bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serious game development of COVID-19 social distancing simulator using agent-based modelling
Authors: Putra Adi , Bimo Gumelar , Teguh Wibowo , Teguh Sulistyono , Julian Alvin , Laksono Gerardo , Diah Nugraheni
Published: January 2023

A social distancing protocol has been acknowledged and encouraged practically everywhere, since the global COVID-19 epidemic in 2020. This research resulted in the Serious game to simulate social distance using agent-based modeling so that it can be used as a medium of entertainment and educate the public during the Pandemic COVID-19 conditions by developing simulation games using UNITY 3D to educate in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce transmission rates on an individual scale.
Kollaborativ læring i social 360VR
Authors: Paulsen Lucas , Davidsen Jacob , Larsen Dorthe Vinther , Rasmussen Sten
Published: January 2023

Virtual Reality (VR) vinder større og større indpas på tværs af uddannelsesniveauer. De seneste års teknologiske udvikling har endvidere gjort VR mere tilgængelig for uddannelsesinstitutioner – særligt foranlediget af udviklingen af 360°VR (360VR). Med 360VR kan undervisere designe aktiviteter, hvor studerende får adgang til at arbejde med autentisk videomateriale fra praksis – det kunne være pædagoger, lærere, sygeplejersker og læger. Gennem et systematisk review viser vi at særligt kollaborativ læring i 360VR er tæt på ikke eksisterende. Med udgangspunkt i tre pilotforsøg, viser vi hvordan man kan arbejde med at designe for kollaborativ læring i social 360VR. Vores resultater peger på, at kollaborativ læring i social 360VR skal forstås ud fra en anden begrebsramme end traditionel VR. I skiftet fra individuel VR til social VR opstår et behov for andre begreber end ”immersion”, ”interactivity” og ”presence” – og vi forslår at udviklingen tager afsæt i begreber som interaktionelle ressourcer og perspektivtagning.
The Rhetoric of Emotions and Food Consumption in Desperate Housewives / La retórica de las emociones y el consumo de alimentos en Desperate Housewives (Mujeres desesperadas)
Authors: Alberola Crespo Nieves
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: In Toward a Psychosociology of Contemporary Food Consumption, Roland Barthes defines food as «a system of communication, a body of images, a protocol of usages, situations and behaviour». Taking into account that American society has accepted as its own a variety of dishes that reflect a host of cultural phenomena, the aim of the present paper is to examine the rhetoric of emotions and food consumption in Desperate Housewives, a fictional universe that could be defined as a post-feminist locus amoenus in which appearance is everything and nothing is what it seems, a drama series in which emotions, behaviours and beliefs are inextricably tied to the production, distribution, and intake of food.
KEYWORDSDesperate Housewives; Emotions; Feminism; Food Studies; Diversity
RESUMEN: En Toward a Psychosociology of Contemporary Food Consumption, Roland Barthes define la comida como «un sistema de comunicación, un cuerpo de imágenes, un protocolo de prácticas, situaciones y comportamientos». Tomando como punto de partida el hecho de que la sociedad estadounidense ha aceptado como propias una gran variedad de comidas que reflejan diferentes fenómenos culturales, el presente artículo examina la retórica de las emociones y el consumo de comida en Mujeres desesperadas, un universo ficticio que podría definirse como un locus amoenus postmoderno en el que las apariencias lo son todo, en el que nada es lo que parece; una serie televisiva en la que las creencias, los comportamientos y las emociones están sujetos a la producción, distribución e ingesta de alimentos.
Divisas o empresas de infantas españolas casadas con reyes o príncipes de la dinastía Avis de Portugal (fines del siglo XV y siglo XVI) / Devices of Imprese of Spanish Princesses Married to Kings or Princeps of the Avis de Portugal Dynasti (end of the fifteenth century and beginning of the sixteenth)
Authors: López Poza Sagrario
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: This article offers data on the devices and personal imprese worn by princesses from Spanish kingdoms who served in a royal capacity in the kingdom of Portugal between the end of the fifteenth century and the beginning of the sixteenth century. These princesses held such positions as the wives of Portuguese princes or as consort queens of the members of the House of Avis.
KEYWORDSDevices; Badges; Emblem Studies; House of Trastámara; House of Austria; House of Avis; Manuel I o Venturoso; João III King of Portugal; João Manuel of Portugal; Isabel of Aragón; María of Aragón; Leonor of Austria; Catalina of Austria; Juana of Austria
RESUMEN: Se ofrecen datos sobre las divisas o empresas personales que ostentaron infantas que, procedentes de los reinos españoles ocuparon puestos relevantes en el reino de Portugal, entre finales del siglo XV y el siglo XVI, bien como esposas de príncipes lusos o como reinas consortes de miembros de la Casa de Avís.
De la vraye escolle des jeunes Princes. L’éducation du prince dans les livres d’emblèmes des XVIe et XVIIe siècles / De la vraye escolle des jeunes princes. The Prince's Education in Emblem Books of the 16th and 17th Centuries
Authors: Chaufour Marie
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: Although many emblems resemble mirrors of princes giving advice to future sovereigns, the question of the transmission of knowledge and the education of the prince is more rarely addressed. However, the authors of emblems deal with this issue in a very concrete way, focusing in particular on the influence –positive or negative– that teachers can exert on their pupils, even if most of them recognize the need for early education. Finally, the recommendations on teaching and pedagogy formulated in several emblems reveal the importance of the issue of the education of the prince in the Renaissance and the 17th century.
KEYWORDS:Emblematics; Education; Politics; Iconography; 16th and 17th Centuries
RESUMEN: Si de nombreux emblèmes s’apparentent à des miroirs des princes en délivrant des conseils aux futurs souverains, la question de la transmission du savoir et de l’enseignement du prince est plus rarement abordée. Cependant, les auteurs d’emblèmes traitent de cette question de manière très concrète en s’attachant notamment à l’influence –positive ou négative– que les maîtres peuvent exercer sur leurs élèves, même si la plupart reconnaissent la nécessité d’une éducation précoce. Enfin les préconisations en matière d’enseignement et de pédagogies formulées dans plusieurs emblèmes révèlent l’importance de la question de l’éducation du prince à la Renaissance et au XVIIe siècle.
Tres décadas y trece congresos de la SEE: interculturalidad e interdisciplinariedad de los estudios de emblemática (I) / Three decades and thirteen Congresses of the SEE: Interculturality and Interdisciplinarity of Emblematic Studies (I)
Authors: Azanza López Javier
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: The origins of the Spanish Society of Emblematics (SEE) go back to the 1st International Emblematic Symposium, organized in Teruel in 1991 by Santiago Sebastián, a pioneer of iconological-iconographic studies in Spain. Since then, the SEE has ensured the consolidation, development and dissemination of emblematic research in Spain through various activities, including its international conferences. Three decades and thirteen congresses later, the half thousand works gathered in them constitute a representative example of Hispanic emblematic production, susceptible of an analysis from different perspectives. This study does so from its border-crossing nature embodied in its interculturality and interdisciplinarity, two of the identifying signs of emblematic research and two of the main challenges of the Humanities for the 21st Century.
KEYWORDSEmblematic and Visual Studies; Santiago Sebastián López; Spanish Society of Emblematics (SEE); International Congresses of the SEE; Cross-Border Studies, Interculturality and Interdisciplinarity
RESUMEN: Los orígenes de la Sociedad Española de Emblemática (SEE) se remontan al I Simposio Internacional de Emblemática, organizado en Teruel en 1991 por Santiago Sebastián, pionero de los estudios iconológico-iconográficos en España. Desde entonces, la SEE ha velado por la consolidación, desarrollo y difusión de la investigación emblemática en nuestro país a través de diversas actividades, entre las que destacan sus congresos internacionales. Tres décadas y trece congresos después, el más de medio millar de trabajos reunidos en ellos constituye una muestra representativa de la producción emblemática hispánica, susceptible de un análisis desde diferentes perspectivas. Este artículo lo hace desde su naturaleza transfronteriza plasmada en su interculturalidad e interdisciplinariedad, dos de las señas identitarias de los estudios emblemáticos y dos de los grandes retos de las Humanidades para el siglo XXI.
Baldassare Peruzzi: proyecto para la tumba del papa Adriano VI / Baldassare Peruzzi: a Project for the Tomb of Pope Adrian VI
Authors: González de Zárate García Jesús María
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACT: This essay analyzes the tomb of Adrian VI created by Baldassare Peruzzi circa 1553, and studies the drawings for this project and the engravings etched for it following this model. Certain differences can be discerned between the project and the actual tomb in Santa Maria dell’Anima in Rome. I focus on the sources of the cardinal virtues that are depicted, as well as the two theological virtues found in the project.
KEYWORDSTomb of Adrian VI; Peruzzi; Virtues
RESUMEN: Este estudio analiza la tumba de Adriano VI que levantara Baldassare Peruzzi (c.1533) y presenta en dibujo su proyecto así como los grabados que se abrieron siguiendo el modelo. Se presentan ciertas diferencias con la composición actual en santa María dell’Anima en Roma. Reparamos en las fuentes de las virtudes cardinales que se dan cita y en las dos teologales que se encuentran en el proyecto.
MARÍAS. Entre la adoración y el estigma, María Ángeles Martí Bonafé (coord.), Valencia: Tirant Humanidades, 2022, 103 pp
Authors: Herraiz Llavador Andrés
Published: January 2023

Recensión de libro:MARÍAS. Entre la adoración y el estigma, María Ángeles Martí Bonafé (coord.), Valencia: Tirant Humanidades, 2022, 103 pp.
Las Empresas de la eternidad. Juan de Santiago y la retórica verbo-visual jesuítica, María José Cuesta García de Leonardo, València: Universitat de València, 2022, 220 pp
Authors: Seguí Balaguer Montiel
Published: January 2023

Recensión de libro:Las Empresas de la eternidad. Juan de Santiago y la retórica verbo-visual jesuítica, María José Cuesta García de Leonardo, València: Universitat de València, 2022, 220 pp.
Cubierta
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: January 2023

Cubierta
Tintin au pays de nulle part ? Deux voyageurs belges dans la Pologne communiste
Authors: Szczur Przemysław
Published: January 2023

Proposing Tintin as an emblem of Belgian travelers who visited a communist country, the paper offers an analysis of the representation of Poland in two travel stories from Frenchspeaking Belgium: Pologne 1948 by Max Deauville and Canzona pour l’Europe by Sophie Deroisin. The article demonstrates how two Belgian writers endeavor to assimilate the described reality, whilst struggling with the language barrier. The paper discusses the fact that although both authors visit Poland under communism, politics takes up little space in their works. Instead, they choose to focus on the country’s past, especially the Second World War, as well as on the Polish landscape.
How Much Do Bench Players Matter in the NBA? A Case Study of the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder|
Authors: Muniowski Łukasz
Published: January 2023

The National Basketball Association offers only 150 starting spots to the best basketball players in the world–five on each of the 30 teams it consists of–and, considering such factors as personal preferences, luck and salary cap, it is possible that a bench player on one team would be not so much a starter, but one of the two-three best players on a different one. This article analyzes two basketball players, Detlef Schrempf and Jim McIlvaine, whose career narratives will be discussed have played for the Seattle SuperSonics, a franchise which eventually relocated to the state of Oklahoma and became the Oklahoma City Thunder. By narrowing the focus of this article to one franchise–as the Thunder are the extension of the Sonics–I want to highlight two issues. Firstly, I want to show individual involvement in sports history, how two players can shape the fate of a franchise. The fact that both were reserves before coming to Seattle highlights the importance of every personnel decision in running a team. Secondly, while it can be argued that such players may be found in the history of each of the other 29 NBA teams, Seattle/Oklahoma is significant because of the relocation that took place in 2008, effectively ending high-profile men’s professional basketball in Seattle. Hopefully this article adds a new perspective to the scholarship already devoted to the issue, dealing with the depiction and the repercussions of the move.
Native American Gothic as Third Space: Stephen Graham Jones? The Only Good Indians
Authors: Ambroży Paulina , Kozłowska Alicja
Published: January 2023

The intention of the article is to examine Stephen Graham Jones’ most recent novel The Only Good Indians (2020) from combined ecogothic and postcolonial perspectives. The central concept informing the analyses is that of Third Space, as formulated by Homi Bhabha in The Location of Culture, and adapted by the spatial turn critic, Edward W. Soja in Thirdspace. Marking the onto-epistemological condition of in-betweenness, openness and ambivalent cultural identities, Third Space will be employed here to interrogate hybrid interspaces and generic dislocations in Jones’ new novel. As will be argued, Jones rewrites the Gothic slasher with a view of unsettling the inherited paradigms of thought, identity and representation. The writer reclaims the conventions and tropes of the genre, such as supernatural figures and events, the return of the repressed past, delayed revenge, and excessive acts of violence, and fuses them with the Native American settings, temporalities, tropes of spirituality and modes of storytelling. Jones’ novel, as we would like to propose, undermines any claims of a coherent identity and turns the Gothic mode into Third Space, characterized by an excess of ambiguous signification and revealing entangled ontological, ethnic, ecological and cross-cultural locations of horror.
Information Platform Design and IOS Software Implementation of Sino-Japanese Cultural Exchange Based on the Hierarchical Fusion Algorithm of Internet Information
Authors: Jiang Xiaorong
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the characteristics of multi-source information in network security, this paper establishes a hierarchical network research based on information fusion to realize the project quality management function on the IOS platform. The elements extraction, situation assessment and situation prediction modules in the model are analyzed respectively. China's cultural symbols are still in ancient culture, which is not conducive to the establishment of China's national image. Only by working with the world's advanced cultural industry institutions to develop cultural products with both universal value and Chinese cultural elements, can we achieve cultural export to Japan and achieve a good cultural exchange between the two countries. The initial division of the community is completed according to the local maximum potential value nodes; the initial community is iteratively merged according to the distance between the local maximum potential value nodes, until all communities are merged into one community.
Mimicry of Two Disease Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Japanese encephalitis: A Case Report
Authors: Ahmed Minhajuddin , Ali Manal Ashraf , Upadhyay Nitesh
Published: January 2023

Guillian-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute immune-mediated inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy characterized by symmetrical limb weakness and areflexia preceded by an infection while Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus is a neurotropic RNA virus belonging to Flaviviridae family. GBS can have different clinical manifestations which overlaps JE. GBS secondary to JE has been reported earlier though in the incidence is low.Involvement of the peripheral nerve, areflexic paralysis, electrophysiological nerve examination and JE IgM in CSF were consistent with a diagnosis of GBS with JE. Prompt detection and diagnosis can reduce morbidity and mortality.
Evaluation of Clinico-epidemiology Profile and Susceptibility Pattern of Bacterial Isolates of Purulent Samples in a University Hospital, India
Authors: Kar Mitra , Dubey Akanksha , Siddiqui Tasneem , Sahu Chinmoy
Published: January 2023

Background: Patients suffering from trauma, burns or those who have undergone surgical interventions are susceptible to pyogenic infections caused by commensal as well as exogenously acquired pathogens. This study helps us recognize and characterize aerobic bacteria isolated from pyogenic samples and establish antibiotic resistance for clinicians to devise an empirical treatment for patients suffering from similar disease.

Methods: This observational study was carried out from November 2019 to May 2020 in the Department of Microbiology at a teaching hospital in northern India and included all patients who presented with suppurative infections during the study period.

Results: Total 201 culture positive samples were included in our study of which 80 (40%) samples were of sterile body fluids, 51 (25%) samples were of pus aspirates and the other samples included wound pus and surgical site infection samples. Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (30.34%) followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.91%) and Pseudomonas spp (13.43%).Sixty eight (33.83%) isolates were multidrug resistant. Enterobacter spp was completely resistant to ciprofloxacin, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone, and 25% sensitive to Cefoperazone-Sulbactam, thus showing the presence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) character. We studied the association of multidrug resistance to certain risk factors like previous antibiotic therapy, days of wound before admission, increased length of hospital stay, patient comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, heart disease, chronic liver disease and immunosupression.

Conclusions: This study reveals Gram negative bacilli to be more commonly causing pyogenic infections in our patients. Local antibiotic susceptibility profile of these pathogens is essential for empirical treatment.
Phenotypic Detection of AmpC \(\beta\)-lactamase Producing Escherichia coli among Patients in Hospital Wards
Authors: Akpu Peace Oluchi , Nomeh Onyinye Lovette , Moneth Ezeh Chinonyelum , Stella Aduaka Oluchukwu , Ogba Rebecca Chinenye , Peter Ikemesit Udeme , Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli has emerged in hospital environments as an important health issue that is of a global health concern as drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria that has evolved into strains that are resistant to many classes of antibiotics. However, awareness of the prevalence of AmpC β-lactamase producing microorganisms such as E. coli could be very valuable for achieving more accurate epidemiological results, as well as controlling their spread in the different hospital wards.

Methodology: A total of four hundred (400) clinical samples comprising of two hundred and seventy-nine (279) urine samples and one hundred and Twenty-one (121) wound samples were collected from patients in different ward at AE-FUTHA. The clinical samples were analyze using standard microbiological culture and identification of Escherichia coli. Detection of phenotypic AmpC β-lactamases production was performed using Cefoxitin-Cloxacillin Double-Disk Synergy Test (CC-DDST). Antibiotic susceptibility studies of AmpC β-lactamases producing Escherichia coli was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method and the results were construed using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) zone diameter breakpoints.

Results: Phenotypic AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli accounted overall prevalence rate of 94.1%. The frequency of AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli in urine samples were 57(93.4%) comprising of high occurrence rate in Surgical ward 15(100%) followed by medical ward 24(88.9%) but also accounted for overall prevalence rate of 38(95.0%) in wound samples consisting of 9(100 %) from children ward and medical ward 10(100%) followed by Orthopedic ward 13(86.7%) with the least prevalence rate. The AmpC β-lactamases producing E. coli exhibited high percentage of resistance within the range of 50-100% against ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, cefepime, azetronam, Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Ticarcillin-clavulanic acid but were susceptible to ofloxacin 70.0%, Imipenem 83.3% and amikacin 100%.

Conclusion: The findings of this study is a proof of the occurrence of AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli among patients admitted to hospital wards and there’s an urgent need for controlling and managing the development of MDR genotype strain. Moreover, to prevent the spread of resistance among AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli to other strains and improve the effectiveness of antibiotics, it is suggested to establish a precise schedule for antibiotic use in each region based on their antibiotic resistance pattern.
Musanga cecropioides Attenuates Chemical and Diabetes Induced Oxidative Stress in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Ogbue Cyril O. , Onyegbule Felix A. , Ezugwu Christopher O. , Onwuzuligbo Chukwuebuka C. , Ajaghaku Daniel L.
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress plays an important role in both induction of diabetes and development of diabetes complications. This study evaluated the effect of leaf extract and fractions of M. cecropioides on both chemical and disease induced oxidative stress. The leaves were extracted with methanol and partitioned into various fractions. Phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content (TPC) were done for the extract and fractions. The DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay were used to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant potentials of the extracts and fractions at 52.5, 125, 250, 500 and 1000 µg/ml concentrations with ascorbic acid as reference standard. Carbon tetrachloride and streptozotocin-Nicotinamide (STZ-NAD) were used to induce chemical and diabetes induced oxidative stress respectively. Treatments were done with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract and fractions using Silymarin as reference standard. Liver function tests and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were used to monitor CCL4 induced oxidative stress while serum antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase), LPO and total plasma antioxidant assays were used to monitor diabetes induced oxidative stress. The ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) showed the highest TPC of 386.06 mgGAE/g. The EAF and butanol fraction (BF) showed better DPPH activity compared to the extract with IC50s of 49.78, 71.57, 98.92 µg/ml respectively. The EAF both at 200 and 400 mg/kg maintained non-significant (p > 0.05) difference between pre-induction and post-induction ALT and AST concentrations. Also, only EAF at 400 mg/kg protected against significant rise in CCL4 induced LPO from baseline values which was not achieved with 100 mg/kg silymarin (reference standard treatment). The EAF at 400 mg/kg was the only treatment that produced significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose 24 h post-treatment compared to vehicle control group. The EAF and BF at 400 mg/kg just like 200 mg/kg metformin were able to restore serum catalase almost to their pre-induction values with no significant (P>0.05) difference. M. cecropioides proved effective in both chemical and disease induced oxidative stress.
Human A‐myb gene encodes a transcriptional activator containing the negative regulatory domains
Authors: Takahashi Tomomi , Nakagoshi Hideki , Sarai Akinori , Nomura Nobuo , Yamamoto Tadashi , Ishii Shunsuke
Published: July 2002

The myb gene family has three members, c‐myb, A‐myb, and B‐myb. A‐myb mRNA is mainly expressed in testis and peripheral blood leukocytes. A‐Myb can activate transcription from the promoter containing Myb‐binding sites in all cells examined. In addition to the two domains (a DNA‐binding domain and a transcriptional activation domain), two negative regulatory domains have been identified in A‐Myb. These results indicate that A‐Myb functions as a transcriptional activator mainly in testis and peripheral blood cells, and the regulatory mechanism of A‐Myb activity is similar to that of c‐Myb.
Nuclear recruitment of A l p 145 subunit of replication factor C in the early GI phase of the cell cycle in Faza 567 hepatoma cell line and hepatocyte primary cultures
Authors: Levavasseur Françoise , Burbelo Peter D. , Cariou Sandrine , Liétard Jocelyne , Yamada Yoshihiko , Clément Bruno
Published: July 2002

Using a combination of immunoprecipitation and Western blotting with Faza 567 hepatoma cell extracts revealed that the large subunit of replication factor C (Alp145; mRFC140) was in a complex with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Western blotting showed that Alp145 was more abundant in nuclear extracts from butyrate‐treated hepatoma cells which blocks the cells in the GI phase of the cell cycle than from routinely cultured cells. Indirect immunoperoxidase analysis of G1 blocked Faza hepatoma cells localized Alpl45 protein predominantly in the nucleoli. When hepatoma cells were stimulated to progress toward the S phase, Alp145 protein was then observed in both the cytoplasm and the nucleoplasm of these cells. Studies with early cultured normal hepatocytes which are progressing from G0 towards G1, also showed a nucleolus distribution for Alp145. This is the first demonstration in mammalian cells that the large subunit of replication factor C is associated with PCNA in the nucleus and that its distribution within cells changes during the cell cycle.
Intracellular lipid heterogeneity caused by topology of synthesis and specificity in transport. Example: sphingolipids
Authors: van Helvoort Ardy , van Meer Gerrit
Published: July 2002

The differences in lipid composition between intracellular membranes cannot be adequately explained by local synthesis and degradation. Especially in the case of sphingolipids, which are synthesized in the Golgi complex but enriched on the cell surface and in endocytotic organelles, there is evidence for a cellular machinery that preferentially shuttles these lipids in vesicles to the cell surface. The machinery appears to involve the formation of domains of sphingolipid and cholesterol in the lumenal leaflet of Golgi membranes. Several pieces of evidence suggest that the selective anterograde transport of plasma membrane proteins may be mechanistically related to the sphingolipid domains.
Familial predisposition to uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Vikhlyaeva E.M. , Khodzhaeva Z.S. , Fantschenko N.D.
Published: July 2002

Objective: To study the clinical risk for gynecological disorders in first‐degree relatives in families with uterine leiomyoma. Method: Ninety‐seven families (215 female patients) were enrolled in this study; 97 patients and 118 of their near family relatives were examined. Results: Leiomyoma was discovered in 24.7% of cases, 2.2 times more frequently (P < 0.001) among the first‐degree female relatives in families with two or more verified leiomyoma cases. The rate of PCO disease was about 15% for both groups. Conclusion: These results confirm the concept of distinct predisposition to uterine leiomyoma and the PCO disease in first‐degree relatives in families with leiomyoma accumulation.
The novel MMS‐inducible gene Mif1/KIAA0025 is a target of the unfolded protein response pathway
Authors: van Laar Theo , Schouten Theo , Hoogervorst Esther , van Eck Marga , van der Eb Alex J. , Terleth Carrol
Published: July 2002

In a search for genes induced by DNA‐damaging agents, we identified two genes that are activated by methyl methanesulfonate (MMS). Expression of both genes is regulated after endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress via the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway. The first gene of those identified is the molecular chaperone BiP/GRP78. The second gene, Mif1, is identical to the anonymous cDNA KIAA0025. Treatment with the glycosylation inhibitor tunicamycin both enhances the synthesis of Mif1 mRNA and protein. The Mif1 5′ flanking region contains a functional ER stress‐responsive element which is sufficient for induction by tunicamycin. MMS, on the other hand, activates Mif1 via an UPR‐independent pathway. The gene encodes a 52 kDa protein with homology to the human DNA repair protein HHR23A and contains an ubiquitin‐like domain. Overexpressed Mif1 protein is localized in the ER.
Two possible conducting states of the influenza A virus M2 ion channel
Authors: Zhong Qingfeng , Newns Dennis M. , Pattnaik Pratap , Lear James D. , Klein Michael L.
Published: July 2002

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed on protonated four‐helix bundles based on the 25‐residue Duff–Ashley transmembrane sequence of the M2 channel of the influenza A virus. Well‐equilibrated tetrameric channels, with one, two and four of the H37 residues protonated, were investigated. The protonated peptide bundles were immersed in the octane portion of a phase‐separated water/octane system, which provided a membrane‐mimetic environment. The simulations suggest that there could be two conducting states of the M2 channel corresponding to tetramers containing one or two protonated histidines. The more open structure of the doubly protonated state suggests it would have the higher conductance.
Prognostic value of baroreflex sensitivity assessed by phase IV of Valsalva manoeuvre in patients with mild‐to‐moderate heart failure
Authors: Rostagno Carlo , Galanti Giorgio , Felici Massimo , Maccherini Massimo , Sani Guido , Caciolli Sabina , Gensini Gian Franco
Published: July 2002

Background

In patients with heart failure, impairment of baroreflex function occurs early and contributes to sympathetic activation, however, at present its prognostic role has not been definitively established.

Aims

To evaluate the prognostic significance of baroceptor impairment in patients with different degrees of heart failure.

Methods

We enrolled 52 consecutive patients with heart failure, referred to our institution for functional evaluation. Twenty‐eight suffered from ischemic cardiomyopathy and 26 from dilated cardiomyopathy. Thirteen patients were in NYHA class I, 20 in NYHA class II and 19 in class III. All patients underwent baroreflex assessment by phase IV Valsalva manoeuvre using Finapres finger monitoring of arterial blood pressure, echocardiography [with evaluation of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) and mean pulmonary artery pressure] and functional evaluation by cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6‐min walk corridor test within 2 days of hospital admission.

Results

Mean duration of follow‐up was 26 months (range 6–35 months). At baseline, evaluation in 13 patients BRS was normal (>5 ms/mmHg), in 17 moderately impaired (1.5–5 ms/mmHg) and in 22 severely depressed (<1.5 ms/mmHg). Baroreflex function was relatively preserved in patients in NYHA class I (5.1±2.5) in comparison to patients in NYHA class II and III (2.1±2.3 and 2.08±1.9 ms/mmHg, respectively). Of the 52 patients who entered the study at the end of follow‐up 15 died of cardiac cause and 5 underwent heart transplantation. Survival free from heart transplantation was 62% in patients with normal baroreflex function, 62% in patients with moderate impairment of baroreflex and 66% in patients with major derangement. NYHA class, LVEF, LVFS and LVEDD were significantly associated with event free survival while baroreflex function was not.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that evaluation of BRS impairment by phase IV Valsalva manoeuvre has limited prognostic value in patients with heart failure.
Reaction Equilibrium of Penicillin G with Amberlite LA‐2 in a Nonpolar Organic Solvent
Authors: Lee Sang Cheol , Ahn Byoung Sung , Kim Jin Gu
Published: July 2002

Studies have been made of the reactive extraction of penicillin G by Amberlite LA‐2, a secondary amine, dissolved in kerosene. On the basis of the previous works about extraction equilibria of monocarboxylic acids by some secondary amines in low polar organic solvents, four equilibrium models were suggested to describe the reaction equilibrium of penicillin G in the liquid−liquid extraction system. The calculated results from the models were compared with the experimental data of 96 runs, and only two equilibrium models seemed to be probable. Ultimately, the most reasonable extraction equilibrium model was chosen through spectroscopic studies on organic solutions obtained by five specific extraction equilibrium experiments.
Auto‐alloplastic transplantation of a primary canine after traumatic loss of a permanent central incisor
Authors: Pohl Yango , Filippi Andreas , Kirschner Horst
Published: July 2002

Abstract – This report describes the transplantation of a primary canine after traumatic loss of a central incisor in an 8‐year‐old boy. The 7‐month follow‐up revealed normal periodontal healing with absence of infection, ankylosis or progressive resorption. The patient was then lost for control. After 16 months another trauma in the same patient resulted in an avulsion of the transplant. However, the alveolar bone was maintained in vertical and sagittal dimensions. Another primary canine was transplanted and followed for further 11 months. Again normal periodontal healing could be observed. The transplantation of a primary canine is seen as a promising method to replace a lost permanent tooth and maintain the surrounding tissues in very young patients.
Cellular source of human platelet secretory phospholipase A2
Authors: Emadi S. , Mirshahi M. , Elalamy I. , Nicolas C. , Vargaftig B. B. , Hatmi M.
Published: July 2002

Platelets are one source of the group II extracellular form of phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) which is involved in the amplification of local and systemic inflammation. Although sPLA2 protein has been described in human platelets, its presence in human megakaryocytes has not been yet established. We demonstrated in this study that the human erythroleukaemia (HEL) cell line, which has megakaryoblastic features, constitutively expresses sPLA2. Using an anti‐rhsPLA2 monoclonal antibody (mAb BA11) and dot‐blot detection, we showed that HEL cells and platelets release sPLA2 into incubation medium upon stimulation by thrombin. Similar results were obtained for sPLA2 activity detected by a spectrofluorescence assay. Enzymatic activity was abolished by mAb BA11 and by protamine. In both cell types, although released, the major part of sPLA2 remained in the cell pellet, and was probably adsorbed at non‐specific membrane sites. Double labelling experiments using mAb BA11 and an anti‐GPIIb antiserum revealed the presence of sPLA2 in human bone‐marrow megakaryocytes. The use of reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction conjugated with hybridization analysis demonstrated the presence of mRNA encoding for sPLA2 in platelets and HEL cells. Expression of sPLA2 in platelets and megakaryocytes at both transcriptional and post‐translational levels strongly argues in favour of a megakaryocytic origin of platelet sPLA2 and rules out a role for endocytosis of the enzyme from plasma by circulating platelets.
In vivo gene transfer methods in the bladder without viral vectors
Authors: Harimoto  , Sugimura  , Lee  , Kuratsukuri  , Kishimoto
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To examine three in vivo gene transfer methods, without viral vectors, for use in bladder cancer.

Materials and methods

 Three methods were selected: (i) haemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ)‐liposomes possessing membrane fusion activity were intraluminally injected into rat bladders; (ii) using a particle gun, rabbit bladder mucosa was bombarded with DNA‐coated gold microcarriers; (iii) electrotransfection was also assessed in rabbit bladder by pulsed direct currents (0.15–0.2 A, 50 ms, repeated eight times) generated between needle electrodes after the submucosal injection of DNA solution. The β‐galactosidase gene and chloramphenicol acetyl‐transferase gene were used as marker genes to detect gene transfer.

Results

 HVJ liposomes efficiently transfected superficial layers of urothelium, with a peak of expression on day 5. The particle gun produced a heterogeneous but efficient transfection in deeper layers of the urothelium. By electrotransfection, both submucosal interstitial cells and urothelium were transfected. No major complications occurred with these three methods.

Conclusion

 HVJ‐liposomes are potentially useful for treating carcinoma in situ. With further refinement, the last two methods may be suitable for adjuvant therapy in treating localized bladder tumours.
High glucose increases growth and collagen synthesis in cultured human tubulointerstitial cells
Authors: Jones S. C. , Saunders H. J. , Pollock C. A.
Published: July 2002

Aims Altered proximal tubular cell growth and interstitial fibrosis are features of diabetic nephropathy and correlate with disease progression. These observations are poorly understood, although it has been suggested that they are secondary to glomerular disease. The primary aim of this study was to assess the direct effects of high extracellular glucose concentrations on the human tubulointerstitium.

Methods Primary cultures of human proximal tubule cells (PTCs) and cortical fibroblasts (CFs) were grown for 6 days in media containing either 6.1 mmol/l or 25 mmol/l glucose. Cell proliferation, thymidine uptake (a marker of DNA synthesis), protein content and collagen synthesis were measured.

Results In PTCs, exposure to high glucose was associated with a 410 ± 108% increase in cell numbers (P < 0.001); 101 ± 24% increase in thymidine uptake per cell (P < 0.01) and a 39 ± 6% decease in protein content per cell (P < 0.05). Collagen synthesis was increased by 37 ± 11% (P < 0.05). In CFs, exposure to high glucose was associated with an 80 ± 25% increase in cell numbers (P < 0.05); 137 ± 50% increase in thymidine uptake per cell (P < 0.001), with protein content per cell unchanged. Collagen synthesis increased by 37 ± 13%; however, the difference was not significant (P = 0.07). There were no differences between control cells exposed to 6.1 mmol/l glucose or an osmotic control (6.1 mmol/l
d‐glucose + 18.9 mmol/l
l‐glucose).

Conclusions Exposure of human PTCs and CFs to high extracellular glucose concentrations results directly in altered cell growth and collagen synthesis that is independent of haemodynamic, glomerular or vascular pathology.
Towards an understanding of the high death rate among young people with diabetes in Ukraine
Authors: Telishevka M. , Chenet L. , McKee M.
Published: July 2002

SUMMARY

Aims  Published rates of deaths attributed to diabetes mellitus among those aged under 50 have risen substantially in several former Soviet republics since the late 1980s. The reasons for this increase, and the situation facing patients with diabetes in these countries are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to describe the circumstances leading up to the death of individuals dying under the age of 50 years with mention of diabetes on their death certificate.

Methods  Interviews with surviving relatives or neighbours, combining elements of verbal autopsy and confidential enquiry. For those who had lived in the city of Lviv a random sample was taken. For those in rural areas a purposive sample was used to ensure coverage of more and less remote areas.

Results  Key informants were identified and agreed to be interviewed for 64 individuals out of a possible 79 with insulin‐treated diabetes identified from their death certificates. The main immediate causes of death were renal failure (69%), ischaemic heart disease (9%), ketoacidosis (6%) and hypoglycaemia (3%). Over a third of men, but no women, were reported to have been heavy drinkers. Informants described many difficulties in obtaining regular supplies of insulin and related supplies since 1990. Although insulin is officially available free of charge, most had retained supplies for use in an emergency. More than half had, at some time, purchased supplies. The large number of deaths from renal failure reflects the effective absence of renal replacement therapy for patients with diabetes.

Conclusions  Individuals with diabetes in Ukraine face profound challenges involving access to necessary care. Their needs require significantly more attention from policy makers.
Changes in the lower displacement limit for motion with age
Authors: Wood Joanne M. , Bullimore Mark A.
Published: July 2002

Previous studies have alleged that the ability to perceive motion remains constant with age. We investigated the effect of age on minimum displacement thresholds using computer‐generated random dot stimuli in 91 healthy, visually normal subjects (age range 21–82 years). High and low contrast visual acuity and letter contrast sensitivity were also tested. We found that minimum displacement thresholds increased significantly at a rate of 0.07 log min arc per decade ( 17%). The relationship between age and performance was very similar for all visual tests.
Use of contact lenses by firefighters. Part 1: Questionnaire data
Authors: Owen Christopher G. , Margrain Thomas H. , Woodward E. Geoffrey
Published: July 2002

The use of contact lenses by firefighters is currently prohibited. However, many firefighters may benefit from this form of visual correction, without predisposing themselves to additional risk. Visual benefits gained by contact lens wear may increase a firefighter's safety. To determine if it is safe to allow firefighters to use contact lenses 29 were fitted with soft contact lenses and 21 with rigid gas permeable contact lenses. Questionnaires were completed prior to fitting, after 1, 4 and 10 months of contact lens wear. Both soft contact lens (SCL) wearers, and rigid gas permeable contact lens (RGPCL) wearers showed a statistically significant reduction in the frequency with which they experienced irritable foreign bodies and irritant fumes in the eyes, compared to not wearing contact lenses. Firefighters felt that their performance on the fireground had been improved by the use of contact lenses. SCL wearers also benefited from a reduction in the frequency with which they experienced watery eyes and ocular discomfort. There were significantly fewer problems encountered with SCL wearers than RGPCL wearers. The frequency with which firefighters experienced lenses falling out, lens displacement, watery eyes, ocular discomfort, and operational difficulties was significantly less for the SCL group than the RGPCL group. SCL appear to offer considerable benefits for firefighters with refractive error, but their use cannot be sanctioned without assessment of their effect on the ocular adnexa.
Evidence‐Based Assessment of Pregnancy Outcome After Sumatriptan Exposure
Authors: Fox Anthony W. , Chambers Christina D. , Anderson Philip O. , Diamond Merle L. , Spierings Egilius L.H.
Published: July 2002

Objective.—Assessment of best available evidence for tolerability of sumatriptan after inadvertent exposure during pregnancy.

Background.—Migraine's demography suggests that inadvertent exposure to acute therapies is likely during the earliest undiagnosed stages of pregnancy. The tolerability of such therapies under these conditions is not amenable to clinical trial for ethical reasons. In the United States, sumatriptan is currently labeled pregnancy category C (ie, not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus).

Methods.—Three types of adverse events were studied: spontaneous abortion, fetal abnormality, and obstetric complications. Traditional evidence‐based criteria were used to assess a search‐protocol product of four clinical studies and two case reports.

Results.—The single positive finding (“preterm delivery” without low birth weight) was in the smallest study; this study was retrospective and the finding was externally inconsistent with the other three larger studies, all of which were prospective. No study followed children for more than 4 years, which is the period needed to identify the maximum number of congenital anomalies. Rigorous teratological technique was generally not employed. Post hoc power calculations were used to provide parameters of the hazard detectable by these studies in aggregate.

Conclusions.—Pregnancy categories B and C both seem feasible for sumatriptan. Within the limits of the examined studies, there is no evidence for any specific effect of sumatriptan on pregnancy outcome. Patients inadvertently exposed to sumatriptan during an early stage of pregnancy should be reassured by these data.
Properties of p+ microcrystalline films of SiC:H deposited by conventional rf glow discharge
Authors: Goldstein B. , Dickson C. R. , Campbell I. H. , Fauchet P. M.
Published: July 2002

Using a conventional rf glow discharge, we have grown microcrystalline p+ SiC:H films having conductivities 2–2×10−3 (Ω cm)−1 and activation energies 0.05–0.1 eV with carbon concentrations 0–6 at. %, respectively. Increasing the carbon content suppresses the microcrystallinity. The choice of substrate is crucial to initiating the immediate onset of microcrystalline growth in thin (∼200–400 Å) films.
Observation of twin boundary layers in pure and alloyed YBa2Cu3O7−δ
Authors: Zhu Y. , Suenaga M. , Xu Youwen , Sabatini R. L. , Moodenbaugh A. R.
Published: July 2002

Using an electron diffraction technique, the thicknesses of the (nonorthorhombic) twin boundary layers were measured for pure and alloyed YBa2(Cu1−xMx)3O7−δ. Boundary thickness varied from ∼0.7 nm for M=Ni, x=0.02, and δ≂0 to ∼2.6 nm for M=Al, x=0.02, and δ≂0, while it was ∼1.0 nm for a pure YBa2Cu3O7. High-resolution transmission electron imaging of similar specimens supports the existence of such twin boundary layers.
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy of chemical vapor deposited diamond films
Authors: Knight Diane S. , Weimer Ronald , Pilione Lawrence , White William B.
Published: July 2002

By using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy it was possible to clearly identify very thin diamond and amorphous carbon coatings which were not detectable by normal Raman spectroscopy. A very small amount of silver was sputtered onto the surface of thin diamond depositions. Raman spectra measured through the silver layer exhibited the 1332 cm−1 diamond line and broadbands due to other forms of carbon. Raman scattering measured through silver coatings directly on the silicon substrate revealed extremely thin layers of amorphous carbon.
I
n s
i
t
u growth of DyBa2Cu3O7−x thin films by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Johnson B. R. , Beauchamp K. M. , Wang T. , Liu J-X. , McGreer K. A. , Wan J-C. , Tuominen M. , Zhang Y-J. , Mecartney M. L. , Goldman A. M.
Published: July 2002

Films of DyBa2Cu3O7−x with transition temperatures as high as 89 K and with nominal thicknesses down to 35 Å have been grown in situ using molecular beam epitaxy employing ozone as a source of reactive oxygen. The process has been successful with a variety of substrates including SrTiO3(100), SrTiO3(110), LaAlO3(100), MgO(100), and yttria-stabilized zirconia. The films could be imaged with a scanning tunneling microscope at 4.2 K, indicating a conducting surface even at low temperatures.
Dielectric and optical properties of substrates for high-temperature superconductor films
Authors: Reagor David , Garzon Fernando
Published: July 2002

The dielectric constants ε of LaAlO3, NdGaCO3 and MgO substrates were measured using a dielectric filled resonant cavity. Precise values of ε were obtained for NdGaO3 and MgO. An inhomogeneous dielectric constant was observed for LaAlO3. Optical studies indicated that the extensive twinning in this material was the source of the inhomogeneity.