Microbiological changes in smoked and charred Baltic herrings during storage

Reprinted with permission from the Journal of Food Protection. Copyright held by the International Association for Food Protection, Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.A

Ownership and governance of Finnish infrastructure networks

This research report investigates and analyzes the pros and cons of different ownership and governance models of infrastructure networks. The report covers most infrastructure networks: transportation networks (roads, streets, railways, airports, harbors) and utility networks (water and sewage, energy and electricity). There is no unifying solution that would fit all sectors in terms of the most efficient ownership model. However, in many sectors reforms are needed towards more elaborated client-supplier frameworks to ensure greater efficiency and cost transparency. Surprisingly, traditional organizational structures do not seem to impact on financial returns of those networks that provide user-financed services. In Finland technical infrastructure networks are typically owned, administered and managed by the public sector as they are considered public goods and critical assets for the wellbeing of citizens. In many ways the sectors have remained passive and with little interaction towards more innovative service provision solutions or organizational models. In terms of developing the networks’ services and their profitability, the greatest business opportunity would result from allowing open entry to market and competition in contracting. This would mean abandonment of negotiated contracts and proactive evolution of functional markets. The scope of business opportunities will increase in all aspect of service delivery; from management to engineering and economic studies, asset management systems, construction and maintenance works, and the labor to do all that

Synergistic inhibition of prostate cancer cell lines by a 19- nor hexafluoride vitamin D3 analogue and anti-activator protein 1 retinoid

The secosteroid hormones, all- trans- and 9- cis -retinoic acid and vitamin D3, have demonstrated significant capacity to control proliferation in itro of many solid tumour cell lines. Cooperative synergistic effects by these two ligands have been reported, and it is, therefore, possible that greater therapeutic effects could be achieved if these compounds were administered together. The role of retinoid-dependent anti-activator protein 1 (anti-AP-1) effects in controlling cancer cell proliferation appears significant. We have utilized an anti- AP-1 retinoid [2-(4,4-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1 benzopyran-6-yl)carbonyl-2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-1,3,-dithiane; SR11238], which does not transactivate through a retinoic acid response element (RARE), and a potent vitamin D3analogue [1α,25(OH)2-16-ene-23-yne-26,27-F6-19-nor -D3, code name LH] together at low, physiologically safer doses against a panel of prostate cancer cell lines that represent progressively more transformed phenotypes. The LNCaP (least transformed) and PC-3 (intermediately transformed) cell lines were synergistically inhibited in their clonal growth by the combination of LH and SR11238, whereas SR11238 alone was essentially inactive. DU-145 cells (most transformed) were completely insensitive to these analogues. LNCaP cells, but neither PC-3 nor DU-145, underwent apoptosis in the presence of LH and SR11238. Transactivation of the human osteocalcin vitamin D response element (VDRE) by LH was not enhanced in the presence of SR11238, although the expression of E-cadherin in these cells was additively up-regulated in the presence of both compounds. These data suggest the anti-AP-1 retinoid and the vitamin D3 analogue may naturally act synergistically to control cell proliferation, a process that is interrupted during transformation, and that this combination may form the basis for treatment of some androgen-independent prostate cancer. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

Effect of exercise on the pulmonary system in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in a group of perimenopausal women

Background: Hormonal levels influence dynamic lung function parameters. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%); where as, no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the pulmonary system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of menstrual cycle in perimenopausal women. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted as a part of cardiopulmonary efficiency studies on two groups of nonathletes (n = 10) and athletes (n = 10) comparable in age and sex. Menstrual history was ascertained to confirm proliferative phase of menstrual cycle. Dynamic lung functions were measured in both groups before exercise and immediately after exercise. Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in dynamic lung function parameters maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and MEF 25-75% in either of the groups. Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the respiratory system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of estrogen in proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise

Performance of active solar space-heating systems, 1980-1981 heating season

Data are provided on 32 solar heating sites in the National Solar Data Network (NSDN). Of these, comprehensive data are included for 14 sites which cover a range of system types and solar applications. A brief description of the remaining sites is included along with system problems experienced which prevented comprehensive seasonal analyses. Tables and discussions of individual site parameters such as collector areas, storage tank sizes, manufacturers, building dimensions, etc. are provided. Tables and summaries of 1980-1981 heating season data are also provided. Analysis results are presented in graphic form to highlight key summary information. Performance indices are graphed for two major groups of collectors - liquid and air. Comparative results of multiple NSDN systems' operation for the 1980-1981 heating season are summarized with discussions of specific cases and conclusions which may be drawn from the data. (LEW

A comparative study of the effect of automobile pollution on pulmonary function tests of people who reside in high traffic density urban areas and relatively traffic free rural areas

Background: Motor vehicle emissions constitute the most significant source of ultra particles in an urban environment. Traffic related air pollution is an occupational health hazard to individuals who live and work in an environment close to traffic. The present study intends to study the effect of air pollution on the pulmonary system in people who reside in areas exposed to automobile exhaust. Material and Methods: This study was conducted by performing pulmonary function tests (PFT) on 20 people who are exposed to automobile exhaust by virtue of their residence nearer to traffic junctions and comparing them with 20 others of age and gender matched and similar anthropometric profile people, who reside in a rural setting free from vehicular air pollution. Statistical analysis was done by Student′s t-test (two-tailed, independent) for inter group analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups as far as parameters like FVC, FEV 1 , PEFR, FEV 1 /FVC, FEF 25-75% . It can be seen that there is decline in dynamic pulmonary function parameters in the study group when compared to controls, which is statistically significant. Conclusion: The respiratory system are particulate matter (PM 10 ) and sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. These pollutants react with each other, forming hazardous acid sulfate particles, which are capable of reaching deep inside the tracheo-bronchial tree producing a bronchoconstrictor response, as their predominant site of action are the small airways. This was a comparative study to demonstrate the effect of air pollution due to automobile exhaust on pulmonary functions of people who reside in areas exposed to a polluted urban environment with a similar group in the rural relatively pollution free environment