bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections and Learning
Authors: Tayaben Jude L. , Gay-as Maureen E. , Esco Jonalyn S. , Valles Carol Ruth L.
Published: February 2025

Recognizing varied and real life community learning experiences of students are necessary as they are continuously deployed by the College of Nursing of Benguet State University for immersion to different placements. A case study was used as the research approach for this endeavor. Fifty-two reflective journals were reviewed and twenty-two student nurses participated in the study. Participant reflective journal reviews, observations, and focus group discussions were used as data collection methods. Using thematic analysis, four themes emerged from the students’ descriptions of their learning experiences: (1) unforgettable experiences: being with people; (2) facing challenges; (3) contributions to self and to the community; and (4) impacts on their lives. Real community health experiences of students should be treasured in nursing education. These can help identify better strategies in improving community learning experiences. This study; thus, hopes to provide further evidence-based indications for policy development to guide support networks working with and for grassroots community stakeholders.
Five-year Performance of the Teacher Education Graduates in the Licensure Examination for Teachers
Authors: Botengan Desiree F. , Bansiong Apler J. , Kudan Rosita B.
Published: February 2025

The study analyzed the five-year performance ratings of the Bachelor in Elementary Education (BEE) and Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSE) graduates of Benguet State University – College of Teacher Education (BSU-CTE) in the Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET). Using descriptive research design involving document analysis, the results of nine LET examinations from April 2010 to March 2015 were analyzed. Findings revealed that the accumulated performance ratings of the BEE and BSE graduates were high. The general ratings were platykurtic and negatively skewed. The performance ratings in the August/September schedules were significantly higher than in the March/April examinations. Further, the college performance ratings surpassed the national passing rate. In all nine examinations, the first-time takers and the fresh graduates had consistently outperformed the repeaters and old graduate takers. The Early Childhood Education (BEE-ECED) and the Biological Sciences (BSE-Bio. Sci.) graduates registered higher passing rates. Percentage passing rates were highest in the Professional Education area and lowest in the field of specialization. Across all areas and degrees, the performance ratings of BSU-CTE graduates appeared to be influenced by the number of takes, time of examination, and specialization.
Design, Fabrication, and Performance Evaluation of a Motorized Cocoon Deflossing Machine
Authors: Angel Lester Clyde B. , Afuyog Mirafel T. , Cadao Joanna B.
Published: February 2025

A motorized cocoon deflossing machine was designed, fabricated, and evaluated at the College of Engineering and Applied Technology, Benguet State University to help speed up silk production. The motorized cocoon deflossing is comprised of body frame, deflossing assembly, hopper, discharging chute, and prime mover. On the performance of the cocoon deflossing machine, three speed treatments (85-97rpm, 98-113rpm, and 114-119rpm) were tested and analyzed. Results showed that the optimum deflossing is at 85-97 rpm, which has the highest deflossing efficiency (98.22%) among three treatments with a capacity of 1.11 kg/hr. Compared to the existing hand-driven cocoon deflosser used by the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA), the motorized cocoon deflossing machine has higher deflossing capacity and efficiency. The computed initial cost of the machine is PhP 15,212.63. Other assumptions such as the 60 days annual use and custom rate of PhP50.00/kg for the use of the machine were based on the harvesting of time and the quantity of harvested cocoons in PhilFIDA. The calculated payback period is two years with a return of investment of 40.18%.
Water Yield of a Fog Harvester as Affected by Mesh Material and its Orientation
Authors: Balinte Diostonee A. , Macaburas Donalyn M. , Carlos Editha D.
Published: February 2025

To compliment the water shortages experienced by farmers during the dry season (November to April) for irrigation and application of chemicals, a fog harvester was constructed at the College of Engineering and Applied Technology in Benguet State University and installed in Sinipsip, Buguias, Benguet. The study analyzed the effect of two mesh materials (i.e., polyethylene mesh SAGN 60% shading and aluminum mosquito mesh) and orientation (i.e., portrait and landscape) on the water yield of the constructed fog harvester. Findings showed that the aluminum mosquito mesh has higher yield of water as compared to the polyethylene mesh, but the treatment mesh material has no significant effect on the water yield of a fog harvester. In terms of orientation, the portrait orientation has collected more water than the landscape orientation, and it has significantly affected the water yield of a fog harvester. Of its cost analysis, the treatment polyethylene mesh in portrait orientation has the highest return of investment of 50.5% while the treatment aluminum mosquito mesh in its landscape orientation has the lowest return of investment of 29.44%. Therefore, the best treatment is the structure with polyethylene mesh in portrait orientation.
“Wat Ta Iman Supsuplay (We Are But Supplied Farmers)”: Understanding the Practice of Pasuplay System on Vegetable Production in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet
Authors: Lorenzo Roji Mae B. , Sagayo Nora C.
Published: February 2025

Supply system in the agriculture sector is a form of informal credit system where supplier or landowners fund their supplied farmers in terms of farm inputs and land and the supplied farmers work for the suppliers. Using case-based study guided by the theories of empowerment (Foucault, 1980; Melkote & Steeves, 2001) and the understanding of feudalistic relationships present in agricultural production systems, the study aimed to understand and document the practice of ‘Pasuplay System’ on vegetable production in Madaymen, Kibungan, Benguet. The Gumpic family is the pioneer of the Pasuplay System in the area which started in 1985. They also have one of the highest supplied farmers with 20 farmers and are well-known in the Pasuplay business. The Pasuplay System as practiced by the Gumpic family and its supplied farmers characterized the system as job opportunity, a form of an informal credit system and as a source of living. It includes five stages, namely ngalatan (agreement) stage, panag-uubla (cropping) stage, panag-aapit (havesting) stage, panaglalako (marketing) stage, and panagtototal (computation) stage. Although the system is important to both the supplier and supplied farmers because it contributes to their social and economic development as farmers, the processes involved control the ways of life of the supplied farmers. The problems identified and solutions recommended by both sides do not solve each other’s problems because the supplier’s intent is to maintain and control the system while the supplied farmers push for their survival in the system and the inclusion of conditions to cater their own needs.
Pre-emptive Management Approach of Coffee Berry Borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) in Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica Linnaeus) in Atok, Benguet
Authors: Ligat, Sr. Bonie S. , Bisaya Jimmer John C.
Published: February 2025

Coffee production in the Cordilleras earned high economic value. However, coffee production also faces inevitable loss due to pest infestation, as such is coffee berry borer (CBB). Thus, a systematic management strategy is needed. The study identified appropriate pre-emptive management approach in combatting coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari) in Arabica Coffee (Coffea arabica Linnaeus) in Atok, Benguet. The coffee plants were maintained for almost 20 years and there were no berries during the conduct of the study. The use of 4 lure trap per 50 coffee trees caught the highest population of CBB with a mean of 272.50. Likewise, the highest peak of female adult CBB population was recorded on the 7th week of monitoring just after the flowering stage of the coffee trees. The source of CBB was from the fallen berries, dried berries, and unripe berries that were present within the coffee plantation. There were 23 different species of other insects collected in the lure traps belonging to six orders and 18 families. From the insects collected, there were no other pests recorded from the coffee beans but pests of grains, vegetables, and various fruits. It is recommended that using 4 lure traps per 50 coffee trees and set it earlier during the months of dearth period to double the effects of the lure trap in mass reduction of CBB. Likewise, all left-over berries on the branches of the coffee trees including the fallen berries on the ground should be removed or collected to prevent source of infestation for the next season.
Performance of Trichoderma koningii and Bacillus sp. as Potential Biocontrol Agents against Fusarium Wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)
Authors: Galian Jophr L. , Nagpala Asuncion L.
Published: February 2025

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) is now becoming a big concern in Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines affecting different crops including sweetpotato. In effort to help find solution to this problem, the study documented the biological control ability of Trichoderma koningii and Bacillus sp. against Fusarium wilt of sweetpotato through bioassay and pot experiment. Result of the bioassay test in the laboratory showed significant results. The growth of F. oxysporum was inhibited by Benomyl (reference fungicide) and T. koningii. The widest inhibition zone of 29 mm after three days was observed in Benomyl followed by T. koningii with 20 mm. Bacillus sp. gave the least inhibition zone of 3 mm. In the pot experiment, sweetpotato grown in soils amended with T. koningii had the lowest percent infection and lowest severity of diseases. At the end of the cropping season, populations of Bacillus and F. oxysporum decreased while T. koningii increased. The highest reduction of Fusarium spores from 1.8 x 106 to 9.50 x 105 was noted in soils amended with T. koningii, followed by Benomyl from 1.8 x 106 to 1.40 x 105 cfu/ml. Results consistently showed better performance of T. koningii as sole inoculant in inhibiting Fusarium wilt and even better than Benomyl, thus should be encouraged for farmers to adopt.
Exploring the Gap between Framework and Practice:
Authors: Madinno Carmelo W.
Published: February 2025

Educators and researchers stress the importance of student  teaching in teacher preparation since the pre-service teachers are  given the opportunity and the challenge to put into practice the  different concepts and theories they acquired from their academic  courses under the guidance of a professional teacher. The study  was conducted to assess the student teaching experiences of  the secondary mathematics pre-service teachers (SMPTs). The  study used an explanatory design model, which is a mixture of  quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative  approach involved the analysis of the actual teaching ratings  and comments/suggestions given by the mentoring teachers  of the SMPTs, while the qualitative approach involved the  conduct of a one-on-one interview to purposively chosen  participants to support the quantitative results. The study  involved 73 graduating SMPTs from seven selected public and  private Teacher Education Institutions (TEIs) in the Cordillera  Administrative Region (CAR). The results indicate the strengths of the SMPTs as well as their shortcomings and challenges during  their student-teaching experience. For instance, classroom  management, teaching without the supervision of a  cooperating teacher and impromptu teaching were among  the problems that emerged in the duration of their student- teaching. These results are important in the improvement  of the secondary mathematics teachers' preparation program,  particularly  in  their  student  teaching  experience.
Knowledge Construction Schemata of Teachers in Solving Real World Non-Routine Problem Situation:
Authors: Oryan Serano L.
Published: February 2025

The study investigated the nature of Knowledge Construction Schemata (KCS) that teacher-solvers use to solve a real-world non-routine problem situation. Eighteen Math teachers in different schools of Region I and the Cordillera Administrative Region were given a carefully selected power problem, which they solved in at most two hours. Results showed that rigid procedural framework of thought characterizes respondents’ KCS in solving problems. Based on this framework, solvers see solutions to a problem situation as purely routine or algorithmic procedures, a condition that makes them selective in interpreting data. They give meaning only to quantitative data while ignoring the qualitative ones, resulting in incomplete solution steps and failure to solve the problem. The influence of the routine type of problem solving appears to be so entrenched that solvers could not find meaning in qualitative data and venture to alternative solution steps that do not necessarily address the problem situation. An important component of problem solving, which is making necessary adjustments in response to a new problem situation (accommodation process), remains a great challenge among the teacher-solvers. Their KCS nature is heavily confined to assimilation processes, which seem responsible for keeping solvers from making exploratory attempts that could have paved the way for more productive problem solving. The study recommends that real-world non-routine type of problem-solving be integrated with school mathematics to develop among the students flexible, reflective, and transformational KCS.
Pre-service Teachers’ Perceptions on Focus discussion Groups as a Model of Context-based learning Primary Teacher education. A case of Meru and Egoji Teachers colleges
Authors:   St. Paul's University, Mwangi Suleiman
Published: February 2025

Research and policy documents in Kenya and in many other African countries have decried
low quality primary education which they attribute to low quality teacher education
(Government of Kenya-GoK- (2012) , GoK (2005), the Kenya Education Sector Support
Programme document of 2005-2010(2005), Feiman-Nemser (2001), United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-UNESCO (2005) Dembele and Miaro-II
(2003) and Wanzare (2002). This inhibits the vision of provision of an all-inclusive relevant
and quality education particularly in Kenya as envisioned by the Vision 2030 and the MoEST
(2015) National Education Sector Plan 2013-2018. Low quality teacher education as pointed
out by Dembele and Miaro-II (2003), MoEST (2003) and GoK (2012) is mainly due to the use
of the traditional content-based pedagogical primary teacher education model that lacks
adequate learner involvement, splits learning into separate subjects and has little connection
between theory and practice. This study sought to identify the experiences and perceptions
of pre-service teachers on focus discussions groups as a model of context-based learning. A
quasi experimental research design in form of pre-test/post test longitudinal panel control
group was used. This involved a stratified random sample of 80 first year pre-service
teachers from Meru and Egoji colleges (40 for experimental and 40 for control groups). The
experimental group was sub-divided into groups of ten of equal gender proportions that held
discussions under the facilitation of the researcher once per week during teaching practice
sessions. A focus group discussion schedule, a reflective diary and a questionnaire were used
to collect data. The findings obtained revealed that the experimental group that used the
focus discussion groups as a component of context-based learning model performed better
than the control group. The findings also showed that pre-service teachers found focus
discussion groups (Cooperative learning) useful in their professional career development
though they felt the discussion groups needed more time and fewer members.
Key Words: Context-based Learning, Focus Discussion Groups, Cooperative Learning
Reflective Practice, School-based Learning, Traditional Concurrent Content-based
Pedagogical Teacher Education Model.
An Evaluation of the Role Played by the Christ- Centred Organizations in the Development of Kibera Slums, Nairobi County
Authors:   St. Paul's University, Irungu Charity , Olang’ Kennedy Ouma ,   St. Paul's University, Odek Antony Wando ,   St. Paul's University
Published: February 2025

Kibera is the largest slum in Nairobi County and also the largest urban slum in Africa. Despite
many challenges facing the masses in Kibera like HIV/AIDS, negative ethnicity, poverty,
diseases, illiteracy and insecurity, the people of Kibera have formed a strong partnership with
the Christ-Centered Organizations (CCOs) to ensure social transformation within. However,
Christ-Centered organizations have faced diminishing resources, corruption and low capacity
thus exacerbating many of the challenges identified above. Whereas a lot of basic research has
been done in the region, very little study has been done to profile and ascertain the contributions
of Christ-Centered organizations within Kibera slums. The study relied on 10 focus group
discussions and 301 questionnaires to profile and establish the roles of Christ-Centered
organizations in Kibera slums which included Facing the future (FAFU) an FBO which is Christ
Centered, Christ Co-Workers (Chrisco), African Inland Church (AIC), Anglican Church of
Kenya (ACK) and the Catholic church. It also examined challenges and measures that have been
put in place to tackle challenges which Christ Centered Organizations are facing. To achieve the
above objectives, the study relied on descriptive research and this was critical in enabling the
communities to evolve questions and actions on issues that are significant. The data was
organized, tabulated, interpreted and described. Consequently, the study that was funded by St
Paul’s University builds onto the institution’s pioneer works on integral mission and spiritual
formation in the study site. The study concludes that reliance on domestic resources and
ensuring strong working relation with the state agencies is likely to ensure a sustainable social
transformation of the people and the area.
Key Words: Christ Centred Organizations, Role, Challenges, Kibera, Slums
Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Practices Associated with Infertility In Kenya: A Case Of Kisumu County
Authors:   St. Paul's University, Masinde Jamin M. , Omar Egesah Egesah , Irungu Charity ,   Moi University,   St. Paul's University, Mulinge Munyae M. , Odek Antony ,   United States International University,   St. Paul's University
Published: February 2025

Infertility in men and women is a widespread global phenomenon. However, socio-cultural beliefs and practices have been associated with failed reproduction processes in Africa. The study specifically aimed at establishing socio-cultural beliefs and practices associated with infertility. Similarly, the study relied on a mixed method design which involves integratingboth qualitative and quantitative techniques. Thereafter, the data were organized, tabulated, interpreted and described. In particular, the study employed the use of semi-structured questionnaires to gather information from 200 respondents. In addition, six Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) comprising of 10-12 individuals and thirty six (36) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) comprising 20 health officers/practitioners, 4 religious leaders, 4 herbalists and 8 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) were conducted. The study disclosed that the concept of infertility has strong social, cultural and economic undertones. From the perspectives of childless couples, health practitioners, traditional birth attendants, herbalists and religious leaders, the respondents have limited knowledge about causes of infertility. In particular, infertility is given negative labels embedded in the community‟s socio-cultural set up. In Kisumu County, children are quite vital and not predictive of the residents‟ experiences but also their future. The study recommends for a comprehensive education program within Kisumu County aimed at filling the existing knowledge gap about infertility and any myths associated with it. The study concludes that low level of knowledge is a threat to management of infertility in Kisumu county.

Key words: Social-cultural, beliefs, Infertility, Kisumu County.
(wl-1354)-‘Poor Images’ and the Afterlife of Films
Authors: Ranjan Amol
Published: February 2025

,
(wl-1760)-The Passing of a Scholar Statesman
Authors: Rangarajan Chakravarty
Published: February 2025

,
Single-Pixel Imaging with Convolutional Neural Networks Enhanced by Attention Mechanisms
Authors: WANG Xiang  , ZHOU Yishen  , ZHANG Xuange  , CHEN Xihao  ,   School of Physics, Liaoning University, Shenyang China
Published: February 2025

This paper presents a novel convolutional neural network-based single-pixel imaging method that integrates a physics-driven fusion attention mechanism. By incorporating a module combining both channel and spatial attention mechanisms into a randomly initialized convolutional network, the method utilizes the physical model constraints of single-pixel imaging to achieve high-quality image reconstruction. Specifically, the spatial and channel attention mechanisms are combined into a single module and introduced into various layers of a multi-scale U-net convolutional network. In the spatial attention mechanism, we extract the attention weight features of each spatial region of the pooled feature map using convolution. In the channel attention mechanism, we pool the three-dimensional feature map into a single-channel signal and input it into a two-layer fully connected network to obtain the attention weight information for each channel. This approach not only leverages the critical weighting information provided by the attention mechanism in the three-dimensional data cube but also fully integrates the powerful feature extraction capabilities of the U-net network across different spatial frequencies. This innovative method effectively captures image details, suppresses background noise, and improves image reconstruction quality. During the experimental phase, we employed the optical path of single-pixel imaging to acquire bucket signals for two target images, ”snowflake” and ”basket”. By inputting any noise image into a randomly initialized neural network with an attention mechanism, and leveraging the mean square error between simulated and actual bucket signals, we physically constrained the network’s convergence. Ultimately, we achieved a reconstructed image that adhered to the physical model. Experimental results demonstrate that, under low sampling rate conditions, the scheme that integrates the attention mechanism not only intuitively reconstructs image details better but also demonstrates significant advantages in quantitative evaluation metrics such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM), verifying its effectiveness and potential for application in singlepixel imaging.
Iridescent structural coloration in a crested Cretaceous enantiornithine bird from Jehol Biota
Authors: Li Zhiheng , Hu Jinsheng , Stidham Thomas A , Ye Mao , Wang Min , Pan Yanhong , Zhao Tao , Li Jingshu , Zhou Zhonghe , Clarke Julia A
Published: February 2025

A combination of sectioning and microscopy techniques, along with the application of finite-difference-time-domain modeling on a fossil feather, novelly results in the estimation of the range of iridescent colors from fossilized melanosomes preserved in the elongate head crest feathers of a new Cretaceous enantiornithine bird. The densely packed rod-like melanosomes yield are estimated to have yielded from red to deep blue iridescent coloration of the head feathers. The shape and density of these melanosome may have also further increased the feather’s structural strength. This occurrence on a likely male individual is highly suggestive of both a signaling function of the iridescent crest, and a potential behavioral role in adjusting the angle of light incidence to control the display of this iridescent structural coloration.
The first French dictionaries and the emergence of Aurore Boréale as a lexical entry
Authors: Brot Muriel , Aspaas Per Pippin
Published: February 2025

The eighteenth volume provides an overview of the Aurore Boréale (northern lights, aurora borealis) as described in monolingual French dictionaries from the first half of the eighteenth century. The very first examples of such dictionaries – published in the 1680s and 1690s – had no coverage of the northern lights. Since 1701, however, the phenomenon was included in the following dictionaries: posthumous versions of Antoine Furetière’s Dictionnaire universel edited by Henri Basnage de Beauval (1701) and Jean-Baptiste Brutel de la Rivière (1727); the "Dictionnaire de Trévoux" edited by a group of Jesuits (editions from 1704, 1721, 1732, 1743); and the Dictionnaire de l’Académie françoise (third edition, 1740). The introductory essay by Muriel Brot and Per Pippin Aspaas contextualises the introduction of the northern ligths as a lexical term and provides English translations of relevant entries in the dictionaries. Digitisations of the original entries are included in facsimile.
This publication is based on a presentation given by Muriel Brot, research fellow at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Unité Mixte de Recherche of the Université Paris-Sorbonne), at an international workshop organised by the Malaurie Institute of Arctic Research Monaco-UVSQ in Versailles, 23 January 2025.
Appropriate use of acoustics for surveying koalas and interpreting habitat use: a rebuttal to Smith and Pile (2024)
Authors: Law Brad , Gonsalves Leroy , Brassil Traecey , Kerr Isobel
Published: February 2025

Passive acoustic monitoring is a major new tool for applied ecology and conservation, allowing cost-effective biodiversity monitoring for vocal species. However, like all survey methods, care needs to be taken in how such data are collected, analysed and interpreted. We respond to a recent paper by Smith and Pile (2024) that made simplistic use of koala calling to make assertions about sex-based habitat use, and we point out serious flaws in how the data were used. We respond by outlining recommended practices for collecting, analysing and interpreting acoustic data, especially those targeting koalas. Smith and Pile (2024) used raw single-visit male calling rate to suggest that this creates problems for defining koala habitat use of males compared to females. Conversely, we argue that raw calling data should not be used to make these assessments because imperfect detection (false negatives) needs to be accounted for prior to estimating occupancy or density. Because male koalas are the primary sex that bellows, the method is sex-biased, although sex ratios for koalas are commonly 1:1. Further, assessment of sex-based habitat use is best undertaken at fine scales by radio-tracking and GPS-tracking, especially at night when koalas are actively browsing. Such studies reveal minor differences but substantial overlap in habitat use between the sexes. When analysing acoustic surveys, the environment needs to be assessed in the local landscapes surrounding sensors (e.g. 500 m buffer) rather than the actual sensor location. Passive acoustics can provide cost-effective assessments of occupancy at regional scales when applied across many sites. Alternatively, when used in arrays, acoustic surveys can provide density estimates at local scales. These multiple lines of complementary, supporting evidence are presented to support previous findings for koalas based on passive acoustics, contrary to the aproach proposed by Smith and Pile (2024).
Possible role of protein kinase C in the regulation of intracellular stability of focal adhesion kinase in mouse 3T3 cells
Authors: Mogi Akira , Hatai Mika , Soga Hisae , Takenoshita Seiichi , Nagamachi Yukio , Fujimoto Jiro , Yamamoto Tadashi , Yokota Jun , Yaoi Yoshihito
Published: July 2002

Effects of various types of protein kinase inhibitor on the adhesion and spreading of BALB/c mouse 3T3 cells and on the phosphorylation and stability of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in the cells were studied. Inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, methyl 2,5‐dihydroxycinnamate and herbimycin A, inhibited tyrosine‐phosphorylation of FAK and the adhesion of 3T3 cells to fibronectin. Among inhibitors of serine/threonine kinases tested, calphostin C, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, inhibited cell spreading rather than cell adhesion, and it induced the decrease of intracellular FAK within 30 min. Inhibitors of tyrosine kinase, A kinase, G kinase, and myosin light chain kinase did not induce such a rapid and specific decrease of FAK. When calphostin C (20 μM) was added to sub‐confluent monolayer cultures, serine‐phosphorylation of FAK was inhibited by 67% within 2 h, and decrease in the amount of FAK and rounding up of the cells began after 4 h. Label‐chase experiments indicated that about 60% of 35S‐labeled FAK degraded within 1–2 h after addition of calphostin C to monolayer cultures. These results indicated that serine‐phosphorylation of FAK induced by protein kinase C was important in the regulation of metabolic stability of FAK.
Evaluation of Process‐Induced Dimensional Changes in the Membrane Structure of Biological Cells Using Impedance Measurement
Authors: Angersbach Alexander , Heinz Volker , Knorr Dietrich
Published: July 2002

The impact of high intensity electric field pulses, high hydrostatic pressure, and freezing‐thawing on local structural changes of the membrane was determined for potato, sugar beet tissue, and yeast suspensions. On the basis of the electrophysical model of cell systems in biological tissues and suspensions, a method was derived for determining the extent of local damage of cell membranes. The method was characterized by an accurate and rapid on‐line determination of frequency‐dependent electrical conductivity properties from which information on microscopic events on cellular level may be deduced. Evaluation was based on the measurement of the relative change in the sampleapos;s impedance at characteristically low ( fl) and high ( fh) frequencies within the β‐dispersion range. For plant and animal cells the characteristic frequencies were fl ≈ 5 kHz and fh > 5 MHz and for yeast cells in the range fl ≈ 50 kHz and fh > 25 MHz. The observed phenomena were complex. The identification of the underlying mechanisms required consideration of the time‐dependent nature of the processing effects and stress reactions of the biological systems, which ranged from seconds to several hours. A very low but significantly detectable membrane damage (0.004% of the total area) was found after high hydrostatic pressure treatment of potato tissue at 200 MPa. The membrane rupture in plant tissue cells was higher after freezing and subsequent thawing (0.9% of total area for potato cells and 0.05–0.07% for sugar beet cells determined immediately after thawing), which increased substantially during the next 2 h.
Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II)
Authors: Larsen Walter , Nakayama Hideo , Fischer Torkil , Elsner Peter , Frosch Peter , Burrows Desmond , Jordan William , Shaw Stephanie , Wilkinson John , Marks James , Sugawara M. , Nethercott Marc , Nethercott James
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of responses to selected fragrance materials in patients who were fragrance sensitive. 178 patients were evaluated in 8 centers worldwide with a fragrance mix (FM) and 20 other fragrance materials. Reaction to the fragrance mixture (FM) occurred in 78.7% of the subjects. Substances reacting at a rate of 2% or higher included jasmine absolute, geranium oil bourbon, l‐citronellol, spearmint oil, 1,3,4,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐4,6,6,7,8,8‐hexamethylcyclopenta‐γ‐2‐benzopyran, omega‐6‐hexadecenlactone, dimethyltetrahydrobenzaldehyde (isomer mixture), and α‐amylcinnamaldehyde. These chemicals should be furthur evaluated to corroborate their allergenicity. We are constantly looking for new fragrance allergens to extend the diagnostic capability of the fragrance mix (FM).
Salivary levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in recurrent aphthous ulceration
Authors: Brozovic S. , Vucicevic‐Boras V. , Mravak‐Stipetic M. , Jukic S. , Kleinheinz J. , Lukac J.
Published: July 2002

Background:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a multifunctional angiogenic cytokine involved in angiogenesis and wound healing. Its presence in recurrent aphthous ulceration has not been reported to date. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of salivary levels of VEGF with various stages of recurrent aphthous ulceration (RAU).

Methods:  VEGF levels were determined in a group of 27 age and sex‐matched healthy controls and in 30 patients with minor and major RAU grouped into the three stages: (I) early active stage, (II) active stage, and (III) remission period. VEGF levels (pg/ml; mean ± SD) in unstimulated whole saliva were determined by enzyme immunoassay.

Results:  Patients with major RAU – stages I and II – had decreased VEGF values (765 ± 458 and 341 ± 109, respectively) when compared both to healthy controls (1652 ± 567; P < 0.01) and to stage III major RAU (1524 ± 784; P < 0.005).

Conclusion:  Salivary VEGF levels seemed to be associated with ulcer development in major RAU, showing stage‐dependent alterations during the course of this disorder.
Hydrolysable ATP is a requirement for the correct interaction of molecular chaperonins cpn60 and cpn10
Authors: WALTERS Chris , ERRINGTON Neil , ROWE Arther J. , HARDING Stephen E.
Published: July 2002

Over recent years the binding ability of the molecular chaperone cpn60 (GroEL14) and its co-chaperone cpn10 (GroES7) has been reported to occur under an assortment of specific conditions from the use of non-hydrolysable ATP analogues (namely adenosine 5′-[γ-thio]triphosphate) to requiring hydrolysable ATP for any interaction to occur. We have investigated this further using the molecular hydrodynamic methods (hydrodynamic bead modelling, sedimentation-velocity analytical ultracentrifugation and dynamic light-scattering), allowing the process to be followed under physiologically relevant dilute solution conditions, combined with absorption spectrophotometry to determine GroES7—GroEL14 interaction through the rate inhibition of the cpn60's ATPase activity by GroES7. The results found here indicate that the presence of hydrolysable ATP is required to facilitate correct GroES7 interaction with GroEL14 in solution.
Trophic shifts in predatory catfishes following the introduction of Nile perch into Lake Victoria
Authors: Olowo J. P. , Chapman L. J.
Published: July 2002

This study looked for evidence of trophic shifts in the diet of two predatory catfishes (Bagrus docmac and Schilbe intermedius) following the establishment of introduced Nile perch (Lates niloticus) into lakes of the Lake Victoria basin. Bagrus docmac exhibited a shift from a primarily piscivorous diet dominated by haplochromine cichlids to a broader diet that included a significant proportion of invertebrates and the cyprinid fish, Rastrineobola argentea, which became abundant following depletion of the haplochromines. Schilbe intermedius exhibited a trophic shift from a piscivorous diet dominated by haplochromines to an insectivorous diet. The flexibility in diet exhibited by these two catfishes may have permitted these species to persist, albeit in reduced numbers, subsequent to the introduction of Nile perch and may facilitate resurgence as fishing pressure reduces numbers of large Nile perch.
Growth of Plasmodium falciparum induces stage‐dependent haemichrome formation, oxidative aggregation of band 3, membrane deposition of complement and antibodies, and phagocytosis of parasitized erythrocytes
Authors: Giribaldi Giuliana , Ulliers Daniela , Mannu Franca , Arese Paolo , Turrini Franco
Published: July 2002

Plasmodium falciparum‐parasitized erythrocytes (RBCs) are progressively transformed into non‐self cells, phagocytosed by human monocytes. Haemichromes, aggregated band 3 (Bd3) and membrane‐bound complement fragment C3c and IgG were assayed in serum‐opsonized stage‐separated parasitized RBCs. All parameters progressed from control to rings to trophozoites to schizonts: haemichromes, nil; 0·64 ± 0·12; 5·6 ± 1·91; 8·4 ± 2·8 (nmol/ml membrane); Bd3, 1 ± 0·1; 4·3 ± 1·5; 23 ± 5; 25 ± 6 (percentage aggregated); C3c, 31 ± 11; 223 ± 86; 446 ± 157; 620 ± 120 (mOD405/min/ml membrane); IgG, 35 ± 12; 65 ± 23; 436 ± 127; 590 ± 196 (mOD405/min/ml membrane). All increments in rings versus controls and in trophozoites versus rings were highly significant. Parasite development in the presence of 100 μmol/l beta‐mercaptoethanol largely reverted haemichrome formation, Bd3 aggregation, C3c and IgG deposition and phagocytosis. Membrane proteins extracted by detergent C12E8 were separated on Sepharose CL‐6B. Haemichromes, C3c and IgG were present exclusively in the high‐molecular‐weight fractions together with approximately 30% of Bd3, indicating the oxidative formation of immunogenic Bd3 aggregates. Immunoblots of separated membrane proteins with anti‐Bd3 antibodies confirmed Bd3 aggregates that, in part, did not enter the gel. Immunoprecipitated antibodies eluted from trophozoites reacted preferentially with aggregated Bd3. Changes in parasitized RBC membranes and induction of phagocytosis were similar to oxidatively damaged, senescent or thalassaemic RBC, indicating that parasite‐induced oxidative modifications of Bd3 were per se sufficient to induce and enhance phagocytosis of malaria‐parasitized RBC.
Dicranolaius bellulus (Guérin‐Méneville) (Coleoptera: Melyridae: Malachiinae), a possible biological control agent of lepidopterous pests in inland Australia
Authors: Horne Paul A , Edward Cindy L , Kourmouzis Tony
Published: July 2002

Carrot and potato crops grown in northern Victoria, along the Murray River, were sampled for macroinvertebrates. Dicranolaius bellulus was abundant in both crops. Feeding trials in the laboratory demonstrated that this species is predaceous and scavenging, and feeds on a variety of food sources. It readily accepts as food the eggs and first‐instar larvae of potato moth (Phthorimaea operculella) and heliothis (Helicoverpa punctigera), and also dead first‐instar crickets (Teleogryllus commodus).
Preservation of anterograde ejaculation after transurethral resection of both the prostate and bladder neck
Authors: Ronzoni  , DE Vecchis
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To determine whether anterograde ejaculation is preserved after transurethral resection of both the prostate and bladder neck (TURP and TURBN).

Patients and methods

 Between 1994 and 1997, 45 patients (mean age 53.2 years, range 42–62) with bladder neck obstruction and small obstructive adenomas (<35 g) underwent TURP/TURBN, preserving part of the supramontanal prostate and prostatic urethra for >1 cm from the verumontanum. They were assessed before and after 0.5–2 years to determine the type of ejaculation, symptom scores and sexual function, and compared with 10 similar patients who had undergone a conventional TURP.

Results

 With preservation of >1 cm of the supramontanal prostate, anterograde ejaculation was maintained in 80% of the patients, whereas only one patient in the control group retained anterograde ejaculation.

Conclusions

 The preservation of anterograde ejaculation after TURP (in ≈20% of cases) and after transurethral incision of the prostate (>90% cases) reported in the literature probably relates more to the presence of an adequate amount of residual prostatic tissue than to the existence of a hypothetical ‘pre‐prostatic sphincter’.
The effect of target proximity on the aniso‐accommodative response
Authors: Marran Lynn , Schor Clifton M.
Published: July 2002

Aniso‐accommodation (unequal binocular accommodation) to lens‐induced anisometropia has been demonstrated by subjective and objective measurement techniques (Marran and Schor,Vision Res.38(22), 3601–3619). The gain of the response was significantly reduced for some subjects when aniso‐accommodation was stimulated by a target at 1 m compared to a target at 20 cm, even when the targets viewed were matched in retinal image size, convergence levels andaniso‐accommodative stimuli. The two conditions did differ in both the accommodative level and proximity of the target. Thus the higher gain of the response in the 20 cm condition could have arisen from either high proximity, high accommodative level or a combination of both.

In this investigation, target proximity and accommodative level were manipulated independently while extra‐retinal cues such as absolute disparity and image size were held constant. The results show that high target proximity alone rather than accommodative level or a combination of the two was responsible for the distance dependent effect demonstrated by subjects. Furthermore, accommodative level did not affect the response when target proximity was held constant. Subjects who demonstrated invariant aniso‐accommodation with changes in viewing distance also demonstrated invariant aniso‐accommodation with experimental manipulation of target proximity at the target distances tested, as would be expected.

These results suggest that high level processing, rather than a reflex blur response, is involved in aniso‐accommodation. This conclusion is strengthened by the previous finding of long reaction and response times, 11 and 15 s respectively, to step aniso‐accommodative stimuli (Marran and Schor,Vision Res.38(22), 3601–3619). Since the experimental target provided subjects with visual feedback of the relative blur of the dichoptically viewed letters, subjects had access to perceptual blur information cues. Some subjects seemed to have required both aniso‐blur and proximity to exercise this volitional response. Those subjects who showed a distance invariant aniso‐accommodative response may have been able to use perceived aniso‐blur alone and their ability to disregard proximal cues may have resulted from greater experience with the aniso‐accommodative stimuli. Alternatively, these subjects may have had a lower threshold to proximal stimuli and experienced target proximity at the more distant (1 m) viewing condition.
The DSM‐IV nosology of chronic pain: a comparison of pain disorder and multiple somatization syndrome
Authors: Hiller Wolfgang , Heuser Jörg , Fichter Manfred M.
Published: July 2002

This study evaluates the classification of pain from the perspective of the DSM‐IV system. Of 60 in‐patients with long‐standing and disabling pain syndromes, 29 with pain disorder (PD) and 31 with pain as part of a multiple somatization syndrome (MSS) were compared before and after a structured cognitive‐behavioral treatment. It was hypothesized that MSS patients show more psychological distress, are more severely disabled, and respond less to the treatment. Both groups were similar with respect to sociodemographic status, history of pain symptomatology and comorbidity with DSM‐IV mental disorders. The results show that MSS patients had higher levels of affective and sensoric pain sensations as well as more pain‐related disabilities. They were also less successful during treatment to reduce their pain‐related depression and anxiety. Psychosocial functioning was improved only by PD patients, but remained almost unchanged in the MSS group. However, there were no group differences concerning general depression and hypochondriasis, dysfunctional attitudes towards body and health, and use of pain coping strategies. It is concluded that the DSM‐IV distinction between ‘pure’ pain disorder and syndromes involving pain plus multiple somatoform symptoms cannot generally be confirmed, but further studies of validation are needed. Copyright 2000 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain
Oxygen diffusion into oxygen-deficient Ba2YCu3O7−x films during plasma oxidation
Authors: Yoshida A. , Tamura H. , Morohashi S. , Hasuo S.
Published: July 2002

We studied the speed of oxygen diffusion into deoxygenated Ba2 YCu3 O7−x films during plasma oxidation. The films were deoxygenated by annealing in N2 or Ar and treated in an oxygen plasma. The sample was below 160 °C during the plasma oxidation. The deoxygenated film was tetragonal and exhibited semiconductivity. Plasma oxidation changed the crystal structure of the film from tetragonal to orthorhombic, and restored superconductivity and metallic behavior in the oxygen deficient film. The change in composition variable x calculated from the weight gain during plasma oxidation was about 0.6. The effective diffusion constant for oxygen indiffusion estimated from the time dependence of weight gain was on the order of 10−12  cm2 /s.
Smooth high T
c Y1Ba2Cu3Ox films by laser deposition at 650 °C
Authors: Chang C. C. , Wu X. D. , Inam A. , Hwang D. M. , Venkatesan T. , Barboux P. , Tarascon J. M.
Published: July 2002

Superconducting Y1Ba2Cu3Ox films 300 nm thick with local surface roughness <5 nm have been prepared by laser deposition at 650 °C and subsequent heat treatments at 450 °C; highest zero resistance temperature was above 85 K. Smooth topography and low-temperature processing are crucial for device fabrication. These films are crack-free and density of particles with >1 μm diameter was <10/cm2. We suggest that an effective increase in surface temperature and deposition directly in the orthorhombic phase contributes to film quality.
Reinterpretation of degradation kinetics of amorphous silicon
Authors: Redfield David , Bube Richard H.
Published: July 2002

Generation of light-induced metastable defects in amorphous Si:H(a-Si:H) is shown to follow the same stretched exponential (SE) that describes relaxation of thermally induced metastability at room temperature for a simple case. Apparent power laws derived from the central part of the SE are (time)0.3 and (intensity)0.6, agreeing well with the (time)1/3 and (intensity)2/3 dependences often reported in the mid range of defect density, thus providing an alternative description of defect generation. The SE link between light-induced and thermally induced instabilities suggests that the thermal effects are also due to defect processes, and offers an alternative defect-based explanation to a macroscopic ‘‘structural relaxation’’ or ‘‘glass transition.’’
Self-consistent resonant states and phase coherence in a wide double-barrier structure
Authors: Choi K. K. , Newman P. G. , Folkes P. A. , Iafrate G. J.
Published: July 2002

We present experimental tunneling current-voltage characteristics for a wide (1040-Å-wide well) double-barrier structure; concomitant differential conductance data show a series of oscillations in the differential conductance-voltage characteristics. By using a self-consistent analysis, we show that the observed conductance oscillations arise predominantly from the structure of the local density of states of the confining well rather than the density of states of the global structure; this result shows that there is a lack of long-range phase coherence for the tunneling electrons in this structure. Also, in this analysis we determine the importance of the band nonparabolicity.