bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia Modulates the Expression of Leucine Zipper‐Positive MYPT1 and its Interaction with Protein Kinase G and Rho Kinases in Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Singh Dev K. , Sarkar Joy , Raghavan Aarti , Reddy Sekhar P. , Raj J. Usha
Published: March 2012

We have shown previously that acute hypoxia downregulates protein kinase G (PKG) expression and activity in ovine fetal pulmonary vessels and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (SMC). Here, we report that acute hypoxia also reduces the expression of leucinezipper‐positive MYPT1 (LZ+ MYPT1), a subunit of myosin light chain (MLC) phosphatase, in ovine fetal pulmonary arterial SMC. We found that in hypoxia, there is greater interaction between LZ+MYPT1 and RhoA and Rho kinase 1 (ROCK1)/Rho kinase 2 (ROCK2) and decreased interaction between LZ+MYPT1 and PKG, resulting in increased MLC20 phosphorylation, a higher pMLC20/MLC20 ratio and SMC contraction. In normoxic SMC PKG overexpression, LZ+MYPT1 expression is upregulated while PKG knockdown had an opposite effect. LZ+MYPT1 overexpression enhanced the interaction between PKG and LZ+MYPT1. Overexpression of a mutant LZ−MYPT1 isoform in SMC mimicked the effects of acute hypoxia and decreased pMLC20/MLC20 ratio. Collectively, our data suggest that hypoxia downregulates LZ+MYPT1 expression by suppressing PKG levels, reduces the interaction of LZ+MYPT1 with PKG and promotes LZ+MYPT1 interaction with RhoA or ROCK1/ROCK2, thereby promoting pulmonary arterial SMC contraction.
Concordance and Correlates of Direct and Indirect Built Environment Measurement among Minority Women
Authors: McAlexander Kristen M. , Mama Scherezade K. , Medina Ashley V. , O'Connor Daniel P. , Lee Rebecca E.
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

To measure the concordance of directly and indirectly measured neighborhood attributes and to determine the correlates of the concordance between directly and indirectly measured built environment attributes.

Design.

Environmental cross-sectional design.

Setting.

Urban and suburban neighborhoods within Harris County, Houston, and Travis County, Austin, Texas.

Subjects.

Community-dwelling African-American and Hispanic or Latina women.

Measures.

Physical activity resource accessibility, path maintenance, and pedestrian and bicycle facilities were measured directly and indirectly. Directly or objectively measured neighborhood attributes were measured by the Physical Activity Resource Assessment and Pedestrian Environmental Data Scan instruments. Indirectly measured or self-reported neighborhood attributes were measured by the International Physical Activity Prevalence Study environmental survey module.

Analysis.

Logistic regression was used to measure the concordance between directly and indirectly measured neighborhood attributes with ethnicity as a covariate. Residual values were calculated to determine the strength and direction of concordance.

Results.

Participants' (N = 409) average body mass index (BMI) was classified as obese (MBMI = 34.5 kg/m2, SD = 7.9), and the mean body fat percentage was 42.8% (SD = 7.1). The correlates BMI, body fat percentage, physical activity, and ethnicity were not significantly associated with any built environment attribute or concordance value, and none of our models significantly predicted indirectly measured built environment attributes.

Conclusion.

Being less familiar with certain built environment attributes may not be associated with weight status or physical activity levels among African-American and Hispanic or Latina women.
Mediating Effects of Group Cohesion on Physical Activity and Diet in Women of Color: Health is Power
Authors: Lee Rebecca E. , O'Connor Daniel P. , Smith-Ray Renae , Mama Scherezade K. , Medina Ashley V. , Reese-Smith Jacqueline Y. , Banda Jorge A. , Layne Charles S. , Brosnan Marcella , Cubbin Catherine , McMillan Tracy , Estabrooks Paul A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

To determine the effects and mediating factors of a physical activity (PA) or vegetable and fruit (VF) group cohesion intervention.

Design.

Longitudinal design.

Setting.

Harris County and Travis County, Texas.

Participants.

Community-dwelling African-American and Hispanic or Latina women.

Intervention.

Three hundred ten women were randomized to a PA (n = 204) or VF (n = 106) intervention group. Women met in groups six times over the course of 6 months and were exposed to a group cohesion intervention to promote walking or to increase VF consumption.

Measures.

Women completed the International PA Questionnaire, National Cancer Institute VF and fat screeners, PA Group Environment Questionnaire, and 7-day accelerometer protocol at baseline and post-intervention.

Analyses.

The direct and mediated effects of the intervention on outcomes were evaluated using a mediational chain model, controlling for baseline values and covariates using path analysis.

Results.

Women were middle aged (mean = 44.4 years) and overweight or obese (mean body mass index = 34.0 kg/m2). PA increased and fat consumption decreased for both groups, whereas VF consumption increased for women in VF group only (all p <. 05). Increased task cohesion led to hypothesized increases in psychosocial factors in the PA group but not to behavioral changes.

Conclusions.

Group cohesion interventions may have psychological and physical health benefits for African-American and Hispanic or Latina women, but refinement of measures and intervention delivery is needed to determine whether hypothesized mediational pathways are valid.
Association of Toxoplasma gondii oocysts with fresh, estuarine, and marine macroaggregates
Authors: Shapiro Karen , Silver Mary W. , Largier John L. , Conrad Patricia A. , Mazet Jonna A. K.
Published: February 2012

The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a large proportion of threatened California sea otters (Enhydra lutris nereis), and is an important waterborne pathogen in humans. Contamination of coastal waters with T. gondii is thought to occur through delivery of environmentally resistant oocysts to nearshore regions via overland runoff. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether T. gondii oocysts and surrogate microspheres attach to aggregates (≥ 0.5 mm), and whether the magnitude of aggregation depends on water type, specifically salinity. Laboratory aggregation studies were conducted by adding T. gondii oocysts and surrogate microspheres to riverine, estuarine, and marine waters, and quantifying the proportion of oocysts and surrogates in aggregate‐rich and aggregate‐free water fractions. Attachment of oocysts and surrogates to aggregates occurred in all water types, but was greater in estuarine and marine waters, with concentrations of T. gondii in aggregates enriched 3–4 orders of magnitude. Aquatic aggregates may, thus, significantly influence waterborne transport of terrestrially derived pathogens, both through enhanced settling and subsequent concentration in the benthos, as well as by facilitating ingestion by invertebrate vectors that can transmit pathogens to susceptible hosts, including sea otters and humans.
Relationship Between Fall-Related Efficacy and Activity Engagement in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Schepens Stacey , Sen Ananda , Painter Jane A. , Murphy Susan L.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. Fear of falling can lead to restricted activity, but little is known about how this fear affects different aspects of people’s lives. This study examined the relationship between fall-related efficacy (i.e., confidence or belief in one’s ability to perform activities without losing balance or falling) and activity and participation.

METHOD. We conducted a meta-analysis of studies comparing community-dwelling older adults’ fall-related efficacy to measures of activity or participation.

RESULTS. An examination of 20 cross-sectional and prospective studies found a strong positive relationship between fall-related efficacy and activity (r = .53; 95% CI [.47, .58]). An insufficient number of studies examining fall-related efficacy and participation were available for analysis.

CONCLUSION. Low fall-related efficacy may be an important barrier to occupational engagement for many older adults and warrants careful consideration by occupational therapists. Future research should explore interventions that target fall-related efficacy and examine their effects on activity performance and engagement.
Measurement Characteristics of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey in an Age-Diverse Sample
Authors: Eakman Aaron M.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. This study evaluated the measurement characteristics of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) in an age-diverse sample.

METHOD. The sample included 154 older adults and 122 college students (age range = 18–100 yr). A Rasch–Andrich rating scale model was used to evaluate the EMAS. Analyses addressed rating scale design, person and item fit, item hierarchy, model unidimensionality, and differential item functioning.

RESULTS. Category functioning was improved by reducing the EMAS item responses to four categories. Adequate person response validity was established, and all but one EMAS item demonstrated an ideal fit to the Rasch measurement model. After establishing the item hierarchy, I found the EMAS to be a unidimensional measure. Differential item functioning was not detected using Bonferroni-adjusted statistical criteria.

CONCLUSION. The results confirm the potential to validly measure subjective qualities of meaningful activity participation. The EMAS can be used to evaluate processes and outcomes central to occupational therapy practice and to aid in the design of therapeutic occupations.
Fear of Falling and Its Relationship With Anxiety, Depression, and Activity Engagement Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Painter Jane A. , Allison Leslie , Dhingra Puneet , Daughtery Justin , Cogdill Kira , Trujillo Leonard G.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE. This study examined (1) the relationship of fear of falling to depression, anxiety, activity level, and activity restriction and (2) whether depression or anxiety predicted fear of falling, activity level, activity restriction, or changes in activity level.

METHOD. We administered the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly; the Geriatric Depression Scale–30; and the Hamilton Anxiety Scale, IVR Version, during a one-time visit to 99 community-dwelling adults ≥55 yr old.

RESULTS. We found significant relationships between (1) fear of falling and depression, anxiety, and activity level; (2) depression and anxiety; and (3) activity restriction and depression. Activity level was negatively correlated with activity restriction, fear of falling, depression, and anxiety. Anxiety predicted both fear of falling and activity level. Both anxiety and depression predicted activity restriction because of fear of falling and for other reasons.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should consider screening their older adult clientele for fear of falling, anxiety, and depression because these states may lead to fall risk and activity restriction.
The North Laine: A Visual Essay
Authors: Yuill Chris
Published: February 2012

The North Laine in Brighton provides a useful case study in exploring different ways of experiencing and imagining urban life. The area possess many distinctive street forms and supports counter-cultural lifestyles, which emphasise environmentalism and alternative forms of capitalism, such as cooperative and collective organisation of the workplace. Drawing on the ideas and theories of Henri Lefebvre the essay focuses on (1) the various social and historical process that have conditioned and influenced the development of the area and (2) the various social power relations that have both sustained the area, allowing it to develop into its current format, and in turn question its future. A visual methodological approach is used to present the data and to convey the distinctive aesthetic of The North Laine.
Looking for Africville - Complementary Visual Constructions of a Contended Space
Authors: Spencer Stephen
Published: February 2012

This paper explores the historical sources, personal narratives and representations of Africville, an area beside the Bedford Basin near Halifax in Nova Scotia which has been the site of a struggle for social justice and reparation since it was destroyed by the city of Halifax authorities over 40 years ago. The article examines the complex construction of the place as a source of identity and protest, the persistence of the community in memories and stories retrieved in walking the site with a former resident. Through careful consideration of video and still images, artworks and archive maps, the study traces the intersection of different discourses and shows how visual representations and their interpretation produce a complex understanding of place. Images, it is argued, have a different ontology to writing and produce a gradually unfolding, parallel argument. Africville is considered through a combination of traditional written texts, visual ethnographic sources and popular cultural signs, producing a complementary and intersubjective appreciation of a place and its lines of possibility.
A Video Testimony on Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion
Authors: Fahmy Eldin , Pemberton Simon
Published: February 2012

In this paper, we seek to illustrate the potential theoretical and methodological contributions that video research methods can make in advancing social-scientific understanding and informing public debates on social problems. We do so by presenting findings on the experience and impacts of poverty and exclusion based upon the video ‘testimony’ with 33 people experiencing low income in one relatively remote rural area, the County of Herefordshire. Based on these data and subsequent follow-up qualitative work, this study highlights the personal impacts of disadvantage associated with a denial of rights, assault on dignity, and processes of stigmatisation and disempowerment. In doing so it demonstrates the potential of video data both as an emerging social research practice in its own right and as a vehicle for giving voice to marginalised groups within wider public debates and policy development.
Characterization of near-highway submicron aerosols in New York City with a high-resolution aerosol mass spectrometer
Authors: Sun Y. L. , Zhang Q. , Schwab J. J. , Chen W.-N. , Bae M.-S. , Hung H.-M. , Lin Y.-C. , Ng N. L. , Jayne J. , Massoli P. , Williams L. R. , Demerjian K. L.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Knowledge of the variations of mass concentration, chemical composition and size distributions of submicron aerosols near roadways is of importance for reducing exposure assessment uncertainties in health effects studies. The goal of this study is to deploy and evaluate an Atmospheric Sciences Research Center-Mobile Laboratory (ASRC-ML), equipped with a suite of rapid response instruments for characterization of traffic plumes, adjacent to the Long Island Expressway (LIE) – a high-traffic highway in the New York City Metropolitan Area. In total, four measurement periods, two in the morning and two in the evening were conducted at a location approximately 30 m south of the LIE. The mass concentrations and size distributions of non-refractory submicron aerosol (NR-PM1) species were measured in situ at a time resolution of 1 min by an Aerodyne High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometer, along with rapid measurements (down to 1 Hz) of gaseous pollutants (e.g. HCHO, NO2, NO, O3, and CO2, etc.), black carbon (BC), and particle number concentrations and size distributions. Particulate organics varied dramatically during periods with high traffic influences from the nearby roadway. The variations were mainly observed in the hydrocarbon-like organic aerosol (HOA), a surrogate for primary OA from vehicle emissions. The inorganic species (sulfate, ammonium, and nitrate) and oxygenated OA (OOA) showed much smoother variations indicating minor impacts from traffic emissions. The concentration and chemical composition of NR-PM1 also varied differently on different days depending on meteorology, traffic intensity and vehicle types. Overall, organics dominated the traffic-related NR-PM1 composition (>60%) with HOA accounting for a major fraction of OA. The traffic-influenced organics showed two distinct modes in mass-weighted size distributions, peaking at ∼120 nm and 500 nm (vacuum aerodynamic diameter, Dva), respectively. OOA and inorganic species appear to be internally mixed in the accumulation mode peaking at ∼500–600 nm. The enhancement of organics in traffic emissions mainly occurred at ultrafine mode dominated by HOA, with little relation to the OOA-dominated accumulation mode. From Fast Mobility Particle Sizer (FMPS) measurements, a large increase in number concentration at ∼10 nm (mobility number mean diameter, Dm) was also found due to traffic influence; though these particles typically contribute a minor fraction of total particle mass. The observed rapid variations of aerosol chemistry and microphysics may have significant implications for near-highway air pollution characterization and exposure assessments.
Momentum and scalar transport within a vegetation canopy following atmospheric stability and seasonal canopy changes: the CHATS experiment
Authors: Dupont S. , Patton E. G.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. Momentum and scalar (heat and water vapor) transfer between a walnut canopy and the overlying atmosphere are investigated for two seasonal periods (before and after leaf-out), and for five thermal stability regimes (free and forced convection, near-neutral condition, transition to stable, and stable). Quadrant and octant analyses of momentum and scalar fluxes followed by space-time autocorrelations of observations from the Canopy Horizontal Array Turbulence Study's (CHATS) thirty meter tower help characterize the motions exchanging momentum, heat, and moisture between the canopy layers and aloft. During sufficiently windy conditions, i.e. in forced convection, near-neutral and transition to stable regimes, momentum and scalars are generally transported by sweep and ejection motions associated with the well-known canopy-top "shear-driven" coherent eddy structures. During extreme stability conditions (both unstable and stable), the role of these "shear-driven" structures in transporting scalars decreases, inducing notable dissimilarity between momentum and scalar transport. In unstable conditions, "shear-driven" coherent structures are progressively replaced by "buoyantly-driven" structures, known as thermal plumes; which appear very efficient at transporting scalars, especially upward thermal plumes above the canopy. Within the canopy, downward thermal plumes become more efficient at transporting scalars than upward thermal plumes if scalar sources are located in the upper canopy as the heat source. We explain these features by suggesting that: (i) downward plumes within the canopy correspond to large downward plumes coming from above, and (ii) upward plumes within the canopy are local small plumes induced by canopy heat sources where passive scalars are first injected if there sources are at the same location than heat sources. Above the canopy, these small upward thermal plumes aggregate to form larger scale upward thermal plumes. Furthermore, scalar quantities carried by downward plumes are not modified when penetrating the canopy and crossing upper scalar sources. Consequently, scalars appear to be preferentially injected into upward thermal plumes as opposed to in downward thermal plumes. In stable conditions, intermittent downward and upward motions probably related to elevated shear layers are responsible for canopy-top heat and water vapor transport through the initiation of turbulent instabilities, but this transport remains small. During the foliated period, lower-canopy heat and water vapor transport occurs through thermal plumes associated with a subcanopy unstable layer.
Validation of six years of SCIAMACHY carbon monoxide observations using MOZAIC CO profile measurements
Authors: de Laat A. T. J. , Dijkstra R. , Schrijver H. , Nédélec P. , Aben I.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. This paper presents a validation study of SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) carbon monoxide (CO) total column measurements from the Iterative Maximum Likelihood Method (IMLM) algorithm using vertically integrated profile aircraft measurements obtained within the MOZAIC project for the six year time period of 2003–2008. Overall we find a good agreement between SCIAMACHY and airborne measurements for both mean values – also on a year-to-year basis – as well as seasonal variations. Several locations show large biases that are attributed to local effects like orography and proximity of large emission sources. Differences were detected for individual years: 2003, 2004 and 2006 have larger biases than 2005, 2007 and 2008, which appear to be related to SCIAMACHY instrumental issues but require more research. Results from this study are consistent with, and complementary to, findings from a previous validation study using ground-based measurements (de Laat et al., 2010). Despite the presence of some biases, this study provides additional confidence that SCIAMACHY, if individual measurements are of sufficient quality – good signal-to-noise – can be used to determine the spatial distribution and seasonal cycles of CO total columns.
Subseafloor basalts as fungal habitats
Authors: Ivarsson M.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. The oceanic crust is believed to host the largest potential habitat for microbial life on Earth, yet, next to nothing is known about this deep, concealed biosphere. Here fossilised fungal colonies in subseafloor basalts are reported from three different seamounts in the Pacific Ocean. The fungal colonies consist of various characteristic structures interpreted as fungal hyphae, fruit bodies and spores. The fungal hyphae are well preserved with morphological characteristics such as hyphal walls, septa, thallic conidiogenesis, and hyphal tips with hyphal vesicles within. The fruit bodies consist of large (~50–200 μm in diameter) body-like structures with a defined outer membrane and an interior filled with calcite. The fruit bodies have at some stage been emptied of their contents of spores and filled by carbonate forming fluids. A few fruit bodies not filled by calcite and with spores still within support this interpretation. Spore-like structures (ranging from a few μm:s to ∼20 μm in diameter) are also observed outside of the fruit bodies and in some cases concentrated to openings in the membrane of the fruit bodies. The hyphae, fruit bodies and spores are all closely associated with a crust lining the vein walls that probably represent a mineralized biofilm. The results support a fungal presence in deep subseafloor basalts and indicate that such habitats were vital between ∼81 and 48 Ma, and probably still is. It is suggested that near future ocean drilling programs prioritize sampling of live species to better understand this concealed biosphere.
Climate variability of the mid- and high-latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere in ensemble simulations from 1500 to 2000 AD
Authors: Wilmes S. B. , Raible C. C. , Stocker T. F.
Published: February 2012

Abstract. To increase the sparse knowledge of long-term Southern Hemisphere (SH) climate variability, we assess an ensemble of 4 transient simulations over the last 500 yr performed with a state-of-the-art atmosphere ocean general circulation model. The model is forced with reconstructions of solar irradiance, greenhouse gas (GHG) and volcanic aerosol concentrations. A 1990 control simulation shows that the model is able to represent the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and to some extent the South Pacific Dipole (SPD) and the Zonal Wave 3 (ZW3). During the past 500 yr we find that SPD and ZW3 variability remain stable, whereas SAM shows a significant shift towards its positive state during the 20th century. Regional temperatures over South America are strongly influenced by changing both GHG concentrations and volcanic eruptions, whereas precipitation shows no significant response to the varying external forcing. For temperature this stands in contrast to proxy records, suggesting that SH climate is dominated by internal variability rather than external forcing. The underlying dynamics of the temperature changes generally point to a combination of several modes, thus, hampering the possibilities of regional reconstructing the modes from proxy records. The linear imprint of the external forcing is as expected, i.e. a warming for increase in the combined solar and GHG forcing and a cooling after volcanic eruptions. Dynamically, only the increase in SAM with increased combined forcing is simulated.
Prediction of Total Phenolic Content in Extracts ofPrunellaSpecies from HPLC Profiles by Multivariate Calibration
Authors: Sahin Saliha , Isik Esra , Demir Cevdet
Published: February 2012

The multivariate calibration methods—principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLSs)—were employed for the prediction of total phenol contents of fourPrunellaspecies. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and spectrophotometric approaches were used to determine the total phenol content of thePrunellasamples. Several preprocessing techniques such as smoothing, normalization, and column centering were employed to extract the chemically relevant information from the data after alignment with correlation optimized warping (COW). The importance of the preprocessing was investigated by calculating the root mean square error (RMSE) for the calibration set of the total phenol content ofPrunellasamples. The models developed based on the preprocessed data were able to predict the total phenol content with a precision comparable to that of the reference of the Folin-Ciocalteu method. PLS model seems preferable, because of its predictive and describing abilities and good interpretability of the contribution of compounds to the total phenol content. Multivariate calibration methods were constructed to model the total phenol content of thePrunellasamples from the HPLC profiles and indicate peaks responsible for the total phenol content successfully.
Detection and Control of Prion Diseases in Food Animals
Authors: Hedlin Peter , Taschuk Ryan , Potter Andrew , Griebel Philip , Napper Scott
Published: February 2012

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, represent a unique form of infectious disease based on misfolding of a self-protein (PrPC) into a pathological, infectious conformation (PrPSc). Prion diseases of food animals gained notoriety during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak of the 1980s. In particular, disease transmission to humans, to the generation of a fatal, untreatable disease, elevated the perspective on livestock prion diseases from food production to food safety. While the immediate threat posed by BSE has been successfully addressed through surveillance and improved management practices, another prion disease is rapidly spreading. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a prion disease of cervids, has been confirmed in wild and captive populations with devastating impact on the farmed cervid industries. Furthermore, the unabated spread of this disease through wild populations threatens a natural resource that is a source of considerable economic benefit and national pride. In a worst-case scenario, CWD may represent a zoonotic threat either through direct transmission via consumption of infected cervids or through a secondary food animal, such as cattle. This has energized efforts to understand prion diseases as well as to develop tools for disease detection, prevention, and management. Progress in each of these areas is discussed.
Three-Dimensional Site Characterization Model of Bangalore Using Support Vector Machine
Authors: Samui Pijush
Published: February 2012

The main objective of site characterization is the prediction ofin situsoil properties at any half-space point at a site based on limited tests. In this study, the Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been used to develop a three dimensional site characterization model for Bangalore, India based on large amount of Standard Penetration Test. SVM is a novel type of learning machine based on statistical learning theory, uses regression technique by introducingε-insensitive loss function. The database consists of 766 boreholes, with more than 2700 field SPT values () spread over 220 sq km area of Bangalore. The model is applied for corrected () values. The three input variables (, , and , where , , and are the coordinates of the Bangalore) were used for the SVM model. The output of SVM was the data. The results presented in this paper clearly highlight that the SVM is a robust tool for site characterization. In this study, a sensitivity analysis of SVM parameters (σ, , andε) has been also presented.
Polymers Based on Methacrylate Bearing Coumarin Side Group: Synthesis via Free Radical Polymerization, Monomer Reactivity Ratios, Dielectric Behavior, and Thermal Stabilities
Authors: Ayaz Nursel , Bezgin Feride , Demirelli Kadir
Published: February 2012

Copolymerization and homopolymerization of 7-methacryloyloxy coumarin (MAOC) and its copolymers with benzyl methacrylate (BMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), and isobuthyl methacrylate (IBMA) were performed by the free radical polymerization method (FRP) at low conversions (<15%). The resulting polymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, GPC, DSC, and TGA. The monomer reactivity ratios of MAOC and BMA were computed using Kelen-Tüdös (K-T) and Fineman-Ross (F-R) methods and were found to be r1=0.45, r2=1.29; r1=0.46; r2=1.33, respectively (r1 is monomer reactivity ratio of MAOC). Blends of poly(MAOC) and poly(BMA) obtained via FRP method were prepared by casting films from dichloromethane solution and were characterized by DTA and TGA techniques. Dielectric measurements for MAOC homopolymer and its copolymers with EMA, MMA, and IBMA were carried out by means of an impedance analyzer as a function of temperature and frequence. Dielectric properties of polymer samples prepared in a plate form were measured at room temperature over the frequency range 0.1 kHz–2 MHz and given as compared with each other.
A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study of Ugandan Students in Health Care Education regarding Postgraduate Migration and Future Practice
Authors: Kasangaki Arabat , Macnab Andrew , Gagnon Faith
Published: February 2012

A growing challenge of globalization is the migration of many healthcare trainees to richer nations when they complete their education. This loss of intellectual capital compromises the ability of low-income countries to provide adequate health care. Despite recognition of this loss most African nations keep no track of those they train. Effective investment in health care demands retention of this resource; the ability to direct healthcare providers where needed; understanding of local factors driving migration, choices regarding postgraduate training abroad, and future practice preference. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to a random sample of 200 Uganda College of Health Sciences students for anonymous completion; 141/200 (70.5%) were completed; 84% of respondents intended to pursue postgraduate studies abroad; 63% to migrate within five years of graduation; 57% to work in urban areas. While partly due to global trends and awareness of international opportunities, this negative trend of migration and shunning rural practice is also influenced by sociopolitical and educational elements within Uganda. One option (adopted elsewhere) is mandatory practice in government community health centers for a period following graduation. But the ethics, consequences, and implications of current international migratory trends need to be addressed locally and by the global medical education community.
Faecal Blending for Nutrient Enrichment and Speedy Sanitisation for Soil Fertility Improvement
Authors: Ogwang F. , Tenywa J. S. , Otabbong E. , Tumuhairwe J. B. , Amoding-Katusabe A.
Published: February 2012

Human faeces have been used for soil fertility improvement over time, but limited information is available on the value of this resource in Africa. The fear of the pathogenicity of the material hinders the realisation of its potential value in agriculture. A study was conducted at Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo in Uganda, to investigate the sanitising potential and nutrient enrichment capabilities of animal wastes on human faeces from Ecological Sanitation (EcoSan) toilets. Treatments included EcoSan human faeces (EHF) blended with either poultry manure (PM) or cattle manure (CM) mixed in the ratios of 1 : 1 (dry weight basis), before the mixtures were composted. The layout consisted of fifteen wooden composting boxes of 1 m−3 dimensions, laid above ground. Each box was lined with 1.5 m3 1000 um polythene. Poultry manure and its blend with EHF enhanced high temperature and concentrations of plant nutrients. Human faeces alone had meagre nutrients concentrations, but high K+. The high K+ was possibly due to inclusion of kitchen ash in the EcoSan toilets. Among the blended treatments, EHF + PM and EHF + CM achieved 100 and 75% sanitisation of E. coli and Enterococcus species, respectively.
Dynamics of Single-City Influenza with Seasonal Forcing: From Regularity to Chaos
Authors: Thornley John H. M. , France James
Published: February 2012

Seasonal and epidemic influenza continue to cause concern, reinforced by connections between human and avian influenza, and H1N1 swine influenza. Models summarize ideas about disease mechanisms, help understand contributions of different processes, and explore interventions. A compartment model of single-city influenza is developed. It is mechanism-based on lower-level studies, rather than focussing on predictions. It is deterministic, without non-disease-status stratification. Categories represented are susceptible, infected, sick, hospitalized, asymptomatic, dead from flu, recovered, and one in which recovered individuals lose immunity. Most categories are represented with sequential pools with first-order kinetics, giving gamma-function progressions with realistic dynamics. A virus compartment allows representation of environmental effects on virus lifetime, thence affecting reproductive ratio. The model's behaviour is explored. It is validated without significant tuning against data on a school outbreak. Seasonal forcing causes a variety of regular and chaotic behaviours, some being typical of seasonal and epidemic flu. It is suggested that models use sequential stages for appropriate disease categories because this is biologically realistic, and authentic dynamics is required if predictions are to be credible. Seasonality is important indicating that control measures might usefully take account of expected weather.
Investigation of the Catalytic Performance of a Novel Nickel/Kit-6 Nanocatalyst for the Hydrogenation of Vegetable Oil
Authors: Usman M. A. , Alaje T. O. , Ekwueme V. I. , Awe E. A.
Published: February 2012

Highly ordered mesoporous materials are opening the door to new opportunities in catalysis due to their extraordinary intrinsic features. In this study, Nickel was supported on highly ordered mesoporous silica (KIT-6) by the wet impregnation method, and its performance in the hydrogenation of edible vegetable oil was compared with that of Ni/Activated carbon prepared using the same method as well as with unsupported Nickel. The degree of conversion for the 50 : 50 Ni/KIT-6 was 81%, as compared to the 29% obtained with 50 : 50 Ni/Activated carbons. The conversion was found to improve with an increase in mass of supported Nickel on KIT-6 thus 20 : 80 Ni/KIT-6 and 30 : 70 Ni/KIT-6 produced conversions of 71% and 74%, respectively. Key among the benefits of KIT-6 when used as a support material is the very high surface area, open framework of the 3D bicontinuous interconnected channels, and the well-ordered mesopores which bestow on it an advanced mass transfer characteristics.
Validated HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of Atenolol and Aspirin in Bulk Drug and Formulation
Authors: Bhusari Vidhya K. , Dhaneshwar Sunil R.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes a new, simple, precise, and accurate HPTLC method for simultaneous estimation of Atenolol and Aspirin as the bulk drug and in tablet dosage forms. Chromatographic separation of the drugs was performed on aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60 F254 as the stationary phase and the solvent system consisted of n-butanol : water : acetic acid (8 : 2 : 0.2 v/v/v). Densitometric evaluation of the separated zones was performed at 235 nm. The two drugs were satisfactorily resolved with values and for Atenolol and Aspirin, respectively. The accuracy and reliability of the method was assessed by evaluation of linearity (100–600 ng/spot for Atenolol and Aspirin), precision (intraday % RSD was 0.48–1.03 and interday % RSD was 0.68–1.14 for Atenolol, and intraday % RSD was 0.61–1.03 and interday % RSD was 0.69–1.04 for Aspirin), accuracy ( for Atenolol and for Aspirin), and specificity in accordance with ICH guidelines.
Effect of Urea, NPK and Compost on Growth and Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L.), in Semi-Arid Region of Sudan
Authors: Yagoub Samia Osman , Ahmed Wigdan Mohamed Ali , Mariod A. A.
Published: February 2012

A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive seasons (2009/2010 and 2010/2011) on the Demonstration Farm of the College of Agricultural Studies, Sudan University of Science and Technology at Shambat, to study the effect of some fertilizers on growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L. merril). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. The fertilizers treatments consisted of three types of fertilizers: urea (180 kg/ha), NPK (361 kg/ha), compost (%) and the control. The results showed that fertilizers treatments in first season had significant difference on number of pods/plant, economic yield, harvest index. Mean while, highly significant difference on green, biological and straw yield. In second season fertilizers treatments had significant difference on plant height at 30 days, leaf area at 45 and 60 days, green yield, biological yield and straw yield.
Factors Associated with Vitamin D Deficiency and Inadequacy among Women of Childbearing Age in the United States
Authors: Zhao Guixiang , Ford Earl S. , Tsai James , Li Chaoyang , Croft Janet B.
Published: March 2012

Objective. To examine the prevalence and correlates of vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy among US women of childbearing age. Methods. Data from 1,814 female participants (20–44 y) in the 2003–2006 NHANES were analyzed to estimate the age-adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for vitamin D deficiency (defined as serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <12.0 ng/mL) and inadequacy (defined as 25(OH)D: 12.0–<20.0 ng/mL). Results. The age-adjusted prevalence was 11.1% (95% CI: 8.8–14.0%) for vitamin D deficiency and 25.7% (95% CI: 22.3–29.5%) for vitamin D inadequacy. Race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic white and obesity were associated with increased risks, whereas dietary supplement use, milk consumption of ≥1 time/day, and potential sunlight exposure during May-October were associated with decreased risks for both vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy (). Current smoking and having histories of diabetes and cardiovascular disease were also associated with an increased risk for vitamin D deficiency (). Conclusions. Among women of childbearing age, periconceptional intervention programs may focus on multiple risk factors for vitamin D deficiency and inadequacy to ultimately improve their vitamin D nutrition.
Algebraic Characterization of Isometries of the Hyperbolic 4-Space
Authors: Gongopadhyay Krishnendu
Published: February 2012

We classify isometries of the real hyperbolic 4-space by their conjugacy
classes of centralizers. We use the representation of the isometries by quaternionic matrices to obtain this characterization. Another characterization in terms
of conjugacy invariants is also given.
Fournier's Gangrene: Conventional Dressings versus Dressings with Dakin's Solution
Authors: Altunoluk Bülent , Resim Sefa , Efe Erkan , Eren Mustafa , Benlioglu Can , Kankilic Nazim , Baykan Halit
Published: March 2012

Purpose. Fournier’s gangrene is a fulminant and destructive inflammation of the scrotum, penis, and perineum. The objective of this study was to compare 2 different approaches to wound management after aggressive surgical debridement. Methods. Data from 14 patients with Fournier’s gangrene were retrospectively collected (2005–2011). Once the patients were stabilized following surgery, they were treated with either daily antiseptic (povidone iodine) dressings (group I, n=6) or dressings with dakin’s solution (sodium hypochloride) (group II, n=8). Results. The mean age of the patients was 68.2 ± 7.8 (55–75) years in group I and 66.9 ± 10.2 (51–79) years in group II. Length of hospital stay was 13 ± 3.5 (7–16) days in group I and 8.9 ± 3.0 (4–12) days in group II (P<0.05). The number and rate of mortality was 1/6 (16.7%) in group I, and 1/8 (12.5%) in group II. Conclusions. The hospitalization time can be reduced with the use of dakin’s solution for the dressings in the treatment of FG. Also, dressings with dakin’s solution seems to have favorable effects on morbidity and mortality. Consequently dakin’s solution may alter the treatment of this disastrous disease by reducing cost, morbidity and mortality.
US University Learner Attitudes towards Foreign Language Writing
Authors: Hubert Michael D.
Published: March 2012

Language acquisition research strongly suggests that writing is essential to modern language instruction. Current best practice dictates that some form of target language writing be part of almost every type of foreign language (FL) course. However, FL instructors often receive complaints from students concerning the writing required in different FL courses. Many instructors appear to believe that their students have negative attitudes towards FL writing, and that negative attitudes may hurt student motivation. This paper reports on a survey of 759 FL students enrolled at a midsized university in the western United States. These students were asked to describe their FL writing assignments, their personal FL writing, and their attitudes towards the importance of writing to their language acquisition. Results indicate overall very positive attitudes towards FL writing among these students, as well as plans reported by the majority of students to continue to write in their FL after college.
Analytical Approximation to the Solution of Nonlinear Blasius’ Viscous Flow Equation by LTNHPM
Authors: Aminikhah Hossein
Published: February 2012

Laplace transform and new homotopy perturbation methods are adopted to study Blasius’ viscous flow equation analytically. The solutions approximated by the proposed method are shown to be precise as compared to the corresponding results obtained by Howarth’s numerical method. A high accuracy of the new method is evident.
On Estimating Fluxes due to Small-Scale Turbulent Convection in a Rotating Star
Authors: Gough D. O.
Published: February 2012

The way in which turbulent fluxes are usually represented in computations of large-scale flow in the convection zones of the sun and other stars is briefly described. A model of an ensemble of eddies that is capable of generalization to circumstances more complicated than the usual essentially spherically symmetrical convection zone is outlined. Generalization usually requires the introduction of new postulates, and, in so doing, also lays bare some of the assumptions, often implicit, in the usual mixing-length formalisms.
The effect of perennials as green manure on cereal productivity and disease incidence
Authors: Skuodiene R. , Nekrosiene R.
Published: February 2012

Field experiments were conducted at the Vezaiciai Branch of the Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry during the period 2002-2007. They were designed to ascertain the effects of phytomass of different perennial pre-crops used for green manure on the productivity and on the occurrence of foliar fungal diseases of cereal agrocenoses. Plant residues and phytomass ploughed down as green manures positively affected cereal indices of crop productivity not only for the first but for the second year as well. It influenced the productivity of cereal segments. The largest amount of metabolizable energy was in the yield of cereal sequence under white clover (Trifolium repens L.) —83.23-84.76% GJ ha–1. The potential accumulated by perennials of the second year of development was more efficiently utilised by winter triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) cv. ‘Tevo’, and that of perennials of the third year of development was more efficiently utilised by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cv. ‘Ula’. Perennials had a significant effect on the spread of foliar diseases in winter triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) agrocenoses. The severity of the disease was 1.1-1.3 times higher in the winter triticale (Triticosecale Wittm.) treatments with white clover (Trifolium repens L.) pre-crops. Foliar disease incidence and severity was 1.1-1.2 times higher in the agrocenoses of spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) after legumes of the third year of development, especially after lucerne (Medicago sativa L.).
Application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the production of cut flower roses under commercial-like conditions
Authors: Garmendia I. , Mangas V. J.
Published: February 2012

The objective of this work was to study the influence of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) - Glomus mosseae (Nicol. & Gerd.) Gerd. & Trappe, and G. intraradices (Schenck & Smith) - on cut flower yield of rose (Rosa hybrida L. cv. Grand Gala) under commercial-like greenhouse conditions. Flower production was positively influenced by G. mosseae inoculation. Both inocula tested caused low levels of mycorrhizal root colonization, with higher percentages in Rosa associated with G. mosseae. Significant improvement of plant biomass or leaf nutritional status was not detected in inoculated plants probably due to the low symbiosis establishment. However, G. mosseae induced an early flowering and slightly increased number of cut flowers relative to non-mycorrhizal controls. It is suggested that an altered carbohydrate metabolism could contribute to this positive effect. Low colonization of rose roots supports the idea that more effort is required to ensure successful application of AMF in ornamental production systems.
Short communication. Estimation of cross-fertilization rate in saff lower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Velasco L. , Fischer M. , Fernandez-Martinez J. M.
Published: February 2012

Safflower is a promising oilseed crop for the production of specialty oils in the Mediterranean area. Oil quality traits such as high oleic acid content, high linoleic acid content, high saturated fatty acid content, or high gamma-tocopherol content have been developed in this crop. The traits are controlled by the genotype of the developing embryo and therefore they are influenced by the presence of foreign pollen. The objective of this research was to study the rate of cross-fertilization in safflower using the high oleic acid trait as a biochemical marker. An experiment in which each high oleic plant was surrounded by 24 low oleic acid plants was conducted over three environments in the same location at Córdoba, Spain. The average rate of cross-fertilization in the three environments was 5.7, 12.1, and 13.2%, though higher frequencies up to 35.9% were detected at the single-plant level and up to 58.3% at the single-head level. The low average outcrossing frequencies identified in this research indicate no need for large isolation distances between conventional cultivars and cultivars with special oil characteristics. However, the occurrence of a significant outcrossing rate should be taken into consideration if transgenic safflower is to be cultivated close to conventional safflower or in areas of distribution of wild Carthamus species.