 3 species with 9.67 % contribution, Channidae with 02 species (6.45%), and the families of Notopteridae, Botiidae, Clariidae, Heteropneustidae, Pangasidae and Mastacembelidae contributing 01 species (3.22%) of each. Regarding their conservation status, 25 species were of least concern, 2 were vulnerable, 3 were near threatened, and 1 was in an endangered stage. (IUCN-2023).
A Review on Precision Agriculture: An Evolution and Prospect for the Future
Authors: Maurya Durgesh Kumar , Maurya Shravan Kumar , Kumar Mandeep , Chaubey Chandrakant , Gupta Devrani , Patel Krishna Kumar , Mehta Amit Kumar , Yadav Rishikesh
Published: March 2024

A farm management system that uses information and technology to identify, analyze, and control the temporal and spatial variability within a field is known as precision farming or precision agriculture. Its goals are to maximize productivity and profitability, preserve the land resource, and minimize production costs. The public's growing environmental consciousness is forcing us to alter agricultural management techniques in order to maintain economic profitability while preserving natural resources like water, air, and soil quality. The application of inputs (such as chemical pesticides and fertilizers) in accordance with the proper amount, timing, and location. "Site-Specific Management" is the term used to describe this kind of management. With over a third of the world's food now requiring irrigation for production, the productivity increase in the global food supply has depended more and more on the expansion of irrigation schemes in recent decades. The overall economic viability of traditional agricultural systems is being challenged by market-based global competition in agricultural products, which calls for the creation of new, flexible production systems.
Assessment of Correlation and Path Analysis for Seed Yield and its Component Characters in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Srivastava Mitali , H. G. Manojkumar , Singh Atar
Published: March 2024

The present study was carried out during Kharif season 2021 at Crop Research Center (C.R.C), Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University, Meerut. In the present study, twelve yield and yield related parameters have been studied in 25 diverse genotypes of greengram. The mean sum of squares for genotypes were highly significant for all the traits. In this experiment for majority of cases the genotypic correlation coefficient values was higher than the phenotypic values indicating that the phenotypic expression of correlation was influenced by environment. Seed yield/plant had a highly significant and positive correlation both at genotypic and phenotypic level with number of pods/plant, number of seeds/pod, biological yield and harvest index. Days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, number of branches/plant, number of pods/cluster and 1000 seed weight exhibited a non-significant correlation with seed yield. In this investigation seed yield per plant was dependent variable and rest of the characters were independent variables. Genotypic and phenotypic path coefficient analysis of seed yield/plant and its component attributes showed that highest positive direct effect towards seed yield/plant was observed by biological yield, harvest index, number of seeds/pod, number of pods/plant, days to 50% flowering, pod length, days to maturity and plant height. Seed yield/ plant could be improved by selection based on these traits.
Exploration of Clean Water Provision Endeavors in Residential Facilities for Construction Workers within the National Capital Development Area (IKN), Indonesia
Authors: Marzuki Robby , Purwanto
Published: March 2024

Clean water is one of the basic needs to support human life. As the population grows, the need for clean water also increases. In the development of the National Capital area in North Penajam Paser, a lot of clean water will be needed. The study aims to find out alternative steps that will be taken to increase the fulfillment of clean water needs in the construction area of flats housing construction workers (HPK) in the National Capital Region (IKN) North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The study was carried out in the construction area of flats housing construction workers in the National Capital Region, North Penajam Paser Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. The data collected is in the form of qualitative data, namely a description of the study location in general, and quantitative data: number of residents, water needs per person, number of flats for worker housing, and rain conditions in the study area. The techniques used to collect data that are appropriate to the object of study are observation, interviews, institutional visits, and literature review. The analytical methods used are: (1) a qualitative approach using descriptive analysis which describes the existing conditions of the study area, (2) analysis of population projections and (3) analysis of clean water supply. The study results in a show that efforts to provide clean water in HPK IKN can be done other than dams and reservoirs, namely by harvesting rainwater through infiltration wells, rainwater collection ponds, bio pore absorption holes, rain gardens, porous paving blocks, and storage reservoirs.
Highly Thiocyanate‐Selective Membrane Electrode Based on the Bis(Benzoylacetone) propylenediimine Copper(II)Complex
Authors: Rezaei Behzad , Meghdadi Soraya , Nafisi Vajihe , Bagherpour Saeid
Published: November 2007

A potentiometric thiocyanate‐selective sensor based on copper(II) bis(benzoylacetone)propylenediimine complex as a new neutral carrier for a thiocyanate‐selective electrode is reported. The response mechanism is discussed in view of the UV spectroscopy technique. The sensor displays a near Nernestian slope of ‐57.4 ± 0.5 mV per decade. The working concentration range of the electrode is 8.0×10‐7‐1.0×10‐1 M with a detection limit of 7.4×10‐7 M. The response time of the sensor in the all concentration ranges is very short (5‐10 s). The response of the sensor is independent of pH, in the pH range of 1.7–11.5. The best performance was obtained with a membrane composition of 32.69 % PVC, 57.34 % dibutyl phthalate, 6.82 % complex and 3.15 % methyltrioctylammonium chloride (MTOAC) as additive. The proposed electrode is more selective than other proposed methods for determination of thiocyanate ion over a wide variety of common inorganic and organic anions and it was successfully applied to direct determination of thiocyanate in the presence of other anions in biological, water and waste water samples.
Multicentric Castleman's disease treated with combination chemotherapy and rituximab in four HIV‐positive men: A case series
Authors: Bestawros Alain , Michel René , Séguin Chantal , Routy Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2007

Multicentric Castleman's disease (MDC) is a rare herpesvirus‐8‐related prelymphomatous condition that may develop in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Therapy for MCD is not well established and most often includes: corticosteroids, single or combined chemotherapy, anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody and antiretroviral therapy. In order to obtain a rapid and long‐lasting clinical response, we are reporting on a short course of anthracycline‐based chemotherapy associated with rituximab in HIV‐positive patients with MCD. Our study suggests that the combined immuno‐chemotherapy approach may represent a valid strategy with acceptable toxicity in patients with severe and extensive MDC. Further studies will be needed to assess the efficacy and safety of such an approach, and to identify risk factors predictive of long‐term tolerance in HIV patients with different degrees of immunosuppression. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vitro antibacterial and antifungal assay of poly‐(ethylene oxamide‐N,N′‐diacetate) and its polymer–metal complexes
Authors: Ahamad Tansir , Kumar Vikrant , Parveen Shadma , Nishat Nahid
Published: November 2007

A new polyester, poly‐(ethylene oxamide‐N,N′‐diacetate) (PEODA), containing glycine moiety was synthesized by the reaction of oxamide‐N,N′‐diacetic acid and ethylene glycol and its polymer–metal complexes were synthesized with transition metal ions. The monomer oxamide‐N,N′‐diacetic acid was prepared by the reaction of glycine and diethyl oxalate. The polymer and its metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and other spectroscopic techniques. The in vitro antibacterial activities of all the synthesized polymers were investigated against some bacteria and fungi. The analytical data revealed that the coordination polymers of Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) are coordinated with two water molecules, which are further supported by FTIR spectra and TGA data. The polymer–metal complexes showed excellent antibacterial activities against both types of microorganisms; the polymeric ligand was also found to be effective but less so than the polymer–metal complexes. On the basis of the antimicrobial behavior, these polymers may be used as antifungal and antifouling coating materials in fields like life‐saving medical devices and the bottoms of ships. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jatropha biodiesel fueling sustainability?
Authors: Achten Wouter MJ , Mathijs Erik , Verchot Louis , Singh Virendra P , Aerts Raf , Muys Bart
Published: November 2007

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose, drought‐resistant, biofuel tree originating from Central and South America, but now growing pantropic. The tree produces seeds containing 27–40% inedible oil, which is easily convertible into biodiesel. Although even some basic agronomic characteristics of J. curcas are not yet fully under‐s‐tood, the plant enjoys a booming interest, which may hold the risk of unsustainable practice. Our qualitative sustainability assessment, focusing on environmental impacts and strengthened by some socio‐economic issues, is quite favorable as long as only wastelands or degraded grounds are taken into J. curcas cultivation. Preliminary lifecycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) balances are positive, but the GHG balance is expected to be much dependent on the type of land use which is converted to J. curcas. Removing natural forest will have a severe impact on the global warming potential of the jatropha biodiesel. The cultivation intensity and the distance to markets are expected to have a significant impact on the GHG balance as well. Similar reasoning applies for the impact on soil, water, vegetation structure and biodiversity, although the latter will always depend on local circumstances. Next to biodiesel production and wasteland reclamation, J. curcas also hosts socio‐economic development potential. The multipurpose character of the plant and the labor‐intensive production chain are thought to be the main drivers for rural development, but are uncertain. In order to achieve best results with respect to both environmental and socio‐economic issues, decisions have to be based on local environmental, economical, cultural and social characteristics. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Egr1 and Gas6 facilitate the adaptation of HEK‐293 cells to serum‐free media by conferring enhanced viability and higher growth rates
Authors: Jaluria Pratik , Konstantopoulos Konstantinos , Betenbaugh Michael , Shiloach Joseph
Published: November 2007

Animal‐derived serum is an essential media supplement for mammalian cells in cell culture. For a number of reasons including cost, regulatory concerns, lot inconsistency, potential contamination with adventitious agents, and down‐stream processing it is desirable to eliminate the use of serum. Existing protocols designed to adapt cells to serum‐free media (SFM) are time‐consuming and provide little insight into how the cells adapt. To better understand the physiological responses associated with serum withdrawal and to expedite the adaptation process, a Human Embryonic Kidney‐293 (HEK‐293) cell line was propagated in 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and was progressively adapted to SFM and analyzed at specific serum levels by oligonucleotide microarrays. Of the differentially expressed genes two, early growth response 1 (egr1) and growth arrest specific 6 (gas6), were selected for further analysis based on their level of differential expression, overall expression patterns, and proposed functionalities. HEK‐293 cells, propagated in 10% FBS were transfected with egr1 or gas6 and then adapted to SFM. Results indicated that higher expression of either gene moderately enhanced the ability of both cell lines to adapt to SFM. Egr1 appeared to have a greater impact on adaptability than gas6. Results also indicated that specific protein production was unaltered when the expression of egr1 was increased. Flow cytometric analysis revealed increased expression of egr1 was associated with an increase in the percentage of cells in the G2/M phases. These results indicate that enhanced expression of egr1 or gas6 facilitate adaptation to SFM by improving growth and viability. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1443–1452. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primer and probe sets for group‐specific quantification of the genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira using real‐time PCR
Authors: Lim Juntaek , Do Hyojin , Shin Seung Gu , Hwang Seokhwan
Published: November 2007

Use of quantitative real‐time PCR (QPCR) with TaqMan probes is increasingly popular in various environmental works to detect and quantify a specific microorganism or a group of target microorganism. Although many aspects of conducting a QPCR assay have become very easy to perform, a proper design of oligonucleotide sequences comprising primers and a probe is still considered as one of the most important aspects of a QPCR application. This work was conducted to design group specific primer and probe sets for the detection of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) using a real‐time PCR with a TaqMan system. The genera Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira were grouped into five clusters based on similarity of their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Five group‐specific AOB primer and probe sets were designed. These sets separately detect four subgroups of Nitrosomonas (Nitrosomonas europaea‐, Nitrosococcus mobilis‐, Nitrosomonas nitrosa‐, and Nitrosomonas cryotolerans‐clusters) along with the genus Nitrosospira. Target‐group specificity of each primer and probe set was initially investigated by analyzing potential false results in silico, followed by a series of experimental tests for QPCR efficiency and detection limit. In general, each primer and probe set was very specific to the target group and sensitive to detect target DNA as low as two 16S rRNA gene copies per reaction mixture. QPCR efficiency, higher than 93.5%, could be achieved for all primer and probe sets. The primer and probe sets designed in this study can be used to detect and quantify the β‐proteobacterial AOB in biological nitrification processes and various environments. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 1374–1383. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Sensitizing Properties of Heteroleptic RuII Complexes Based on 2,6‐Bis(1‐pyrazolyl)pyr­idine and 2,2′‐Bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic Acid Ligands
Authors: Philippopoulos Athanassios I. , Terzis Aris , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Catalano Vincent J. , Falaras Polycarpos
Published: November 2007

Starting from the Ru(bpp)Cl3 precursor (1), a family of novel heteroleptic RuII complexes of the general formulae [Ru(bpp)(dcbpyH)(X)] [X = Cl– (2a), NCS–, (3)] and Na[Ru(bpp)(dcbpy)(CN)] (4) with the ligands 2,6‐bis(1‐pyrazolyl)pyridine (bpp) and 2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (dcbpyH2) has been synthesized, spectroscopically characterized, and attached to nanocrystalline TiO2 electrodes to be tested as solar cell sensitizers. Addition of HCl to (2a) led to the corresponding cationic derivative [Ru(bpp)(dcbpyH2)Cl]Cl (2b). All complexes were characterized by FT‐IR, FT‐Raman, UV/Vis, 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and mass spectrometry. Complex 4 and the previously reported [Ru(bdmpp)(dcbpyH2)Cl](PF6) (5) [bdmpp is 2,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrazolyl)pyridine] were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The photo‐electochemical properties of the dyes 2–4 were investigated and the efficiency of the corresponding dye‐sensitized solar cells was compared to the sensitizing performance of the cis‐[Ru(dcbpyH)2(NCS)2](NBu4)2 (N719) dye.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Ethereal Glycoconjugated Azodyes (GADs): A New Group of Water‐Soluble, Naturalised Dyes
Authors: Bianchini Roberto , Catelani Giorgio , Cecconi Riccardo , D'Andrea Felicia , Guazzelli Lorenzo , Isaad Jalal , Rolla Massimo
Published: November 2007

This report deals with azodyes naturalised through glycoconjugation with a very common saccharide – lactose – and with its galactose and glucose components. The conjugation takes place through a bifunctional linker, here a terminal dibromoalkane, so the final products are very stable diether derivatives of the starting dyes. These transformations produce naturalised dyes – indeed, water‐soluble and multipurpose – that are able to dye different materials without addition of chemical additives such as surface agents.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Aberrant expression of SOX2 upregulates MUC5AC gastric foveolar mucin in mucinous cancers of the colorectum and related lesions
Authors: Park Eun Taek , Gum James R. , Kakar Sanjay , Kwon Sung Won , Deng Guoren , Kim Young S.
Published: November 2007

Mucinous colorectal cancers are characterized by abundant production of intestinal goblet cell mucin, MUC2 and frequent ectopic expression of gastric foveolar mucin, MUC5AC. SOX2, an HMG‐box transcription factor expressed in gastric mucosa but not in intestine is thought to play an important role in regulating transcription and expression of gastric differentiation related genes. Herein, we investigated the possible role of SOX2 in MUC5AC transcription and in the development of mucinous cancers. We observed good correlation between SOX2 and MUC5AC message levels in most colon cancer cell lines. SOX2 expression significantly transactivated MUC5AC promoter/reporter constructs in 3 of 5 colon cancer cell lines. We also examined SOX2 expression in normal stomach and colon, nonmucinous and mucinous colorectal cancers, serrated polyps and conventional adenomas using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. SOX2 was expressed in the nuclei of both gastric foveolar cells and fundic glands by immunohistochemistry and in the cytoplasm by in situ hybridization. SOX2 was not expressed in normal colon but was strongly expressed in serrated polyps, mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas, but rarely in nonmucinous carcinomas and tubular adenomas. Concordant expression of SOX2 with MUC5AC was observed in these lesions. Our results suggest that SOX2 is important in the upregulation of gastric foveolar mucin, MUC5AC in colorectal mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas. In addition, the expression of both SOX2 and MUC5AC in serrated polyps supports the hypothesis that these polyps may be predominant precursors of mucinous and signet ring cell carcinomas of the colorectum. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotyping of samples lacking expected antibodies in ABO blood group
Authors: Deng Zhi‐Hui , Zeng Jian‐Qiang , Yu Qiong , Su Yu‐Qing , Liang Yan‐Lian , Lu Liang , Zhu Wei‐Gang , Yang Bao‐Cheng
Published: November 2007

We report nine donations with ABO inconsistency in reverse typing caused by partly or entirely missing antibodies. A and B antigens and antibodies were examined by serological blood typing, and ABO deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analyses were performed by sequence‐specific priming and sequencing. A B101 allele was demonstrable in a case with O phenotype. The molecular mechanisms in deficiency of natural ABO antibody could be partly clarified. The ABO genotyping technique is an accurate method for determining the blood samples involved in ABO grouping discrepancies and is a valuable complement to serology for correct determination of donor blood status. The mechanisms involved in the absence of potent natural antibodies directed against A and B antigen lacking on an individual's own red cell membranes remain to be further investigated. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:363–366, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of yogurt on acetaminophen absorption by activated charcoal and burnt toast
Authors: Dasgupta Amitava , Wells Alice
Published: November 2007

Although acetaminophen overdose can be treated with N‐acetylcysteine, activated charcoal is useful in preventing absorption of acetaminophen from the gut. Mixing activated charcoal with yogurt may make the dose more palatable. We investigated effects of yogurt on absorption of acetaminophen by burnt toast or activated charcoal in intestinal fluid using an in vitro model. The aliquots of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) were supplemented with high concentrations of acetaminophen after adjusting the pH to 7.2 (to mimic intestinal fluid). Then specimens were treated with various dosages (15 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, or 50 mg/mL) of activated charcoal or burnt toast. A small amount of fluid was withdrawn at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 min and acetaminophen concentrations were measured by the fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA). We also treated other aliquots of PBS buffer containing acetaminophen with activated charcoal and yogurt or burnt toast and yogurt. Then small aliquots were withdrawn at specific time intervals to determine concentrations of acetaminophen. Activated charcoal was very effective in removing acetaminophen from intestinal fluids and the presence of yogurt insignificantly affected such absorptions. In contrast, burnt toast had a modest effect on removing acetaminophen from fluids but yogurt significantly increased the capability of burnt toast to absorb acetaminophen. However, the activated charcoal/yogurt combination is more effective than the burnt toast/yogurt combination for absorbing acetaminophen. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:393–397, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flinders technology associates (FTA) filter paper–based DNA extraction with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii from respiratory specimens of immunocompromised patients
Authors: Nuchprayoon Surang , Saksirisampant Wilai , Jaijakul Siraya , Nuchprayoon Issarang
Published: November 2007

We evaluated the diagnostic value of Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) filter paper together with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Pneumocystis jirovecii (carinii) from induced sputum (IS) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples. The study involved 162 patients with clinical diagnosis of pneumocystis pneumonia (PcP) of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients and other immunocompromised patients. P. jirovecii cysts or trophozoites were detected in IS and BALF by cytological method. The mitochondrial 5S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene of P. jirovecii was amplified from these samples by using FTA filters together with a one‐step PCR method (FTA‐PCR). With the FTA‐PCR method, the sensitivity and specificity of the test compared to microscopic examination were 67% and 90% for IS, while they were 67% and 91% for BALF, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the FTA‐PCR test was also comparable to PCR with the conventional deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction method. We concluded that FTA‐PCR is useful to detect P. jirovecii in noninvasive IS. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:382–386, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cosmetic liposuction causes only transient elevation of acute inflammatory response and does not advance to oxidative and nitrosative stress
Authors: Chang Pi‐Yueh , Wu Tsu‐Lan , Tsao Kuo‐Chien , Sun Chien‐Feng , Wu Lily L. , Wu James T.
Published: November 2007

Cosmetic liposuction is a surgical procedure performed on normal nonobese subjects to remove unwanted fat. We are interested to know whether the impact of acute inflammatory response induced by liposuction differs from that of chronic inflammation and whether acute inflammatory response will also advance further and cause oxidative and nitrosative stress leading to various clinical complications. In our investigation we monitored 15 nonobese women prior to liposuction, and one day and one month after the surgery with multiple markers associated with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Our results indicate that liposuction causes only a transient elevation of acute inflammatory markers such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hCRP), and serum amyloid A (SAA), and a transient decrease of nitric oxide (NO). Apparently the impact of liposuction for normal subjects did not advance beyond acute inflammatory response; there was little change in the levels of markers corresponding to downstream events of chronic systemic inflammation such as adhesion molecules, urinary microalbumin (uMA), homocysteine (Hcy), uric acid (UA), and markers of oxidative stress, including urinary 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OhdG) and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3NT). It appears that the acute inflammatory response of cosmetic liposuction does not lead to impaired renal function and oxidative and nitrosative damage, which are frequently associated with chronic inflammation. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:418–425, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contrasting Burns and Bass: Does the transactional‐transformational paradigm live up to Burns' philosophy of transforming leadership?
Authors: Khanin Dmitry
Published: November 2007

Both proponents and critics view the transactional‐transformational paradigm (Bass, 1997, 1998) as the brainchild of Burns' (1978) philosophy of transforming leadership. However, Burns (2003) has criticized the paradigm's narrow managerialist orientation and the claim that it is uniformly applicable to any culture and organization. In this article, I first summarize and articulate Burns' (1978, 2003) and Bass' (1985, 1998) approaches toward leadership, then compare them by using a new four‐dimensional framework. Extending previous research (Yukl, 2006), the framework represents a useful tool for detecting the commonalities and differences between leadership theories with respect to the core dimensions, categories, and aspects of leadership. My inspection indicates that Burns' and Bass' conceptions stem from disparate contexts and differ in their applicability. Thus, Burns' (1978) ideas stem from political movements ideally characterized by mutual quest for shared meaning and active collaboration between leaders and followers. Conversely, Bass' (1985) approach springs from military training in which leaders transfer existing knowledge to followers and stimulate their activity by using a variety of tools from inspirational motivation to individualized consideration. This study has important practical implications as it delineates the boundary conditions of the transactional‐transformational paradigm and warns against its uncritical adoption in incongruent leadership contexts.
The language of leaders
Authors: Brower Holly H. , Fiol C. Marlene , Emrich Cynthia G.
Published: November 2007

Information fatigue, analysis paralysis, communications gridlock: These and other terms entered the business lexicon with the rapid acceleration of information technology and globalization in the late 20th century. Taken together, these terms paint a picture of an increasingly complex workplace and hint at the challenges facing leaders in the 21st century. Today's leaders cannot afford to focus solely on the inspirational rhetoric that their predecessors used to build commitment. In fact, we argue that there are four significant objectives that leaders must accomplish with their language: building and breaking down commitment and building and breaking down understanding. By focusing on all four objectives, leaders engage the hearts (through commitment) and minds (through understanding) of their followers. We draw from literature in communication, management, organizational behavior, and psychology to describe and illustrate techniques and objectives with contemporary examples of executives such as Steve Jobs of Apple Computer and Gary Kelly of Southwest Airlines. By providing a thoughtful analysis of the critical language objectives and techniques in a contemporary context, we not only highlight cutting‐edge work on leader communication, but also provide actionable insights for leaders, researchers, and students who want to improve their understanding and execution of the language of leadership.
Synthesis of Vinylphosphonic Acid Anhydrides and their Copolymerization with Vinylphosphonic Acid
Authors: Millaruelo Martha , Steinert Volker , Komber Hartmut , Klopsch Rainer , Voit Brigitte
Published: November 2007

We present the synthesis and characterization of the compounds formed in a mixture of vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) and acetic anhydride used for the radical‐initiated VPA polymerization. High‐molecular‐weight PVPA with $\overline M _{\rm w}$ up to 109 000 g · mol−1 was obtained from the polymerization of a mixture containing VPA, VPAAnh, VPADiAnh and their acetylated derivatives. Relative reactivities of these compounds were estimated. The resulting polymers were characterized by viscosimetry, light scattering and NMR measurements. The complexity of the polymer structure increases with increasing anhydride content in the reaction feed as can be concluded from the 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectra. This finding is in accordance with a cyclopolymerization mechanism resulting in five‐ and six‐membered anhydride rings within the polymer chain.

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Morphology Development in Polymer Fibers undergoing Solvent/Non‐solvent Exchange
Authors: Dayal Pratyush , Kyu Thein
Published: November 2007

Summary: The solvent/non‐solvent interchange across the fiber surface affects the morphology of the fiber in various ways. In this paper, simulations have been performed to elucidate the diverse morphologies obtained during spinning of polymer fibers under the presence of a non‐solvent. The proposed model deals with a ternary system derived from Cahn‐Hilliard equation, alternatively known as Time Dependent Ginzburg Landau‐TDGL model B equation, involving the spatio‐temporal evolution of concentration order parameter. Depending on the coexistence region of the ternary phase diagram, various fiber morphologies including concentric bands, internal microfibrillar structures, and porous structures were discerned. It may be inferred that the formation of the aforementioned diverse morphologies is a direct consequence of the initial conditions of the starting mixtures in a manner governed by the relative rates of solvent/non‐solvent exchange and the dynamics of phase separation.
From limestone caves to concrete graves: 3000 years of mortuary practice in the Palauan archipelago, Micronesia
Authors: Fitzpatrick S. M. , Nelson G. C.
Published: November 2007

Human skeletal remains have been discovered from a variety of contexts in the Palauan archipelago of western Micronesia. These include caves, rockshelters, earthen mounds, stone platforms, midden burials, crypts, sarcophagi, and historic period gravesites. Recent excavation of a prehistoric cemetery in a rockshelter on Orrak Island dating from ca 1000 BC–AD 200, combined with nearly contemporaneous surface finds in caves on both Orrak and other nearby islands, shed light on the earliest known burial practices in Palau. Interment in limestone caves and rockshelters was then replaced in succession by burial in earthwork terraces, beneath stone platforms, in middens, within limestone slab crypts and at least one known stone sarcophagus, and finally in Western or Asian‐style gravesites with headstones. Here we present the first major synthesis of mortuary patterns in Palau from the earliest periods of known settlement (ca. 1000 BC) to modern times. Understanding how these burial practices change over time provides valuable insight into changing sociocultural practices within Palauan society, including how contact with outsiders during the historical period drastically altered traditional mortuary behaviours. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spin momentum transfer effects observed in electrodeposited Co/Cu/Co nanowires
Authors: Blon T. , Mátéfi-Tempfli M. , Mátéfi-Tempfli S. , Piraux L. , Fusil S. , Guillemet R. , Bouzehouane K. , Deranlot C. , Cros V.
Published: November 2007

Spin-transfer torque effects are reported in nanowires consisting in Co/Cu/Co trilayers electrodeposited on an anodic alumina template. Using a nanolithography process based on electrically controlled nanoindentation of the alumina template, we are able to investigate the spin transport properties of single nanowires at room temperature. For small applied magnetic fields, we have measured resistance changes above a critical direct-current (dc) injected current that corresponds to the change in resistance observed in the magnetoresistance curves at low current. We conclude that magnetic reversals are driven by a spin-polarized current. The critical current densities needed for the magnetization reversals are in the 107 A/cm2 range and the dependence of the critical currents with the applied field is consistent with the spin-transfer mechanism. For large applied magnetic fields, the differential resistance exhibits some peaks that we attribute to the onset of high-frequency excitations of the free-layer magnetization. According to the high density of electrodeposited nanowires in alumina templates, our results are promising for synchronized spin-transfer oscillators.
Tensile strain in arsenic heavily doped Si
Authors: Borot G. , Rubaldo L. , Clement L. , Pantel R. , Dutartre D. , Kuitunen K. , Slotte J. , Tuomisto F. , Mescot X. , Gri M. , Ghibaudo G.
Published: November 2007

In this paper we highlight the existence of tensile stress in heavily arsenic-doped epitaxial silicon (Si:As) prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition. Despite the large size of As atoms compared to Si ones, we demonstrate with x-ray diffraction and convergent electron beam diffraction that the heavily doped epitaxial layers show a tetragonal lattice with a reduced out of plane parameter. Using positron annihilation spectroscopy, we highlight the formation of arsenic-vacancies defects during the growth. We show that the tensile strain is related to this type of defects involving inactive As atoms and not to the As active concentration.
Influence of aspect ratio of carbon nanotube on percolation threshold in ferroelectric polymer nanocomposite
Authors: Yao Sheng-Hong , Dang Zhi-Min , Jiang Mei-Juan , Xu Hai-Ping , Bai Jinbo
Published: November 2007

Multiwall carbon nanotube (MWNT) with different aspect ratio (AR) was dispersed into ferroelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) to fabricate the MWNT/PVDF nanocomposites. An increase of dielectric constant with increasing the AR value was observed in the MWNT/PVDF composites. Meanwhile, the result showed that the change of percolation threshold displayed the same rule with that of critical exponent, and both of them increased with increase of AR in some extent, which provides an effective and simple way to describe the dielectric transition of practical composites in the neighborhood of percolation threshold with the scaling theory.
Cholangiocyte cilia express TRPV4 and detect changes in luminal tonicity inducing bicarbonate secretion
Authors: Gradilone Sergio A. , Masyuk Anatoliy I. , Splinter Patrick L. , Banales Jesus M. , Huang Bing Q. , Tietz Pamela S. , Masyuk Tatyana V. , LaRusso Nicholas F.
Published: November 2007

Cholangiocytes, epithelial cells lining the biliary tree, have primary cilia extending from their apical membrane into the ductal lumen. Although important in disease, cilia also play a vital role in normal cellular functions. We reported that cholangiocyte cilia are sensory organelles responding to mechanical stimuli (i.e., luminal fluid flow) by alterations in intracellular Ca
2+
and cAMP. Because cholangiocyte cilia are also ideally positioned to detect changes in composition and tonicity of bile, we hypothesized that cilia also function as osmosensors. TRPV4, a Ca
2+
-permeable ion channel, has been implicated in signal transduction of osmotic stimuli. Using purified rat cholangiocytes and perfused intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDUs), we found that TRPV4 is expressed on cholangiocyte cilia, and that hypotonicity induces an increase in intracellular Ca
2+
in a TRPV4-, ciliary-, and extracellular calcium-dependent manner. The osmosensation of luminal tonicity by ciliary TRPV4 induces bicarbonate secretion, the main determinant of ductal bile formation, by a mechanism involving apical ATP release. Furthermore, the activation of TRPV4
in vivo
, by its specific agonist, 4αPDD, induces an increase in bile flow as well as ATP release and bicarbonate secretion. Our results suggest that cholangiocyte primary cilia play an important role in ductal bile formation by acting as osmosensors.
A new Late Miocene great ape from Kenya and its implications for the origins of African great apes and humans
Authors: Kunimatsu Yutaka , Nakatsukasa Masato , Sawada Yoshihiro , Sakai Tetsuya , Hyodo Masayuki , Hyodo Hironobu , Itaya Tetsumaru , Nakaya Hideo , Saegusa Haruo , Mazurier Arnaud , Saneyoshi Mototaka , Tsujikawa Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ayumi , Mbua Emma
Published: November 2007

Extant African great apes and humans are thought to have diverged from each other in the Late Miocene. However, few hominoid fossils are known from Africa during this period. Here we describe a new genus of great ape (
Nakalipithecus nakayamai
gen. et sp. nov.) recently discovered from the early Late Miocene of Nakali, Kenya. The new genus resembles
Ouranopithecus macedoniensis
(9.6–8.7 Ma, Greece) in size and some features but retains less specialized characters, such as less inflated cusps and better-developed cingula on cheek teeth, and it was recovered from a slightly older age (9.9–9.8 Ma). Although the affinity of
Ouranopithecus
to the extant African apes and humans has often been inferred, the former is known only from southeastern Europe. The discovery of
N. nakayamai
in East Africa, therefore, provides new evidence on the origins of African great apes and humans.
N. nakayamai
could be close to the last common ancestor of the extant African apes and humans. In addition, the associated primate fauna from Nakali shows that hominoids and other non-cercopithecoid catarrhines retained higher diversity into the early Late Miocene in East Africa than previously recognized.
OFF ganglion cells cannot drive the optokinetic reflex in zebrafish
Authors: Emran Farida , Rihel Jason , Adolph Alan R. , Wong Kwoon Y. , Kraves Sebastian , Dowling John E.
Published: November 2007

Whereas the zebrafish retina has long been an important model system for developmental and genetic studies, little is known about the responses of the inner retinal neurons. Here we report single-unit ganglion cell recordings from 5- to 6-day-old zebrafish larvae. In wild-type larvae we identify at least five subtypes of ganglion cell responses to full-field illumination, with ON-OFF and ON-type cells predominating. In the
nrc
mutant retina, in which the photoreceptor terminals develop abnormally, we observe normal OFF responses but abnormal ON-OFF responses and no ON responses. Previously characterized as blind, these mutants lack an optokinetic reflex (OKR), but in another behavioral assay
nrc
mutant fish have near-normal responses to the offset of light and slow and sluggish responses to the onset of light. Pharmacological block of the ON pathway mimics most of the
nrc
visual defects. We conclude that the abnormal photoreceptor terminals in
nrc
mutants predominantly perturb the ON pathway and that the ON pathway is necessary to drive the OKR in larval zebrafish.
Small molecule regulators of autophagy identified by an image-based high-throughput screen
Authors: Zhang Lihong , Yu Jia , Pan Heling , Hu Ping , Hao Yan , Cai Wenqing , Zhu Hong , Yu Albert D. , Xie Xin , Ma Dawei , Yuan Junying
Published: November 2007

Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent cellular catabolic mechanism mediating the turnover of intracellular organelles and long-lived proteins. Reduction of autophagy activity has been shown to lead to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in neurons and may be involved in chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. To explore the mechanism of autophagy and identify small molecules that can activate it, we developed a series of high-throughput image-based screens for small-molecule regulators of autophagy. This series of screens allowed us to distinguish compounds that can truly induce autophagic degradation from those that induce the accumulation of autophagosomes as a result of causing cellular damage or blocking downstream lysosomal functions. Our analyses led to the identification of eight compounds that can induce autophagy and promote long-lived protein degradation. Interestingly, seven of eight compounds are FDA-approved drugs for treatment of human diseases. Furthermore, we show that these compounds can reduce the levels of expanded polyglutamine repeats in cultured cells. Our studies suggest the possibility that some of these drugs may be useful for the treatment of Huntington's and other human diseases associated with the accumulation of misfolded proteins.