bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological Investigation of an Outbreak of Acute Diarrheal Disease at Talegaon Dabhade, Mawal Block, Pune, Maharashtra
Authors:   Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra, Gupta Ritima , Bisen Tikesh ,   Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra, Awate Pradeep ,   Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra, Mankar Amol ,   Public Health Department, Government of Maharashtra
Published: June 2022

Background: Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) affects millions of people across the globe, especially in poor socio-economic regions. Most of the diseases and deaths among children result from diarrhea resulting from contaminated water and food sources. In India, most diarrheal outbreaks can be attributed to contaminated water.These outbreaks can be prevented through the provision of safe drinking water. Outbreak investigation plays a vital role in ascertaining the causes of an outbreak and thereby keeping a check on communicable diseases. This paper explores the investigation that followed an outbreak of diarrhea in one of the interior regions of the Pune district in Maharashtra. Objectives: (i) To confirm the existence of an outbreak at Talegaon Dabhade (ii) To identify the source of infection and mode of transmission (iii) To control and prevent the further spread of the outbreak. Methods: A ground review of the outbreak situation was done along with the local health authority of Talegaon Dabhade and the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Staff. Information regarding water samples collection and testing was obtained from Talegaon Municipal Council officials. An observational cross-sectional study using a mixed-method approach was conducted. Face-to-face interviews of 8 cases were conducted using a semi-structured interview schedule. Result: The frontline workers identified a total of 624 cases during the survey. About 209 patients came to seek treatment at the PHC Outpatient Department (OPD) with three reported hospitalizations. The field workers started reporting cases on 27th December 2021. A total of 217 water samples collected from multiple points were sent for water quality testing. Only one sample from the house of an infected person came out to be positive for coliforms. The source of infection of the outbreak could not be identified. Conclusion: Outbreaks can be prevented through training of local health staff, strengthening labs at the government health facilities, and enhancing Information, Education and Communication (IEC) activities. This ensures early identification andtimely response to epidemic-prone diseases.
KẾT QUẢ ÁP DỤNG MÔ HÌNH SẢN XUẤT VÀ TIẾP THỊ THỨC ĂN BỔ SUNG ĐỐI VỚI TÌNH TRẠNG DINH DƯỠNG Ở TRẺ DƯỚI 24 THÁNG TUỔI TẠI 3 TỈNH LAI CHÂU, LÀO CAI VÀ HÀ GIANG
Authors: Lê Thế Trung , Phạm Văn Phú , Nguyễn Đỗ Huy , Huỳnh Nam Phương
Published: June 2022

Mục tiêu: Mô tả sự thay đổi tình trạng dinh dưỡng ở trẻ dưới 24 tháng tuổi tại 3 tỉnh Miền núi phía Bắc thông qua mô hình sản xuất và tiếp thị thức ăn bổ sung tại địa phương. Phương pháp: Nghiên cứu can thiệp cộng đồng bán thực nghiệm không có nhóm đối chứng qua 2 điều tra cắt ngang độc lập trước can thiệp (n=799) và sau 6 tháng can thiệp (n=680) ở trẻ dưới 24 tháng tuổi 3 tỉnh Lai Châu, Lào Cai và Hà Giang. Các hoạt động can thiệp gồm tiếp thị xã hội thức ăn bổ sung tăng cường vi chất sản xuất tại địa phương và tư vấn dinh dưỡng trên cơ sở hệ thống Mặt trời bé thơ. Kết quả: Sau can thiệp sự thay đổi có ý nghĩa thống kê (p<0,01) Z-Score cân nặng theo tuổi (tăng từ -0,93 lên -0,73) và Z-Score cân nặng theo chiều cao (tăng từ -0,41 lên -0,16). Tỉ lệ SDD có chiều hướng giảm (p > 0,05) sau can thiệp: SDD thể nhẹ cân giảm từ 15,0% xuống 12,3%; SDD thể thấp còi giảm từ 24,0% xuống 23,2%; SDD thể gầy còm giảm từ 8,8% xuống 7,7%. Kết luận: Mô hình can thiệp bước đầu cho thấy sự tăng về Z-Score cân nặng theo tuổi và cân nặng theo chiều cao, chưa có sự thay đổi rõ tình trạng SDD của trẻ em dưới 24 tháng tuổi trên địa bàn nghiên cứu.
Warranting Further Discussion: Why the Use of Financing Warrants in ESOP Transactions Benefits American Workers
Authors: El-Tahch Aziz , Hricko Matthew , Aguilar Isaiah , Golumbic Lars , Salek-Raham Andrew
Published: June 2022

The leveraged Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) structure was created by US Congress to enable American workers to gain an equity interest in their companies without using their own funds. A critical component in the financing of leveraged ESOP transactions is a “warrant,” which enables corporate sponsors of ESOPs to access the financing necessary to facilitate purchases of company stock by ESOPs. Warrants also afford substantial benefits to ESOPs by providing downside risk for ESOP participants, freeing up cash for more productive uses than servicing interest on debt and aligning all corporate stakeholders' interests toward the common goal of increasing equity value.

Recently, however, the US Department of Labor (DOL) has taken the position that warrants necessarily reduce the fair market value of a subject company's equity in an ESOP transaction. This position, which would discourage ESOP formation, is contrary to both the “fair market value” standard that governs ESOP transactions and the DOL's long-held position on this issue. By helping to clear misconceptions around the use of warrants in leveraged ESOP transactions, we hope to contribute to the continued proliferation of ESOP ownership, resulting in a broader-based participation in wealth creation among American workers.
The Silence Around Non-Ordinary Experiences During the Pandemic
Authors: Schmidt Bettina E. , Stockly Kate ,   Academic Publishing
Published: June 2022

The article presents new research about spiritual experiences during COVID-19. It starts with a wider discussion about the relationship between spirituality and wellbeing, based on research carried out in Brazil and the United Kingdom before the pandemic. The research showed a strict division between personal faith and medical treatment, reflecting a professional distance when treating patients that results in patients’ unwillingness to speak about their experience to anyone in the medical profession, even when these experiences impact their mental health. The article then explores findings of a new research project about spiritual experience during COVID-19 and reflects on three themes that emerged from the data: 1) changes in patients’ relationships with their religious communities, 2) seeing spiritual figures and near death experiences, and 3) interpretations of COVID-19 as a spiritual contagion. These themes contribute to a nuanced understanding of how spiritual experiences that arise in moments of crisis are interpreted by the people who have them, potentially contributing to resiliance and coping. The last section discusses the reluctance to speak about non-ordinary experiences and reflects on the importance of integrating non-ordinary experiences for mental health.
The effects of project-based learning about climate change
Authors: Maričić Olja , Petković Ivana
Published: June 2022

The study presented in this paper looks at how the problem of climate change can be adequately presented to students in the early grades of primary school, aiming to examine the relationship between project-based learning and the development of student competencies and achievements in this area. Project-based learning took place over the course of two months, as part of the elective environmental club attended by 30 fourth-grade primary school students. Students' initial and final knowledge about climate change was assessed using a test designed for this purpose. Data on the assessment of students' performance and the monitoring of their engagement were collected using a control list for tracking the development and use of student competencies (research, collaborative and personal), while students' views about the realized project were elicited with a questionnaire. The obtained results suggest an increase in students' achievement in the area of environmental content, while students themselves rate their experiences as positive. Systematic observation revealed the development of a series of abilities in students. Of the three categories of abilities, over the course of the project the greatest progress was observed in the category of research abilities, while in the other two categories progress was less pronounced, suggesting that a longer period is needed for their development as well as a more frequent implementation of projects in instructional practice.
Bond Enhancement in Curved Sandwich Shells
Authors: Marshall Peter , Thang Vul , Brake Nicholas , Corder Paul
Published: June 2022

As follow-up to recent papers by Marshall et al. (2010, 2012), research on steel-concrete-steel (SCS) sandwich shells for Arctic offshore structures continues at two universities. National University of Singapore is testing heavy transverse reinforcement which ties the outer steel plates together. Lamar University in Texas originally studied the composite ice wall concept in the late 1980s, and is now testing surface treatment with a size-tiered gradation of mini-studs, macro fibers (steel) and micro fibers (synthetic), intended to develop the full bulk properties of the Fiber Reinforced Concrete (FRC) core in radial tension and punching shear. Using ISO’s design non-hydrostatic partial span loading on the Singapore Cone, radial bond stress at the inner steel plate is low and deemed attainable for both the stud enhanced bonding surface and the bulk concrete core. The steel shell serves as prefabricated permanent formwork, and the arched vaults resist external ice loading mainly by compression, provided the sandwich does not disintegrate in an unstable fashion.
The Measurement of Shallow Ocean Currents Beneath Deformed Mobile Sea Ice Using Upward Looking Sonar Instruments
Authors: Mudge Todd , Fissel David , Borg Keath , Milutinovic Nikola , Ross Ed
Published: June 2022

The under ice ocean currents are critical in the understanding of the boundary layer between the sea ice and the ocean, involving determination of the drag forces that sea-ice exerts on the upper water column and the related turbulence and mixing levels. A semi-automated algorithm has been developed, which accounts for the changes in sea ice drafts, to determine the nearest surface ocean current measurement level. Using long-term measurements from upward looking sonar datasets in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, the algorithm and its extensions to all current bins is investigated.
A Short History on Ice Expeditions in the Russian Federation
Authors: Wilkman Göran
Published: June 2022

In the field of ice expeditions, we have three main branches of activity where people go to test, observe, measure and map the ice conditions or performance of certain ship. The practices for conducting such exercise are different depending on the country and region. To organize an expedition or ship testing trip in the Russian Federation and former Soviet Union has always been a challenge. Preparations and planning needs to be started well in advance for getting the permits, and even then when you have all the paperwork done you cannot be sure that the expedition will come true. You need to cross the border to Russia and it may happen that you and the customs officer do not come along in a perfect way. This paper will tell the story of how things should or should not be arranged in the changing legislative atmosphere of Russian Federation. Russian Federation is here only as one example as similar practices can be found also elsewhere on this globe.
Surface Listening: Free Association and Recitation in the Wooster Group's The B-Side: "Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons" A Record Album Interpretation
Authors: Napolin Julie Beth
Published: June 2022

This essay is a critical narrative of an experience of listening to the Wooster Group’s The B-Side: “Negro Folklore from Texas State Prisons” A Record Album Interpretation (2017). The performance is a verbatim recitation of a 1965 ethnographic recording by Bruce Jackson of African American men toasting and singing works songs just before Texas prisons were desegregated. African American actors on stage hear the album through earpieces and re-perform songs and toasts in real time as the LP plays on a turntable visible (but mostly inaudible) to the audience. Their interpretation “transmits” the album to an audience. The essay, continuing that work of transduction, draws from the psychoanalytic notion of “free association” in order to think through the possibilities and limitations of listening across race and gender. It argues that association is a reciprocal way of listening and making theatre. It is also a way of working through history (recorded and unrecorded) in the face of intractable frameworks of racial antagonism in the United States. The essay assembles and “associates” photographs, songs, and excerpts of interviews with the show’s makers, as well as pairing concepts from the literature of listening and the archive of Black sonic performance.
“I’m A Stripper, Ho": The Sonics of Cardi B’s Ratchet, Diasporic Feminism
Authors: Jaime Karen
Published: June 2022

In this article, the author attends to how performer Cardi B employs urban vernacular aesthetics to articulate a ratchet, diasporic feminism. Beginning with her early Instagram videos and participation in Love and Hip Hop: New York and followed by her commercially successful song “Bodak Yellow,” Cardi B mobilizes her work between diverse musical genres and sonic registers, challenging listeners and the music industry to find room for the particularities of her ethnic and racial identity and the type of feminist practice she lyrically articulates. The author interrogates how Cardi B’s chart-topping songs, Instagram videos, and interviews on talk shows and online operate as sonic strategies that challenge, disrupt, and reject respectability politics. In turn, the author highlights how Cardi B engages with gender, class, and sexuality, proudly claiming her positionality as a former erotic dancer/stripper in order to craft a sonic narrative, framing her current success as predicated on her diligent work ethic and immigrant roots.
Simultaneous detection of particle and C2H2 at high temperature using tunable diode laser extinction spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Ming-Ke , Gao Zhen-Wei , Gao Guang-Zhen , Jiang Yu-Hao , Cai Ting-Dong ,   School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: June 2022

Soot particles from the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels are the main source of the air fine particles and they are also an important factor of reducing the combustion efficiency. As one of their major precursor, acetylene (C2H2) plays an important role in forming soot. So the simultaneous detecting of soot particle and C2H2 is significant in studying the mechanism of the soot formation. In this work, a sensor for the simultaneous detecting of soot particle and C2H2 is developed by using a single DFB diode laser with a wavelength near 1540 nm. The extinction spectrum near the proper C2H2 line at 6490.02 cm–1 is used to infer the mass concentration of particles and the C2H2 concentration. The performance of the sensor is confirmed in a home-made heated static cell which can provide well controlled gaseous environment and particulate environment. The measured mass concentration of particles and the C2H2 concentration are within 2.73% and 5.17% of the expected values over the full temperature range of 500–1000 K, respectively. All the measurements show the potential application of the sensor in the simultaneous detecting of soot particle and C2H2 at elevated temperature.
Delocalized magnetism in low-dimensional graphene system
Authors: Zheng Yu-Qiang , Wang Shi-Yong ,   Tsung-Dao Lee Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China,   School of Physics and Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
Published: June 2022

Delocalized p-shell electron magnetism emerging in a low-dimensional graphene system due to quantum effect is distinct from the localized d/f-shell electron’s. The delocalization effect allows the precise engineering of the magnetic ground state and magnetic exchange interactions in nanographenes, thus implementing the accurate construction of high-quality graphene-based magnetic quantum materials. In recent years, with the development of surface chemistry and surface physics, it has become feasible to study the magnetism of nanographenes with single-atom precision, thus opening a new research direction for studying purely organic quantum magnetism. This review starts from the summarizing of the research background of nanographene magnetism. Then, the physics nature behind the nanographene magnetism and recent experimental researches are discussed. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for further studying low-dimensional magnetic graphenes are briefly discussed.
Z_2-graded intuitionistic L-fuzzy q-deformed quantum subspaces of A_q
Authors:   Department of Mathematics, University of Qom, Mostafavi Marzieh
Published: June 2022

In this paper, assuming that ⟨L, ≤〉 is a lattice set with a few specific conditions, intuitionistic L-fuzzy subalgebras, intuitionistic L-fuzzy subcoalgebras and intuitionistic L-fuzzy left (right) coideals are defined and the properties of intuitionistic L-fuzzy subcoalgebras under homomorphisms of coalgebras are investigated. Duality of intuitionistic L-fuzzy subalgebras and duality of intuitionistic L-fuzzy subcoalgebras are also discussed. Intuitionistic L-fuzzy subbialgebras as well as intuitionistic L-fuzzy Hoph subalgebras are studied. Intuitionistic L-fuzzy quantum subsets of k_q[x, y] are established and also Z2-graded intuitionistic L-fuzzy q-deformed quantum subspaces of A_q are introduced.
Comparison of Broth Microdilution Method vs Disk Diffusion Method for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing in Dermatophytosis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gupta Dharmender , Gupta Neelam , Deopa Mohan Singh , Goyal Rahul Kumar
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Dermatophytosis is frequently associated with relapses following the interruption of antifungal therapy. The incidence of fungal infections, including resistant infections, has increased during the last few years, may be due to inadequate use of drugs or increased incidence of immunodeficiency states. Aim: To compare disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods and to determine in vitro activity of antifungal agents which are most commonly used to treat the dermatophytic infection. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted from November 2016 to April 2018 on 50 dermatophytic strains isolated from skin, hair and nail specimen collected from Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) of Shri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Sciences, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India. All samples were cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Sabouraud’s Cycloheximide, Chloramphenicol Agar (SCCA) medium and incubated at 25°C upto 21 days. Then antifungal susceptibility was done using disk diffusion and broth microdilution method. Result was analysed Statistical software namely Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 and graph pad were used to analyse the data. Results: Data analysis of drug susceptibility tests involved a standard 2×2 contingency table. The isolates belong to two genera and five species namely Trichophyton menatagrophytes (44%), Trichophyton rubrum (32%), Trichophyton violaceum (18%), Trichophyton verrucosum (4%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (2%). The kappa value for fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine and griseofulvin were 0.419, 0.464, 0.444 and 0.451 respectively for disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods. Conclusion: A good agreement was observed between disk diffusion and broth microdilution method.
Perceptions of Agricultural Extension Staff towards Financial Support Before and After Devolution in Kericho County, Kenya
Authors: Chelule Ruth C. , Munyua Catherine N. , Kibett Joash
Published: June 2022

Agricultural extension services are put in place to improve rural development in many nations. Devolution of agricultural extension services have been tried in many nations with mixed results. Since the implementation of the devolved system of governance in Kenya, its effect on agricultural extension service delivery, in Kericho has not been studied and documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of agricultural extension staff towards financial support in Kericho county before and after devolution in Kenya. The study adopted a descriptive research design, which is used to describe characteristics of a population or phenomenon being studied. The target population comprised of 117 agricultural extension officers in Kericho County. The study used a census sampling method because the target population was very small; thus, all the units in the target population were considered. However, inclusion criteria were applied by only including individuals who were in employment both before and after devolution. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages) inferential statistics (paired correlation and paired t-test) with the aid of SPSS. The results show that the majority of the respondents, (86%) were either positive or very positive towards financial transparency before devolution as opposed to the only 4.3% after devolution. The t-test results showed a statistically significant difference in perception of agricultural extension officers towards funding of agricultural extension services before and after devolution in Kericho county. The study concludes that financial support was better before devolution compared to after devolution. The study suggests that the county government of Kericho should improve their financial commitment to promote effective and efficient delivery of extension services.
Holt-Winters Forecast on Seasonal Time Series Crop Insurance Data with Structural Outliers (2000-2018) Using Ms Excel
Authors: Priyanka P. Asha , Nandakumar E. , Sangeetha R.
Published: June 2022

Time series data on the number of farmers enrolled in different crop insurance schemes such as NAIS, MNAIS and PMFBY in the state of Tamil Nadu, India was analysed for its seasonality, outliers and forecast. The data was found to be seasonal and exponentially increasing. Seasonality is innate as the crop insurance itself was registered separately for two seasons (Kharif and Rabi). Multiplicative Holt-Winters Model should be applied in order to do short range forecast for an exponentially increasing dataset. The model was run in Ms-Excel in order to understand the basics of times series forecasting. Minimum MSE value was the criteria used to find the better fitting smoothing values. The residual of the model was examined for the fit of the model. Residual mean value was close to zero. Residuals are tested for autocorrelation with Durbin-Watson test and Runs test. Histogram of residuals implies a normal distribution. Presence of outliers are detected using 3IQR method and the identified outliers are part of the structure of data and need not be removed. However, alternate models of Holt-Winters itself which are robust to work with outliers are reviewed and RHW model of Gelpers et al. [1] was suggested.
Effect of Zinc Fortification on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
Authors: Rathnakar P. , Mohan N. , Aparna Boyina , Ramya Pasala
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was conducted during kharif 2021 at CRF (Crop Research Farm), Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P). The soil of the experimental field is sandy loam in texture with a neutral soil pH. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of three levels of Zinc viz., 10 kg/ha, 15 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha and three levels of Zinc sulphate at 0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%, whose effect was observed in finger millet. The results revealed that the treatment with application of 15 kg/ha zinc + 0.5% Znso4 recorded higher plant height (81.22 cm), number of tillers/plant (7.85/plant), plant dry weight (26.32g/plant), and the yield attributes viz., seed yield (2.79 t/ha), straw yield (4.72 t/ha) and harvest index (37.19%) were also recorded highest in the treatment with application of 15 kg/ha zinc and 0.5% Znso4.
Assessment of Soil Physical Properties from Different Blocks of Jaipur District, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Sharma Surykant , Hasan Amreen , Thomas Tarance , Kumar Tarun , Sharma Vinayak , Sharma Amrita , David Arun Alfred
Published: June 2022

The year 2021-2022, An analysis experiment was done for identification physical properties from the Rajasthan state at the Jaipur district area. For further study, twenty-seven soil samples were taken from farmer's fields in different three blocks of Jaipur district at depths 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm. The soil texture in the examined region was sandy loam. The difference of soil color also noticed in both the Air-dry condition and Moist condition and the color was light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) to brownish yellow (10YR5/8) and bulk density was from 1.24-1.34 Mg m-3, The range of particle density was from 2.27-2.34 Mg m-3 and the pore space 37.77 to 43.65 %. The water retaining capacity % (WRC %) of soil ranged between 43.56 to 57.28 %. The specific gravity of soil ranged between 2.33 to 2.46. The manure and organic fertilizers are suitable for good soil health and maximum crop production at the farmer’s field.
O CONCEITO DE REGIME POLÍTICO NA TEORIA DA DEMOCRACIA
Authors: Neves Costa Paulo Roberto
Published: June 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é verificar como se apresentam na literatura as estratégias de análise da democracia enquanto regime político, tendo como questão central a forma como é pensada a correlação entre os indicadores fundamentais deste tipo de sociedade, as instituições políticas democráticas, e o contexto, seja histórico, econômico, social ou cultural, com o qual elas se articulam. Verificamos que esta literatura pode ser pensada através de modelos, os quais se constituem a partir de autores fundamentais e se expressam nas análises sobre a experiência da democracia no Brasil. Entendemos que o conceito deregime político possui grande importância teórica e metodológica, em especial na produção de agendas de pesquisa sobre as experiências concretas de democracia, inclusive e especialmente sobre o caso brasileiro, e até mesmo na sua constituição enquanto projeto de sociedade e de nação.
Interleukin‐6‐induced serine phosphorylation of transcription factor APRF: evidence for a role in interleukin‐6 target gene induction
Authors: Lütticken Claudia , Coffer Paul , Yuan Juping , Schwartz Claudia , Caldenhoven Eric , Schindler Chris , Kruijer Wiebe , Heinrich Peter C , Horn Friedemann
Published: July 2002

The cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) rapidly activates a latent cytoplasmic transcription factor, acute‐phase response factor (APRF), by tyrosine phosphorylation. Activation and DNA binding of APRF are inhibited by inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases but not serine/threonine kinases. However, immediate‐early gene induction by IL‐6 and, as we show here, stimulation of the promoters of the genes for α
2‐macroglobulin, Jun‐B, and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) are blocked by the serine/threonine kinase inhibitor H7. We now show that IL‐6 triggers a delayed phosphorylation of APRF at serine resudues which can be reversed in vitro by protein phosphatase 2A and is also inhibited by H7. Therefore, APRF serine phosphorylation is likely to represent a crucial event in IL‐6 signal transduction leading to target gene induction.
Origin of the ‘inactivation’ of ribonuclease A at low salt concentration
Authors: Park Chiwook , Raines Ronald T.
Published: July 2002

The effect of salt concentration on catalysis by ribonuclease A (RNase A) has been reexamined. At low salt concentration, the enzyme is inhibited by low‐level contaminants in common buffers. When an uncontaminated buffer system is used or H12A RNase A, an inactive variant, is added to absorb inhibitory contaminants, enzymatic activity is manifested fully at low salt concentration. Catalysis by RNase A does not have an optimal salt concentration. Instead,kcat/KMwas >109M−1s−1for RNA cleavage at low salt concentration. These findings highlight the care that must accompany the determination of meaningful salt‐rate profiles for enzymatic catalysis.
Role of the N‐terminal region of staphylokinase (SAK): evidence for the participation of the N‐terminal region of SAK in the enzyme–substrate complex formation
Authors: Rajamohan G , Dikshit Kanak L
Published: July 2002

Staphylokinase (SAK) forms an inactive 1:1 complex with plasminogen (PG), which requires both the conversion of PG to plasmin (Pm) to expose an active site in PG–SAK activator complex and the amino‐terminal processing of SAK to expose the positively charged (Lys‐11) amino‐terminus after removal of the 10 N‐terminal amino acid residues from the full length protein. The mechanism by which the N‐terminal segment of SAK affects its PG activation capability was investigated by generating SAK mutants, blocked in the native amino‐terminal processing site of SAK, and carrying an alteration in the placement of the positively charged amino acid residue, Lys‐11, and further studying their interaction with PG, Pm, miniplasmin and kringle structures. A ternary complex formation between PG–SAK PG was observed when an immobilized PG–SAK binary complex interacted with free radiolabelled PG in a sandwich binding experiment. Formation of this ternary complex was inhibited by a lysine analog, 6‐aminocaproic acid (EACA), in a concentration dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of lysine binding site(s) in this process. In contrast, EACA did not significantly affect the formation of binary complex formed by native SAK or its mutant derivatives. Furthermore, the binary (activator) complex formed between PG and SAK mutant, PRM3, lacking the N‐terminal lysine 11, exhibited 3–4‐fold reduced binding with PG, Pm or miniplasmin substrate during ternary complex formation as compared to native SAK. Additionally, activator complex formed with PRM3 failed to activate miniplasminogen and exhibited highly diminished activation of substrate PG. Protein binding studies indicated that it has 3–5‐fold reduction in ternary complex formation with miniplasmin but not with the kringle structure. In aggregate, these observations provide experimental evidence for the participation of the N‐terminal region of SAK in accession and processing of substrate by the SAK–Pm activator complex to potentiate the PG activation by enhancing and/or stabilizing the interaction of free PG.
Non‐antioxidant molecular functions of α‐tocopherol (vitamin E)
Authors: Azzi Angelo , Ricciarelli Roberta , Zingg Jean-Marc
Published: July 2002

α‐Tocopherol (the major vitamin E component) regulates key cellular events by mechanisms unrelated with its antioxidant function. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) activity and vascular smooth muscle cell growth by α‐tocopherol was first described by our group. Later, α‐tocopherol was shown to inhibit PKC in various cell types with consequent inhibition of aggregation in platelets, of nitric oxide production in endothelial cells and of superoxide production in neutrophils and macrophages. α‐Tocopherol diminishes adhesion molecule, collagenase and scavenger receptor (SR‐A and CD36) expression and increases connective tissue growth factor expression.
Evidence for the presence of active cytochrome P450 systems in Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium adult worms
Authors: Saeed Hesham M , Mostafa Mostafa H , O'Connor Peter J , Rafferty Joseph A , Doenhoff Michael J
Published: July 2002

Extracts of the adult worms of both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium can metabolise some typical P450 substrates but to differing degrees. S. mansoni worm extracts displayed a ∼12‐fold higher specific activity for an aminopyrine substrate than rat liver microsomes. At 4 mM substrate concentration the demethylation reaction with N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) (5 nmol HCHO/mg protein/min) was only half that of rat liver microsomes, whereas in extracts of S. haematobium, no detectable activity was found towards NDMA. Using ethylmorphine as substrate the demethylation activity of S. mansoni extracts (1.82 nmol HCHO/mg protein/min) was 5.5‐fold lower than that of rat liver microsomes. Benzphetamine demethylase activity was also readily detectable in S. mansoni worm extracts at 6.79 nmol HCHO/mg protein/min compared with 10.20 nmol HCHO/mg protein/min in the case of rat liver microsomes. When aniline was used as substrate, surprisingly, no activity was found in worm extracts of either S. mansoni or S. haematobium, whereas rat liver microsomes showed high activity towards this amine. The anti‐P450 2E1 and 2B1/2 cross‐reacted with both worm homogenates and gave a specific band corresponding to a protein of molecular weight of ∼50.0 kDa. A study with anti‐P450 IVA antibody revealed that while this protein was strongly expressed in S. haematobium worm extracts, no immunoreactivity was observed with extracts of S. mansoni. Immunoblotting analyses with anti‐P450 IIIA and P450 1A1 did not detect immunoreactive protein in either S. mansoni or S. haematobium.
An analysis of the operational efficiency of major airports in the United States
Authors: Sarkis Joseph
Published: July 2002

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on the performance of various airlines and air carriers in terms of efficiency. Although it is obvious that air carriers use airports, few studies have focused on airport operational efficiency. This empirical study evaluates the operational efficiencies of 44 major U.S. airports using data envelopment analysis and some of its recent developments. Various airport characteristics are evaluated to determine their relationship to an airport's efficiency. Efficiency measures are based on four resource input measures including airport operational costs, number of airport employees, gates and runways, and five output measures including operational revenue, passenger flow, commercial and general aviation movement, and total cargo transportation. The results of this study have operational as well as public policy implications.
In utero exposure to serotonergic drugs alters neonatal expression of 5‐HT1A receptor transcripts: a quantitative RT‐PCR study
Authors: Lauder Jean M. , Liu Jiangping , Grayson Dennis R.
Published: July 2002

In embryonic rat brain, serotonin (5‐HT) acts as a differentiation signal for 5‐HT neurons and their target cells during midgestation. Serotonin receptors expressed during this period include the 5‐HT1A subtype, which may mediate some of these developmental effects. Using the highly sensitive method of competitive RT‐PCR, we quantified the effects of maternal treatment with either p‐chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; which depletes 5‐HT in embryonic rat brain) or 5‐methoxytryptamine (5‐MT; a general 5‐HT1 /5‐HT2 agonist) from embryonic day E12‐17 on expression of 5‐HT1A receptor mRNA transcripts in brains of offspring at postnatal day 4 (PND 4). In offspring of both pCPA and 5‐MT treated mothers, 5‐HT1A transcripts were significantly reduced compared to vehicle controls, although effects of pCPA were greater than those of 5‐MT. These results indicate that either under‐stimulation of 5‐HT1A receptors (due to pCPA‐induced 5‐HT depletion) or over‐stimulation (by the agonist 5‐MT) during prenatal development significantly reduced expression of 5‐HT1A receptor transcripts in neonatal offspring. This may occur by disruption of 5‐HT1A gene transcription or by post‐transcriptional mechanisms (such as altered translation or turnover of mRNA). Whatever the mechanism, reductions in 5‐HT1A receptor transcripts following in utero exposure to serotonergic drugs could significantly impact the number of 5‐HT1A receptors expressed in neonatal rat brain. Whether such effects will persist into adulthood remains to be determined.
Roles of various phospholipases A2 in providing lysophospholipid acceptors for fatty acid phospholipid incorporation and remodelling
Authors: BALSINDE Jesús
Published: July 2002

In the present study the lysophospholipid sources for arachidonic (AA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) incorporation into and redistribution within the phospholipids of phorbol-ester-differentiated U937 cells was investigated. Initially, AA incorporated primarily into choline glycerophospholipids (PC), whereas EPA incorporated mainly into ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (PE). Bromoenol lactone (BEL), an inhibitor of the Group VI Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2), diminished both lysophosphatidylcholine levels and the incorporation of AA into phospholipids. However BEL had little effect on EPA incorporation. In concanavalin A-activated cells, EPA, but not AA, incorporation was also affected by methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP), suggesting an additional role for the group IV cytosolic phospholipase A2. In the activated cells AA and EPA did not compete with each other for incorporation, indicating that the pathways for AA and EPA incorporation are partially different. The AA and EPA initially incorporated into PC slowly moved to PE in a process that took several hours. The transfer of AA and EPA from PC to PE was not inhibited by BEL, MAFP or LY311727 [3-(3-acetamide 1-benzyl-2-ethylindolyl-5-oxy)propanesulphonic acid], raising the possibility that an as-yet-undetermined phospholipase A2 may be involved in fatty acid phospholipid remodelling. A strong candidate to be involved in these reactions is a novel Ca2+-independent phospholipase A2 that, unlike all known iPLA2s, is resistant to inhibition by BEL and also to MAFP and LY311727. The enzyme activity cleaves both PC and PE and is thus able to provide the lysoPC and lysoPE acceptors required for the fatty acid acylation reactions.
Diabetes mellitus is a strong negative prognostic factor in patients with myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy
Authors: Strandberg L.‐E. , Ericsson C.‐G. , O'Konor M.‐L. , Bergstrand L. , Lundin P. , Rehnqvist N. , Tornvall P.
Published: July 2002

Abstract. Strandberg L‐E, Ericsson C‐G, O’Konor M‐L, Bergstrand L, Lundin P, Rehnqvist N, Tornvall P (Norrtälje Hospital, Danderyd Hospital, the Swedish National Board of Health, Karolinska Hospital and the Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden). Diabetes mellitus is a strong negative prognostic factor in patients with myocardial infarction treated with thrombolytic therapy. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 119–125.

Objectives. To assess the long‐term prognostic values of baseline demographic data, occurrence of vectorcardiographic signs of reperfusion, left ventricular function and coronary angiographic features.

Design. Longitudinal study of morbidity and mortality.

Setting. Coronary care unit at Danderyd Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Subjects. A total of 222 patients (mean age 61 years) with a suspected acute myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis were investigated and followed for 2–5 years (mean 1216 days).

Main outcome measures. Death or a new myocardial infarction.

Results. Age above 55 years (P < 0.05), a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (P < 0.005), hypertension (P < 0.05), heart failure (P < 0.001) and myocardial infarction (P < 0.05), a previous use of beta‐blockers (P < 0.05) and an ejection fraction below 60% (P < 0.01) were predictors for death or a new myocardial infarction in univariate analysis. Sex, a previous history of smoking or angina pectoris, vectorcardiographic signs of reperfusion or degree of coronary artery disease had no prognostic values. In multivariate analysis including age above 55 years, a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and myocardial infarction, and an ejection fraction below 60%, only age (P < 0.05), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.01) and ejection fraction (P < 0.05) were predictors for death or a new myocardial infarction.

Conclusions. The results of the present study emphasize the importance of diabetes mellitus as a long‐term prognostic risk factor in patients with myocardial infarction treated with thrombolysis. Further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms behind this increased risk.
Biomass Yield and Essential Oil Yield Variations in Java Citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.), Intercropped with Food Legumes and Vegetables
Authors: Rao B. R. Rajeswara
Published: July 2002

Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt., Family: Poaceae) is a perennial, multiharvest aromatic grass, the shoot biomass of which, on steam distillation, yields an essential oil extensively used in fragrance and flavour industries. It has a long initial lag phase. To utilize the crop resources more efficiently during this lag phase, a field experiment was conducted for two years (1995–97) in semiarid tropical climate to explore the feasibility of intercropping food legumes and vegetables in Java citronella. Among food legumes, greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilez.), and among vegetables, clusterbean (Cyamopsis psoraloides D. C., syn. Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and lady's finger (Abelmoschus esculentus Moench.) as intercrops did not decrease the biomass yield, essential oil yield of Java citronella and produced bonus yields of these crops over and above that of Java citronella. Maximum monetary returns were recorded by Java citronella intercropped with tomato or greengram. Java citronella intercropped with redgram (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.), horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verd. syn. Dolichos biflorus Roxb.) and brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) suffered significant biomass and essential oil yield reductions. Horsegram proved to be the most competitive intercrop producing least yields and minimum monetary returns.
Theorizing about nurses’ work lives: the personal and professional aftermath of living with healthcare ‘reform’
Authors: Keddy Barbara , Gregor Frances , Foster Suzanne , Denney Donna
Published: July 2002

In this paper we discuss the impact of healthcare ‘reform’ on nurses’ personal and professional lives. Using a thematic analysis, we interviewed 38 nurses in Nova Scotia, Canada regarding their experiences of job displacement, inability to find full‐time employment and job losses. Their stories reflect how they lived day by day and the effects this had on their children, partners, friends and leisure, as well as their financial burdens. We theorize about the relationship between nurses’ work and women’s work, and particularly about women working in unstable conditions and the impact on their lives and that of the clients with whom they work.
Transcending marginalization in knowledge development
Authors: Meleis Afaf Ibrahim , Im Eun‐Ok
Published: July 2002

Quality care requires a body of knowledge that reflects the experiences and the responses of the marginalized populations to health and illness, and requires demarginalization of nursing knowledge. We argue the significance of developing an understanding of people who are marginalized, and organize our arguments and discussions into four sections: (i) developing knowledge that is not marginalizing; (ii) developing knowledge about marginalized populations; (iii) integrating nursing knowledge and making it visible; and (iv) the future of research enterprise. We propose that nurses critically consider strategies and processes to deal with and transcend marginalization of populations and of nursing knowledge.
Prostate cancer: how aware is the public?
Authors: Fitzpatrick  , Corcoran  , Fitzpatrick
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To assess the public awareness of prostate cancer and willingness to seek medical attention for urinary symptoms, and to determine associated factors.

Subjects and methods

 A community survey was conducted using a questionnaire administered by the interviewer to 280 randomly selected Irish men aged 40–69 years.

Results

 A quarter of the men had not heard of prostate cancer; factors associated with having heard were nonmanual social class, living with a female partner and a history of treatment for urinary disease. Eighty per cent said they would be willing to attend a GP if they had urinary symptoms; associated factors were living with a female partner, having heard of prostate cancer and having seen a GP more than once in the preceding year. Just over half deemed attendance to be urgent/important; associated factors were having heard of prostate cancer, living with a female partner and having a relative with cancer. Having a General Medical Services card (a means‐tested medical card entitling the holder to free medical services) was negatively associated. Lower social class was negatively associated with routine questioning by a GP about urinary symptoms.

Conclusions

 There is a marked social‐class gradient in knowledge and willingness to seek medical advice. In the absence of population screening, earlier clinical presentation with prostate cancer is essential if prognosis is to be improved; there is an evident need to improve prostate cancer awareness, particularly in the lower social classes, if this goal is to be achieved.
The prevalence of non‐viable pregnancy at 10–13 weeks of gestation
Authors: Pandya P. P. , Snijders R. J. M. , Psara N. , Hilbert L. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: July 2002

In an ultrasound screening study at 10–13 weeks of gestation involving 17 870 women, the prevalence of early pregnancy failure was 2.8% (501 cases), including 313 (62.5%) missed abortions and 188 (37.5%) anembryonic pregnancies. Lower gestation and higher maternal age were associated with a higher prevalence (χ2 = 143.5; p < 0.001 and χ2 = 53.3; p < 0.0001, respectively). The prevalence was higher in women with a history of vaginal bleeding (χ2 = 141.5; p < 0.0001), but there was no significant association with previous pregnancy losses (χ2 = 2.8), parity (χ2 = 0.6) or cigarette smoking (χ2 = 0.0). Recent evidence suggests that the most effective method of screening for chromosomal abnormalities is measurement of fetal nucbal translucency thickness at 10–13 weeks, and therefore ultrasound examination at this gestation is likely to become universally available. As shown in this study, an additional advantage of such a scan is the diagnosis of early pregnancy failure, which will be found in about 3% of patients examined. Elective evacuation of retained products of conception is likely to be more cost effective and potentially safer than emergency surgery in a patient presenting during miscarriage. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Effect of Temperature on Germination in Northernmost Populations ofCulcita macrocarpaandWoodwardia radicans
Authors: Quintanilla L. G. , Pajarón S. , Pangua E. , Amigo J.
Published: July 2002

Abstract:Spore germination ofCulcita macrocarpaC. Presl andWoodwardia radicans(L.) Sm. from nine populations at the northern limit of their distribution, in the northwest Iberian Peninsula, was investigated. In a first experiment, population type and temperature (10, 15, 20, and 25 °C) were both found to affect germination percentage and germination time significantly in both species. There were also significant interactions between the two factors with respect to the percentage germination ofC. macrocarpaand the germination time ofW. radicans.InC. macrocarpathere was an outstanding increase in germination time at 15 °C and, above all, at 10 °C, whereas inW. radicansthe most remarkable result was the existence of two populations with especially low germination percentages. In a second experiment, germination of 20 individuals from each population ofW. radicanswas compared with similar inter‐population differentiation. Although its variability possibly has a genetic basis, these species are able to germinate successfully, and it seems probable that the season in which it occurs depends more on spore release than on thermal conditions in the populations. The effect of temperature on germination in both species does not explain their coastal distribution. Temperature is probably more important in limiting other stages of the life cycle.