bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consideration of the nature of the case in which a foreign court decision has been rendered, subject to recognition and enforcement in the Russian Federation
Authors: Gaponov Marat Damirovich
Published: April 2022

The subject of the study is the legal specifics of the recognition of decisions made by foreign justice institutions and their subsequent execution by the nature of the case. The presented aspects are an integral component of effective modern cross-border legal interaction, and also provide practical guarantees for the protection of the rights of its direct participants. In the context of a specific mechanism of legal regulation of the international turnover of variable judicial acts, the most significant point is the establishment of the object of the recognition in question and subsequent execution. Within the framework of our state, the specifics of recognition and enforcement are provided for by the provisions of relevant international treaties, as well as the norms of current domestic federal legislation вЂ“ in cases where it is a question of recognizing decisions for which there is no need for enforcement. The provisions of the Minsk Convention of the CIS countries, the Kiev Agreement of the CIS countries, the variable bilateral treaties of our state establishing the rules of legal assistance, other international treaties, the norms of which fix the procedure for recognition and subsequent enforcement of decisions taken by foreign justice institutions, the norms of current domestic legislation and current accumulated law enforcement practice. The author focuses on the analysis of current trends in the regulation of these relations, including through the use of relevant materials of the development of the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil and Commercial Cases, which indicates the novelty of the study. The main conclusion of the study is to identify the variable directions of determining the range of foreign court decisions that are recognized and enforced, while taking into account the features of judicial acts and relevant proceedings that determine their formation. When analyzing a foreign court decision as a specific object of appropriate recognition and enforcement, several aspects are subject to consideration, first of all, we are talking about the nature of the individual case in connection with which the decision in question was made.
The concept and features of Internet advertising as a result of intellectual activity
Authors: Stotland Boris Igorevich
Published: April 2022

In the era of digitalization, attracting attention to goods, works and services on the Internet is becoming increasingly difficult. In this regard, Internet advertising is becoming more creative, which may indicate that it should be considered as a result of intellectual activity. The author has studied in detail the signs and criteria of the protectability of advertising distributed on the Internet in order to identify the possibility of recognizing it as a result of intellectual activity. Special attention is paid by the author to the issues of copyright distribution on Internet advertising, which was created using artificial intelligence technology. As a result of the conducted research, the author analyzes and characterizes the signs and such criteria of the Internet advertising's protectability as creative character, originality and objective form in order to recognize it as a result of intellectual activity. The author draws conclusions about the need to recognize Internet advertising as works protected by copyright, if it meets the criteria of protection established by law. The author's special contribution to the research of the topic is the formulation of the definition of Internet advertising as a result of intellectual activity, and the procedure for distributing copyrights to advertising works created with the help of artificial intelligence in order to provide additional legal guarantees to the authors of such works is also proposed.
Childhood traumas as the source of Salvador Dali's creativity
Authors: Iakovleva Elena
Published: April 2022

The object of the study of the article were some episodes from the childhood of Salvador Dali, left without the attention of scientists. Analytical and biographical methods were chosen as the main research methods. After analyzing the psychoanalytic literature on the problem of trauma, the diary entries of the genius and the research literature about him, some negative situations from the childhood of Salvador Dali were identified. Among them, we will highlight the trauma of birth, the violation of marital fidelity on the part of the father, the specifics of parental education, orienting the child to the ideal in the image of a deceased brother, self-admiration with a mirror image. These injuries contributed to the fact that Salvador Dali became a narcissistic and ambivalent personality. For the first time, the life of a genius is viewed from the perspective of his childhood traumatic experience. Thanks to this, it turned out to be possible to clarify some of the features of the genius's psyche that influenced his life and work. He replaced his own Self with the ideal Self, honing it to perfection and engaging in self-admiration. The genius was an insecure person, hiding behind shocking audacity. All his life, the Spaniard tossed between conflicting feelings, put forward antinomic judgments, could not make decisions. It must be recognized that childhood traumas played not only a negative role in the Spaniard's life manifestations, but also became a source of creativity. Through him, Salvador Dali used artistic means to expose his injuries in the surreal world, trying to reduce their negative pressure on life and rationally work out problems. The traumatic experience of Salvador Dali and its prolonged effect, which formed an ambivalent personality in him, require further study and analysis of the consequences in various creative searches of the genius.
Diagnostic possibilities of using the "Method of color metaphors" by I.L. Solomin in the study of codependent behavior in women
Authors: Meshcheryakova Tat'yana Anatol'evna , Gamzina Elena Vladimirovna
Published: April 2022

The purpose of the study was to identify the possibility of using the "Method of color metaphors" by I.L. Solomin in the diagnosis of latent motivation of a codependent personality and the use of the data obtained to compile a program of psychocorrective measures. The article focuses on the basic and actual needs of a codependent personality, for predicting and correcting behavior and condition. We assume that the study of the basic needs of the surveyed women will allow us to determine the targets of correctional work and will allow us to develop a plan for psychological interaction with people who have a codependent personal profile. Working with codependency is an important aspect in the context of therapy and rehabilitation of a dependent personality. В  In this study, the following methods were used: questionnaire, Spann-Fischer's "Scale for measuring the level of codependency", adapted by V. D. Moskalenko; I. L. Solomin's Method of Color Metaphors. As a result of the research, data reflecting the profile of a codependent personality were obtained: basic needs, attitude to loved ones, attitude to oneself (the ratio of ideal and real images of "I"), attitude to the life process: present, past and future, etc. Also, the information obtained has practical significance, as they are guidelines for building a psychocorrective program, which is reflected in the final part of the article.
Cultural and psychological concept of art (continuing and overcoming M. Bakhtin and L.Vygotsky)
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: April 2022

The article outlines and develops a cultural and psychological concept of art. At the same time, the author starts from the concepts and understanding of the art of M. Bakhtin and L. Vygotsky, which he analyzed in his other works. For a better understanding of the theses, three cases are considered and analyzed: the novel by Israeli writer Meir Shalev "Two Bears Came out of the Forest", a poem by Marina Tsvetaeva and the process of discovering an artistic image by a small child. The author discusses several issues: problems that could worry Shalev and his readers, some features of the author's work that allowed to create an artistic reality of this work, features of artistic reality, a mental mechanism that generates strong emotions of readers. The techniques and expressive means used by Shalev during the creation of his novel are analyzed. The factors (semiotic, personal, cultural) that determine the independent existence of artistic reality, as well as the naturalness and realism of its events are discussed. These events are more real and natural because Shalev opens the way for the reader to the events of artistic reality, allows him to see the whole, emphasizes the most important. Shalev's genius as a storyteller, his wonderful language also plays a big role. It is concluded that the necessary conditions for the creation of artistic reality and the living of its events are the semiosis of art and a special form of human life in art (leisure according to Aristotle, "non-utilitarian form of life", according to the author).
Features of mental states and academic performance of students with a high level of academic procrastination
Authors: Barinova Oksana Gennad'evna , Korolev Andrei Aleksandrovich , Lyapina Sabina Sergeevna
Published: April 2022

Academic procrastination of students remains an actual and significant subject of research in many psychological schools, directions of both domestic and foreign authors. In this paper, an attempt is made to scientifically study the phenomenon of academic procrastination in medical students, and also presents a meaningful analysis of the mental states of students with various academic success and showing a high level of academic procrastination. One of the methodological bases of the study was the classification of procrastination types according to N. Milgram. The respondents in our study were medical students of the 1st and 6th courses in the number of 80 people. At the empirical stage, the following methods were used: "Self-assessment of mental states" by G. Eysenck; "PASS procrastination Assessment Scale" by M. V. Zvereva; methods of mathematical processing of research results (Mann-Whitney U-criterion; Kruskal-Wallis criterion; Pearson correlation analysis). В  The paper reveals the frequency of the manifestation of academic procrastination and the peculiarities of mental states in medical students studying in the first and sixth years. Statistically significant differences were found between first- and sixth-year respondents in the frequency and quality of academic procrastination. In addition, the links between a high level of academic procrastination, mental states (anxiety, frustration, aggressiveness, rigidity) and the academic performance of medical students were determined. For some correlations, clinical characteristics of the mental states of highly procrastinating students are given. The novelty of the study lies in the fact that mental states are considered not only as a cause, but also as a consequence of academic procrastination of students. The results of the study may provide valuable provisions for the construction of clinical observations in order to describe the personal characteristics of students with a high level of academic procrastination. The further development of preventive measures and correctional activities for the prevention of mental states contributing to the development of tendencies to personality disorders of highly procrastinating students is promising.
The concept of delusion - "delusion" - in the works of A. Beers (on the example of the analysis of female images in the collection "The Fiend's Delight")
Authors: Demenyuk Veronika Maksimovna , Menshchikova Maria Konstantinovna
Published: April 2022

The object of analysis in this article is the first collection of American writer and publicist Ambrose Bierce "The Fiend's Delight", released in England under the pseudonym Dod Grill. The subject of the study is the analysis of female images in the collection in the context of the concept of delusion - "delusion". The need for such an analysis arises because, as the main causes of the decline of morality, the misconceptions in which modern society in the United States finds itself, firstly, the problem of education, the responsibility for which in traditional society lies with a woman, and secondly, the observed destruction of the traditional institution of the family, in which a woman acted as the archetypal guardian of the "home hearth". The scientific novelty of the research is due to the introduction into scientific circulation of the untranslated texts of Ambrose Bierce's first literary publication, as well as the selected perspective of the study of A. Bierce's depiction of female images in relation to the concept of delusion. The article uses descriptive, cultural-historical and sociological methods. It can be concluded that the key concept of delusion for the entire creative heritage of the author - "delusion" - was formulated already within the framework of the collection "The Fiend's Delight", the characters of which are in a painful gap with reality, especially with regard to female images, their inclusion in the circle of social and gender issues. Women are portrayed tragically: they are not capable of independent existence and by their nature personify an irrational principle that does not allow them to find their place in a material rationalistic society. On the other hand, they are unable to serve their nature as a mother and wife, because in marriage a woman becomes a hostage of her position and is suppressed by an aggressive masculine principle.
Verbal influence of the individual on the subconscious of the recipient of the text through the use of phraseological units
Authors: Mityushina Margarita Sergeevna
Published: April 2022

The article examines the ways of the individual's influence on the subconscious of the recipient of the text using phraseological units (FE) in it. The FE functions are presented in the context of their influence on the subconscious of the individual, the main one is highlighted вЂ” the emotional evaluation of the object of the nomination by the speaker. Phraseology, in our opinion, is of the greatest interest for studying the peculiarities of the verbalization of personality characteristics, due to the fact that the phraseological unit reflects the linguistic picture of the human world along with his background knowledge, national and cultural characteristics of the linguistic community to which he belongs, and contains the evaluative attitude of the speaker in its meaning. It is proved that the main way of FE formation due to the fact that the phraseological unit reflects the linguistic picture of the human world along with his background knowledge, national and cultural characteristics of the linguistic community, is metaphorization, closely related to the activity of the subconscious of the individual. It is concluded that the speaker's influence on the recipient's subconscious through the use of FE depends on the addressee's attitude to the object of his assessment, his behavior, actions, value orientations, character qualities, on which the addressee wants to exert a regulating influence through the emotionally expressive content of his utterance.The relevance of this study is determined by a steadily increased general linguistic interest in both phraseology and psychological aspects of personality.
Classification of female archetypal images in a literary text
Authors: Liashenko Tatiana
Published: April 2022

The article gives a brief overview of the existing classifications of female archetypal images. The author offers his own classification based on the developments of Tom Chetwind, which, in turn, are based on the works of C.G. Jung and are widely used in domestic and foreign psychoanalysis. The terminology of closely related ties used in the classification reflects the understanding of human ties inherited from the era of the tribal system: all members of the tribe were considered as relatives, united by one or another ties, standing in one or another relation to each other. It is noted that archetypal images can appear in a literary text from both the positive and negative (shadow) sides. The main conclusion reached by the author of the article is the following: the proposed classification seems to be the most appropriate for the purposes of literary analysis, since it describes archetypal images not as a set of static features, but as dynamic relationships within the plot. The novelty of the author's approach is also due to the introduction of the concept of "coordinator's point" (the term of I.N. Kalinauskas), which makes the model developed by the author applicable mainly for analyzing the features of the coexistence of "male" and "female" in a literary text. This approach assumes that the masculine and feminine are complementary, are simultaneously in opposition and interaction and are a condition for each other's existence: the masculine is manifested against the background of the feminine and vice versa.
Computer science and information vision of the world from the standpoint of the principle of materialistic monism
Authors: Popov Nikolai Andreevich
Published: April 2022

The subject of this study is the problem of the failure of attempts by the scientific community to come to a common understanding of what exactly information can be as something encoded into material structures and moved along with them. At the same time, the following aspects of this problem are considered in detail: what is the immediate cause of the information problem; what are the objective and subjective prerequisites for its appearance; why the unresolved nature of this problem does not interfere with the creation and development of communication systems, control and other "smart" devices; is there any general guideline for finding solutions to such problems, and what is it; what role did the philosophy of information play in turning the problem of information from a private scientific problem into a problem of the ideological level. The main results of the conducted research are as follows: the immediate cause of the information problem has been identified and a comprehensively substantiated solution to this problem has been given; it has been revealed that the incompleteness of the materialistic theory of cognition has become a fertile ground for the appearance of this problem; the circumstances that prevented its completion have been identified; the natural mechanism of control and cognition has been revealed, as a result of which the materialistic theory of cognition has been further developed the source of the ideal in the material world is revealed; it is shown that the mechanistic idea of information coding made the concept of information incompatible with the presence of any objective content; it is revealed what is actually hidden behind the words about information coding and its measurement; the nature of signals and signs is revealed; a kind of bias of the philosophy of information and a general error is revealed all known concepts of information.
Musical theater during the reign of Anna Ioannovna (1730-1740): the embodiment of ambitious plans and aesthetic preferences of the Empress
Authors: Kim Vita Myriam Georgievna
Published: April 2022

The article touches upon the problem of the influence of Anna Ioannovna's personal qualities on the formation of the Russian musical theater. Despite the fact that historians generally critically evaluate the results of the reign of this tsarina, her contribution to the development of Russian musical theater was significant and, according to the author, not fully appreciated. According to the researchers, it was thanks to the initiatives of Peter the Great's niece that opera seria came to Russia and reigned for many years. However, the question "was it Anna Ioannovna's merit that after her reign, in the last quarter of the XVIII century, the opera art in Russia experienced an upsurge?" was not raised. The scientific novelty of the study consists in establishing a causal relationship between the aesthetic preferences of the Empress and the musical and historical processes that led to the birth of Russian opera over several decades. The paper uses methods of analysis and synthesis of the found historical evidence, taking into account the works of domestic and foreign scientists. The main conclusions of the study are the reassessment of the historical role of Anna Ioannovna as the initiator of the development of the national musical theater. In fact, the Empress played one of the key roles in the preparation of the Russian Enlightenment. The information given in the article has practical significance and can be recommended for use in the educational process as an addition to lecture materials.
The Problem of action and the problem of language: the "late" Wittgenstein as an anthropologist
Authors: Kulikov Anton Kirillovich
Published: April 2022

The theoretical gap with the action actually performed is one of the fundamental problems of anthropology and the theory of action. To understand it, it is worth turning to the antitheoretical and anti-formalist pathos of the "late" Wittgenstein, which opposes all attempts to describe action and language (understood as activity) in terms of rules and abstract structures. A critical analysis of the assumptions of intellectualism borrowed from simple common sense (for example, about following a rule) allows us to show that the logical analysis of action and language deals not with a real language, but with an artificially created abstraction. The article attempts to show the positive significance of this criticism. The main conclusion of the study is that a thinker is able to adequately understand action and language if he also makes his own scientific attitude to them the subject of his analysis. Only in this way can we hope to transform Wittgenstein's antitheoretical pathos into the basis of a constructive study of action and language. The tools of scientific analysis are often much more rigorous and logical than its subject. Wittgenstein's analysis of language games and the life form behind them is an attempt to avoid such too strict and too logical methods and constructions in anthropology, philosophy of action and philosophy of language. The novelty of the research lies in the application of Wittgenstein's ideas to clarify the weaknesses and difficulties faced by the humanities (linguistics, anthropology) in the XX century and today, as well as to find a way out of these difficulties. The relevance of the work is connected with the great interest of modern logicians and philosophers in Wittgenstein's work, with the urgent need to identify new ways of developing philosophical anthropology.
On the media representation of the universal category of culture "sinfulness"
Authors: Semukhina Elena Aleksandrovna , Shindel Svetlana Vladimirovna
Published: April 2022

This article aims to analyze the manifestation of the universal axiological cultural category of sinfulness in the media space. The study's subject was this category's properties and functions, which are actualized when represented in digital media. In accordance with this goal, we used such methods as continuous sampling and observation of the facts of the representation of cultural categories, which allowed us to determine the linguistic material for analysis and a statistical method for quantitative analysis. The content analysis of the units selected for the study was used to identify the role, properties, and main functions of the universal axiological category of sinfulness. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that, for the first time, the universal nature of the category of sinfulness, its functions and properties, represented in media publications, were considered. Main conclusions: the study of the facts of actualization of the category of sinfulness in the media space allowed us to assert that the phenomenon under study is associated with topics such as politics, crime (in news media), and the assessment of citizens' behavior and morality (in religious media). These facts indicate that the primary function of the category of sinfulness is regulatory, aimed at evaluating and correcting the actions of members of society, as well as creating public opinion. In addition, the article proves that the category of sinfulness has transcultural properties, penetrating and being realized in all cultural layers, from local to global. In these cultural layers, the nature of the category acquires a different shade. In particular, at the global level, the category of sinfulness acquires the meaning of guilt, which is a consequence of the significant influence of Western culture on the global culture. It seems that the revealed properties of the category indicate its high importance for modern Russian society. The established regulatory function will make it possible to apply this category, including within the framework of regulating and managing public opinion and promoting basic values.
A method of identifying cell suspension concentration based on bioimpedance spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Sheng-Long , Yang Lu , Zhu Cheng-Jun , Liu Kai , Han Wei , Yao Jia-Feng ,   College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China,   Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China,   Nanjing Stomatological Hospital Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
Published: April 2022

Based on bioimpedance spectroscopy technology, a method of automatically identifying the cell suspension concentration is proposed. This method combines multiple linear regression algorithm and bioimpedance spectroscopy technology, which can identify the concentration of cell suspension quickly and accurately. Firstly, a strategy of random distribution of cell locations is proposed to simulate the true existence of cells. Secondly, 2400 groups of normal, cancerous and mixed cell models with different concentrations are generated by numerical simulation and their bioimpedance spectroscopy data are calculated.Thirdly, the multiple linear regression algorithm (MLR), support vector machine (SVM), and gradient boosting regression algorithm (GBR) are used to identify the concentration of cancerous cells. The simulation results show that the MLR is the best regression model for cell suspension concentration identification and its average goodness of fit and mean square error are 0.9997 and 0.0008respectively. Finally, the MLR is applied to the identification of red blood cell suspensions with different concentrations, the experimental results show that the average goodness of fit and mean square error are 0.9998 and 0.0079, respectively, indicating that this method has a greater ability to identify cell suspension concentrations.
Ultrasound evaluation of cervical shortening after loop excision of the transformation zone (LETZ)
Authors: Ricciotti H.A. , Burke L. , Kobelin M. , Slomovic B. , Ludmir J.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To assess cervical shortening after loop excision of the transformation zone (LETZ), and confirm the validity of ultrasound measurement of cervical length. Methods: Subjects (n = 29) were patients at the colposcopy clinic of Beth Israel Hospital who underwent vaginal ultrasound measurement of cervical length before and after LETZ. The pathologic specimen was measured by ruler. Mean cervical length (± S.D.), mean percentage (± S.D.) of cervical length removed, and correlation (r) between ultrasound and pathology specimen measurement were determined. Results: Mean (± S.D.) cervical length measurements prior to LETZ were 3.2 ± 0.9 cm and after LETZ were 2.6 ± 0.9 cm, with a difference of 0.7 ± 0.4 cm. The pathologic specimen (mean ± S.D.) was 0.6 ± 0.3 cm. The correlation between ultrasound and pathology measurement was r = 0.9 (p = 0.0001). Mean (± S.D.) cervical length was shortened by 22 ± 12%. Conclusions: There is excellent correlation between ultrasound and ruler measurement of the cervix. There is significant cervical length shortening after LETZ, but further study is needed to see whether this persists or leads to pregnancy complications.
Oxidized phospholipids activate PPARα in a phospholipase A2‐dependent manner
Authors: Delerive Philippe , Furman Christophe , Teissier Elisabeth , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Duriez Patrick , Staels Bart
Published: July 2002

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) is a transcription factor belonging to the PPAR subfamily of nuclear receptors. Fatty acids and eicosanoids are natural PPARα ligands. Here, we show using transient transfection assays that oxidized (oxLDL) but not native low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) dose‐dependently activate PPARα in endothelial cells without affecting PPARα protein expression. Fractioning of oxLDL lipids followed by transactivation experiments demonstrated that the oxidized phospholipid component in oxLDL is responsible for PPARα activation. Using specific inhibitors, it is shown that oxLDL‐mediated PPARα activation requires phospholipase A2 activity and that the oxidized fatty acids 9‐ and 13‐HODE activate PPARα directly. Finally, we found that, similar to the synthetic PPARα ligand Wy‐14643, oxLDL induced expression of the fatty acid transport protein‐1 in human primary endothelial cells. Our findings define a novel group of PPARα activators and provide a molecular basis for certain effects of these biologically active phospholipids on gene transcription.
Actin cytoskeleton demonstration in Trichomonas vaginalis and in other trichomonads
Authors: Brugerolle Guy , Bricheux Geneviève , Coffe Gérard
Published: July 2002

Summry— The flagellate form of Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv) transforms to amoeboid cells upon adherence to coverslips. They grow and their nuclei divide without undergoing cytokinesis, yielding giant cells and a monolayer of Tv F‐actin was demonstrated in Trichomonas vaginalis by fluorescence microscopy using phalloidin and an anti‐actin mAb which labelled the cytoplasm of both the flagellate and amoeboid forms. Comparative electrophoresis and immunoblotting established that the actin band has the same 42 kDa as muscle actin, but 2‐D electrophoresis resolved the actin band into four spots; the two major spots observed were superimposable with major muscle actin isoforms. Electron microscopy demonstrated an ectoplasmic microfibrillar layer along the adhesion zone of amoeboid Tv adhering to coverslips. Immunogold staining, using anti‐actin monoclonal antibodies demonstrated that this layer was mainly composed of actin microfilaments. A comparative immunoblotting study comprising seven trichomonad species showed that all trichomonads studied expressed actin. The mAb Sigma A‐4700 specific for an epitope on the actin C‐terminal sequence labelled only actin of Trichomonas vaginalis, Tetratrichomonas gallinarum, Trichomitus batrachorum and Hypotrichomonas acosta, but not the actin of Tritrichomonas foetus, Tritrichomonas augusta and Monocercomonas sp. This discrimination between a ‘trichomonas branch’ and a ‘tritrichomonas branch’ is congruent with inferred sequence phylogeny from SSu rRNA and with classical phylogeny of trichomonads.
Dry‐Grind Process for Fuel Ethanol by Continuous Fermentation and Stripping
Authors: Taylor Frank , Kurantz Michael J. , Goldberg Neil , McAloon Andrew J. , Craig James C.
Published: July 2002

Conversion of a high‐solids saccharified corn mash to ethanol by continuous fermentation and stripping was successfully demonstrated in a pilot plant consuming 25 kg of corn per day. A mathematical model based on previous pilot plant results accurately predicts the specific growth rate obtained from these latest results. This model was incorporated into a simulation of a complete dry‐grind corn‐to‐ethanol plant, and the cost of ethanol production was compared with that of a conventional process. The results indicate a savings of $0.03 per gallon of ethanol produced by the stripping process. The savings with stripping result from the capacity to ferment a more concentrated corn mash so there is less water to remove downstream.
Computer‐Aided Control of Water Activity for Lipase‐Catalyzed Esterification in Solvent‐Free Systems
Authors: Won Keehoon , Lee Sun Bok
Published: July 2002

A computer system for on‐line monitoring and control of the water activity (aw) in solvent‐free media has been developed. The performance of this system was investigated by carrying out the lipase‐catalyzed esterification of n‐capric acid with n‐decyl alcohol. A humidity sensor measured the relative humidity in the reactor headspace, which was then transmitted electrically to a digital computer that was used as a feedback controller. The water activity control was achieved by sparging either humidified air or dried air through the reaction medium at a flow rate determined by the digital feedback controller. The use of humid air and dry air for aw control made it possible to induce a larger aw gradient and thereby higher water transfer rate. As a result, the water activity quickly reached the desired aw values. We tested whether water activity in the reaction medium can be monitored by measuring relative humidity in the headspace. When the water activity in the liquid phase was determined from measurements of water content in the medium and compared to that measured directly with the humidity sensor, the aw in the reaction medium did not differ significantly from that in the headspace. This indicates that there is a near‐equilibrium between the liquid medium and the exit air stream. Water activity was also successfully maintained close to the set point despite the massive production of water during the esterification process. Thus, the control system developed in this study is particularly useful for systems where large amounts of water are produced and where conventional methods make it difficult to control water activity as a result of a low water transfer rate. The effects that computer control of the water activity had on the reaction rate and yield were also examined. The reaction yield was significantly improved with water activity control. The conversions obtained at 28 h without and those with water activity control were 70% and 96%, respectively. In addition, from the fact that the final yields increased with decreasing aw, computer‐aided water activity control was performed with a set‐point change. By controlling aw at 0.55 during initial reaction phase, followed by a step change of aw from 0.55 to 0 after 11 h of reaction, it was possible to enhance the final conversion to 100%.
Optimization of Conditions for Bacteriocin Extraction in PEG/Salt Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems Using Statistical Experimental Designs
Authors: Li Chan , Bai Jinghua , Li Wei , Cai Zhaoling , Ouyang Fan
Published: July 2002

The bacteriocin nisin was extracted in PEG/salt aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) using the property that the systems can extract hydrophobic proteins. The concentrations of the phase‐forming components, PEG 4000 and Na2SO4, were optimized for nisin recovery by means of statistical experimental designs, and it was found that they strongly influenced nisin recovery. The optimal composition of ATPS was found to be 15.99% (w/w) PEG 4000 and 15.85% (w/w) Na2SO4(pH 2), and the optimal ATPS allowed an 11.60% increase of nisin recovery compared to the standard method of nisin assay.
Passaging Protocols for Mammalian Neural Stem Cells in Suspension Bioreactors
Authors: Sen Arindom , Kallos Michael S. , Behie Leo A.
Published: July 2002

Mammalian neural stem cells (NSC) offer great promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. As a consequence of the large numbers of cells that will be needed for drug testing and transplantation studies, it is necessary to develop protocols for the large‐scale expansion of mammalian NSC. Neural stem cells and early progenitor cells can be expanded in vitro as aggregates in controlled bioreactors using carefully designed media. The first objective of this study was to determine if it is possible to maintain a population of murine neural stem and progenitor cells as aggregates in suspension culture bioreactors over extended periods of time. We discovered that serial passaging of a mixture of aggregates sizes resulted in high viabilities, high viable cell densities, and good control of aggregate diameter. When the NSC aggregates were serially subcultured three times without mechanical dissociation, a total multiplication ratio of 2.9 × 103was achieved over a period of 12 days, whereas the aggregate size was controlled (mean diameter less than 150 μm) below levels at which necrosis would occur. Moreover, cell densities of 1.0 × 106cells/mL were repeatedly achieved in batch culture with viabilities exceeding 80%. The second objective was to examine the proliferative potential of single cells shed from the surface of these aggregates. We found that the single cells, when subcultured, retained the capacity to generate new aggregates, gave rise to cultures with high viable cell densities and were able to differentiate into all of the primary cell phenotypes in the central nervous system.
The neck crease as a landmark of Chassaignac's tubercle in stellate ganglion block: anatomical and radiological evaluation
Authors: Cha Y. D. , Lee S. K. , Kim T. J. , Han T. H.
Published: July 2002

Background: Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is most commonly performed at the transverse process of the sixth cervical vertebra, the identification of which could be difficult in patients with short and wide necks. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the neck skin crease is a reliable indicator of the C6 level.

Methods: Forty‐nine relatively obese pain clinic patients were investigated. They assumed a standard position for SGB. A radiopaque wire was placed along the neck skin crease caudad to the thyroid cartilage. Next, a radiopaque indicator was placed on the skin above the tubercle found to be most prominent by palpation. X‐rays of the neck were obtained after each procedure.

Results: The probability that the neck crease would cross C5, C6 and C7 was 16%, 71%, and 12%, respectively. The most prominent tubercle corresponded to the C5, C6 and C7 levels in 16%, 69% and l4% of cases, respectively.

Conclusion: The studied means to identify the C6 transverse process was found to correlate well with each other (P<0.001). Since in 30% of cases the C6 process could not be identified by any of the studied means, radiological guidance is recommended in order to ensure optimal safety and efficacy of SGB in selected cases.
Gene promoter of apoptosis inhibitory protein IAP2: identification of enhancer elements and activation by severe hypoxia
Authors: DONG Zheng , NISHIYAMA Junichiro , YI Xiaolan , VENKATACHALAM Manjeri A. , DENTON Michael , GU Sumin , LI Senlin , QIANG Mei
Published: July 2002

Inhibitors of apoptosis (IAPs) antagonize cell death and regulate the cell cycle. One mechanism controlling IAP expression is translation initiation through the internal ribosome entry sites. Alternatively, IAP expression can be regulated at the transcription level. We showed recently the activation of IAP2 transcription by severe hypoxia. To pursue this regulation, we have cloned the full-length cDNA of rat IAP2, and have isolated and analysed the promoter regions of this gene. The cDNA encodes a protein of 589 amino acids, exhibiting structural features of IAP. In rat tissues, a major IAP2 transcript of ≈3.5kb was detected. We subsequently isolated 3.3kb of the proximal 5′-flanking regions of this gene, which showed significant promoter activity. Of interest, 5′ sequential deletion of the promoter sequence identified an enhancer of ≈200bp. Deletion of cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB) sites in the enhancer sequence diminished its activity. Finally, the IAP2 gene promoter was activated significantly by severe hypoxia and not by CoCl2 or desferrioxamine, pharmacological inducers of hypoxia-inducible factor-1. In conclusion, in this study we have cloned the full-length cDNA of rat IAP2, and for the first time we have isolated and analysed promoter sequences of this gene, leading to the identification of enhancer elements. Moreover, we have demonstrated activation of the gene promoter by severe hypoxia, a condition shown to induce IAP2. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of gene regulation of IAP2, a protein with multiple functions.
Characteristics of leucocyte adhesion directly observed in flowing whole blood in vitro
Authors: Abbitt Katherine B. , Nash Gerard B.
Published: July 2002

Use of whole blood in adhesion assays allows analysis of the rheological and haematological factors that may influence adhesion, and avoids the need for isolation procedures that may modify the properties of leucocytes. We have adapted an in vitro flow model to allow videomicroscopy of leucocytes fluorescently labelled with rhodamine 6G (20 μg/ml) in anticoagulated whole blood. Blood was perfused at a range of wall shear rates (35–280/s) through a vertical glass capillary with a rectangular cross‐section (microslide) that had been coated with P‐selectin (10 μg/ml). Nearly all adherent cells were rolling in blood that had been anticoagulated with buffered citrate, but 40–50% became immobilized when heparin or thrombin inhibitor (PPACK) were used. The efficiency of leucocyte adhesion decreased steadily during 1–4 h of blood storage. Smaller fluorescent cells (lymphocytes) adhered less efficiently than larger cells (granulocytes) and rolled faster. Adhesion decreased monotonically with increasing wall shear rate or stress, but the velocity of rolling varied little. Among healthy volunteer donors, adhesion correlated with blood leucocyte count, but did not vary significantly with natural variation in haematocrit, blood viscosity or red cell aggregation. In conclusion, we have characterized adhesion of leucocytes in flowing whole blood, identified key experimental variables and demonstrated that physical environmental factors can markedly influence adhesive behaviour.
A novel mutation in the SLC19A2 gene in a Tunisian family with thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anaemia, diabetes and deafness syndrome
Authors: Gritli Sami , Omar Souheil , Tartaglini Elena , Guannouni Souha , Fleming Judith C. , Steinkamp Mara P. , Berul Charles I. , Hafsia Raouf , Jilani Sarrah Baltagi‐Ben , Belhani Ali , Hamdi Mongi , Neufeld Ellis J.
Published: July 2002

Thiamine‐responsive megaloblastic anaemia (TRMA) syndrome with diabetes and deafness was found in two patients from a Tunisian kindred. The proband was homozygous for a novel mutation, 287delG, in the high‐affinity thiamine transporter gene, SLC19A2. We demonstrated that fibroblasts from this patient exhibited defective thiamine transport. These data confirm that the SLC19A2 gene is the high‐affinity thiamine carrier and that this novel mutation is responsible for TRMA syndrome.
Medical care for haemophilia
Authors: Nuss R. , Hedegaard H. , Riske B. , Hoffman R. , Michael S. , Manco‐Johnson M.
Published: July 2002

Background/objectives: haemophilia is a lifelong bleeding disorder associated with significant morbidity. Because of this for almost 25 years there has been a national network of specialized haemophilia treatment centres (HTCs). Despite this, there is little published information about HTC utilization. We chose to study utilization and satisfaction with care received from the Colorado HTC as compared with that received at other nonspecialized sites.

Research design: a survey was designed in collaboration between Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Denver Mountain States Regional Hemophilia Center personnel for telephone administration by CDPHE personnel to all persons with haemophilia (pwh) residing in Colorado in 1994.

Subjects: one hundred forty‐five persons with haemophilia (77% of those eligible) participated in the survey.

Results: the majority of respondents received care from the HTC. Persons less than 21 years of age and those with severe disease were significantly more likely to do so. Satisfaction with care received at the HTC was greater than that received at other sites (P < 0.01). Issues of concern were insurer restricted access to the HTC and the lack of haemophilia knowledge of non‐HTC providers.

Conclusions: if HTCs and other specialty centres are to survive in an increasingly managed care environment, in addition to increased patient satisfaction, data documenting improved patient outcome with specialty centre directed care will be necessary to facilitate referral.
Social network and social support characteristics amongst individuals recently discharged from acute psychiatric units
Authors: Dickinson D. , Green G. , Hayes C. , Gilheany B. , Whittaker A.
Published: July 2002

This study compares the social support network of a diagnostically heterogeneous group of community mental health service users recently discharged from acute inpatient units, with that of a mental health service user comparison group with no history of hospital admission. Social data were elicited by a structured interview schedule (the Social Network Schedule). It was observed that the study group was characterized by smaller overall social networks, particularly within the primary network, but conversely the group had a greater proportion of service user peer contact. Few differences in perceived social support between groups were observed, although the study group reported fewer confidants. The implications of the study for nursing staff are discussed.
Primary intraosseous meningioma of orbit and anterior cranial fossa: A case report and literature review
Authors: Devi Bi , Bhat Di , Madhusudhan Hv , Santhosh V , Shankar Sk
Published: July 2002

Primary intraosseous meningiomas of the skull base are rare. Extensive involvement of the skull base by the tumour may result rarely in loss of vision. Surgical management requires extensive decompression and reconstruction. A case of primary intraosseous meningioma of orbits and anterior cranial fossa presenting with painless proptosis and loss of vision is presented here and the literature reviewed.
Serum Carotenoids and Cerebral White Matter Lesions: The Rotterdam Scan Study
Authors: Den Heijer Tom , Launer Lenore J. , De Groot Jan Cees , De Leeuw Frank‐Erik , Oudkerk Matthijs , Van Gijn Jan , Hofman Albert , Breteler Monique M. B.
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: To study the relation between serum levels of carotenoids and white matter lesions (WMLs) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

DESIGN: Evaluation of cross‐sectional data from a cohort study.

SETTING: The Rotterdam Scan Study.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and three nondemented older persons, age 60 to 90, from the Rotterdam Scan Study.

MEASUREMENTS: Serum levels of carotenoids were determined. WMLs on MRIs were rated separately into periventricular and subcortical WMLs. Odds ratios (ORs) for the presence of severe WMLs (upper decile) were calculated per standard deviation (SD) increase in serum carotenoid level and per SD increase in overall carotenoid serum level. Effect modification by smoking status was studied through stratified analyses.

RESULTS: Increasing levels of all the separate carotenoids were associated with less severe periventricular WMLs, which reached statistical significance for the overall carotenoid serum level (OR 0.4 per SD; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.2–0.9). We found no association between carotenoid levels and the presence of severe subcortical WMLs (OR 1.2 per SD; 95% CI = 0.7–2.0). The association of carotenoid levels with severe periventricular WMLs was more marked in those who ever smoked (OR 0.1 per SD; 95% CI = 0.0–0.9) than in those who had never smoked (OR 0.9 per SD; 95% CI = 0.4–2.1).

CONCLUSIONS: These findings are compatible with the view that high levels of carotenoids may protect against WMLs in the periventricular region, in particular in smokers. Longitudinal studies with repeated measurements of both carotenoids and WMLs are necessary to explore this hypothesis further.