bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2.0 Å X‐ray structure of the ternary complex of 7,8‐dihydro‐6‐hydroxymethylpterinpyrophosphokinase from Escherichia coli with ATP and a substrate analogue
Authors: Stammers David K , Achari Aniruddha , Somers Donald O'N , Bryant Patrick K , Rosemond Jane , Scott David L , Champness John N
Published: July 2002

The X‐ray crystal structure of 7,8‐dihydro‐6‐hydroxymethylpterinpyrophosphokinase (PPPK) in a ternary complex with ATP and a pterin analogue has been solved to 2.0 Å resolution, giving, for the first time, detailed information of the PPPK/ATP intermolecular interactions and the accompanying conformational change. The first 100 residues of the 158 residue peptide contain a βαββαβ motif present in several other proteins including nucleoside diphosphate kinase. Comparative sequence examination of a wide range of prokaryotic and lower eukaryotic species confirms the conservation of the PPPK active site, indicating the value of this de novo folate biosynthesis pathway enzyme as a potential target for the development of novel broad‐spectrum anti‐infective agents.
Opening the Schiff base moiety of bacteriorhodopsin by mutation of the four extracellular Glu side chains
Authors: Sanz Carolina , Lazarova Tzvetana , Sepulcre Francesc , González-Moreno Rafael , Bourdelande José-Luis , Querol Enric , Padrós Esteve
Published: July 2002

The quadruple bacteriorhodopsin (BR) mutant E9Q+E74Q+E194Q+E204Q shows a λ
max of about 500 nm in water at neutral pH and a great influence of pH and salts on the visible absorption spectrum. Accessibility to the Schiff base is strongly increased, as detected by the rapid bleaching effect of hydroxylamine in the dark as well as in light. Both the proton release kinetics and the photocycle are altered, as indicated by a delayed proton release after proton uptake and changed M kinetics. Moreover, affinity of the color‐controlling cation(s) is found to be decreased. We suggest that the four Glu side chains are essential elements of the extracellular structure of BR.
Similarities and dissimilarities in the structure‐function relation between the cytochrome c oxidase from bovine heart and from Paracoccus denitrificans as revealed by FT‐IR difference spectroscopy
Authors: Hellwig Petra , Soulimane Tewfik , Buse Gerhard , Mäntele Werner
Published: July 2002

The redox dependent changes in the cytochrome c oxidase from bovine heart were studied with a combined electrochemical and FT‐IR spectroscopic approach. A direct comparison to the electrochemically induced FT‐IR difference spectra of the cytochrome c oxidase from Paracoccus denitrificans reveals differences in the structure and intensity of vibrational modes. These differences are partially attributed to interactions of subunits influencing the heme and protein modes. In the spectral regions characteristic for ν(C=O) and ν(COO−)s/as modes of protonated and deprotonated Asp and Glu residues, additional signals at 1736, 1602 and 1588 cm−1 are observed. On this basis, the possible involvement of Asp‐51, a residue specifically conserved in mammalian oxidase and previously proposed to show redox depended conformational changes in the respective X‐ray structures, is critically discussed.
Chloroplast ribonucleoproteins are associated with both mRNAs and intron‐containing precursor tRNAs
Authors: Nakamura Takahiro , Ohta Masaru , Sugiura Masahiro , Sugita Mamoru
Published: July 2002

Tobacco chloroplasts possess five conserved ribonucleoproteins (cpRNPs). To elucidate the function of cpRNPs we analyzed their localization and target nucleic acid molecules in chloroplasts. Immunoprecipitation of the stromal extract and Northern analysis revealed that cpRNPs are associated in vivo with not only various species of chloroplast mRNAs but also intron‐containing precursor (pre‐) tRNAs. This observation strongly suggests that cpRNPs are involved in RNA processing, including mRNA stability and pre‐tRNA splicing.
Cloning and DNA‐binding properties of the rat pancreatic β‐cell‐specific factor Nkx6.1
Authors: Jørgensen Mette Christine , Vestergård Petersen Helle , Ericson Johan , Madsen Ole Dragsbæk , Serup Palle
Published: July 2002

The homeodomain (HD) protein Nkx6.1 is the most β‐cell‐specific transcription factor known in the pancreas and its function is critical for the formation of the insulin‐producing β‐cells. However, the target genes, DNA‐binding site, and transcriptional properties of Nkx6.1 are unknown. Using in vitro binding site selection we have identified the DNA sequence of the Nkx6.1 binding site to be TTAATTG/A. A reporter plasmid containing four copies of this sequence is activated by an Nkx6.1HD/VP16 fusion construct. Full‐length Nkx6.1 fails to activate this reporter plasmid in spite of robust interaction with the binding site in vitro. Stable expression of Nkx6.1 in the glucagon‐producing α‐cell‐like MSL‐G‐AN cells induces expression of the endogenous insulin gene in a subset of the cell population. The expression of other known β‐cell‐specific factors such as Pax4, Pax6, Pdx1, GLUT2 and GLP1‐R is unchanged by the introduction of Nkx6.1.
Protein kinase CK2: evidence for a protein kinase CK2β subunit fraction, devoid of the catalytic CK2α subunit, in mouse brain and testicles
Authors: Guerra Barbara , Siemer Stefan , Boldyreff Brigitte , Issinger Olaf-Georg
Published: July 2002

The highest CK2 activity was found in mouse testicles and brain, followed by spleen, liver, lung, kidney and heart. The activity values were directly correlated with the protein expression level of the CK2 subunits α (catalytic) and β (regulatory). The α′ subunit was only detected in brain and testicles. By contrast, Northern blot analyses of the CK2α mRNA revealed a somewhat different picture. Here, the strongest signals were obtained for brain, liver, heart and lung. In kidney, spleen and testicles mRNAs were only weakly detectable. For CK2α′ mRNA distribution strong signals were observed for lung, liver and testicles. In the case of CK2β mRNA the highest signals were found for testicles, kidney, brain and liver. The amount of CK2β mRNA in testicles was estimated to be about 6‐fold higher than in brain. The strongest CK2β signals in the Western blot were found for testicles and brain. The amount of CK2β protein in brain in comparison to the other organs (except testicles) was estimated to be ca. 2–3‐fold higher whereas the ratio of CK2β between testicles and brain was estimated to be 3–4‐fold. Results from the immunoprecipitation experiments support the notion for the existence of free CK2β population and/or CK2β in complex with other protein(s) present in brain and testicles. In all other mouse organs investigated, i.e. heart, lung, liver, kidney and spleen, no comparable amount of free CK2β was observed. This is the first physiological evidence for the existence of a ‘free CK2β’ (or in complex with proteins other than CK2α) in normal animal tissue apart from the hitherto dogmatic association with CK2α in a tetrameric holoenzyme complex.
Cloning and heterologous expression of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase of Arabidopsis thaliana, a functional homologue of animal DT‐diaphorase
Authors: Sparla Francesca , Tedeschi Gabriella , Pupillo Paolo , Trost Paolo
Published: July 2002

In higher plants, NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (NQR) is the only flavoreductase known to reduce quinone substrates directly to hydroquinones by a two‐electron reaction mechanism. This enzymatic activity is believed to protect aerobic organisms from the oxidative action of semiquinones. For this reason plant NQR has recently been suggested to be related to animal DT‐diaphorase. A cDNA clone for NQR of Arabidopsis thaliana was identified, expressed in Escherichia coli, purified and characterized. Its amino acid sequence was found related to a number of putative proteins, mostly from prokaryotes, with still undetermined function. Conversely, in spite of the functional homology, sequence similarity between plant NQR and animal DT‐diaphorase was limited and essentially confined to the flavin binding site.
Expression of factor X in both the rat brain and cells of the central nervous system
Authors: Shikamoto Yasuo , Morita Takashi
Published: July 2002

Prothrombin is expressed in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, the mechanism responsible for the activation of prothrombin to thrombin by the activated form of factor X in the central and peripheral nervous systems remains to be explored. Here, we investigated the expression of factor X mRNA in the brain and some cell lines derived from the central nervous system. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) demonstrated the expression of mRNA encoding factor X in the rat brain, A172 (human glioblastoma) and GOTO (human neuroblastoma) cells. The sequences of PCR‐derived fragments were identical to those reported for rat and human factor X. These results indicated the synthesis of factor X in the cells of the central nervous system.
Treatment guidelines for depression in pregnancy
Authors: Marcus S.M , Barry K.L , Flynn H.A , Tandon R , Greden J.F
Published: July 2002

Depression is a ubiquitous disorder in childbearing women with up to 10% of women experiencing depression in pregnancy. Postpartum depression occurs in 12–16% of pregnancies making it a common complication. Moreover, these illnesses are frequently underdiagnosed in obstetric settings, and a recent report of the Surgeon General's Office confirms that many women do not access services, or receive treatment of inadequate intensity or duration. This paper provides current treatment guidelines to aid in appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depression in pregnancy and postpartum. Review of current literature on psychotropic medication use in pregnancy is also provided.
The production performance benefits from JIT implementation
Authors: Fullerton Rosemary R , McWatters Cheryl S
Published: July 2002

The intense competition in the current marketplace has forced firms to reexamine their methods of doing business. The US manufacturers have struggled with growing trade deficits and outsourced operations, while strong market competitors have emerged, using superior manufacturing practices in the form of just‐in‐time (JIT) and continuous process improvement. Although proponents cite the many benefits of JIT adoption, its implementation rate in the US has been relatively conservative. This study uses survey responses from executives at 95 JIT‐practicing firms to better understand the benefits that firms have experienced through JIT adoption, and whether a more comprehensive implementation is worthwhile. The research results demonstrate that implementing the quality, continuous improvement, and waste reduction practices embodied in the JIT philosophy can enhance firm competitiveness. JIT implementation improves performance through lower inventory levels, reduced quality costs, and greater customer responsiveness. This study indicates that JIT is a vital manufacturing strategy to build and sustain competitive advantage.
Integrating environmental issues into the mainstream: an agenda for research in operations management
Authors: Angell Linda C , Klassen Robert D
Published: July 2002

Research related to the natural environment in operations management is still in its infancy. The relatively few studies to date have primarily emphasized environmental issues relating to process technologies, quality, new product development, and supply chain management. This paper reports on the work of a focus group of environmental and operations management researchers, which generated a broad framework useful for identifying fruitful research opportunities. This framework is structured along two dimensions: level of analysis and process of environmental improvement. Research areas identified by the focus group to be most promising subsequently were mapped onto this framework. Strong opportunities for building our understanding of environmental issues and improving practice are evident in the areas of manufacturing strategy, quality, supply chain management, and technology management. Research on intra‐ and inter‐firm diffusion of best practices, environmental technology investment and transfer, and measurement of environmental performance promises to lead to a more integrative view of environmental operations management.
Induction of apoptosis in chondrocytes by tumor necrosis factor‐alpha
Authors: Aizawa T. , Kon T. , Einhorn T. A. , Gerstenfeld L. C.
Published: July 2002

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) induces apoptosis in a number of cell types and plays an essential role in bone remodeling, both stimulating the proliferation of osteoblasts and activating osteoclasts. During endochondral ossification, apoptosis of chondrocytes occurs concurrently with new bone formation and the resorption and replacement of mineralized cartilage with woven bone. In the present study, the role of TNF‐α in promoting chondrocyte apoptosis was examined. Chondrocyte cell populations, enriched in either hypertrophic or non‐hypertrophic cells, were isolated from the cephalic and caudal portions of 17‐day chick embryo sterna, respectively, and treated in vitro with 0.1–10 nM recombinant human TNF‐α. As a positive control, apoptosis was also induced by Fas receptor antibody binding. Dye exclusion assays of the live/dead ratios of cells showed that TNF‐α caused a dose‐dependent 1.5‐ and 2.0‐fold increase in the number of dead cells in both hypertrophic and non‐hypertrophic chondrocytes. Induction of apoptosis was independently assayed by measurement of interleukin‐1β‐converting enzyme (ICE) activity, and analyzed by a semi‐quantitative determination of DNA fragmentation. When compared to untreated cells, these analyses also showed dose‐dependent increases in TNF‐α induced apoptosis in both chondrocyte populations, with increases in the levels of ICE activity for all doses of TNF‐α (from ∼5 to ∼20 fold). Osteoblasts, however, were not affected by treatment with TNF‐α or by Fas antibody/protein G induction. Immunostaining of chondrocytes for Fas receptor and caspase‐2 protein expression showed that most of the chondrocytes expressed these two markers of apoptosis after treatment with TNF‐α. Although cell killing and ICE induction were higher in the more hypertrophic cells, TNF‐α induced apoptosis in both hypertrophic and non‐hypertrophic chondrocyte populations. These results demonstrate that apoptosis may be induced in both hypertrophic and non‐hypertrophic chondrocytes through both Fas and TNF‐α receptor mediated signaling, and suggest that chondrocytes are more sensitive to apoptotic effects of TNF‐α within the skeletal lineage than are osteoblasts. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Altering ligament water content affects ligament pre‐stress and creep behavior
Authors: Thornton G. M. , Shrive N. G. , Frank C. B.
Published: July 2002

The water content of a ligament can be altered by injury and surgical intervention in vivo, and inadvertently or purposely during in vitro tests. We investigated how altering the water content of the rabbit medial collateral ligament (MCL) affected its resulting creep behaviour (defined as an increase in strain from sequential cyclic and static creep tests). The water content of normal MCLs (n = 4) was compared to that of MCLs soaked for 1 h in a sucrose solution (n = 4) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS; n = 8). Sucrose exposure decreased hydration and PBS exposure increased hydration. In addition, soaking in PBS caused a shift in ‘ligament zerO’ (the position where there was 0.1 N of tension on the ligament). Following the same single solution treatment, additional MCLs were creep tested at 4.1 MPa using a load based on the ligament cross‐sectional area measured before solution treatment: sucrose (n = 4), PBS new ‘ligament zerO’ (n = 5), and PBS old ‘ligament zerO’ (n = 6). Normal MCLs were also tested at 4.1 MPa (n = 7) in a humidity chamber that maintained normal ligament water content. Additional MCLs were treated with both solutions in series (n = 12) to examine the reversibility of the mechanical changes caused by single solution treatment. This was the first investigation to show that ligament creep behaviour was clearly affected by the initial state of hydration: creep decreased with decreased hydration and creep increased with increased hydration. Another unique finding was that ligaments with increased hydration had decreased ligament functional length and increased ligament pre‐stress. The creep behaviour of these ligaments was decreased if they were loaded from the pre‐stressed state compared to the unloaded state. These results suggest that maintenance of physiological water content is important for in vitro mechanical testing of ligaments and controlling the low‐load stress state of ligaments in situ. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Punlished by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Differentiation/regeneration of oligodendrocytes entails the assembly of a cell‐associated matrix
Authors: Szuchet Sara , Watanabe Ken , Yamaguchi Yu
Published: July 2002

Oligodendrocytes assemble and maintain CNS myelin. We have shown that adhesion of ovine oligodendrocytes to the substratum, GRASP — a novel, horse serum heparin‐binding glycoprotein — initiates their myelinogenic phenotype. Synthesis and vectorial transport to the plasma membrane of heparan sulfate proteoglycans is one of the many events that ensue upon adhesion. Proteoglycans play key roles in defining the line of communication between cells and their microenvironment. The nature of their association with cells varies. Often, proteoglycans are part of a complex extracellular network that either surrounds cells or is restricted to smaller areas of their surface. Such extracellular matrices form an integral part of the machinery that regulates cell function. As part of an effort to delineate the events and identify the molecules involved in the adhesion‐induced‐regeneration and possibly in differentiation of OLGs, we have undertaken to define the full repertoire of OLG proteoglycans. Oligodendrocytes express surface‐associated proteoglycans and also secrete them to the medium. However, we observed a clear distinction between secreted and surface‐associated proteoglycans in terms of types, temporal regulation and spacial distribution. Oligodendrocytes secrete chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans and keratan sulfate proteoglycans but have only heparan sulfate proteoglycans associated with their surface. Secreted proteoglycans are temporally modulated but adhesion‐independent, whereas surface‐associated proteoglycans are adhesion‐induced. Herein, we present the biochemical characterization of oligodendrocyte proteoglycans. We report that a significant fraction of the surface‐associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans are assembled into a cell‐associated matrix. This finding is important. First, it reveals a closer parallel than hitherto documented with events that signal Schwann cell myelination. Second, it implicates HSPGs in the establishment of OLG differentiated phenotype. Third, it brings OLGs in tune with other cell types where the ECM (broadly defined) is critical for the orchestration of cues that generate tissue‐specific gene expression and phenotypes.
Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic evidence for differences in myelination of GABAergic and cholinergic septohippocampal fibres
Authors: Gärtner Ulrich , Härtig Wolfgang , Brauer Kurt , Brückner Gert , Arendt Thomas
Published: July 2002

It is known that the rat septohippocampal projection is realised at least by GABAergic, parvalbumin containing and cholinergic fibres. The GABAergic component originates from fast‐firing and fast‐conducting neurons, whereas the cholinergic component represents the slow‐firing, slow‐conducting type. The present immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic study shows that the vast majority of parvalbumin‐immunoreactive, GABAergic axons are surrounded by enormously thick myelin sheaths, but choline acetyltransferase immunoreactive axons were rarely found to be myelinated. In addition, cholinergic fibres show considerably smaller diameters. Accordingly, our results are correlated with the well‐known differences in conduction velocities between the GABAergic and cholinergic fibres of the septohippocampal pathway, which depend on myelination and axon calibre.
Ultrastructure of developing substantia nigra in humans
Authors: Sailaja K. , Gopinath G.
Published: July 2002

Electron microscopy of the maturing neurons and developing and maturing synapses in the substantia nigra of 14 human embryos/foetuses of 8–24 weeks of gestation are reported. At 8 weeks, cells were immature with very little cytoplasm and cellular organelles. Contact sites of processes appeared more electron dense than the other areas. At 12 weeks, many of the cells had acquired more cytoplasm and cellular organelles and could be identified as neurons. Asymmetric synapses with clear, round synaptic vesicles also were identifiable at this age. Such synapses, first to appear in the developing substantia nigra, are reported to be formed by recurrent collateral nigro‐striatal fibres. Substance P fibres from the striatum also are contributing to this type of synapse. At 15–16 weeks, not only was the number of such synapses increased, but many appeared morphologically mature. Symmetric synapses having clear round vesicles along with a few dense core vesicles also appeared at this stage, suggesting striatal input. By 24 weeks of gestation, most of the neurons had cytological features comparable to that of the mature neurons. There was an increase in the total number of synapses and the individual variety from 15 to 24 weeks of gestation. The present study indicates that synaptogenesis starts at 8 weeks and continues beyond 24 weeks of gestation.
Cost-effectiveness of mirtazapine compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine in the treatment of moderate and severe depression in Austria
Authors: Brown M.C.J. , Nimmerrichter A.A. , Guest J.F.
Published: July 2002

This study estimated the cost-effectiveness of mirtazapine, compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine, in the management of moderate and severe depression in Austria, as well as the costs related to the discontinuation of antidepressant treatment from the perspective of the Austrian Sick Funds (Gebietskrankenkassen).

The economic analyses were based on a meta-analysis of four randomised clinical trials comparing mirtazapine with amitriptyline, and on a six week comparative trial of mirtazapine and fluoxetine which was extrapolated to six months using assumptions derived from the literature. Decision models of the treatment paths and associated resource use attributable to managing moderate and severe depression in Austria were developed from clinical trial data, information on Austrian clinical practice obtained from interviews with an Austrian Delphi panel (comprising psychiatrists and GPs), and from published literature. The models were used to estimate the expected costs to the Gebietskrankenkassen of managing a patient with moderate or severe depression, and the indirect cost per patient to Austrian society due to lost productivity.

The expected cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen of healthcare resource use attributable to managing a patient suffering from moderate or severe depression who discontinues antidepressant treatment was estimated to be ATS 4,088 over five months, of which hospitalisations accounted for nearly 69% of the cost.

Using mirtazapine instead of amitriptyline for 28 weeks increases the proportion of successfully treated patients by 21% (from 19.2 to 23.2%), and reduces the expected cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen by ATS 1,112 per patient (from ATS 31,411 to ATS 30,299). Patients treated with mirtazapine and amitriptyline for 28 weeks are expected to miss 4.76 and 5.01 weeks of work respectively, due to their depression. Hence, the expected indirect cost to Austrian society over this period was estimated to be ATS 58,787 and ATS 61,851 per patient respectively.

Using mirtazapine instead of fluoxetine for six months increases the proportion of successfully treated patients by 22% (from 15.6 to 19.1%), albeit for a negligible additional cost to the Gebietskrankenkassen of ATS 408 per patient (from ATS 29,205 to ATS 29,613). Patients treated with mirtazapine and fluoxetine for six months are expected to miss 4.53 weeks of work, due to their depression. Hence, the expected indirect cost to Austrian society due to lost productivity was estimated to be ATS 55,900 per patient with either antidepressant.

In conclusion, this study suggests that despite the differences in acquisition costs, mirtazapine is a cost-effective antidepressant compared to amitriptyline and fluoxetine, supporting the adoption of this treatment in the management of moderate and severe depression in Austria.
Does retirement planning affect the level of retirement satisfaction?
Authors: Elder Harold W. , Rudolph Patricia M.
Published: July 2002

This paper analyzes the relationship between retirement planning and retirement satisfaction. Do individuals think about and plan for retirement? If they do, do they utilize financial planning services? If they plan, are they more satisfied with retirement than those who did not? Data for 1,781 retired individuals from the first wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) are analyzed using an ordered probit model. The results indicate that thinking about retirement and attending planning meetings have a significant positive impact on satisfaction even when income, wealth, marital status and health are included as explanatory variables. © 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
The fixed payment financing decision
Authors: Kang Sungjune , Long Michael S
Published: July 2002

We first investigate the factors influencing the industrial firm's decision to use fixed payment financing or regular debt plus leasing. We find that the level of fixed financing is positively related to the portion of fixed assets in the firm and negatively related to profitability, risk, and the levels of both advertising and R&D expenditures. We then focus on the more interesting issue of why firms lease instead of use regular borrowing. Using additional variables along with the residuals from the initial regression, the firm's tax position, agency costs, and bankruptcy costs, and asymmetric information are significant factors in predicting leasing levels as others have found. We also find that firms that use more fixed form financing than predicted also use lower portions of leasing. This is consistent with leasing and regular debt being substitutes. In quartile splits on total leverage, firms with high levels of regular debt also have higher levels of leasing, which is consistent with Ang and Peterson's [J. Finance 39 (1984) 1055.] earlier empirical study on lease financing levels. Our results are robust regardless of how leasing is measured. We consider operating leases, capital leases, and all leases. For regular debt, we considered both all debt and funded debt. These values are scaled by the market value of total assets.
Charges for Maternity Services: Associations With Provider Type and Payer Source in a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Carr Catherine A.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: Considerable evidence exists that payer status influences the type and cost of services provided. If payer status influences care, consumers may receive differential care secondary to presence and type of payer. This study examines the effect of payer status on certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) and obstetricians (OBs), correcting for methodologic problems that have been noted in previous studies.

Methods/findings: Participants were 715 low‐risk pregnant women seen in the CNM or OB practice in a university hospital service. All billed charges from the initial prenatal visit through two months postpartum were compared by payer. Charges by provider were also examined to determine the presence of differential payer effect. Unexpectedly, charges by payer did not show significant variance, nor did payer differently affect providers. Charges by provider type varied significantly, with CNMs having lower mean charges than OBs.

Conclusions: Differences in practice by payer source were not found for either provider group. This may reflect a lack of financial incentives to alter practice based on the payer, the homogeneity of the participants, or the large number of payers. The findings indicate that provider decision‐making styles are likely due to non‐payer factors in a system that lacks clear incentives to alter care patterns.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE IN A CORRECTIONAL FACILITY SETTING
Authors: Burgin Karen , Felter‐Wernsdorfer Rebecca , Nass Jaime , Smith Jan Weingrad
Published: July 2002

This article explores the experience of midwifery students who provided gynecologic and/or antepartum/postpartum care to women in the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, a maximum‐security facility for women in New York State. Care was provided for periods of time ranging from 2–4 months. During their clinical placement, students observed that additional primary care and health education issues fell within the scope of their clinical and teaching capabilities.
The American College of Nurse‐Midwives’Domestic Violence Education Project: Evaluation and Results
Authors: Paluzzi Pat , Gaffikin Lynne , Nanda Joy
Published: July 2002

From October 1994 through September 1998, the American College of Nurse Midwives conducted a nationwide Domestic Violence Education Project. The project aimed to encourage universal screening for domestic violence among all women being seen for care. A four‐pronged set of objectives was used, including policy, basic education, continuing education, and advocacy/activism. A description of the project and the results of the project evaluation, including replicable features, are presented. Process and outcome evaluations were performed using both quantitative and qualitative data. Surveys, interviews, and site visits formed the basis for the evaluation of the policy reform, education program, and advocacy components. Pretests and posttests of training participants formed the basis of the evaluation of the continuing education component. All project objectives were met. Policy reform occurred as expected. Changes were noted in education programs in both didactic content and clinical exposure. Changes in clinical behavior as assessed by the pretests and posttests look promising, although numbers of respondents at 12 and 24 months after training are small. Participants reported an increase in advocacy and activism. The Domestic Violence Education Project seems to be a successful and somewhat replicable model for changing attitudes about a health topic (among providers) with possible implications for clinical practice.
Henry Chakava: an annotated bibliography
Authors: Zell Hans M.
Published: December 2024

Henry Miyinzi Chakava (26 April 1946–8 March 2024), often described as ‘the godfather of book publishing in Africa’, started his early career at the Kenyan branch of Heinemann Educational Books, later to become the indigenously-owned East African Educational Publishers in Nairobi. He was Kenya’s first African book editor in 1972, at a time when there were still few books or educational materials published in African languages, and he devoted much his life to preserving and boosting the region’s languages. He was also a courageous and highly enterprising publisher who has made a massive and lasting contribution to indigenous publishing and the book trade in Africa. Henry Chakava has written extensively, perceptively, and eloquently on many topics as they relate to publishing and the book world in Africa, as is reflected in this annotated bibliography. Also included are a number of profiles, interviews, and obituaries.
The data myth: interrogating the evidence base for evidence-based peacebuilding
Authors: Mac Ginty Roger , Firchow Pamina
Published: December 2024

This article interrogates three claims made in relation to the use of data in relation to peace. That more data, faster data, and impartial data will lead to better policy and practice outcomes. Taken together, this data myth relies on a lack of curiosity about the provenance of data and the infrastructure that produces it and asserts its legitimacy. Our discussion is concerned with issues of power, inclusion, and exclusion, and particularly how knowledge hierarchies attend to the collection and use of data in relation to conflict-affected contexts. We therefore question the axiomatic nature of these data myth claims and argue that the structure and dynamics of peacebuilding actors perpetuate the myth. We advocate a fuller reflection of the data wave that has overtaken us and echo calls for an ethics of numbers. In other words, this article is concerned with the evidence base for evidence-based peacebuilding. Mindful of the policy implications of our concerns, the article puts forward five tenets of good practice in relation to data and the peacebuilding sector. The concluding discussion further considers the policy implications of the data myth in relation to peace, and particularly, the consequences of casting peace and conflict as technical issues that can be “solved” without recourse to human and political factors.
Discrete-to-continuum limits of optimal transport with linear growth on periodic graphs
Authors: Portinale Lorenzo , Quattrocchi Filippo
Published: December 2024

We prove discrete-to-continuum convergence for dynamical optimal transport on

$\mathbb{Z}^d$

-periodic graphs with cost functional having linear growth at infinity. This result provides an answer to a problem left open by Gladbach, Kopfer, Maas, and Portinale (Calc Var Partial Differential Equations 62(5), 2023), where the convergence behaviour of discrete boundary-value dynamical transport problems is proved under the stronger assumption of superlinear growth. Our result extends the known literature to some important classes of examples, such as scaling limits of

$1$

-Wasserstein transport problems. Similarly to what happens in the quadratic case, the geometry of the graph plays a crucial role in the structure of the limit cost function, as we discuss in the final part of this work, which includes some visual representations.
Viktimisierung und Vorurteile
Authors: Albrecht Joëlle , Schwarz Linda , Pickel Gert , Schnyder Nina
Published: December 2024

Zusammenfassung: Theoretischer Hintergrund: Etwa jede dritte Person in der Schweiz berichtete von Diskriminierungs- oder Gewalterfahrungen in den letzten fünf Jahren. Empirische Befunde deuten darauf hin, dass Viktimisierungserfahrungen sowohl mit weniger Empathie als auch mit weniger prosozialem Verhalten einhergehen. Noch nicht erforscht wurden bislang Auswirkungen von Viktimisierungserfahrungen auf feindselige Einstellungen. Fragestellung: Um diese Forschungslücke zu schließen, wurde in der Schweiz der Einfluss von Diskriminierungs-/Gewalterfahrungen auf feindselige Einstellungen gegenüber jüdischen, muslimischen und Schwarzen Personen untersucht. Methode: Es wurden die Daten „Zusammenleben in der Schweiz (ZidS) 2022“ des Bundesamts für Statistik verwendet, die Antworten von 2 908 zufällig ausgewählten Personen der 15- bis 88-jährigen Schweizer Wohnbevölkerung enthalten. Der Einfluss von Diskriminierungs-/Gewalterfahrungen auf Feindseligkeit wurde mit Regressionsmodellen analysiert. Ergebnisse: Personen mit einer Diskriminierungs- oder Gewalterfahrung wiesen eine stärker ausgeprägte Feindseligkeit auf. Dies zeigte sich bei allen Regressionsmodellen, einzig gegenüber Jüdinnen und Juden ergab sich kein signifikanter Einfluss von Diskriminierungserfahrungen. Schlussfolgerungen: Möglicherweise verstärken Viktimisierungserfahrungen feindselige Einstellungen gegenüber anderen Gruppen. Insofern könnte Prävention dabei unterstützen, intergruppale Feindseligkeit zu reduzieren.
Shotgun crystal structure prediction using machine-learned formation energies
Authors: Chang Liu , Tamaki Hiromasa , Yokoyama Tomoyasu , Wakasugi Kensuke , Yotsuhashi Satoshi , Kusaba Minoru , Oganov Artem R. , Yoshida Ryo
Published: December 2024

Stable or metastable crystal structures of assembled atoms can be predicted by finding the global or local minima of the energy surface within a broad space of atomic configurations. Generally, this requires repeated first-principles energy calculations, which is often impractical for large crystalline systems. Here, we present significant progress toward solving the crystal structure prediction problem: we performed noniterative, single-shot screening using a large library of virtually created crystal structures with a machine-learning energy predictor. This shotgun method (ShotgunCSP) has two key technical components: transfer learning for accurate energy prediction of pre-relaxed crystalline states, and two generative models based on element substitution and symmetry-restricted structure generation to produce promising and diverse crystal structures. First-principles calculations were performed only to generate the training samples and to refine a few selected pre-relaxed crystal structures. The ShotunCSP method is less computationally intensive than conventional methods and exhibits exceptional prediction accuracy, reaching 93.3% in benchmark tests with 90 different crystal structures.
Topological phase transition in quasi-one-dimensional bismuth iodide Bi4I4
Authors: Zhao W. X. , Yang M. , Du X. , Li Y. D. , Zhai K. Y. , Hu Y. Q. , Han J. F. , Huang Y. , Liu Z. K. , Yao Y. G. , Zhuang J. C. , Du Y. , Zhou J. J. , Chen Y. L. , Yang L. X.
Published: December 2024

Quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) bismuth iodide Bi4I4 exhibits versatile topological phases of matter including weak topological insulator (WTI) and higher-order topological insulator (HOTI) phases with high tunability in response to external parameters. In this work, performing laser-based angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy with submicron spatial resolution (micro-ARPES), we reveal the presence of an energy gap on the (100) surface of the low-temperature α-Bi4I4, providing spectroscopic evidence for the HOTI phase. Conversely, the high-temperature β-Bi4I4 harbors gapless Dirac fermions on the (100) surface alongside gapped states on the (001) surface, thereby establishing a WTI phase. By tracking the temperature evolution of the (100) surface states, we unveil a thermal hysteresis of the surface gap in line with the α-β structural phase transition. Our findings directly evidence a temperature-induced topological phase transition from WTI to HOTI in Bi4I4, which paves the way to its potential applications at room temperature.
Systematic review of the impact of intestinal microbiota on vaccine responses
Authors: Ardura-Garcia Cristina , Curtis Nigel , Zimmermann Petra
Published: December 2024

The intestinal microbiota plays a critical role in host immunity and might contribute to the significant variation between individuals’ vaccine responses. A systematic search was done using MEDLINE and Embase to identify original human studies investigating the association between intestinal microbiota composition and humoral and cellular vaccine responses. In total, 30 publications (26 studies, 14 in infants, 12 in adults), were included. Of these, 26 publications found an association between intestinal microbiota composition and vaccine responses. A beneficial effect of Actynomycetota (particularly Bifidobacterium) and a detrimental effect of Pseudomonadota (particularly Gammaproteobacteria) were observed across studies. Study designs were highly heterogenous, with variation in vaccine type, outcome measure, timing of stool analysis and analysis methods. Overall, studies support the concept that the composition of the intestinal microbiota influences vaccine responses. Further adequately powered studies are needed to confirm this association and inform potential microbiota-targeted interventions to optimise vaccine responses.
Human driven climate change increased the likelihood of the 2023 record area burned in Canada
Authors: Kirchmeier-Young Megan C. , Malinina Elizaveta , Barber Quinn E. , Garcia Perdomo Karen , Curasi Salvatore R. , Liang Yongxiao , Jain Piyush , Gillett Nathan P. , Parisien Marc-André , Cannon Alex J. , Lima Aranildo R. , Arora Vivek K. , Boulanger Yan , Melton Joe R. , Van Vliet Laura , Zhang Xuebin
Published: December 2024

In 2023, wildfires burned 15 million hectares in Canada, more than doubling the previous record. These wildfires caused a record number of evacuations, unprecedented air quality impacts across Canada and the northeastern United States, and substantial strain on fire management resources. Using climate models, we show that human-induced climate change significantly increased the likelihood of area burned at least as large as in 2023 across most of Canada, with more than two-fold increases in the east and southwest. The long fire season was more than five times as likely and the large areas across Canada experiencing synchronous extreme fire weather were also much more likely due to human influence on the climate. Simulated emissions from the 2023 wildfire season were eight times their 1985-2022 mean. With continued warming, the likelihood of extreme fire seasons is projected to increase further in the future, driving additional impacts on health, society, and ecosystems.
Low-temperature fabrication of amorphous carbon films as a universal template for remote epitaxy
Authors: Henksmeier T. , Mahler P. , Wolff A. , Deutsch D. , Voigt M. , Ruhm L. , Sanchez A. M. , As D. J. , Grundmeier G. , Reuter D.
Published: December 2024

Recently, remote epitaxy has been explored for the fabrication of freestanding semiconductor membranes and substrate re-use. For remote epitaxy a thin 2D material layer is either manually transferred to a substrate or grown directly on a substrate at high temperature, thus limiting the process scalability or the choice of substrates. Here, we report on the low-temperature deposition (300 °C) of ultrathin sp2-hybridized 2D amorphous carbon layers with roughness ≤0.3 nm on III-V semiconductor substrates by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition as a universal template for remote epitaxy. We present growth and detailed characterization of 2D amorphous carbon layers on various host substrates and their subsequent remote epitaxial overgrowth by solid-source molecular beam epitaxy. We observe that a low-temperature nucleation step is favorable for nucleation of III-V material growth on amorphous carbon coated substrates. Under optimized preparation conditions, we obtain high-quality, single-crystalline GaAs, cubic-AlN, cubic-GaN and $${{\rm{I}}}{{{\rm{n}}}}_{{{\rm{x}}}}{{{\rm{Ga}}}}_{1-{{\rm{x}}}}{{\rm{As}}}$$
I

n

x

Ga

1
−
x

As
layers on GaAs, 3C-SiC and InP carbon-coated (001)-oriented substrates. Our results demonstrate a universal template fabrication process for remote epitaxy.
Coexistence of SMA Type I with Citrate Transporter Deficiency Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Tawari Asmaa Al , Pavlovic Milen , Heberle Lada Cindro , Bastaki Laila
Published: December 2024

The coexistence of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with other diseases has been rarely described. We report a unique case with dual pathogenic gene mutations: survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene causing SMA and SLC13A5 gene causing citrate transporter deficiency-induced epilepsy (early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 25, OMIM 615905).

A girl presented with recurrent focal seizures with semiology of eyelid blinking, deviation of eyes, and facial twitches, which started on the second day of her life. Interictal EEG showed bilateral multifocal and generalized discharges. Brain MRI revealed delayed myelination and generalized volume loss. PET scan showed diffuse cortical hypometabolism. She had refractory seizures, including two episodes of status epilepticus while being treated with various antiseizure medications. Genetic analysis revealed a homozygous deletion of the SLC13A5 gene at 17p13.1. At 1 year of age, progressive hypotonia, initially ascribed to seizures and antiseizure medications, the appearance of tongue fasciculations and the need for respiratory support, prompted testing for SMA. Mutation at the SMN1 gene locus (5q11.2-13.2) was found and an SMA type I diagnosis was established. EMG/nerve conduction velocity revealed a motor neuron disorder. She was started on nusinersen at the age of 2.5 years once it became available. She was tracheostomized for bilevel positive airway pressure support. At the age of 4.5 years, she had a cardiac arrest and passed away.

This is a case report of coexistent mutations in the SMN1 and SCL13A5 genes with overlapping and diagnostically confusing features of progressive hypotonia. The constellation of these separate genetic entities constitutes a clinical phenotype that has not been reported previously.
Influence of microplastic deformation on the electronic absorption of ultrasound in high-purity molybdenum single crystals
Authors: Pal'-Val' P. P. , Kaufmann H.-J.
Published: December 2024

The low-temperature (in the interval 100–6° K) linear absorption of ultrasound (88 kHz) in high-purity molybdenum single crystals (RRR ≈ 105) is investigated. Measurements are performed on untreated samples and on samples subjected to microplastic deformation (ε ≤ 0.45%). In the undeformed samples at T < 30° K an abrupt increase in the absorption with decreasing temperature is observed and is interpreted here as a result of electron viscosity associated with electron–phonon collisions. After deformation, this part of the absorption vanishes. The latter result leads to the conclusion that microplastic deformation produces a large number of defects in the crystal, which are capable of competing with phonons in limiting the electron mean free path. Low-temperature “dynamic annealing” of the deformed samples is observed; the nature of the absorption is almost completely restored when the samples are irradiated with sound of large amplitude ε0 ≈ 10–4 for a period of 10 min at 6° K. A previously undetected relaxation peak of the absorption at 10° K is observed in the deformed samples.
Dissipation coefficients in helium-II
Authors: Zinov'eva K. N. , Dubrovin A. V.
Published: December 2024

The results of various measurements of the viscosity of the normal component and the second-sound absorption coefficient are shown to be consistent in the hydrodynamic region of helium-II at saturated-vapor pressure. The experimental values of the dissipative coefficients are substantially higher than the theoretical values calculated using the latest data on the parameters of the energy spectrum.
Point contact spectroscopy of Re–Os and Re–W alloys
Authors: Tulina N. A.
Published: December 2024

The method of point contact spectroscopy is used to investigate electron-phonon interaction in the solid solutions Re–Os and Re–W. It is found that alloying rhenium with tungsten leads to the appearance of singularities in the low-frequency region of the spectrum in the form of quasilocal oscillations; introduction of osmium displaces the rhenium spectrum into the high-energy range.
Anomalous skin effect and weakly damped waves in metals with local flat spots on the Fermi surface
Authors: Bezuglyi E. V.
Published: December 2024

We have developed a theory for the anomalous skin effect in a metal whose Fermi surface contains flattened portions (regions of zero curvature). We give the conditions under which the presence of the directed "currents" of electrons corresponding to the flattened portions radically change the usual picture of the anomalous skin effect and, in particular, lead to the existence of a weakly damped electromagnetic wave with either a linear or a quadratic dispersion curve. We calculate the contribution of the electrons from a flattened portion to the surface impedance and the field distribution in the bulk of the metal, which can differ significantly from the previously known results of anomalous skin effect theory.