bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anthocyanins and other polyphenolics in American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and European elderberry (S. nigra) cultivars
Authors: Lee Jungmin , Finn Chad E.
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Ten genotypes representing two elderberry species, Sambucus canadensis L. (eight genotypes) and S. nigra L. (two genotypes), were examined for their anthocyanins (ACY), total phenolics (TP),°Brix, titratable acidity (TA), and pH over two growing seasons.

RESULTS: Overall, fruit generally had higher ACY, TP, ACY/TP,°Brix, and pH in 2005 than 2004. All samples of S. canadensis had similar anthocyanin profiles to one another, but were distinctly different from S. nigra. Both species had cyanidin‐based anthocyanins as major pigments. Previously unreported anthocyanins were identified in some samples in this study. Trace levels of delphinidin 3‐rutinoside were present in all elderberry samples except cv. ‘Korsør’. Also, petunidin 3‐rutinoside was detected in cvs ‘Adams 2’, ‘Johns’, ‘Scotia’, ‘York’, and ‘Netzer’ (S. canadensis). The identified polyphenolics of both species were mainly composed of cinnamic acids and flavonol glycosides. The major polyphenolic compounds present in S. canadensis were neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and isorhamnetin 3‐rutinoside, while chlorogenic acid and rutin were found to be major polyphenolic compounds in S. nigra.

CONCLUSION: Sufficient variability was seen among these genotypes to suggest that a successful breeding program could be carried out to improve levels of the various compounds evaluated in this study. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
In vitro degradation of forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) by endopoly‐ galacturonase
Authors: Sun Xuezhao , Hoskin Simone O , Andrew Ian G , Joblin Keith N , Harris Philip J
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Leaves of forage chicory break down rapidly in the rumen despite little or no rumination. Because chicory cell walls contain high concentrations of pectin, degradation of leaf midrib and leaf lamina tissues by pectinolytic enzymes was investigated.

RESULTS: Treatment with endopolygalacturonase (endo‐PG) degraded fresh intact chicory leaves to particles of less than 1 mm in length and solubilised more than 70% of the dry matter within 16 h. Uronic acids were released more extensively than neutral monosaccharides. In similar treatments, 77% of white clover leaflets and 12% of perennial ryegrass leaf blades were solubilised or broken down to particles with a size of less than 1 mm. The degradation of pectic polysaccharides in chicory midribs was monitored by immunofluorescence labelling with monoclonal antibodies JIM5 and JIM7 which target partially methyl‐esterified epitopes of the homogalacturonan (HG) domain of pectin. Examination by fluorescence microscopy revealed that cell separation in the cortical parenchyma of chicory midrib following endo‐PG treatment was associated with loss of HG from the middle lamella, the corners of intercellular spaces and from the tricellular junctions.

CONCLUSION: The results of the current study suggest that one of the main contributions to chicory breakdown in the rumen may be cell separation caused by degradation of HG by pectinolytic enzymes from rumen bacteria. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of fruit ripeness and method of fruit drying on the extractability of avocado oil with hexane and supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Mostert Mathilda E , Botha Ben M , Plessis Lourens M Du , Duodu Kwaku G
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Oil yield from avocado fruit may be influenced by fruit pre‐treatment and extraction method. Unripe and ripe avocado fruit pieces were deep‐frozen at − 20 °C and either freeze‐dried or oven‐dried (80 °C). Oil yield from these samples was determined after extraction with hexane and supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). The fruit samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy before and after oil extraction.

RESULTS: Average oil yield from ripe fruit (freeze‐dried and oven‐dried combined) was 72 g kg−1 higher than from unripe fruit for SC‐CO2 extracts and 61 g kg−1 higher for hexane extracts. This may be due to enzymatic degradation of parenchyma cell walls during ripening, thus making the oil more available for extraction. Freeze‐dried samples had a mean oil yield 55 g kg−1 greater than oven‐dried samples for SC‐CO2 extracts and 31 g kg−1 higher for hexane extracts. However, oil yields from ripe fruit (freeze‐dried and oven‐dried) subjected to hexane extraction were not significantly different. All hexane extracts combined had a mean oil yield 93 g kg−1 higher than SC‐CO2 extracts.

CONCLUSION: SC‐CO2 may be more selective and may create paths of least resistance through the plant material. Hexane, on the other hand, is less selective and permeates the whole plant material, leading to more complete extraction and higher oil yields under the experimental conditions. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Potential health benefits of conjugated trienoic acids
Authors: Koba Kazunori , Belury Martha A. , Sugano Michihiro
Published: September 2007

Current studies on physiological functions of certain plant seed oils containing conjugated trienoic acids as a major fatty acid component are indicative of the possible usefulness of these oils as a new type of functional oils. Here, we describe the potential health benefits of conjugated trienoic acids.
Surface Structural Investigation of Starch‐Based Biomaterials
Authors: Pashkuleva Iva , Azevedo Helena S. , Reis Rui L.
Published: September 2007

Surface structural characterisation of three different starch‐based blends (with poly[ethylene‐co‐(vinyl alcohol)], cellulose acetate and polycaprolactone) was carried out. The results show that there is a difference between the bulk and the surface composition of all studied blends. Two different hypotheses were investigated – predominant presence of a synthetic component on the surface and possible inter‐ and/or intramolecular bonds. The results were related to previous data for cell behaviour on those materials. It was found that both surface hydrophilicity and surface functionality are of great importance for cell adhesion and growth on starch‐based biomaterials.

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Biodegradation of Aliphatic and Aromatic Polycarbonates
Authors: Artham Trishul , Doble Mukesh
Published: September 2007

Polycarbonate is one of the most widely used engineering plastics because of its superior physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Understanding the biodegradation of this polymer is of great importance to answer the increasing problems in waste management of this polymer. Aliphatic polycarbonates are known to biodegrade either through the action of pure enzymes or by bacterial whole cells. Very little information is available that deals with the biodegradation of aromatic polycarbonates. Biodegradation is governed by different factors that include polymer characteristics, type of organism, and nature of pretreatment. The polymer characteristics such as its mobility, tacticity, crystallinity, molecular weight, the type of functional groups and substituents present in its structure, and plasticizers or additives added to the polymer all play an important role in its degradation. The carbonate bond in aliphatic polycarbonates is facile and hence this polymer is easily biodegradable. On the other hand, bisphenol A polycarbonate contains benzene rings and quaternary carbon atoms which form bulky and stiff chains that enhance rigidity. Even though this polycarbonate is amorphous in nature because of considerable free volume, it is non‐biodegradable since the carbonate bond is inaccessible to enzymes because of the presence of bulky phenyl groups on either side. In order to facilitate the biodegradation of polymers few pretreatment techniques which include photo‐oxidation, γ‐ irradiation, or use of chemicals have been tested. Addition of biosurfactants to improve the interaction between the polymer and the microorganisms, and blending with natural or synthetic polymers that degrade easily, can also enhance the biodegradation.

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Macromol. Biosci. 9–10/2007
Authors: Alasino Roxana V. , Bianco Ismael D. , Vitali María S. , Zarzur Jorge A. , Beltramo Dante M.
Published: September 2007

Cover: The scheme represents the sequential steps of E100 biopolymer interaction with enveloped viruses. The E100 interacts, neutralizes and allows to remove the virus through the formation a non‐infective E100‐virus complex. Further details can be found in the article by R. V. Alasino, I. D. Bianco, M. S. Vitali, J. A. Zarzur, and D. M. Beltramo* on page 1132.
Determination of the Propagation Rate Coefficient of Vinyl Pivalate Based on EPR Quantification of the Propagating Radical Concentration
Authors: Kubota Narimi , Kajiwara Atsushi , Zetterlund Per B. , Kamachi Mikiharu , Treurnicht Jeanne , Tonge Matthew P. , Gilbert Robert G. , Yamada Bunichiro
Published: September 2007

The propagation rate coefficient (kp) of the vinyl pivalate (VPi) has been determined from an EPR quantification of the concentration of propagating radicals. The polymerizations followed first‐order kinetics with respect to the monomer, and the concentration of propagating radicals did not vary with time. The chain lengths were estimated to be sufficiently large to not affect kp. The resulting Arrhenius parameters for kp of VPi in heptane are Ap = 1.39 × 107 dm3 · mol−1 · s−1 and Ep = 20.5 kJ · mol−1. They are very similar to those of vinyl acetate as previously determined by the PLP method. The present results thus indicate that EPR gives consistent kp values for vinyl esters.

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Hybrid Nonlinear Optical Materials Containing Imidazole Chromophore through the Sol‐Gel Process
Authors: Cui Yuanjing , Qian Guodong , Chen Lujian , Wang Zhiyu , Wang Minquan
Published: September 2007

A new sol‐gel hybrid film based on heterocyclic chromophore, namely 2‐[4′‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐hydroxyethyl)amino phenyl azo]‐4,5‐dicyanoimidazole (IZ), has been synthesized and characterized. The hybrid system possesses a high chromophore loading density up to 65 wt.‐% without observing a phase separation. The initial decomposition temperatures of the chromophore and hybrid material were determined to be 260 and 272 °C, respectively. Poled films show a fairly high and stable nonlinear optical (NLO) response, even at an elevated temperature.

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Surface‐Functionalized, Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization‐Derived Monoliths for Anion‐Exchange Chromatography
Authors: Eder Karoline , Huber Christian G. , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: September 2007

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used for the synthesis of monolithic capillary columns with inner diameters of 200 µm. The resulting polymeric monoliths were characterized by inverse size‐exclusion chromatography (ISEC). Surface functionalization was carried out in situ using 2‐(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl)norborn‐5‐ene‐2‐ylcarboxylic amide (1). The resulting functionalized monoliths were successfully used in anion‐exchange chromatography of oligodeoxynucleotides.

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PAX6 is expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and is downregulated during induction of terminal differentiation
Authors: Lang Deborah , Mascarenhas Joseph B. , Powell Sara K. , Halegoua Jason , Nelson Maria , Ruggeri Bruce A.
Published: September 2007

Tumors of the exocrine pancreas are a major cause of cancer death and have among the poorest prognosis of any malignancy. Following the “cancer stem cell hypothesis,” where tumors are believed to originate in tissue specific stem cells, we screened primary ductal pancreatic carcinomas and cell lines for the expression of possible stem cell factors. We find 32/46 (70%) of primary tumors and 9/10 (90%) of cell lines express PAX6. PAX6 is a transcription factor expressed throughout the pancreatic bud during embryogenesis but not in the mature exocrine pancreas. PAX proteins have also been implicated in maintaining stem cells in a committed but undifferentiated state but a role for PAX proteins in putative pancreas stem cells is not known. We induced a pancreatic carcinoma cell line, Panc‐1, to differentiate by transfecting wild‐type p53 and treating the cells with differentiation agents gastrin or butyrate. This treatment induces cells to terminally differentiate into a growth‐arrested cell with neurite‐like processes, express the terminal differentiation marker somatostatin and downregulate PAX6. This phenotype can be replicated by directly inhibiting PAX6 expression. These data support a model where PAX proteins are aberrantly expressed in tumors and downregulation leads to differentiation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TAE226‐Induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells with overexpressed Src or EGFR
Authors: Golubovskaya Vita M. , Virnig Christopher , Cance William G.
Published: September 2007

Focal adhesion kinase, FAK is a 125 kDa nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that localizes to focal adhesions. FAK is overexpressed in human tumors and regulates cellular adhesion and survival signaling. We have shown previously that the dominant‐negative FAK, C‐terminal FAK‐CD, caused detachment and apoptosis in human breast cancer cells, and that overexpression of an activated form of Src tyrosine kinase or epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR, suppressed FAK‐CD induced apoptotic effects in breast cancer cells. In the present study, we studied the effect of a novel FAK inhibitor, TAE226 (Novartis, Inc.), on the breast cancer cell lines. We used stable breast cancer cell lines overexpressing Src (MCF‐7‐Src and BT474‐Src) or overexpressing EGFR (BT474‐EGFR), and control breast cancer cell lines for the treatment with different doses of TAE226 drug. The detachment and apoptosis caused by TAE226 was analyzed and compared with the effect of the dominant‐negative adenoviral FAK‐CD. The TAE226 drug caused a dose‐dependent increase of detachment and apoptosis in both BT474 and MCF‐7‐Vector and Src cells and in BT474‐EGFR and BT474‐pcDNA3 cells. Additionally, TAE226 caused downregulation of Y397‐FAK, FAK and activation of PARP or caspase‐3 proteins. Both Src and EGFR‐overexpressing cells were not resistant to the TAE226 treatment compared to FAK‐CD treatment. In addition, normal breast MCF‐10A cell line was resistant to both TAE226 drug and to the Ad‐FAK‐CD inhibitor. Thus, inhibition of autophosphorylation activity of FAK with the TAE226 inhibitor at 10–20 µM is effective in causing apoptosis in breast cancer cells, resistant to the Ad‐FAK‐CD inhibitor that can be used effectively in therapy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine and p53 mutations in the molecular pathogenesis of Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Vaninetti Nadine M. , Geldenhuys Laurette , Porter Geoffrey A. , Risch Harvey , Hainaut Pierre , Guernsey Duane L. , Casson Alan G.
Published: September 2007

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated as a potential causative factor for endogenous p53 mutations in gastrointestinal malignancy. To investigate the role of NO in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EADC), we studied patterns of p53 mutations, expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the tissue accumulation of nitrotyrosine (NTS), a stable reaction product of NO and a marker for cellular protein damage, in human premalignant and malignant esophageal epithelia. Tissues were obtained from patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)‐induced esophagitis (n = 76), Barrett's esophagus (BE; n = 119) and primary EADC (n = 54). DNA sequencing was used to characterize p53 mutations, RT‐PCR to study iNOS mRNA expression, and immunohistochemistry to study NTS. Relative to self‐matched normal epithelia, a progressive increase in iNOS mRNA expression was seen in GERD (30%; 23/76), BE (48%; 57/119), and EADC (63%; 34/54) tissues (P < 0.001). Among patients with EADC, elevated levels of NTS immunoreactivity were more frequent in tumors with p53 mutations (11/21; 52%) compared with tumors with wild‐type p53 (9/33; 27%; P = 0.063), and specifically in tumors with p53 mutations at CpG dinucleotides (10/12; 83%) compared with non‐CpG p53 mutations (1/9; 11%; P = 0.008). The increasing frequency of iNOS (mRNA) overexpression in GERD, BE and EADC supports the hypothesis that an active inflammatory process, most likely a consequence of GERD, underlies molecular progression to EADC. The highly significant association between NTS, reflecting chronic NO‐induced cellular protein damage, and endogenous p53 mutations at CpG dinucleotides, provides further evidence for a molecular link between chronic inflammation and esophageal malignancy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulation by bexarotene of mRNA expression of genes in mouse lung tumors
Authors: Alyaqoub Fadel S. , Liu Yue , Tao Lianhui , Steele Vernon E. , Lubet Ronald A. , Pereira Michael A.
Published: September 2007

Bexarotene has demonstrated chemopreventive and therapeutic efficacy towards mouse lung tumors. Using specimens from our published study that demonstrated the efficacy of bexarotene, we report herein its ability to modulate mRNA expression of genes in both lung and lung tumors. Strain A/J mice were administered vinyl carbamate to induce lung tumors. This was followed by 200 mg/kg body weight of bexarotene administered by oral gavage during Wks 4–25 or 23–25. The mice were sacrificed at Wk 25. The expression of 26 genes was decreased in lung tumors, whereas only two genes, Apolipoprotein D and CYP26b, had their mRNA expression increased by bexarotene. Genes with increased mRNA expression in untreated lung tumors include: epiregulin and kininogen‐1 (increased by more than 40‐fold) and Caspase‐3, Cyclin D1, DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt‐3a), E‐prostanoid 3 receptor (EP3), c‐myc, surfactant protein‐C, and survivin (increased by 1.7‐ to 3.6‐fold). Bexarotene decreased the mRNA expression of Caspase‐3, Dnmt‐3a, EP3, and survivin, as well as the expression of the Cyclin E1, estrogen receptor‐α, and iNOS genes. Bexarotene had a greater effect in decreasing the expression of Caspase‐3, Cyclin E1, Dnmt‐3a, EP3, iNOS, and survivin, when administered to mice with established tumors than when administered to mice while tumors were emerging. In summary, bexarotene modulated mRNA expression of genes in mouse lung tumors, being more effective in established tumors than in emerging tumors, suggesting that modulation of expression could be useful as a biomarker for the therapeutic and chemopreventive activity of the drug, especially in established tumors. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rating catatonia in patients with chronic schizophrenia: Rasch analysis of the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale
Authors: Wong Eric , Ungvari Gabor S. , Leung Siu‐Kau , Tang Wai‐Kwong
Published: September 2007

Background. Catatonic signs and symptoms are frequently observed in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Clinical surveys have suggested that the composition of catatonic syndrome occurring in chronic schizophrenia may be different from what is found in acute psychiatric disorders or medical conditions. Consequently, this patient population may need tailor‐made rating instruments for catatonia. The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability and accuracy of using the Bush–Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) in chronic schizophrenia inpatients.

Method. The unidimensionality (optimal number of items; item fit), and the scoring scheme (the optimal number of scoring categories) of the BFCRS were determined in a random sample of 225 patients with chronic schizophrenia applying Rasch analysis. In addition, differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was also performed.

Results. The BFCRS proved to be unidimensional apart from three misfit and one marginally misfit items. The three misfit items were removed from the scale thereby constructing a revised version called BFCRS‐R. Since the original BFCRS (BFCRS‐O) showed no increase across items across steep gradients (poor endorsability of step calibrations), in BFCRS‐R a binary scale (‘absent’ versus ‘present’ choices only) was constructed instead of the scoring scheme of 0–3.

The 20‐item BFCRS‐R showed improved psychometric properties in that it had a higher item separation index than BFCRS‐O. BFCRS‐R mean logit was closer to zero indicating that the items on the scale and the subjects were better matched than in BFCRS‐O. DIF analysis showed that certain items of both versions of BFCRS were influenced by the presence of negative symptoms.

Conclusion. BFCRS‐R is shorter and simpler than the original version and having better psychometric properties seems to be better suited for identifying and quantifying catatonia in chronic psychotic patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Son, Ltd.
Influence of Structure on Polymerization Rates and Ca‐Binding of Phosphorus‐Containing 1,6‐Dienes
Authors: Albayrak Aylin Ziylan , Bilgici Zeynep Sarayli , Avci Duygu
Published: September 2007

Photo‐ and thermal‐polymerizations of 4‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐2,4,6‐tris(ethoxycarbonyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene, 4,4‐bis(diethoxyphosphoryl)‐2,6‐bis(t‐butoxycarbonyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene and 4‐diethoxyphosphoryl‐4‐ethoxycarbonyl‐2,6‐bis(t‐butoxycarbonyl)‐1,6‐heptadiene monomers and their phosphonic and carboxylic acid derivatives were investigated to understand the effect of the cyclic monomer structure on their polymerization reactivity. A strong effect of the substituents at positions 2, 4 and 6 of the monomers on polymerization rate was observed. The polymerizability of the monomers was successfully correlated with the 13C NMR chemical shifts of the vinyl carbons. Conversion values were consistent with the Tg being a measure of the flexibility of a monomer. The monomers containing phosphonic acid groups were soluble in water and ethanol. The acidic nature of the aqueous solutions of these monomers is expected to give them etching properties, important for dental applications. The interaction of the acid monomers with hydroxyapatite was investigated using 13C NMR technique.

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A mouse model of simulated birth trauma induced stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Lin Yi‐Hao , Liu Guiming , Daneshgari Firouz
Published: September 2007

Aims

To facilitate future applications of transgenic or knockout technologies in studies of simulated birth trauma induced stress urinary incontinence (SUI), we aimed to create a mouse model of SUI and explore the possible pathogenesis of this condition.

Methods

Thirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly distributed into five groups. Four groups underwent vaginal distention (VD) for 1 hr, using a modified 6‐Fr. Foley catheter with a balloon dilated to 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 ml or sham distention. Four days after VD, all mice underwent leak‐point pressure (LPP) measurement via an implanted suprapubic tube (SPT). The normal control group only had SPT placement and LPP measurement. After sacrifice, the urethras of the mice were harvested for routine histological examination and nerve staining.

Results

LPPs were significantly lower in groups after VD with 0.3‐ or 0.2‐ml balloon than in control and sham distention groups (10.29 ± 6.70, 14.65 ± 6.51, 37.78 ± 5.10, and 30.30 ± 5.30 cm H2O, respectively). There were no significant differences in LPP between control and sham groups. Histology showed no significant differences in urethral striated muscle among the five groups. The density of immunoreactive neurofilaments in the urethra decreased after VD with 0.3‐ or 0.2‐ml balloon.

Conclusion

As a model of birth trauma, VD can induce SUI in female mice, the severity of which is related to intravaginal balloon size. Partial urethral denervation plays a plausible role in the pathogenesis of SUI. This novel mouse model could be used for further mechanistic studies of female SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:353–358, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mass lumping strategies for X‐FEM explicit dynamics: Application to crack propagation
Authors: Menouillard T. , Réthoré J. , Moës N. , Combescure A. , Bung H.
Published: September 2007

This paper deals with the numerical modelling of cracks in the dynamic case using the extended finite element method. More precisely, we are interested in explicit algorithms. We prove that by using a specific lumping technique, the critical time step is exactly the same as if no crack were present. This somewhat improves a previous result for which the critical time step was reduced by a factor of square root of 2 from the case with no crack. The new lumping technique is obtained by using a lumping strategy initially developed to handle elements containing voids. To be precise, the results obtained are valid only when the crack is modelled by the Heaviside enrichment. Note also that the resulting lumped matrix is block diagonal (blocks of size 2 × 2). For constant strain elements (linear simplex elements) the critical time step is not modified when the element is cut. Thanks to the lumped mass matrix, the critical time step never tends to zero. Moreover, the lumping techniques conserve kinetic energy for rigid motions. In addition, tensile stress waves do not propagate through the discontinuity. Hence, the lumping techniques create neither error on kinetic energy conservation for rigid motions nor wave propagation through the crack. Both these techniques will be used in a numerical experiment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The combination of collocation, finite difference, and multigrid methods for solution of the two‐dimensional wave equation
Authors: Dehghan Mehdi , Mohebbi Akbar
Published: September 2007

In this article, we apply compact finite difference approximations of orders two and four for discretizing spatial derivatives of wave equation and collocation method for the time component. The resulting method is unconditionally stable and solves the wave equation with high accuracy. The solution is approximated by a polynomial at each grid point that its coefficients are determined by solving a linear system of equations. We employ the multigrid method for solving the resulted linear system. Multigrid method is an iterative method which has grid independently convergence and solves the linear system of equations in small amount of computer time. Numerical results show that the compact finite difference approximation of fourth order, collocation and multigrid methods produce a very efficient method for solving the wave equation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Donor retention: an exploratory study of door‐to‐door recruits
Authors: Sargeant Adrian , Hudson Jane
Published: September 2007

Door‐to‐door fundraising, where recruiters knock on the door of domestic dwellings to solicit a regular donation, is an increasingly popular recruitment technique. However, reported levels of attrition remain unacceptably high and in some cases charities may lose up to 50% of their new recruits in their first year of giving. In this exploratory study of 5000 active and 5000 lapsed recruits the demographic and attitudinal profiles of each group are compared. The paper concludes that lapsed donors are significantly younger than active recruits and experienced some form of pressure at the point of recruitment. Lapsed supporters were also significantly less happy with the quality of ongoing communication.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mission or money? Competitive challenges facing public sector nonprofit organisations in an institutionalised environment
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Irvine Helen , Lazarevski Katie
Published: September 2007

This paper exposes the impact of competitive grant funding on public sector nonprofit volunteer organisations, using institutional theory to explain developments within this sector. A conceptual model is developed from which five propositions are derived. Bushcare units, in experiencing institutional pressures, respond in ways that affect their culture, structure and routines, resulting in the possibility that their mission will be compromised. In the process of targeting competitive grants, preparing grant applications, managing increased reporting requirements and recruiting volunteers, Bushcare units should apply a mission ‘filter’ to ensure their mission is not compromised in the pursuit of money. Bushcare New South Wales (NSW), an Australian environmental organisation, provides an empirical illustration of the proposed conceptual model.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crafting strategy in not‐for‐profit organisations: the experience of an alumni organisation, BÜMED
Authors: Öz Özlem , Toker Ayşegül
Published: September 2007

This paper describes and discusses the specificities of crafting strategy in not‐for‐profit organisations deriving from the experience of an alumni organisation in Turkey, BÜMED (Bogazici Universitesi Mezunlar Dernegi: Bogazici University Alumni Association). It has been underlined in the paper that crafting successful strategies in not‐for‐profit organisations has two essential dimensions. The first one is related to ‘operational effectiveness’; that is, perfecting how the operations are performed and managed in the organisation. In its pursuit of ensuring quality and excellence in management, BÜMED has applied the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model and it seems to have worked for BÜMED, despite some aberrations. The second dimension, on the other hand, is related to the very concept of strategy itself, whose main emphasis is on priorities and trade‐offs. What is underlined in BÜMED's experience regarding this dimension is the idea that although the principles of excellence in management, if applied properly and internalised by the members of the organisation, carry a potential to have spill‐over effects for successful strategising, in the absence of right strategies, good management in and of itself is unlikely to suffice for the desired outcome, which ultimately means the creation of value for the society in the case of not‐for‐profit organisations.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The strategic role of knowledge management in nonprofit organisations
Authors: Hume Craig , Hume Margee
Published: September 2007

Australian nonprofit organisations (NFPs) operate in an increasingly competitive marketplace for funding staff and volunteers and donations. In this context, many NFPs are being driven to adopt more commercial practices in order to improve their strategic performance, particularly competitive positioning for donor appeal, staff retention and service strategy and delivery. Knowledge management (KM) is one commercial practice being explored and implemented by the NFP sector to support strategic performance and operations. Although the concept of knowledge management is basically understood, the implications and strategies to pursue this practice in a NFP context are under explored. This paper presents a KM implementation planning framework for discussion and further research in the NFP sector. Specifically, this paper proposes that NFP's unique missions, many and varied organisational structures and operational maturity requires a customised approach to knowledge management. Implications for competitive strategy and performance are discussed.

© 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical and practical implications of pharmaceutical direct‐to‐consumer advertising
Authors: Hoek Janet
Published: September 2007

Although only possible in two nations, New Zealand and the United States, direct‐to‐consumer advertising (DTC) of prescription medicine has generated international controversy. This paper examines how DTC emerged, compares the different regulatory structures used to govern it and analyses the debate over the ethics and effects of DTC. While the value of providing information to consumers is indisputable, serious questions remain over the quality of information provided via DTC, whether any benefits it might bring offset its wider social and economic costs, and how best to achieve a balance between commercial and public health objectives.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing occupational health and safety in young workers: the role of social marketing
Authors: Lavack Anne M. , Magnuson Sherry L. , Deshpande Sameer , Basil Debra Z. , Basil Michael D. , Mintz James (Jim) H.
Published: September 2007

Young workers (age 15–24) suffer work‐related injury at a much higher rate than older workers, yet research on the role and effectiveness of social marketing to influence and improve workplace safety is limited.

A review of the relevant literature reveals that significant gaps exist in terms of effectively using social marketing to reduce young worker injury rates.

A comprehensive, multi‐faceted social marketing approach is required to address young worker safety.

Directing more attention toward the practice of social marketing can enhance the effectiveness of campaigns to reduce workplace injuries.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TV viewing and physical activity: a segment analysis for social marketing
Authors: Singh Satyendra
Published: September 2007

Elevated television viewing and physical inactivity promote sedentary behavior, leading to obesity. Yet, modifying the behavior has received a limited academic investigation. Thus, the purpose of this exploratory study is to develop segments relating to such behavior, and propose TV viewing‐reduction and physical activity‐enhancing strategies for the various segments.

Using data from a mall, the multiple regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA) led to the identification of four segments: alert, inactive, action, and ideal. Results indicate that those engaged in physical activity appear to watch less TV, and that age and gender do not have a significant impact on TV viewing. The managers can use the findings, segments, and strategies to create appeals for target social marketing.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding young adult drink‐driving behaviour: a value benefit perspective
Authors: Fry Marie‐Louise
Published: September 2007

Young adult novice drivers represent a key at‐risk cohort for alcohol‐related road fatalities. Little research has investigated the value perceptions of responsible drivers as compared to their risk‐taking counterparts. Addressing the value‐perception gap, this qualitative research integrates identity theory and value expectancy theory to analyse the hedonic aspects and reward benefits of young adult drink‐driving behaviour.

The study identified three categories of young adult drink‐drivers: under‐the‐limit, borderline and extreme. Motivation drink‐drive was influenced by perceptions of driving as a right versus a privilege; fear versus fatalistic attitude of drink‐driving consequences and drink‐driving as a connection for escape versus utilitarian activity. Future prevention strategies for at‐risk drink‐drivers must be relevant, convincing and consider the dynamic and changing landscape young adults inhabit.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The efficacy of anti‐smoking advertisements: the role of source, message, and individual characteristics
Authors: Samu Sridhar , Bhatnagar Namita
Published: September 2007

This research investigates the effects of direct and indirect sources of anti‐smoking messages. Specifically, it examines the direct influence of advertised messages and the indirect effect of the subsequent discussion.

Two studies examine the role of: (i) Source characteristics (i.e., messages disseminated through mass media and subsequently via discussion by friends or strangers); (ii) Message characteristics (i.e., messages that induce either low or high fear); (iii) Individual characteristics (i.e., gender based differences within the target audience) in attitude formation towards smokers, the act of smoking, propensity to smoke, and the likelihood of being influenced.

Message efficacy is found to vary by gender, type of ad appeal, as well as group membership of ad discussants. Implications for design of anti‐smoking campaigns are derived.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of branding on adolescent smoking behaviour: exploring the mediating role of image and attitudes
Authors: Grant Ian C. , Hassan Louise M. , Hastings Gerard B. , MacKintosh Anne Marie , Eadie Douglas
Published: September 2007

This study investigates the continuing effects of tobacco marketing communications in a post advertising era, focusing on the constructs of brand awareness, brand image, attitude formation and intention to smoke by adolescents.

A conceptual model is presented, based on 926 respondents from a UK wide study, to assess brand‐related interrelationships and influences of peers on adolescents' attitudes toward smoking and intention to smoke.

Results show the strong influence of branding on both attitude and intention, and have implications for government anti‐smoking policies specifically in regard to generic packaging and point of sale displays.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergy of karenitecin and mafosfamide in pediatric leukemia, medulloblastoma, and neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Jacob Eufemia , Scorsone Kathy , Blaney Susan M. , D'Argenio David Z. , Berg Stacey L.
Published: September 2007

Background

A major barrier to treatment of leptomeningeal disease is the lack of proven combination chemotherapy regimens for intrathecal administration. The purpose of this study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of karenitecin and mafosfamide in vitro against leukemia, medulloblastoma, and neuroblastoma cell lines.

Procedure

A modified methyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to determine the sensitivity of the cells to karenitecin and mafosfamide. Cells were exposed to drug for 72 hr, after which the number of surviving cells was quantitated. For drug combination experiments, cells were exposed to medium alone (controls), single drugs alone (mafosfamide only, karenitecin only) or to different concentrations of the combination of the two drugs (karenitecin + mafosfamide), for a total of 36 concentration pairs per plate. The universal response surface approach (URSA) was used to analyze the cytotoxic effects of the combination of karenitecin and mafosfamide.

Results

The IC50s of karenitecin and mafosfamide for the various cell lines were similar. For both drugs nearly complete inhibition of cell growth was demonstrated at higher concentrations in all cell lines. In the neuroblastoma cell lines (SK‐N‐DZ; SK‐N‐SH) and the DAOY medulloblastoma cell line, the combination of karenitecin and mafosfamide were synergistic. In the D283 medulloblastoma and both the leukemia cell lines (JM1 and Molt‐4), the drug interaction was additive. Antagonism was not seen in any cell line.

Conclusions

Karenitecin and mafosfamide are additive or synergistic in vitro against tumor types that disseminate to the leptomeninges. These results provide guidance for the choice of potential combination intrathecal regimens. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:757–760. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymerization in magnetic field: XVIII. Influence of surfactant nature on the synthesis and thermal properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly[(methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(epoxypropyl methacrylate)]
Authors: Nita Loredana Elena , Chiriac Aurica P , Cimmino Sossio , Silvestre Clara , Duraccio Donatella , Vasile Cornelia
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: The possibility to use β‐cyclodextrin as biodegradable tensioactive and an electromagnetic field in order to improve the kinetic parameters of radical emulsion polymerization is of interest. Thus, the influence of different surfactants—sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and β‐cyclodextrin (CD)—on the pathway of emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and emulsion copolymerization of MMA with 2,3‐epoxypropyl methacrylate (GMA) performed with or without the presence of a continuous electromagnetic field (MF) was studied.

RESULTS: The presence of the MF leads to a considerable increase of the conversion during the first part of the reaction if the classic surfactant (SLS) is used. The reactions performed without MF and with CD exhibit a decrease of the conversion and of the polymerization rate as compared with the variants using SLS. The swelling rate and the maximum degree of swelling vary with the surfactant nature and with the reaction conditions and MF presence. Data from thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry evidence the dependences between the polymer characteristics and the preparation conditions.

CONCLUSION: This research underlines the coupling possibilities of the influence of a MF—growth of the reaction rate and conversion explained through radical pairs mechanism—with a combination of the ‘cage’ effect and ‘conformational control’ afforded by CD. The presence of MF and CD during the syntheses leads to an increase of Tg and an increase of PMMA and P(MMA‐co‐GMA) thermal stability. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Photopolymerization kinetics, photorheology and photoplasticity of thiol–ene–allylic sulfide networks
Authors: Cook Wayne D , Chausson Sophie , Chen Fei , Le Pluart Loic , Bowman Christopher N , Scott Timothy F
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Thiol–ene networks are of interest due to their facile photopolymerization and their open network structure. In this work, an allylic disulphide divinyl ether monomer is reacted with tetrathiol and divinyl ether monomers, which allows the network structure to permanently change in shape if stressed while under irradiation. We also study the photo‐differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) kinetics and photorheology during cure and the dynamic mechanical properties after cure.

RESULTS: The heat of polymerization is similar for the thiol–ene systems and suggests ca 80% conversion of the vinyl ether groups. An increase in the initiator concentration increases the photocure rate as expected. The activation energy for photopolymerization is 7.6 kJ mol−1. DSC and rheometry studies show that the polymerization kinetics is slowed by the addition of the allylic disulfide divinyl possibly due to the formation of less reactive radicals. However, as shown by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, the network structure is not changed very much by addition of this monomer. If radicals are generated by irradiation of a photoinitiator in the network while a stress is being applied, the polymer will permanently deform depending on the fraction of 2‐methylenepropane‐1,3‐di(thioethyl vinyl ether) in the network, due to a bond interchange reaction.

CONCLUSION: The rate of thiol–ene reaction is slowed by the addition of the allylic disulfide divinyl ether. Photoplasticity is observed in the networks containing the allylic disulfide groups. Further work is required to optimize the extent of photoplasticity in these systems. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Biodegradable plastic composites from corn gluten meal
Authors: Samarasinghe Sarath , Easteal Allan J , Edmonds Neil R
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND: Utilisation of naturally occurring polymers as substitutes for non‐biodegradable synthetic polymers derived from non‐renewable resources is a key component of sustainable polymer technology. The aim of this study was to make thermoformable, biodegradable plastics from protein‐rich corn gluten meal (CGM) in combination with a synthetic biodegradable polyester.

RESULTS: CGM plasticised with 1,2‐propylene glycol was blended at 150 °C with Skygreen SG100 aliphatic polyester and wood fibre, and injection moulded to give composites with tensile strength and water resistance superior to those of the protein component of CGM. Experimental design software was used to generate composite formulations with the limits (component, proportion as wt%) plasticised CGM (A), 10–80; Skygreen SG100 (B), 10–85; wood fibre (C), 0–10. Composites with A:B:C $= 10:80:10$ and A:B:C $= 15:85:0$ showed a glass transition at − 20 °C associated with the SG100 component; composites with more than 15 wt% CGM showed an additional glass transition for the plasticised CGM component. SG100 imparted water resistance and tensile strength, while CGM and wood fibre increased tensile modulus.

CONCLUSION: The low‐cost industrial by‐product CGM, derived from an abundant renewable resource, can be incorporated into SG100 to give readily biodegradable, thermoformable materials. Composites with up to 30 wt% CGM have moderately high tensile strength, elongation at break and water resistance. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative proteomic analysis of myotube caveolae after milli‐calpain deregulation
Authors: Goudenege Sébastien , Dargelos Elise , Claverol Stéphane , Bonneu Marc , Cottin Patrick , Poussard Sylvie
Published: September 2007

Caveolae are specialised RAFTs (detergent‐resistant membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and glycosphingolipids). Caveolin, the main caveolae protein, is essential to the organisation of proteins and lipids, and interacts with numerous mediating proteins through a ‘Caveolin Scalfolding Domain’. Consequently, caveolae play a major role in signal transduction and appear to be veritable signalling platforms. In muscle cells, caveolae are essential for fusion and differentiation, and are also implicated in a type of muscular dystrophy (LGMD1C). In a preceding work, we demonstrated the presence of active milli‐calpain (m‐calpain) in myotube caveolae. Calpains are calcium‐dependent proteases involved in several cellular processes, including myoblast fusion and migration, PKC‐mediated intracellular signalling and remodelling of the cytoskeleton. For the first time, we have proved the cholesterol‐dependent localisation of m‐calpain in the caveolae of C2C12 myotubes. Calpain‐dependent caveolae involvement in myoblast fusion was also strongly suggested. Furthermore, eight differentially expressed caveolae associated proteins were identified by 2‐DE and LC‐MS/MS analyses using an m‐calpain antisense strategy. This proteomic study also demonstrates the action of m‐calpain on vimentin, desmin and vinculin in myotube caveolae and suggests m‐calpain's role in several mitochondrial pathways.
A comparative proteomic approach to understand the adaptations of an H+‐ATPase‐defective mutant of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC14067 to energy deficiencies
Authors: Li Liyuan , Wada Masaru , Yokota Atsushi
Published: September 2007

F172‐8, an H+‐ATPase‐defective mutant of the glutamic acid‐producing bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 14067, exhibits enhanced rates of glucose consumption and respiration compared to the parental strain when cultured in a biotin‐rich medium with glucose as the carbon source. We conducted a comparative proteomic analysis to clarify the mechanism by which the enhanced glucose metabolism in this mutant is established using a proteome reference map for strain ATCC 14067. A comparison of the proteomes of the two strains revealed the up‐regulated expression of the several important enzymes such as pyruvate kinase (Pyk), malate:quinone oxidoreductase (Mqo), and malate dehydrogenase (Mdh) in the mutant. Because Pyk activates glycolysis in response to cellular energy shortages in this bacterium, its increased expression may contribute to the enhanced glucose metabolism of the mutant. A unique reoxidation system has been suggested for NADH in C. glutamicum consisting of coupled reactions between Mqo and Mdh, together with the respiratory chain; therefore, the enhanced expression of both enzymes might contribute to the reoxidation of NADH during increased respiration. The proteomic analysis allowed the identification of unique physiological changes associated with the H+‐ATPase defect in F172‐8 and contributed to the understanding of the adaptations of C. glutamicum to energy deficiencies.