bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiscal Policy under Low Interest Rates
Authors: Blanchard Olivier
Published: January 2023

Rethinking fiscal and monetary policy in an economic environment of high debt and low interest rates.

Policy makers in advanced economies find themselves in an unusual fiscal environment: debt ratios are historically high, and—once the fight against inflation is won—real interest rates will likely be very low again.  This combination calls for a rethinking of the role of fiscal and monetary policy—and this is just what Olivier Blanchard proposes in Fiscal Policy under Low Interest Rates.

There is a wide set of opinions about the direction that fiscal policy should take. Some, pointing to the high debt levels, make debt reduction an absolute priority. Others, pointing to the low interest rates, are less worried; they suggest that there is still fiscal space, and, if justified, further increases in debt should not be ruled out. Blanchard argues that low interest rates decrease not only the fiscal costs of debt but also the welfare costs of debt. At the same time, he shows how low rates decrease the room to maneuver in monetary policy—and thus increase the benefits of using fiscal policy, including deficits and debt, for macroeconomic stabilization. In short, low rates imply lower costs and higher benefits of debt.

Having sketched what optimal policy looks like, Blanchard considers three examples of fiscal policy in action: fiscal consolidation in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis, the large increase in debt in Japan, and the current US fiscal and monetary policy mix. His conclusions hold practical implications for economic and fiscal policy makers, bankers, and politicians around the world.
RNA-Seq and genetic diversity analysis of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) varieties in China
Authors: Hou Wanwei , Zhang Xiaojuan , Liu Yuling , Liu Yujiao , Feng Bai li
Published: January 2023

Background

Faba bean (Vicia faba L) is one of the most important legumes in the world. However, there is relatively little genomic information available for this species owing to its large genome. The lack of data impedes the discovery of molecular markers and subsequent genetic research in faba bean. The objective of this study was to analyze the faba bean transcriptome, and to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to determine the genetic diversity of 226 faba bean varieties derived from different regions in China.

Methods

Faba bean varieties with different phenotype were used in transcriptome analysis. The functions of the unigenes were analyzed using various database. SSR markers were developed and the polymorphic markers were selected to conduct genetic diversity analysis.

Results

A total of 92.43 Gb of sequencing data was obtained in this study, and 133,487 unigene sequences with a total length of 178,152,541 bp were assembled. A total of 5,200 SSR markers were developed on the basis of RNA-Seq analysis. Then, 200 SSR markers were used to evaluate polymorphisms. In total, 103 (51.5%) SSR markers showed significant and repeatable bands between different faba bean varieties. Clustering analysis revealed that 226 faba bean materials were divided into five groups. Genetic diversity analysis revealed that the relationship between different faba beans in China was related, especially in the same region. These results provided a valuable data resource for annotating genes to different categories and developing SSR markers.
¿Está el Derecho Penal al margen de discusiones axiológicas? a propósito de la sentencia del tribunal constitucional chileno sobre la despenalización de la interrupción del embarazo
Authors: Madrid Raúl , Guerra Espinosa Rodrigo Andrés , Cornacchia Luigi
Published: January 2023

En este trabajo se formulan algunos comentarios a la sentencia del Tribunal Constitucional chileno que declara constitucional la nueva regulación que presenta el art. 119 del Código Sanitario. Esta modificación permite la occisión del que está por nacer ante supuestas situaciones de necesidad e inexigibilidad. Se pretende exponer que, en oposición a lo que indica la prevención del Tribunal Constitucional, la problemática del nuevo art. 119 se encuentra situada un campo axiológico. La tesis jurídico-penal presentada en este artículo descansa en la metarregla del doble efecto, que exige distinguir entre aquellas acciones en que se procura el homicidio de un inocente (per se) y aquellas acciones en que la muerte se desencadena como efecto colateral (per accidens) en situaciones de estado de necesidad.
Los delitos de peligro abstracto como presunciones refutables. Nuevos argumentos en defensa de una teoría clásica Bruno Rusca
Authors: Rusca Bruno
Published: January 2023

El trabajo examina las principales teorías que se han formulado para legitimar los delitos de peligro abstracto; esto es, la criminalización de comportamientos que, en general, crean un riesgo para bienes indeterminados, aunque pueden presentarse circunstancias particulares en las que una conducta de esa clase no ocasione tal peligro. Luego de analizar críticamente diferentes propuestas de legitimación, se defiende la perspectiva que concibe a dichos delitos como presunciones rebatibles. Si bien este enfoque ha sido defendido con anterioridad, el trabajo presenta argumentos que permiten comprender más acabadamente sus virtudes como también responder a las objeciones que se plantean en su contra. Concretamente, se argumenta que la concepción de los delitos de peligro abstracto como presunciones rebatibles puede maximizar los beneficios de recurrir a esta técnica legislativa, ya que aprovecha en buena medida las ventajas que otorgan las reglas, sin incrementar sustancialmente las situaciones de injusticia material.
La inexistencia de un derecho fundamental o humano a bloquear vías en situación de protesta
Authors: Bernal Carlos
Published: January 2023

Este ensayo defiende la tesis, según la cual, en el ordenamiento jurídico colom-biano no existe un derecho fundamental definitivo a bloquear vías en situación de protestas. Tampoco existe un derecho humano semejante en el Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos. Antes bien, las autoridades tienen la competencia, y en muchos casos también el deber, de levantar los bloqueos de vías, cuando estos afecten de forma desproporcionada a otros derechos fundamentales o bienes constitucionales
Comentario de jurisprudencia del despido de un trabajador por actos temerarios que exponen a sus compañeros al virus COVID-19
Authors: Halpern Mager Gabriel
Published: January 2023

La sentencia analizada anula un fallo dictado por el Tribunal de primera instancia y establece como correcta la sanción de desvincular por motivos disciplinarios a un trabajador que expuso temerariamente a sus compañeros de trabajo al virus COVID-19. En este comentario, se analizan las decisiones y los pormenores del caso, concluyendo que se ajusta a la ley, la doctrina y la jurisprudencia.
Reconocimiento a la libertad de tránsito de los inmigrantes en la jurisprudencia de los Tribunales Superiores en Chile. Estudio de las sanciones de expulsión
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Temuco (Chile), Rosario Matos Alberto Del Jesús , Beca Frei Juan Pablo ,   Università di Genova (Italia) / Universidad Católica de Temuco (Chile)
Published: January 2023

Este trabajo sostiene una perspectiva crítica de los elementos que conforman el estatus jurídico de las personas inmigrantes en Chile, lo que nos permite analizar su fundamentación jurídica desde la configuración de los derechos y libertades que genera la libertad de tránsito contenida en el artículo 19 Nº 7 a) de la Constitución Política de Chile. Se realiza un estudio de las construcciones doctrinarias y las garantías de carácter constitucional para proteger esta libertad, permitiendo un diagnóstico de las principales decisiones de los tribunales superiores de justicia que han configurado el estatus jurídico de los inmigrantes, posturas que han estado en desacuerdo con las decisiones del Departamento de Extranjería y Migración.
El derecho humano a migrar en los ordenamientos jurídicos latinoamericanos
Authors:   Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Chile), Feddersen Mayra , Pascual Tomás ,   Universidad  Alberto Hurtado / Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Chile), Rodríguez-Atero Macarena ,   Universidad Alberto Hurtado (Chile)
Published: January 2023

El presente estudio pretende desentrañar el sentido jurídico del derecho humano a migrar, mediante la revisión crítica de la filosofía política, de la jurisprudencia del sistema internacional de derechos humanos y de su materialización en la normativa interna de 19 países latinoamericanos. El análisis que se efectúa permite sostener que los no-nacionales no tienen un derecho para ingresar al país de elección. Si bien 8 países lo consagran expresamente, ello no ha dado lugar a una libre movilidad. En efecto, todos los países mantienen amplias prohibiciones de ingreso, basadas en la protección de la seguridad nacional, el orden social y el cumplimiento de la normativa migratoria. Ahora bien, el derecho humano a migrar ha significado que 11 de los 19 países hayan establecido algún tipo de procedimiento para adoptar decisiones en frontera, poniendo límites a su discrecionalidad y adecuándose a los estándares internacionales de derechos humanos vigentes.
La lex societatis en el derecho internacional privado chileno
Authors:   Universidad de los Andes (Chile), Vial Undurraga María Ignacia
Published: January 2023

La actuación internacional de las sociedades hace relevante identificar la ley que las rige. Esta lex societatis es determinada por las normas de Derecho Internacional Privado de cada país. Chile carece de ellas, pero reconoce la existencia y plena capacidad de las sociedades constituidas en el extranjero. La interpretación extensiva de nuestras normas sustantivas permite concluir que las sociedades se someten a la ley del Estado de su constitución, limitada por las normas imperativas y el orden público chilenos. Esta ley regula la constitución de la sociedad, su estructura legal, su actuación interna y su actuación externa respecto de socios y terceros. Chile necesita normas de conflicto sobre sociedades que den certeza jurídica respecto de la ley que gobierna su actuación internacional.
Farmers Perception of Access and Use of Modern Information Communication Technologies in Enhancing Smallholder Tea Production in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Atsango Gideon , Chimoita Evans L. , Njeru Lucy Karega
Published: January 2023

The smallholder tea sector in Kenya forms the second-largest agricultural exporter after horticulture, contributing 4 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Modern communication technologies (MCTS) are key in supporting production, processing and marketing across the tea sector value chain. Despite the availability of all these technologies, their access and use by smallholder tea farmers for production and tea auction price monitoring are still minimal. Further, farmers’ perception of access and use of modern communication technologies is not well known. The objective of this study was to evaluate smallholder farmers’ perceptions on access and use of modern communication technologies in enhancing tea production in Shinyalu subcounty.The study was anchored on diffusion of innovation that emphasizes on the five attributes of an innovation. The study evaluated the farmers’ perception of access and use of MCTs. The study adopted a descriptive research design where fisher’s formula was used to get 162 out of 1,600 smallholder tea farmers who were systematically sampled and interviewed. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires. Likert perception test scale was also used test perception statements. The data was cleaned and analyzed in form of frequencies and percentages and chi-square The results established that majority of the tea farmers (36%) had acquired basic literacy levels of education to use modern technologies in tea production. It also established that modern technologies such as smartcard technology 78%, mobile phone text messages 62% and personal digital assistants 61% were the most essential tools for enhancing access to farm inputs, market information and tea management information. However, extension agents 61% played a complementary role in unpacking and linking modern tea technologies from the source to farmers. A positive association was revealed between farmers’ literacy level and the use of MCTs, which influenced access to MCT. The study, recommended re-tooling agricultural information dissemination agents and farmers on the existing MCT to enhance effective communication, promoting tea production yields and accessing market information.
Distribution of Cowries in the Different Ecological Habitats in the Selected Sites in Davao Occidental
Authors: Caalim Lorah May C. , Catulinan Diego G. , Elemino Michelle M.
Published: January 2023

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to assess the species of cowries in the different ecological habitats of Barangay Buhangin, Tubalan, and Tanglad, Davao Occidental. Specifically, it sought to identify species of cowries found in the study area, population density, abundance, and diversity.

Place and Duration of Study: Barangay Buhangin, Tubalan, and Tanglad, Davao Occidental, April 10 – 30, 2022.

Methodology: The study employed a transect-line-quadrat method. There were three stations were established in the selected areas. The quadrat was used to determine the density, abundance, dominance, and diversity of cowries. A 1m x 1m quadrat was thrown randomly on the established layout of 50 ㎡ (25m x 2m) parallel to the shore. Gears, such as diving goggles and snorkel were used to determine the cowries inside the quadrat and were hand-picked for species identification.

Results: The study revealed that there were ten (10) species of cowries recorded and identified. In Station 1 (Barangay Buhangin), seven species were found namely: Monetaria annulus (Gold ring cowry), Cypraea tigris (Tiger cowry), Mauritia arabica (Arabian cowry), Monetaria caputserpentis (Serpent’s head cowry), Naria erosa (Eroded cowry), Monetaria moneta (Money cowry) and Luria isabella (Fawn-coloured cowry). In Station 2 (Barangay Tubalan) two species were recorded and identified, namely: Cypraea tigris (Tiger cowry) and Mauritia arabica (Arabian cowry), while in Station 3 (Barangay Tanglad), eight species were recorded and identified, these were: Monetaria annulus (Gold ring cowry), Cypraea tigris (Tiger cowry), Mauritia arabica (Arabian cowry), Naria erosa (Eroded cowry), Monetaria moneta (Money cowry), Lyncina vitellus (Calf cowry), Lyncina lynx (Eyed cowry), and Palmadusta asellus (Littleass cowry). In Station 1, Coral Reef Habitat has the most diverse species with five (5) species found, while the seagrass bed habitat is the most abundant in terms of population with nine (9) cowries found, and the mangrove habitat only houses one (1) species of cowry with a population of three (3).

Conclusion: Station 3 was the most diverse in terms of cowry species with 8 species identified. Station 1 and Station 2 have the highest population of juvenile cowry species with a total of 127 juvenile species, and Station 2 has the highest population of adult cowry species with a total of 17 adult species. There were four (4) cowry species found in the mangrove habitat, four (4) cowry species were also found in the seagrass bed habitat and nine (9) cowry species were found in the coral reef habitat thus making it the most diverse among all ecological habitats.
Modification of Protein Hydrolyzate of Snakehead Fish as an Ingredient for Instant Seasoning Coto Makassar
Authors: Tartar Sri Udayana , Fitri Muhammad , Syukroni Ikbal
Published: January 2023

Aim: This study aimed to determine the ratio formula for the hydrolyzate of snakehead fish head flour and Instant seasoning flour of Coto Makassar.

Study Design: The experimental design used was using an independent t test (independent t-test) namely (Coto Seasoning Flour: HPKIG Flour) / (TC: THPKIG) as follows A = (TC: THPKIG) = 90% : 10% (b /b) and B= (TC: THPKIG) = 80% : 20% (w/b).

Place and Duration of Study: The research had carried out from May 2018 to August 2019, the production of the hydrolyzate of snakehead fish head protein is Coto Makassar seasoning had committed in the Chemistry Laboratory of Agro-industry Study Program, Pangkep State Agricultural Polytechnic, hydrolyzed snakehead fish head protein flour using the spray dryer drying method had brought about at the Center for Plantation Products in Makassar. The physicochemical analysis had done in the Chemical Laboratory, Department of Fisheries Product Processing Technology, Pangkep State Agricultural Polytechnic. Amino acid profile tests using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method were tested at the Saraswanti Indo Genetec Bogor laboratory. and analysis of volatile compounds had carried out at the Research Center for Flavor Analysis Laboratory of Rice Plants Sukamandi, Subang.

Methodology: The third research is the result of a study of Coto makassar seasoning flour products with the best protein to be applied to Coto Makassar seasoning flour. Applications made were snakehead fish head protein hydrolyzate and Coto seasoning flour treated with a ratio of 100% (Coto Seasoning Flour: HPKIG Flour) / (TC: THPKIG) was as follows (TC: THPKIG)1 = 90%: 10% (w/b) and (TC: THPKIG)2 = 80% : 20% (w/b). The best treatment result was carried out by the preference test on the protein coto seasoning produced, namely the study of the best ratio formula of 20 grams dissolved in boiling water A = 150 mL, B = 200 mL C = 250 mL.

Results: Characteristics of the application of 20% snakehead fish head protein hydrolyzate flour and 80% coto seasoning flour obtained a brightness value of L* 59.23%, hue 67.13%, moisture content 10.19%, ash content 11.48%, protein content 64.20%, 1.26% fat content and 3.35% albumin content. The highest amino acid is glutamic acid 20.68%. Sensory value of taste sample application of fish head protein hydrolyzate in coto Makassar seasoning 20% ​​with the addition of 200 mL of water Assessment criteria 8 (Very like) panelists prefer it because it feels the more spicy sensation

Conclusion: The result of the analysis obtained by the best treatment are the characteristics of the application of 20% hydrolyzed protein from snakehead fish head flour and 80% coto seasoning flour.
Scientific Evaluation of Integrated Watershed Development Programme Projects in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy P. Venkataram Muni , Kona Sasidhar , Reddy C. P. , Reddy R. V. Sagar Kumar , Reddy Janardhan
Published: January 2023

The current study was taken up to investigate the utility of the Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools for evaluation of 13 Integrated Watershed Development Programme watershed projects implemented during 2009-2016 in Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh. The study was carried out using high resolution Resourcesat-2, Linear Imaging self-Scanning System (LISS)-IV data of 2011 (pre-treatment) and 2016 (post-treatment) to assess the changes in land use/land cover and biomass over a period of five years (2011-16). Due to implementation of the watershed developmental activities, an additional area of 15100 ha has been brought under cultivation. The vegetation maps indicated that 20531 ha of fallow land converted to dense (9533 ha) and open vegetation (10249) categories during the project period due to the adoption of soil and water conservation practices. An additional area of 280 ha (5.72%) increased under water bodies and 1352 ha waste land converted to cultivable land due to construction of farm ponds, percolation tanks and check dams. This area is attributed to cropland and plantations in the year 2016.
The Strategies of Chromite Terrace in Sukinda Valley, India: An Appraisal
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Samal Arnada , Sohel Mohammed , Sethi Kumar Ch. , Patnaik Sanjeeb Kumar
Published: January 2023

Iron chrome oxide (FeCr 2O4), is a commercially viable and major ingredient of stainless steel. The Odisha state in India possesses 98% of the pre-Cambrian India’s Chromite ore deposits in Sukinda valley, Jajpur District.  To meet the present escalating demand for chromium in steel industries, it is urged to extract more chrome ore to satiate domestic needs. The depletion of chrome deposits, rise in demand, fewer chrome mines, and less conversion from tailings increase of more toxic hexavalent chrome ion level in the geo-bio hydrosphere, shall aggravate health concerns for the people, fauna, and flora in Sukinda Ultramafic Complex (SUC).

The present quest is a collection of chromite ores and tailings. A chemical study is done by using the X-ray fluorescent spectrometer. An insitu/GIS study of the Sukinda ultramafic complex by using Arc-GIS, and ERADAS software has been done to originate hydrology, aspect, and hill-shade map of the valley. The literature, and as an inhabitant of the area helped in preparing the strategic plan through Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan.  

CR (III) is a dietary requirement. The anthropogenic activities and atmospheric exposure have converted Cr (III) to Cr (VI) in SUC and have surpassed the recommended values. The noxious Cr (VI) in the geo-bio-hydrosphere shall invite health and environmental concerns in the future. The aboriginals of SUC are economically burdened with food insecurity, poor livelihood, health, and of formal societal values. The Sukinda Valley ore samples contain 50% chromite ore is economic. But the >7% of CR (III) ore in the tailings and overburden shall warrant the future expected exorbitant Cr (VI) in the geo-bio-hydro environment of Sukinda valley.
Shear stress induces expression of CNP gene in human endothelial cells
Authors: Okahara Kazuhiro , Kambayashi Jun-ichi , Ohnishi Tadashi , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Kawasaki Tomio , Monden Morito
Published: July 2002

To elucidate the effect of blood flow on gene transcription of C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP), human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to shear stress in a cone‐plate viscometer. Expression of CNP mRNA, evaluated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, was markedly increased by exposure to shear stress of 24 dyne/cm2 at 3 h. The CNP mRNA level was maintained until 12 h. Thus, the present study demonstrated for the first time that shear stress induces expression of CNP gene in human endothelial cells.
Circumvention of multidrug resistance in neoplastic cells through scavenger receptor mediated drug delivery
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amitabha , Mukhopadhyay Bratati , Basu Sandip K.
Published: July 2002

A conjugate of the antineoplastic drug daunomycin (DNM) with maleylated bovine serum albumin (MBSA‐DNM) was taken up with high efficiency by a multidrug resistant variant, JD100, of the murine‐macrophage tumour cell line, J774A.1, through the scavenger receptors resulting in cessation of DNA synthesis. In contrast, free DNM at similar concentrations did not affect the incorporation of [3H]thymidine by these cells. These results suggest that receptor‐mediated intracellular delivery of antineoplastic drugs could be a viable and new approach for overcoming the problem of multidrug resistance in chemotherapy of neoplastic diseases.
Asset Allocation, Life Expectancy and Shortfall
Authors: Ho Kwok , Milevsky Moshe Arye , Robinson Chris
Published: July 2002

An analytical model provides a solution to the retirement problem of how to allocate investment between risky and risk-free assets. The objective is to minimize the probability that the retiree will beunabletoconsumeatthedesiredleveloverhis/herexpectedlifetime.Theprocedure incorporates mortality tables, real or nominal rates of return, initial wealth, and desired consumption levels. Numerical examples using standard mortality tables, historic rates of return on Canadian equity and treasury bills, and a range of realistic values for wealth and consumption show that equity should play a much bigger role in retirement portfolios than other writers advise.
Targeting of the gene product encoded by ORF UL56 of human cytomegalovirus into viral replication centers
Authors: Giesen Kyra , Radsak Klaus , Bogner Elke
Published: July 2002

The highly conserved DNA‐binding protein pUL56 of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) was found to be predominantly localized throughout the nucleus as well as in viral replication centers of infected cells. The latter localization was abolished by phosphono acetic acid, an inhibitor of viral DNA replication. Immunofluorescence revealed that pUL56 co‐localized in replication centers alongside pUL112–113 and pUL44 at late times of infection. By co‐immunoprecipitations, a direct interaction with pUL44, a protein of the replication fork, was detected. These results showed for the first time that HCMV pUL56 is localized in viral replication centers, implicating that DNA replication is coupled with packaging.
Validation of the Computerized Suicide Risk Scale – a backpropagation neural network instrument (CSRS-BP)
Authors: Modai I. , Ritsner M. , Kurs R. , Mendel S. , Ponizovsky A.
Published: July 2002

Background

Medically serious suicide attempts have been recognized as the most important predictor of suicide. The Computerized Suicide Risk Scale based on backpropagation neural networks (CSRS-BP) has been recently found efficient in the detection of records of patients who performed medically serious suicide attempts (MSSA).

Objectives

To validate the CSRS-BP by: 1) using the CSRS-BP with patients instead of records; 2) comparing the ability of expert psychiatrists to detect MSSA, using the CSRS checklist; and 3) comparing the results of the Risk Estimator for Suicide (RES) and the self-rating Suicide Risk Scale (SRS) with the CSRS-BP.

Methods

Two hundred fifty psychiatric inpatients (35 MSSA and 215 non-MSSA) were diagnosed by clinicians using the SCID DSM-IV. Three expert psychiatrists completed the CSRS checklist, and the RES for each patient, and the patients completed the self-report SRS assessment scale. The CSRS-BP was run for each patient. Five other expert psychiatrists assessed the CSRS checklists and estimated the probability of MSSA for each patient. Comparisons of sensitivity and specificity rates between CSRS-BP, assessment scales and experts were done.

Results

Initially, the CSRS-BP, RES, SRS, and experts performed poorly. Although sensitivity and specificity rates significantly improved (two to four times) after the inclusion of information regarding the number of previous suicide attempts in the input data set, results still remained insignificant.

Conclusions

The CSRS-BP, which was very successful in the detection of MSSA patient records, failed to detect MSSA patients in face-to-face interviews. Information regarding previous suicide attempts is an important MSSA predictor, but remains insufficient for the detection of MSSA in individual patients. The detection rate of the SRS and RES scales was also poor and could therefore not identify MSSA patients or be used to validate the CSRS-BP.
Growth in excess copper induces changes in the lipid composition and fluidity of PSII‐enriched membranes in wheat
Authors: Quartacci Mike F. , Pinzino Calogero , Sgherri Cristina L. M. , Dalla Vecchia Francesca , Navari‐Izzo Flavia
Published: July 2002

Changes in the lipid composition and fluidity of PSII‐enriched thylakoids were studied in seedlings of wheat (Triticum durum Desf. cv. Adamello) grown in nutrient solution supplemented with CuSO4 to achieve a final concentration of 10 and 50 μM Cu. Metal content increased in the chloroplasts of the 50 μM Cu‐grown plants. PSII isolated from wheat supplied with 10 μM Cu did not show any alteration in the lipid composition or in the lipid and protein levels of the membranes, nor was any change in the ultrastructure of the membranes detected. The 50 μM Cu‐grown plants showed thylakoid swelling, particularly in the stroma and terminal grana thylakoids. Furthermore, an alteration in the lipid composition of PSII preparations was observed together with a decrease in the lipid content, which resulted in a reduction in the lipid to protein ratio. The monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) to digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) molar ratio decreased, whereas the degradation of the polar lipids caused an accumulation of free fatty acids (FFA). The total amount of unsaturated lipids associated with the PSII‐enriched membranes of wheat was not affected by excess copper supplies, even though changes in the individual fatty acids occurred. The effect of copper on the fluidity of PSII membranes was evaluated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements, using spin‐probed fatty acids as probes. The PSII membranes, spin probed by means of 5‐ and 16‐doxylstearic acids, showed that only the fluidity of the surface region of the bilayer close to the polar head group was reduced following the 50 μM Cu supply. In contrast, the fluidity of the inner membrane region of the bilayer did not show any change. The implications of changes in the lipid composition and lipid‐protein interactions on the fluidity of specific transversal membrane regions are discussed.
Elevated endothelial microparticles in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: findings from brain and renal microvascular cell culture and patients with active disease
Authors: Jimenez Joaquin J. , Jy Wenche , Mauro Lucia M. , Horstman Lawrence L. , Ahn Yeon S.
Published: July 2002

Endothelial injury is believed to be a key initiating event in the pathogenesis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), leading to platelet activation and formation of platelet‐rich thrombi in microvasculature. However, the nature of endothelial injury in TTP is poorly defined and clinical assays to rapidly and reliably monitor endothelial damage are not readily available. Using flow cytometry, we measured endothelial microparticles (EMPs) generated from cultured renal and brain microvascular endothelial cells (MVECs) during activation and apoptosis, and evaluated the effect of TTP plasma on them. EMPs were measured using positivity for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) CD31 and CD51, and their procoagulant activity was assessed using a Russell viper venom assay. Both cell lines generated procoagulant EMPs when cultured with inducers of activation (tumour necrosis factor alpha; TNF‐α) or apoptosis (mitomycin C). TTP plasma induced a five‐ to sixfold increase of EMP generation and a two‐ to threefold increase of procoagulant activity in cultured brain and renal MVECs. TTP plasma induced a threefold and 13‐fold increase of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) expression, respectively, on renal MVECs. Procoagulant activity tended to parallel EMP numbers. The effect of TTP plasma on cell viability was similar to that of TNF‐α, implying that it induced activation rather than apoptosis. Control plasma and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) plasma had little effect. In the clinical study, EMP assay of blood from acute TTP patients showed levels markedly elevated compared with normal controls, but values returned to normal in remission. In conclusion, TTP plasma activated and induced injury to MVECs in culture, judged by production of EMP and expression of activation markers. Released procoagulant EMP may play a role in the pathogenesis of TTP. Assay of EMP may be a useful marker of disease activity and endothelial injury in TTP and possibly other thrombotic disorders.
Antibodies to factor XII and recurrent fetal loss in patients with the anti‐phospholipid syndrome
Authors: Jones D. W. , Mackie I. J. , Gallimore M. J. , Winter M.
Published: July 2002

Forty female patients with either primary anti‐phospholipid syndrome (n = 26) or systemic lupus erythematosus (anti‐phospholipid syndrome positive) (n = 14) were investigated for levels of factor XII, the presence of lupus anticoagulant and antibodies to cardiolipin, beta 2‐glycoprotein I and factor XII. Twenty‐one patients had a history of recurrent fetal loss (> 2, mean = 2·6). Lupus anticoagulant positivity showed a weak association with recurrent fetal loss (odds ratio = 1·1). While there was no association between the presence of antibodies to cardiolipin or beta 2‐glycoprotein I with recurrent fetal loss, antibodies to factor XII showed a strong and statistically significant association (odds ratio = 5·4, P = 0·025).
Comprehensive nursing education in Victoria: rhetoric or reality?
Authors: Happell B.
Published: July 2002

Significant and widespread changes to the education of the psychiatric nursing workforce in Victoria, Australia are resulting in serious problems in the recruitment of new nursing staff. In reviewing the available literature, it is evident that undergraduate nursing students do not commence their educational program with a strong interest in pursuing a career in psychiatric nursing. In light of this knowledge, the role of education in providing a comprehensive view of the nursing profession becomes paramount. Research investigating the impact of education on the attitudes of students to psychiatric nursing as a career option has produced mixed and often inconclusive results. A longitudinal study was undertaken in Victoria, Australia. Students of the majority of universities in which undergraduate nursing programs were operating participated in this study. The participants were asked to rank nine areas of nursing specialty in order of preference at the commencement and immediately prior to the completion of the nursing program. Despite a significant improvement in the popularity of psychiatric nursing as a career choice, this area was ranked at number 8 at both pre‐ and post‐program test. The analysis of open‐ended questions demonstrated a marked change in the overall attitudes towards the mentally ill and psychiatric nursing.
Older men in contemporary discourses on ageing: absent bodies and invisible lives
Authors: Fleming A. A.
Published: July 2002

Contemporary discourses on ageing are essentially ‘feminized’, and as such report little on the experiences of older men. Living into late old age has become, and will continue to be, a normal phenomenon in our social worlds for both men and women. As a disadvantaged group, older women have attracted more attention than their older male counterparts. Yet this ‘advantaged’ older man may well be shackled by his gender role, and male gender socialization does impact upon men in later life. Older single men often have poorly developed social and family networks leaving them at a disadvantage. However, the masculinities of older men are conspicuously absent from most male gender studies. Rather than omitted, it is more that the dominant discourses of younger and middle‐aged men are preserved. In turn, disability and disease do accompany old age yet disability has remained in the background and is, consequently, underdeveloped. This is not to say that disability represents the whole experience of health for older people, but it is clearly not an ageist fantasy. The phenomena of ageing, gender (including masculinity), and disability can be connected and consequently interpreted and understood by studying embodiment in old age.
Iodine deficiency disorders in the Maldives: A public health problem
Authors: Cs Pandav  , M Rasheed  , I Solih  , M Saeed  , M Shaheed  , A Awal  , K Anand  , R Shreshta
Published: July 2002

Because the Maldives is a country of islands it has been assumed, until now, that iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are not a public health problem. However, no systematic scientific survey has been carried out to assess the status of IDD in the Maldives. This study represents the first IDD survey by the Government of the Republic of Maldives in association with UNICEF Maldives. Undertaken during June and July 1995, the survey adopted the EPI 30 Cluster sampling technique, as recommended by the Joint WHO/UNICEF/ICCIDD Consultation. Based on population proportion to size, a total of 30 clusters were chosen from sampling frames of all 200 islands. A total of 30 schools and 2834 children aged 6–12 years were surveyed. The total goitre rate was 23.6%, with grade 1 goitre contributing 22.5% of this figure. The prevalence of goitre was greater in girls (26.6%) than in boys (20.7%). The median urinary iodine level was 6.7 μg/dL and 65.5% of children had urinary iodine levels below 10 μg/dL. It is evident from this survey that IDD is a public health problem in the Maldives. Hence, efforts to control IDD should be instituted. The most common method of iodine supplementation is iodised salt. As tested in a non‐representative sample of 39 salt samples, only 8% of salt had adequate iodine levels of approximately 15 p.p.m. Because all the atolls are affected there is a need to introduce universal salt iodization in the country.
Correlates of Attributing New Disability to Old Age
Authors: Sarkisian Catherine A. , Liu Honghu , Ensrud Kristine E. , Stone Katie L. , Mangione Carol M. , For The Study of  , Group Osteoporotic Fractures Research
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES: To describe women who attribute new disability to old age and to identify demographic, medical, behavioral, and psychosocial characteristics that correlate with attributing new disability to old age.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 4‐year follow‐up.

SETTING: Four geographic regions of the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: 9704 women aged ≥67 years participating in the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. Of these, 657 who reported no disability at baseline but at follow‐up reported difficulty carrying out 1 or more of 13 functional activities were eligible for our analysis.

MEASUREMENTS: All women reporting difficulty in any functional activity at follow‐up were asked “What is the main condition that causes you to have difficulty or prevents you from (doing the activity)?” and were shown a card listing 14 medical conditions as well as the option “old age,” from which they could choose only one response. Women attributing difficulty or inability in 1 or more functional activities to old age were classified as attributing new disability to old age. We examined the relationship between attributing new disability to old age and the following characteristics measured at baseline: age, level of education, medical comorbidity, cognitive function, body mass index (BMI), gait speed, grip strength, visual acuity, physical activity level, smoking status, social network level, and depressed mood.

RESULTS: Overall, 13.5% of women attributed new disability to old age. Age was a strong independent correlate of attributing new disability to old age: compared with women age 67 to 69, the odds of attributing new disability to old age for women age 70 to 79 was 3.6 times as large (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6–8.3), and for women age 80 or over was 5.5 times as large (95% CI = 2.1–14.7). The only other characteristic that remained an independent correlate of attributing new disability to old age was grip strength; for each decile decrease in grip strength, a woman's odds of attributing new disability to old age increased by 9% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.01–1.19).

CONCLUSIONS: Despite great advances in geriatric medicine, old age is still perceived as a causal agent in functional decline, especially among our oldest patients. Further study is needed to determine whether, how often, and under what circumstances older adults who attribute new disability to old age have medical conditions amenable to interventions that could preserve their functioning and improve their quality of life.
Clinical Features and Functional Outcome of Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients Aged 85 and Older
Authors: Arboix Adrià , Vall‐Llosera A. , García‐Eroles Lluis , Massons Joan , Oliveres Montserrat , Targa Cecilia
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES:

The importance of studies of older stroke victims is growing because of the changes in the age structure of Western populations. We determined demographic characteristics, clinical features, neuroimaging data, and outcome of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage occurring in people aged 85 and older.

DESIGN:

Prospective collection of data from a hospital‐based registry.

SETTING:

Sagrat Cor Hospital of Barcelona (an acute care, 350‐bed teaching hospital serving a population of approximately 250,000).

PARTICIPANTS:

Between January 1986 and December 1995, data were collected on 2,000 stroke patients admitted consecutively to the department of neurology (25 beds and an acute stroke unit).

MEASUREMENTS:

For the purpose of this study, all cases of intracerebral hemorrhage were selected (n = 229). Demographic data, clinical features, neuroimaging findings, and outcome variables (in‐hospital mortality and medical complications developed during hospitalization) in patients aged 85 and older (n = 28) were compared with patients who were younger than age 85 (n = 201). Distinctive clinical features of intracerebral hemorrhage in very old people were assessed by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS:

Intracerebral hemorrhage was diagnosed in 11% of subjects aged 85 and older included in the stroke registry and accounted for 12% of all cases of intracerebral hemorrhage. Very old people with intracerebral hemorrhage showed a significantly higher frequency of female gender (75% vs 32%, P < .005), altered consciousness (64% vs 43%, P < .05), multiple topographic involvement (29% vs 13%, P < .03), undetermined etiology of bleeding (50% vs 27%, P < .02), moderate or severe neurological deficit at hospital discharge (89% vs 58%, P < .005), and in‐hospital mortality (50% vs 27%, P < .01) than younger people. After multivariate analysis, female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.27–7.99) and moderate or severe neurological deficit at hospital discharge (OR = 4.75, 95% CI = 1.36–16.55) were independent clinical factors associated with intracerebral hemorrhage in very old people.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients aged 85 and older with intracerebral hemorrhage showed some peculiar clinical features and poorer outcome, including higher in‐hospital mortality and moderate or severe neurological deficit at hospital discharge, than younger patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. J Am Geriatr Soc 50:449–454, 2002.
Terahertz beams
Authors: Fattinger Ch. , Grischkowsky D.
Published: July 2002

We have generated freely propagating, diffraction-limited beams of single-cycle 0.5 THz electromagnetic pulses from a 5-mm-diam coherent source. After propagating 100 cm in air, there was little change in the measured subps pulse shape, even though the signal strength was reduced by 20 times compared to the strength at 10 cm.
Imaging alkane layers at the liquid/graphite interface with the scanning tunneling microscope
Authors: McGonigal G. C. , Bernhardt R. H. , Thomson D. J.
Published: July 2002

We have directly imaged n-alkane layers adsorbed at the liquid/graphite interface using a scanning tunneling microscope. The layers possessed a high degree of two-dimensional ordering. The adsorbate was observed to enhance the tunneling current, and the atomic structure of the images was dominated by features associated with the substrate. These systems are excellent vehicles for studies concerning the imaging mechanism of adsorbed organic layers because of their stability and simplicity.
Lateral force on a magnet placed above a planar YBa2Cu3Ox superconductor
Authors: Johansen T. H. , Yang Z. J. , Bratsberg H. , Helgesen G. , Skjeltorp A. T.
Published: July 2002

The lateral force interaction between a permanent bar magnet and a large slab of high Tc superconductor has been investigated at 77 K, under conditions of a constant vertical separation of 2 mm. The restoring force as a function of lateral displacement rises very steeply, and reaches 90% of its saturation value, 5.1 mN, after 1.8 mm. The profile of the force-displacement curve is in qualitative agreement with the existing theory. A significant quantitative discrepancy is interpreted as due to a theoretical penetration depth exceeding the sample thickness. The lateral magnetic stiffness or spring constant, is found to be independent of displacement away from lateral equilibrium.
Planar waveguide, 1 kW cw, carbon dioxide laser excited by a single transverse rf discharge
Authors: Colley A. D. , Baker H. J. , Hall D. R.
Published: July 2002

A transverse radio frequency discharge excited, carbon dioxide slab laser has been operated cw with a hybrid waveguide / confocal unstable resonator to produce an output power of 1.06 kW at 12% efficiency. The active volume of 770×95×2 mm3 consists of a single discharge section with one cable feed.
Microscale elastic-strain determination by backscatter Kikuchi diffraction in the scanning electron microscope
Authors: Troost K. Z. , van der Sluis P. , Gravesteijn D. J.
Published: July 2002

It is shown that backscatter Kikuchi diffraction in the scanning electron microscope can be used for the determination of elastic strain with μm resolution. From the shift of Kikuchi bands in backscatter Kikuchi diffraction patterns of epitaxial Si1−xGex layers on Si(100) the perpendicular elastic strain was determined to be 2.5% for x=0.34 and at 1.0% for x=0.16 with an accuracy of about 0.1%. The values found on a μm scale were in good agreement with high-resolution x-ray diffraction measurements averaging over mm distances.
Positron trapping at divacancies in thin polycrystalline CdTe films deposited on glass
Authors: Liszkay L. , Corbel C. , Baroux L. , Hautojärvi P. , Bayhan M. , Brinkman A. W. , Tatarenko S.
Published: July 2002

We have performed positron annihilation experiments on CdTe films grown by vacuum evaporation at 220 °C on both plain glass and indium-tin-oxide-coated glass substrates. By checking the linearity of the valence annihilation parameter S versus the core annihilation parameter W we introduce a method to analyze the data which directly shows that the same vacancy defect can be present in all the films. By comparing the core annihilation parameter at the defect to that at the VCd vacancy we can identify this defect as the divacancy VCd-VTe. Its concentration in the films decreases from about 1018 to less than 1016 cm−3 after annealing in air at 400 °C for about 30 min. Chlorine doping seems to stabilize the divacancies.
Instrumentation for magnitude estimation and cross-modality matching of auditory and lingual vibrotactile sensations
Authors: Harris Daniel , Fucci Donald , Petrosino Linda , Wallace Daniel
Published: July 2002

An instrumentation system has been designed to investigate the relationship between auditory and oral tactile sensory processes. This instrumentation can be employed to obtain judgments of auditory and oral tactile sensation magnitudes by the psychophysical scaling methods of magnitude estimation and cross-modality matching. The stimulus generating units, stimulus measurement units, and psychophysical sensation magnitude scaling procedures are described. Previous research on the relationship of auditory and oral tactile sensory processes has frequently involved disruption of one or both sensory modes. The instrumentation system described permits investigation of these sensory channels in a nondisruptive manner. The results of two preliminary studies employing the described instrumentation and experimental techniques indicate that the system provides a viable means for investigating auditory and oral tactile sensory interactions in normal and speech-disordered subjects.
Mechanism of suppression of Auger recombination processes in type-II heterostructures
Authors: Zegrya Georgy G. , Andreev Aleksey D.
Published: July 2002

The mechanism of Auger recombination in type-II heterostructures is studied theoretically. It is shown that the Auger recombination rate is a power function of temperature rather than an exponential function as in bulk materials. The feasibility of suppression of the Auger recombination process in the type-II heterostructures is demonstrated. The possibility of controlling the Auger recombination rate is shown to be very important for development of optoelectronic devices with improved characteristics.