bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Profiling and Characterization of Developed Cake Premix Using Finger Millets (Eleusine coracana) and Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.)
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Singh Neetu , Nanda Alka
Published: January 2024

Research in the areas of nutrition and health care, as well as the growing public knowledge of these subjects, support the potential of phytochemicals like dietary fibre on their health-beneficial properties. Finger millet (FM) rates higher in terms of nutritional composition than other cereal grains. When absorbed by the body, FM's nutritional composition lowers the chance of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and gastrointestinal tract disorders. Due to the high levels of calcium (0.38%), dietary fibre (18%), and phenolic compounds (0.3–3%) in it, its usefulness in terms of nutrition is well understood. Additionally, they have been found to have anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. The study focused on the development, Physiochemical Analysis, Nutritional Profiling and Microbial analysis of Cake Premix using Finger Millet and Sweet Potato in Different Ratio. A porous shape of the premix powder was shown by Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The structure of the Premix was mainly pore-free, uniform, and compact. showed that the Premix's surface was also smooth. Presumption powder's Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra were essentially identical within the wave-number range of 4000–400 cm−1. the six-month period's microbiological proliferation (count of mould and yeast). The findings showed that during the storage period, there was no discernible variation in the microbiological load (yeast and mould count) in the created goods, suggesting that they were safe for ingestion for up to six months. The objective of the present research was intended to develop Cake premix by using Finger Millet and Sweet Potato in different Ratio which could be utilized as nutritional supplement and also helps in lowering the risks of lifestyle disorders.
Development of Red Rice-Based Pastas: Physicochemical, Cooking and Sensory Properties and Shelf Life
Authors: Biradar Vishwaradhya M. , Kumargouda Viresh , Suresha K. B.  , Mohithkumar G. V.  , Shobha D.
Published: January 2024

Aim: To develop red rice-based pasta and to assess their physico-chemical, sensory and cooking properties.

Study Design: Completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Processing and Food Engineering, College of Agricultural Engineering, UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru, between 2021 to 2022 (2 years).

Methodology: Cold extruded pastas were developed by incorporation of red rice flour and wheat flour at varying levels and physical parameters and proximate were analysed according to Deshpande and Poshadri [1], Launay and Lisch [2], Anderson [3], AOAC [4] respectively and 9-point hedonic scale was used to adjudge the sensory characteristics and also studied cooking characteristics according to standard methodologies for optimized pasta.

Results: Pasta incorporated with 60 percent of red rice flour with 40% percent of wheat flour had optimum cooking characteristics and adjudged as best compared to other levels of incorporation. The cooking studies of optimized product showed that cooking time varied from 3.20-6.15 min, swelling power varied from 1.00-1.46 g g-1 and solid loss was found to be 15.02-9.94%. The optimized product found to has 79.43% of available carbohydrate, 10.15% of crude protein, 7.21% of moisture, 1.52% of crude fat, 1.93% of crude fibre and 1.69% ash content.

Conclusion: The developed red rice pasta underwent a comprehensive analysis encompassing physicochemical, cooking and textural evaluations. The study revealed key insights into the unique characteristics of the pasta, highlighting its nutritional attributes and cooking performance. The observed textural properties contribute to its overall appeal, making it a promising and health-conscious alternative in the realm of pasta products.
Influence of Levels of Phosphorus on Yield Components and Yield of Zero Till Maize in Rice-maize (Zea mays L.) Sequence
Authors: Ch. Ramesh  , Ramana M. Venkata , Sree G. Jaya
Published: January 2024

Aims: Influence of levels of phosphorus on yield components and yield of zero till maize in rice-maize (Zea mays L.) sequence.

Methodology: Field experiment was conducted during two successive years at College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad on rice-zero till maize sequence. The experiment was replicated thrice with 5 levels of P2O5 in rice and 3 levels of P2O5 in maize.

Results: The direct application of 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 to maize recorded significantly higher value of yield components, grain and stover yield of maize over lower Phosphorus levels. The residual effect of 100% and /or 75% RDP (recommended dose of Phosphorus) applied to rice had a greater positive influence on the yield components and yield over lower phosphorus levels. The cumulative effect indicated that application of 100% RDP to both the crops and 75 % RDP to rice and 100% RDP to maize had a positive effect on maize and produced significantly greater yield components and yield over other phosphorus treatments.
Impacts of Constructed Water Pans on Mammal Distribution and Abundance. A Case of Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya
Authors: Edwin Kiria , Beldine Mmula , Evans Mutuma , Mahiga Samuel N. , Aruho Robert
Published: January 2024

Aim: To assess the impacts of constructed water pan utilization on wildlife distribution and abundance in Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.
Study Design:  Ecological survey design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the dry season (June 2022) and wet season (October 2022) at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya.
Methodology: Systematic sampling using belt transects was used in collecting data on mammals’ distribution and abundance.
Results: Distribution patterns differed with species between seasons. For the dry season, results show that eland(r=-0.516, p=0.295), impala(r=-0.714, p=0.111), warthog(r=-0.754,p=0.08), waterbuck(r=-0.986,p=0.0003), and zebra(r=-0.657,p=0.156) had a strong negative correlation with distance from water pans. During the wet season, impala (r = -0.49, p=0.329), wildebeest (r = -0.26, p=0.623), and waterbuck (r = -0.71, p=0.111) showed a negative correlation, while warthog (r = 0.60,p=0.208) and zebra (r = 0.26, p=0.62)showed a positive correlation with increased distance from water.
Conclusion: many mammals concentrated near the constructed water pans during the dry season due to the presence of forage and drinking water but dispersed out when ephemeral water sources and forage availability increased during the wet season.
Nanoparticle-Enhanced Approaches for Sustainable Agriculture and Innovations in Food Science
Authors: Singh Bal Veer , Girase Indrajitsingh Pravinsingh , Sharma Manisha , Vidhya C. S.  , Tiwari Awanindra Kumar , Baral Kirttiranjan , Pandey Shivam Kumar
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive review paper delves into the burgeoning field of nanoparticle-based applications in sustainable agriculture and food science. With a focus on the latest advancements, we explore the diverse ways in which nanoparticles are being harnessed to enhance agricultural practices and revolutionize the food industry. The review covers the synthesis methods of nanoparticles, their unique physicochemical properties, and their multifaceted roles in promoting sustainable agriculture, including improved crop yield, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake. Furthermore, we investigate the applications of nanoparticles in food science, ranging from food preservation and packaging to the development of nanostructured delivery systems for bioactive compounds. The potential benefits and challenges associated with nanoparticle utilization in agriculture and food science are critically examined, providing insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. This review aims to contribute to the ongoing discourse on sustainable and innovative practices that can shape the future of agriculture and food technology.
Knowledge Assessment of Beneficiary Farmers of Technical Service Centres (TSCs) about Recommended Technologies of Sericulture in Karnataka State of India
Authors: Harisha N. , Rao B. Mukunda , Krishna T. Gopi , Devi K. Uma , Umar S. K. Nafeez
Published: January 2024

Sericulture in Karnataka is in the process of modernization in many phases through new demand driven extension approach called Technical Service Centres (TSCs) located at the grass-root level (Hobli and Taluka level). These centres are mainly involved in the dissemination of the technologies developed by the Research Institutes and also in supply of mulberry cuttings/saplings, monitoring mulberry cultivation, silkworm rearing and providing   information about loan facilities and subsidy schemes. There is a need to study the attitude of sericulture beneficiary farmers towards activities of TSCs. The study was conducted during 2018-20 in the Karnataka state which contribute 35 per cent of silk production in India. An ex-post facto research design was used or the study. Knowledge test was constructed to measure the knowledge of sericulture farmers on recommended sericulture technologies. The Ramanagara and Mandya districts were selected because these district have highest number of TSCs in Bangalore and Mysore division respectively. Mandya, Malavalli and K.R Pet taluks from Mandya district as well as Ramanagara, Channapatna and Kanakapura taluks from Ramanagara district were selected for the study with four TSCs from each taluk. Totally, 24 TSCs were selected for the study. Ten sericulture farmers under each TSC, collectively 240, were selected by using random sampling method. The study highlighted that more than half (52.50%) and more than one third (36.25%) of the sericulture farmers had medium and high knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture respectively. Only just more than one tenth (11.25%) of the sericulture farmers had low knowledge on recommended technologies of sericulture. The probable reason might be due  to fact that sericulture farmers were regularly consulting from officials of grainage centres, TSC extension functionaries, input dealers and peer group about the information on  latest sericulture technologies.
Influence of Foliar Application of Growth Stimulants and Fungicides on Seed Yield and Quality in Soybean
Authors: Sunil Y. , Pallavi M. , Sujatha P. , Ramesh M.
Published: January 2024

A field experiment imposing foliar sprays of growth regulators and two fungicides at different crop growth stages in two varieties of soybean was conducted during kharif 2022 to identify appropriate prophylactic measures to combat the seed damages during developmental stages so as to reduce seed deterioration and thereby improve the longevity of seed at College Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar. Seed quality data was recorded. The laboratory studies under storage were conducted in FCRD with two replications and observations on various seed quality traits viz. germination (%), seedling dry weight (mg) seedling vigour index and  field emergence (%) . Among the various treatments T6 viz. Pyraclostrobin + Thiophonate (Xelora) @ 2 ml/l at pod formation, seed development and seed maturity showed superior performance for yield, yield attributes and seed quality.
Partial Chemical Characterization of Drought-Related Metabolites in Maize Under Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: Amiben Lakhani , Benharlal P. S , Kandoliya U. K.
Published: January 2024

This study investigates the metabolic response of maize genotypes UASBM13 (drought-tolerant) and UASBM10 (drought-sensitive) to drought stress using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Drought stress significantly impacts crop productivity, with potential consequences for global food security. Secondary metabolites produced by maize under drought conditions, provide insights into molecular response. The identified metabolites include sinapic acid, sinapoyl malate, coumaroyl shikimate, caffeoyl shikimate, syriogenin, sinapaldehyde, hydroxy ferulate, naringenin chalcone, and resveratrol. These compounds play crucial roles in antioxidant defence, lignification, and stress-related pathways. The results suggest that UASBM13 exhibits a more robust metabolic response to drought, with higher levels of key metabolites associated with stress tolerance. The findings contribute to our understanding of plant adaptation to environmental stress and provide valuable information for developing drought-tolerant crop varieties to ensure global food security in the context of a changing climate and growing population.
Risks of Salmonellosis Linked to the Consumption of Lettuce Grown on the Outskirts and in Unexploited Intra-Urban Areas of the City of Bouaké, Central-Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Gustave Kouassi Adingra , Clément Kouassi Kouassi , Thibaut Ouina Toualy Serge , Ibrahim Konate
Published: January 2024

Lettuce is one of the most popular and consumed vegetables in the world. It could be contaminated with Salmonella spp. which would lead to food poisoning. The objective of this study was to quantitatively assess the risk of salmonellosis linked to the consumption of lettuce produced in Bouaké (Central-Côte d’Ivoire). A survey of 138 urban lettuce producers and 384 salad lettuce consumers was first conducted. Then, microbiological analyzes were carried out on forty-five lettuce samples collected in the city of Bouaké. A probabilistic approach was followed to quantitatively assess the risks associated with the consumption of lettuce. Finally, the risk of ingestion of the infectious dose which is 105 cells of Salmonella spp. was estimated by a Monte Carlo type simulation. Microbiological analyzes showed that Salmonella spp. loads ranged from 0 ± 0 CFU/g to 7.73.102 ± 2.33.101 CFU/g. Furthermore, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in lettuce was 77.78%. The risk of salmonellosis exists and is 6.36% to 6.56%; i.e. 6,360 to 6,560 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. This study showed that lettuces were contaminated with Salmonella spp. There is a risk of developing typhoid or paratyphoid salmonellosis following their consumption.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Microbial Contamination of Vegetables in Market Gardening Environments in Niamey, Niger
Authors: Alio Almou Abdoulaye , Chaibou Yaou , Moustapha Rabiou Maman , Abdel-Kader Alio Sanda , Seini Sabo Haoua , Hassimi Sadou
Published: January 2024

Market gardening is an income-generating activity that is developing more and more in large African cities due to the strong demand for consumption in households and hotels. Market gardening has become a new profession and plays an important role in the supply of fresh vegetables. The aim of the present study was to assess market gardening practices at risk of causing vegetable microbial contamination in the market gardening environment of the urban community of Niamey. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from march to June 2022 on three market gardening sites (Harobanda, Gamkalé and Gounti yéna) in Niamey city with market gardeners. A total of 108 market gardeners were surveyed using a pre-established questionnaire. Market gardening is 100% practiced by men, most of them are over 40 years old (53.70%), of Niger nationality (62.96%) and unschooled (45.10%). River water (swimming pool) is used for 81.48% of watering, without any treatment (92.30%). Market gardeners are unaware of the danger of going down to the water source to draw water (61.11%). Some 87.04% of fields have no latrine, 37.04% are near garbage, 35.19% near drainage channels and 100% near a road. Two (2) types of fertilizer are used: chemical fertilizer (96.30%) and manure (98.15%), without any treatment (69.23%). Vegetables are stored on the ground (87.04%) after harvesting. The behavior of market gardeners on production sites gives no guarantee of healthy vegetables. In view of this behavior, sanitary education seems necessary for market gardeners.
Impact of Low Tunnel Heights and Irrigation Regimes on Growth Parameters of Capsicum
Authors: Lodhi A. S. , Chouhan S. S. , Bhalawe S.
Published: January 2024

The cultivation of Capsicum, commonly known as sweet pepper, is a critical component of global agriculture. As the demand for high-quality peppers continues to rise, there is a growing need to explore innovative cultivation practices that enhance yield and resource efficiency. Extensive experimental work was conducted at the research farm of Soil and Water Engineering, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from October 2008 to June 2009. This manuscript delves into the intricate interplay between low tunnel heights and irrigation regimes, seeking to unravel their collective impact on the growth parameters of capsicum. From the experiments, the data clearly revealed that plant height, leaf area index and dry matter accumulation was highest in 75 cm tunnel height followed by 90 cm and 60 cm tunnel height treatments throughout the crop season. Among all the irrigation treatments drip irrigation with 0.90 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest plant height and leaf area index than other irrigation treatments. Whereas drip irrigation with 0.75 IW/CPE ratio gave the highest dry matter accumulation than the other irrigation treatments.
Firm Value, Economic Shock, and Pitfalls of Approach Analysis: The Case of Indonesian State-Owned Bank
Authors: Reza Faizal , Irawansyah Robby Prasetya
Published: January 2024

Economic shocks are believed to have a major impact on economic stability. The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the effect of Liquidity, Leverage, Profitability and the Covid-19 pandemic on the firm value of state-owned banks listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). The data used is the financial statement data of state-owned banks listed on IDX for the 2011-2021 period. The population of this study are state-owned bank companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Sampling in this study was carried out using purposive sampling method. Based on predetermined criteria, 44 data were obtained. The data analysis used in this research are Multiple Linear Regression Analysis and Data Panel, then at the end of analysis is also strengthened by Structural Break Test and Panel Cointegration Test. The results from Data Panel showed that Liquidity has a negative and significant effect on Firm Value, meanwhile Leverage and Profitability has insignificant effect on Firm Value. Structural Break Test and Panel Cointegration Test both strongly showed there is an impact the Covid-19 pandemic on Firm Value.
Alpelisib Efficacy in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Karrar Hani Raka , Nouh Mahmoud Ismail , Alnami Amnah alhassan , Alrasheedi Bashayr Eid , Alrwilli Shuaa rakan , Durbashi Najwa Ahmed Hussain , Baghlaf Lujain Badr , AlGhamdi Ahmed Jamaan , Otayn Zakaria Y. , Aowaiwi Waad Fareed H , Alghamdi Khalid Saad S , Aljohani Alwaleed Oudah Hamdan , Alzahrani Abdulrahman Saeed A
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer is one of the popular problems related to the medical field. Breast cancer become more aggressive, and the incidence rate keeps increasing yearly. The incidence indicates the slow progression of the disease. Yearly, there are more than one million new cases that get worse. Probably the incidence rate will increase significantly in the next years. Breast cancer develops silently without medical attention, and most cases are discovered during a routine clinic visit. While other cases may accidentally discover breast lumps, changes in breast shape or size, and nipple discharge. Breast cancer highly affects women worldwide. Mortality rates of breast cancer are improving, but still, the survival rate in the advanced stage is decreasing. Nowadays, Chemotherapy is considered the gold-standard approach for most cancer types and a modest improvement in both survival rates and toxicity reduction. Therefore, this article aims to focus on the use of one of the modest drugs that treat advanced breast cancer, which is Alpelisib, and highlight the mechanism of action, indication, contraindication, pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic, dose, and its side effects. Alpelisib is being developed by Novartis company. The first clinical trials started in Oct 2010. It was approved in the USA on May 24th, 2019. Alpelisib works by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) which leads to inhibiting the activation of some signaling pathways. Alpelisib is used in combination with fulvestrant to treat advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women with some genetic mutations.
An Ethnographic View of Kaizen Culture in the Concept of Human Capital at the Top-Middle Management Level
Authors: Nakuloadi Hening , Riani Asri Laksmi , Wening Nur
Published: January 2024

Research Purposes: This article aims to deepen the understanding of Kaizen culture in relation to the concept of human capital at the current middle-top managerial level.

Research Methods: This research led to the choice of using a qualitative method approach, ethnography.

Research Originality: This research is the first to be conducted, and is expected to contribute to the development of human capital theory at the managerial level of companies.

Findings: From this Kaizen culture, they teach humans to make changes for the good in an efficient, processed manner and to make life goals more meaningful. To support the implementation of the Kaizen Strategy, we need standardization in the production process and work procedures in an organization, namely SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely).

Implications: We can apply to Kaizen culture not only at the individual level but also on a large corporate scale such as manufacturing, this is because it makes everything better and more efficient over time. From this Kaizen culture, humans are also taught to make changes with goodness in an efficient, processed manner, and to make life goals more meaningful. There are 10 Kaizen principles that can be applied so that a person's life goals become more developed and meaningful, namely continuing to improve one's abilities; Leave Old Bad Habits behind; Proactive; Always Correct Yourself; Want to develop yourself in your own way; Willing to listen to other people's opinions; Can utilize gathering moments more effectively; Want to ask yourself; and Live Economically and Efficiently.

Limitations: Kaizen culture using the SMART method cannot be short term, but takes the form of an accumulation of success in a long-term context.
Social Media Instagram and Purchasing Decisions
Authors: Anggara Ali Akbar , Kaukab M. Elfan , Pradhipta Yudhistira
Published: January 2024

This research aims to analyze the influence of content creation, content sharing, connection, and community building on purchasing decisions. The study employs a quantitative approach with a sample size of 107 respondents. The research instrument used includes questionnaires/surveys and literature review. Data analysis is conducted using SPSS. The research findings indicate the following: 1) content creation has a positive impact on purchasing decisions; 2) content sharing does not have a significant impact or has a negative influence on purchasing decisions; 3) connection does not have a significant impact or has a negative influence on purchasing decisions; 4) community building has a positive impact on purchasing decisions. Overall, social media has superior contribution on making purchase decion for customer. The researchers seek to understand whether the content generated and shared on social media platforms has a significant influence on consumers' choices when making purchases.
Obsessive‐compulsive symptom dimensions in affected sibling pairs diagnosed with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Authors: Leckman James F. , Pauls David L. , Zhang Heping , Rosario‐Campos Maria C. , Katsovich Liliya , Kidd Kenneth K. , Pakstis Andrew J. , Alsobrook John P. , Robertson Mary M. , McMahon William M. , Walkup John T. , van de Wetering Ben J.M. , King Robert A. , Cohen Donald J.
Published: December 2002

Obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is an etiologically heterogeneous disorder. Recent factor analyses have consistently identified several symptom dimensions, two of which are associated with increased familial risk for OCD; aggressive, sexual, and religious obsessions and checking compulsions (FACTOR 1) and symmetry and ordering obsessions and compulsions (FACTOR 2). Both of these symptom dimensions are also frequently seen in association with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether these obsessive‐compulsive (OC) symptom dimensions are correlated within families (between sibs and between parent‐child pairs). Using data collected by the Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for Genetics Affected Sibling Pair Study, the authors selected all available GTS sib pairs and their parents for which these OC symptom dimensions (factor scores) could be generated. This group included 128 full sibs and their mothers (54) and fathers (54). Four OC symptom dimension scores were computed for each family member using an algorithm derived from item endorsements from the Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale (Y‐BOCS) symptom checklist. In addition to a series of univariate analyses, complex segregation analyses were also completed using these quantitative OC symptom dimension scores. FACTOR 1 and FACTOR 2 scores were significantly correlated in sib pairs concordant for GTS. The mother–child correlations, but not father–child correlations, were also significant for these two factors. Segregation analyses were consistent with dominant major gene effects for both FACTOR 1 and FACTOR 2. We conclude that familial factors contribute significantly to OC symptom dimension phenotypes in GTS families. This familial contribution could be genetic or environmental. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selectivity of verbal memory deficit in schizophrenic patients and their relatives
Authors: Toulopoulou Timothea , Morris Robin G. , Rabe‐Hesketh Sophia , Murray Robin M.
Published: December 2002

Some of the relatives of people with schizophrenia show impairments of memory and executive function. It is not known, however, whether within these domains there is a class of processes that is especially impaired. Seventy schizophrenic or schizoaffective patients, 115 of their relatives and 66 normal controls underwent a series of assessments evaluating modality specific recall/learning, and aspects of executive functioning, including, planning ability, spatial working memory, strategy formation and rapid mental flexibility. The pattern of performance across cognitive processes was assessed using z‐scores that allow direct comparison between tests with different raw score metrics. Selectivity of deficit was evaluated by subtracting the z‐score of each cognitive process from the mean of the z‐scores of those remaining. Patients performed out worse than controls on most measures, with verbal immediate recall and visual memory/learning the most impaired. Their relatives showed lower scores than controls on verbal and visual memory/learning and strategy formation; verbal memory and strategy formation remained impaired after eliminating those relatives with a psychiatric diagnosis. Consistent with the findings in their schizophrenic kin, healthy relatives also showed disproportionate impairments in verbal immediate recall. Our finding of a selective deficit in verbal memory among relatives suggests that such impairment constitutes a familial, probably genetic, risk factor for schizophrenia. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Familial aggregation of psychotic symptoms in a replication set of 69 bipolar disorder pedigrees
Authors: Potash James B. , Chiu Yen‐Feng , MacKinnon Dean F. , Miller Erin B. , Simpson Sylvia G. , McMahon Francis J. , McInnis Melvin G. , DePaulo J. Raymond
Published: December 2002

We found evidence previously of familial aggregation of psychotic symptoms in 65 bipolar disorder pedigrees. This finding, together with prior evidence from clinical, family, neurobiological, and linkage studies, suggested that psychotic bipolar disorder may delineate a valid subtype. We sought to replicate this finding in 69 new bipolar disorder pedigrees. The presence of psychotic symptoms, defined as hallucinations or delusions, during an affective episode was compared in families of 46 psychotic and 23 non‐psychotic bipolar I probands ascertained at Johns Hopkins for the NIMH Bipolar Disorder Genetics Initiative. There were 198 first‐degree relatives with major affective disorder including 90 with bipolar I disorder. Significantly more psychotic proband families than non‐psychotic proband families (76% vs. 48%) contained at least one affected relative with psychotic symptoms. Psychotic symptoms occurred in 35% of relatives of psychotic probands and in 22% of relatives of non‐psychotic probands (P = 0.10). Both psychotic affective disorder generally and psychotic bipolar I disorder clustered significantly in families. These results are consistent with our prior report although the magnitude of the predictive effect of a psychotic proband is less in the replication families. Our findings provide modest support for the validity of psychotic bipolar disorder as a subtype of bipolar disorder. This clinically defined subtype may prove more homogeneous than the disorder as a whole at the level of genetic etiology and of neuropathology/pathophysiology. Families with this subtype should be used to search for susceptibility genes common to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and for biological markers that may be shared with schizophrenia. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic variation in apolipoprotein D affects the risk of Alzheimer disease in African‐Americans
Authors: Desai Purnima P. , Hendrie Hugh C. , Evans Rebecca M. , Murrell Jill R. , DeKosky Steven T. , Kamboh M. Ilyas
Published: December 2002

Apolipoprotein D (APOD, gene; apoD, protein) is involved in neuroregenerative and neurodegenerative processes, and is upregulated in late‐onset Alzheimer disease (AD) patients compared to nondemented controls. No genetic association studies have yet been carried out to investigate the role of APOD in AD. We have reported recently several sequence variants in the APOD gene, which are present exclusively among African blacks. In the present study we examined the role of four APOD genetic variants (Intron 1, codons 36, 108, 158) in modifying the risk of AD in 70 subjects with AD and 163 nondemented subjects from a population‐based African‐American cohort in Indianapolis. The Intron 1*2 allele was associated with an increased AD risk with an age, gender and APOE adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.29 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19–4.43; P = 0.013), and this risk was confined to APOE*4 carriers (OR 3.12; 95% CI: 1.13–8.60; P = 0.028). The frequency of the codon 36/GT genotype was non‐significantly higher in individuals with AD than nondemented subjects (4.3% vs. 1.2%) with an adjusted OR of 4.24 (95% CI: 0.66–27.14; P = 0.13). Our data suggest that the risk of AD among African‐Americans may be modified by genetic variation in APOD. Larger population‐based or case‐control studies are needed to confirm the role of APOD genetic variation in AD. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enzymatic degradation of thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) grafted to carboxymethylcellulose copolymers
Authors: Vasile Cornelia , Marinescu Cristina , Vornicu Raluca , Staikos Georgios
Published: December 2002

The enzymatic degradation of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafted to carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) copolymers with a cellulasic preparation (Trichoderma viride) was studied. The enzymatic activity of the cellulasic preparation against CMC and the grafted copolymers was determined by the Petterson–Porath method, while their reduced viscosity variation in the presence of the same preparation was also followed. It has been shown that the enzymatic degradation behavior depends on the copolymer composition and the reaction temperature. Reducing sugars analysis showed that the experimental values for the grafted copolymers were higher than the calculated ones. At 50°C, the enzymatic reaction is completed in about 20 min for the copolymers, whereas for CMC it takes more than 40 min. It can be concluded that their enzymatic degradation is facilitated by the presence of the PNIPAM grafts. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1383–1386, 2003
Temperature shifting of convergent flow measured effective elongational viscosity
Authors: Collier John R. , Petrovan Simioan , Patil Parag
Published: December 2002

The effective elongational viscosity data on a series of polyolefins as a function of temperature are shifted to a reference temperature using the approach for shifting shearing viscosity data. The temperature shift factors are obtained from complex and capillary shear rheology, and these are the same factors used for shifting the shear rheology. A Carreau rheological model was used to determine the zero shear rate viscosity at different temperatures, and an Arrhenius expression was used to determine the temperature shift factors. The same shift factors are shown to produce separate master curves for shear and elongational rheology at reference temperatures. The commercial grades of polyolefins studied include an extrusion grade of polypropylene and metallocene and conventionally catalyzed low and high density polyethylene materials. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1387–1396, 2003
Solvent‐induced modifications in polyester yarns. I. Mechanical properties
Authors: Chidambaram D. , Venkatraj R. , Manisankar P.
Published: December 2002

The mechanical properties of polyester (PET) yarns, fine filament, and microdenier (original and heat‐set), treated with a trichloroacetic acid–chloroform (TCAC) mixture were investigated. The treatments were carried out in an unstrained state with various concentrations of the TCAC reagent at room temperature. The TCAC treatment on PET yarns resulted in notable changes in the tensile behavior. The TCAC‐treated yarns exhibited higher extensibility and work of rupture without much loss in strength. The improvement in elongation was less in the case of heat‐set polyester yarns due to solvent treatment. The depression of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of TCAC‐treated PET yarns, even at the minimum concentration, showed its effectiveness to plasticize the fibers and the closeness of the solubility parameter of TCAC and PET. The Tg depression favors molecular relaxation, which has resulted in a higher shrinkage percentage of TCAC‐treated PET yarns and the effective shrinkage was reached more easily for the original fine‐filament polyester (FFP) and microdenier polyester (MDP) yarns at the lowest concentration. The effects of the concentration of TCAC on the strength, elongation, yield behavior, and work of rupture on PET were also investigated. A significant plastic flow was observed in the TCAC‐treated yarns. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1500–1510, 2003
Structure–property correlations of heat‐shrinkable polymer blends based on ethylene vinyl acetate/carboxylated nitrile rubber in the presence of different curatives
Authors: Chowdhury S. Ray , Das C. K.
Published: December 2002

Elastic memory was introduced into heat‐shrinkable polymer blends in the form of an elastomeric phase and through subsequent crosslinking. Blends of ethylene vinyl acetate and carboxylated nitrile rubber with different curative systems were studied with respect to their shrinkability. With an increase in the cure time (the crosslinking density, or memory point), shrinkage increased for the blends with all the curative systems except dicumyl peroxide (DCP). Increasing the elastomer content increased shrinkability because of the increasing driving retraction force of the oriented elastomer phase. A sample stretched at a high temperature (HT) showed greater shrinkage than a sample stretched at room temperature (RT) because of the greater concentration and degree of orientation of the extended chains. Generally, the crystallinity of the stretched (RT and HT) samples was higher than that of ordinary unstretched and shrunk samples, and this increased the effectiveness of intermolecular interactions in the former. For all systems except DCP, RT‐stretched samples showed higher crystallinity than corresponding HT‐stretched samples. With RT stretching, rapid extension and subsequent recrystallization occurred in samples molten at high local values of the stored elastic energy. An increase in the crosslinking density and orientation of the blends increased the thermal stability because of the formation of strong networks and compact structures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1414–1420, 2003
Compatibilization of nylon 6/liquid crystalline polymer blends with three types of compatibilizers
Authors: Zheng Xuejing , Zhang Jun , He Jiasong
Published: December 2002

Polyblends of nylon 6 and liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) (Vectra A 950) are immiscible and highly incompatible, with resultant poor interfacial adhesion, large phase domains, and poor mechanical properties. In the present work, compatibilizing strategies are put forward for blends containing nylon and LCP. Effects of three types of compatibilizers, including ionomer Zn–sulfonated polystyrene (SPS), reactive copolymer styrene–maleic anhydride (SMA), functional grafted copolymers—polypropylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (PP‐g‐GMA) and polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH)—are studied in the aspects of morphology and dynamic mechanical behavior. The addition of compatibilizers decreases the domain size of the dispersed phase and results in improved interfacial adhesion between LCP and matrix. The compatibilization mechanism is discussed by way of diffuse reflectance Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), showing the reaction between compatibilizers and matrix nylon 6. Mechanical properties are improved by good interfacial adhesion. The contribution of SMA to mechanical properties is more obvious than that of Zn‐SPS and grafted PPs used. The blending procedure is correlated with the improvement of mechanical properties by the addition of compatibilizer. Two‐step blending is demonstrated as an optimum method to obtain composites with better mechanical properties as a result of a greater chance for LCP to contact the compatibilizer. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1452–1461, 2003
Flame‐retardant mechanism of silica: Effects of resin molecular weight
Authors: Kashiwagi Takashi , Shields John R. , Harris Richard H. , Davis Rick D.
Published: December 2002

The effects of resin molecular weight on the flame‐retardant mechanism of silica were studied with two different molecular weights of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), 122,000 and 996,000 g/mol, and two silicas, fused silica with a small surface area and silica gel with a large surface area. A total of six different samples were studied, with a mass fraction of 10% silica. The mass loss rate of the six samples in nitrogen and the heat release rate from burning in air were measured at an external radiant flux of 40 kW/m2. The addition of silica gel to the low‐molecular‐weight PMMA significantly reduced the mass loss rate and heat release rate; addition to the high‐molecular‐weight PMMA provided the largest reductions of these quantities in this study. For fused silica, some reduction in mass loss rate and heat release rate was observed when it was added to the high‐molecular‐weight PMMA; addition to the low‐molecular‐weight PMMA did not reduce either loss rate. Chemical analysis of the collected residues and observation of the sample surface during gasification reveal the accumulation of silica near the surface; the larger its coverage over the sample surface was, less the mass loss rate and heat release rate were. Both the level of accumulation and its surface coverage depended strongly not only on the silica characteristics but also on the melt viscosity of the PMMA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 1541–1553, 2003
Parental perceptions of risks with older teenagers who have severe learning difficulties contrasted with the young people's views and experiences
Authors: McConkey Roy , Smyth Marisa
Published: December 2002

The majority of school leavers over two years from two special schools for pupils with severe learning disabilities were individually interviewed (N = 34), as were their parents (N = 38). Parental reports stressed the amount of care and supervision required by these young people. They viewed them as vulnerable to various different hazards such as crossing roads and only a minority were prepared to take the risk of teaching them. However more of the young people felt they were capable of certain tasks. Parents had a particular fear that their son or daughter may be taken advantage of sexually even though the bigger risk—going by the young people's reports—is verbal abuse and bullying from peers. A model is proposed of the influences on parental assessments of risks. This might be used in arriving at ‘shared risk‐taking’ strategies with professionals and the young people during the later years of schooling.
What do parents feel they need? Implications of parents' perspectives for the facilitation of parenting programmes
Authors: Miller Sue , Sambell Kay
Published: December 2002

This paper is based upon in‐depth interview studies with a range of parents and explores their beliefs, expectations and experiences of parenting support. Three dominant ways in which parents viewed parenting education are identified. The implications of these conceptual categories or ‘models’ of parenting support are discussed in terms of their impact on parents' approaches to parenting education and the quality of the outcomes. These interpretations raise questions about the nature and impact of parenting support. As such, they have significant implications for the development and delivery of future parenting provision.
Discovering parental drug dependence: silence and disclosure1
Authors: Barnard Marina , Barlow Joy
Published: December 2002

Children of drug dependent parents form a large and growing population at elevated risk of adverse developmental and social outcomes. In this study 36 children and young people described growing up in such families. Parents tried to shield children from exposure, however the majority of young people demonstrated a detailed awareness of their parents' problem with drugs whilst living with the parentally imposed fiction that drugs were not at the heart of their family dynamic. Children and young people are locked into a silence they find difficult to unburden to anyone. The policy imperative is recognition of the impact on children of living daily with parental drug dependence and means of ameliorating their living circumstances in ways that do not label them further.
A method from the ‘lifeworld’: some possibilities for person centred planning for children in care
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: December 2002

This paper describes a method for working with children who are the subjects of care planning and review under the Children Act 1989. The person centred planning method, as it is termed, has been well established in working with adults with special needs but can be extrapolated to encounters with children. It focuses on three fundamental areas: relationship, meaning and narrative. In underscoring these areas, the method restrains the bureaucracy and experience of stigma that is often present for those residing in state care. On a wider plane, the paper argues that the method stands as a veritable example of Habermas's ideas concerning the application of communicative rationality and discursive democracy in social life.
The E(NK) model: Extending the NK model to incorporate gene‐by‐environment interactions and epistasis for diploid genomes
Authors: Cooper Mark , Podlich Dean W.
Published: December 2002

The haploid NK model developed by Kauffman can be extended to diploid genomes and to incorporate gene‐by‐environment interaction effects in combination with epistasis. To provide the flexibility to include a wide range of forms of gene‐by‐environment interactions, a target population of environment types (TPE) is defined. The TPE consists of a set of E different environment types, each with their own frequency of occurrence. Each environment type conditions a different NK gene network structure or series of gene effects for a given network structure, providing the framework for defining gene‐by‐environment interactions. Thus, different NK models can be partially or completely nested within the E environment types of a TPE, giving rise to the E(NK) model for a biological system. With this model it is possible to examine how populations of genotypes evolve in context with properties of the environment that influence the contributions of genes to the fitness values of genotypes. We are using the E(NK) model to investigate how both epistasis and gene‐by‐environment interactions influence the genetic improvement of quantitative traits by plant breeding strategies applied to agricultural systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of bronchoalveolar lavage leukocyte populations by flow cytometry in patients investigated for respiratory disease
Authors: Barry Simon M. , Condez Aida , Johnson Margaret A. , Janossy George
Published: December 2002

Background

Characteristic changes in the proportions of leukocyte populations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) reflect different disease states in the lung. The standard method for examination of BAL leukocytes is by microscopy of cytospin preparations. This method may not be the optimum technique due to difficulties in distinguishing cell types morphologically and due to the low number of cells routinely counted. We hypothesized that flow cytometry (FCM) may be a more precise tool for investigating BAL.

Methods

100 BALs were performed on 92 patients. All samples were stained using the pan‐leukocyte marker (CD45) in combination with a granulocyte marker (CD15) and a cell viability marker (7‐aminoactinomycin D). Selected samples were also stained with an eosinophil marker (CD23). These samples were run on an FCM and the results compared with leukocyte differentials obtained by light microscopy of parallel cytospin preparations.

Results

Close correlations between the two methods were demonstrated for the enumeration of all leukocyte subsets, but the coefficient of variation was considerably lower by FCM than by cytospin.

Conclusions

These findings, combined with the speed of FCM and the ability to perform simple lymphocyte phenotyping, argue in favor of this becoming the method of choice for investigating BAL. Cytometry (Clin. Cytometry) 50:291–297, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.