bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward the Definition of the Mechanism of Action of Silymarin: Activities Related to Cellular Protection From Toxic Damage Induced by Chemotherapy
Authors: Comelli Maria Cristina , Mengs Ulrich , Schneider Carl , Prosdocimi Marco
Published: June 2007

Silymarin, the active extract from milk thistle, has been extensively used in patients with liver disease of different etiology. Although silymarin is a complex of 7 flavonolignans and polyphenols, silibinin is usually regarded as the most active component. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that silymarin and silibinin protect the liver from oxidative stress and sustained inflammatory processes, mainly driven by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and secondary cytokines. Oxidative stress and inflammation are also involved in cellular damage of many other tissues and their role in the development and toxic reactions in patients receiving cancer therapies is established. The protective effects of silymarin and silibinin, demonstrated in various tissues, suggest a clinical application in cancer patients as an adjunct to established therapies, to prevent or reduce their toxicity. Here we discuss the possible mechanism of the protective action of silymarin and silibinin, focusing on cancer therapies as agents causing cellular damage.
Fixation of CO2 by Hydroxozinc(II) Complex with Pyridylamino Type Ligand
Authors: Yamaguchi Syuhei , Takahashi Teppei , Wada Akira , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Ozawa Tomohiro , Jitsukawa Koichiro , Masuda Hideki
Published: June 2007

Reaction of hydroxozinc(II) complex bearing amino group with CO2 gave carbamate product, whose generation and reaction mechanism have been studied structurally and spectroscopically as a structural/functional model of biotin-dependent carboxylase.
Mild Oxidation of Styrene and Its Derivatives with Ionic Manganese Porphyrin Immobilized in the Similarly Structured Ionic Liquid
Authors: Liu Ye , Zhang Hong-Jiao , Cai Yue-Qin , Wu Hai-Hong , Liu Xiu-Li , Lu Yong
Published: June 2007

Without the auxiliary involvement of axial ligands and organic solvents, the ionic manganese porphyrin 1c immobilized in [BPy][BF4] efficiently catalyzed the oxidation of styrene and its derivatives under mild conditions, affording high activity/oxide selectivity and good stability even after 5 recycling uses.
Lanthanum–Indium Oxysulfide as a Visible Light Driven Photocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: Ogisu Kiyonori , Ishikawa Akio , Teramura Kentaro , Toda Kenji , Hara Michikazu , Domen Kazunari
Published: June 2007

La–In-based oxysulfide is demonstrated to act as a photocatalyst for the reduction of H+ to H2 and the oxidation of H2O to O2 in the presence of sacrificial reagents under visible light (420 ≤ λ ≤ 480 nm). Loading with IrO2 is effective for promoting O2 evolution, while Pt is effective as a cocatalyst for H2 evolution.
Common Genetic Risk of Major Depression and Nicotine Dependence: The Contribution of Antisocial Traits in a United States Veteran Male Twin Cohort
Authors: Fu Qiang , Heath Andrew C. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Lyons Michael J. , Tsuang Ming T. , True William R. , Eisen Seth A.
Published: June 2007

Many studies that found associations between depression and nicotine dependence have ignored possible shared genetic influences associated with antisocial traits. The present study examined the contribution of genetic and environmental effects associated with conduct disorder (CD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) to the comorbidity of major depression (MD) and nicotine dependence (ND). A telephone diagnostic interview, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule-III-R, was administered to eligible twins from the Vietnam Era Twin (VET) Registry in 1992. Multivariate genetic models were fitted to 3360 middle-aged and predominantly white twin pairs (1868 monozygotic, 1492 dizygotic pairs) of which both members completed the pertinent diagnostic interview sections. Genetic influences on CD accounted for 100%, 68%, and 50% of the total genetic variance in risk for ASPD, MD and ND, respectively. After controlling for genetic influences on CD, the partial genetic correlation between MD and ND was no longer statistically significant. Nonshared environmental contributions to the comorbidity among these disorders were not significant. This study not only demonstrates that the comorbidity between ND and MD is influenced by common genetic risk factors, but also further suggests that the common genetic risk factors overlapped with those for antisocial traits such as CD and ASPD in men.
Analysis of Mitochondrial DNA in Discordant Monozygotic Twins With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Detjen Anne Katrin , Tinschert Sigrid , Kaufmann Dieter , Algermissen Bernd , Nürnberg Peter , Schuelke Markus
Published: June 2007

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is the most frequent neurocutaneous disorder with autosomal dominant inheritance. Phenotype variability is high ranging from merely several café-au-lait spots to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors or severe disfigurement through plexiform neurofibromas. Identification of genetic factors that modify the NF1 phenotype would contribute to the understanding of NF1 pathophysiology and improve patient counselling. As even monozygotic (MZ) twins with NF1 may differ phenotypically, we wondered whether these variations might be inherited in a non-Mendelian fashion. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited extrachromosomally through the cytoplasm of the oocyte and often harbours heteroplasmic sequence variations. At the time of blastomere separation, these variants may be skewedly distributed and effect phenotypic differences. Because of their co-localization with the tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin, which is mutated in NF1, mitochondria were particular attractive candidates for investigation. MtDNA was extracted from nucleated blood cells of four pairs of discordant MZ twins with NF1 and from cutaneous neurofibromas of one twin pair. We sequenced the entire mitochondrial genome and determined the state of heteroplasmy by investigating a microsatellite region of the mitochondrial D-loop (D310-tract). The clinical diagnosis was confirmed in all patients by detection of pathogenic mutations in the NF1 gene. Monozygosity was verified by genotyping. However, we did not detect evidence for mtDNA sequence differences or for different degrees of heteroplasmy between individuals of the same twin pair. The phenotypic discordance of MZ twins with NF1 cannot be explained by skewed distribution of mtDNA mutations or polymorphisms.
Ambiguity in an Alaskan History Theme Park: Presenting “History as Commodity” and “History as Heritage”
Authors: VRIES TITY DE
Published: June 2007

America's most northern history theme park has been located in Fairbanks, Alaska since 1967. This article focuses on the evolution of the Alaskaland/Pioneer Park: from a tourist attraction where Alaskan traditions of progress and boosterism ruled into a community park with a sincere concern for preserving the local past. Due to its origins, and in spite of decades of controversies, the park became an excellent example of “partnership” between public and private sectors which determine the park's profile and destination. The result is a popularized presentation of Fairbanks' early twentieth-century pioneer experience where historic authenticity and commercial activities co-exist harmoniously.
“Of Exceptional Importance”: The Origins of the “Fifty-Year Rule” in Historic Preservation
Authors: SPRINKLE JOHN H.
Published: June 2007

The “fifty-year rule” is one of the most commonly accepted principles within American historic preservation: properties that have achieved significance within the past fifty years are generally not considered eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic places. An often misunderstood chronological threshold, the fifty-year standard was established by National Park Service historians in 1948. Until the advent of the “new preservation” with the National Historic Preservation Act in 1966, the standard of exceptional importance had only been applied to presidential and atomic heritage sites. Operating as a filter to ward off potentially controversial decisions about the nature of historic site significance, understanding the origins of the fifty-year rule reveals how Americans have constructed the chronological boundaries of a useable past through historic preservation during the twentieth century.
The Wild East: Portrait of an Urban Nomad
Authors: SABLOFF PAULA L.W.
Published: June 2007

The Wild East: Portrait of an Urban Nomad Directed by Michael Haslund‐Christensen 2002 54 minutes, color Distributed by First Run/Icarus Films 32 Court Street, 21st Floor Brooklyn, NY 10018‐3396 www.frif.com
Portfolio of Ethnographic Film, Visual Anthropology and Visual Research in Slovenia
Authors: KRIZNAR NASKO
Published: June 2007

Slovenia has a diverse range of ethnographic film, visual anthropology and visual research. Visual production includes ethnographic and documentary film, as well as emerging genres such as videos produced for museum exhibition and student video works. Commentary on these productions focuses on the difference between documentary and ethnographic film, and on the difference between ethnographic films and visuals works made for research. Much visual media created for Slovene ethnological purposes stores images of a culture as a kind of inventory or list that is structured according to professional standards. Visual ethnography is a specific way of researching culture with the help of a photo or video camera. There is no need for a researcher to be a filmmaker in a classical sense. Rather, it is sufficient that the researcher be skilled in shooting and flexible in the use of the camera under different methodological circumstances.
Real with Fiction
Authors: PIAULT MARC HENRI
Published: June 2007

There are no images without a “dangerous” scene setting. The imagetic process by nature involves particular kinds of knowledge, just as any kind of writing involves elaborations, choices and uses of appropriate and pertinent forms. My intention is to show that a fictional mode of production deliberately chosen and clearly expressed allows us to make evident specific levels of social realities that expand the classical field of anthropology. It is possible to mix Vertov's pursuit of a confrontation of images and his development of montage editing, an encompassing descriptive intention that emerges from the particular conditions of a given situation, with a specific exchange amounting to a shared interrogation. This idea ia developed over the course of this paper as a dialogic or transactional anthropology.
Forbidden Speech/Controlled Speech: Some Observations on the Role of the Word in Rouch's Films
Authors: PIAULT COLETTE
Published: June 2007

This work is about commentary and dialogue in Jean Rouch's ethnographic filming, mainly in his ethnofictions. It includes two parts. The first is an article on the role of speech in Rouch's films; the second is an interview with Rouch on the same subject. This was conducted and recorded by me in 1995 at the Café Bullier in Montparnasse, where Rouch used to have breakfeast every morning. When I met Rouch between two doors I told him that I intended to write a paper about language in his films. He called out, apparently without paying attention, “Ah! the speech taboo.” As nothing is never said by chance, it seemed to me that this jest deserved some attention: the forbidden words…which ones, forbidden by whom, how and why?
Visual Anthropology and Development: Video as Critique, Praxis and Process
Authors: WICKETT ELIZABETH
Published: June 2007

Video has been used as a critical tool in participatory research in water, sanitation, agriculture and micro‐finance projects in Egypt and Pakistan. Rural communities inhibited by perceptions of inferiority, lack of access to literacy, infrastructure and public services, have had difficulty in reacting to “messages” or innovations purveyed by development agencies. This article evaluates the impacts and successes of video in development communications: confidence‐building among rural women, involvement of communities in planning new infrastructure, re‐design of projects to suit rural environments and investment by rural households in technical innovations without recourse to aid.
Clinical Evaluation of the Nelfinavir‐Rifabutin Interaction in Patients with Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Benator Debra A. , Weiner Marc H. , Burman William J. , Vernon Andrew A. , Zhao Zhen A. , Khan Awal E. , Jones Brenda E. , Sandman Laurie , Engle Melissa , Silva‐Trigo Claudia , Hsyu Poe H. , Becker Mark I. , Peloquin Charles A.
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To characterize the bidirectional interaction between twice‐daily nelfinavir and twice‐weekly rifabutin and isoniazid in patients with tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

Design. Prospective cohort study.

Setting. Three clinical research centers.

Patients. Seven patients with HIV‐related tuberculosis.

Intervention. Rifabutin 300 mg and isoniazid 15 mg/kg (maximum dose 900 mg) twice/week were administered for at least 2 weeks during the continuation phase of tuberculosis treatment. Antiretroviral therapy with nelfinavir 1250 mg twice/day and two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors was then added.

Measurements and Main Results. Patients underwent blood sampling for pharmacokinetic analysis during the continuation phase of tuberculosis therapy and after a median of 21 days after the addition of antiretroviral treatment. When rifabutin was coadministered with nelfinavir, its area under the concentration‐time curve from 0–21 hours (AUC0–21) increased 22% (geometric mean 5.01 μg•hr/ml [90% confidence interval (CI) 3.25–7.71] with nelfinavir vs 4.10 μg•hr/ml [90% CI 3.18–5.27] without nelfinavir; geometric mean ratio 1.22 [90% CI 0.78–1.92]). Also, the AUC0–21 for the active metabolite, desacetylrifabutin, increased significantly (geometric mean ratio 3.46, 90% CI 1.84–6.47, p=0.009). In the presence of rifabutin, the pharmacokinetic parameters of nelfinavir and its principal metabolite M8 were similar to those of patients not taking rifabutin. No drug interaction between nelfinavir and isoniazid was detected.

Conclusions. Coadministration of rifabutin and isoniazid without dosage adjustment during twice‐weekly tuberculosis therapy with nelfinavir‐based antiretroviral therapy resulted in rifabutin exposures within the acceptable ranges for safety and efficacy. Therefore, this combination is an appropriate option for the simultaneous treatment of tuberculosis and HIV infection when tuberculosis therapy is given twice weekly.
Effectiveness and Hepatotoxicity of Statins in Men Seropositive for Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Segarra‐Newnham Marisel , Parra David , Martin‐Cooper Ellen M.
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness and hepatotoxicity of statins in patients who are seropositive for hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Design. Retrospective review of a registry of patients with HCV

Setting. Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Patients. One hundred forty‐six male patients who were seropositive for HCV and had received statin therapy between January 1, 1995, and September 9, 2003.

Measurements and Main Results. Demographic and clinical data were collected for each patient; lipid and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at baseline (within 6 mo of starting a statin), at 3 and 6 months after starting a statin, and at long‐term follow‐up (mean 22 mo) were also recorded. The primary efficacy end point was a significant decrease from baseline to long‐term follow‐up low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level; the primary safety end point was a significant increase from baseline in ALT level. The mean change in LDL level was a reduction of 22% (p<0.01). No significant increases in ALT levels were observed; only one patient discontinued therapy due to ALT level elevations greater than 3 times the upper limit of normal.

Conclusion. In men seropositive for HCV, statins were effective in reducing LDL levels and did not result in significant increases in ALT levels from baseline. Thus, statin therapy should be considered for patients with HCV who are at risk for coronary heart disease and do not have significantly elevated serum transaminase levels at baseline.
Pharmacogenetics of β‐Blockers
Authors: Shin Jaekyu , Johnson Julie A.
Published: June 2007

β‐Blockers are an important cardiovascular drug class, recommended as first‐line treatment of numerous diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, and angina, as well as treatment after myocardial infarction. However, responses to a β‐blocker are variable among patients. Results of numerous studies now suggest that genetic polymorphisms may contribute to variability in responses to β‐blockers. This review summarizes the pharmacogenetic data for β‐blockers in patients with various diseases and discusses the potential implications of β‐blocker pharmacogenetics in clinical practice.
Fondaparinux as a Treatment Option for Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Papadopoulos Stella , Flynn Jeremy D. , Lewis Daniel A.
Published: June 2007

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune‐mediated complication that can occur after exposure to heparin products. Because patients with HIT are at increased risk for thrombosis, anticoagulation is warranted. The direct thrombin inhibitors lepirudin and argatroban are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this indication. Bivalirudin, another direct thrombin inhibitor, is approved for use in patients with HIT who must undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. The synthetic pentasaccharide fondaparinux lacks FDA approval for treating patients with HIT; however, a few published reports describe its use. Furthermore, various small‐scale, in vitro studies have demonstrated a lack of cross‐reactivity between fondaparinux and HIT antibodies. Large, in vivo comparison trials must be performed before fondaparinux can become a standard treatment option in the setting of HIT.
Intravenous Warfarin as an Alternative for Anticoagulation
Authors: Gellatly Rochelle M.
Published: June 2007

Oral warfarin is the standard of care for patients requiring long‐term anticoagulation due to venous thromboembolic disease. Patients with Crohn's disease may have reduced absorption in the small bowel due to loss of effective surface area secondary to chronic inflammation, ulcerative lesions, or resection. A 27‐year‐old Caucasian woman with end‐stage Crohn's disease was hospitalized with an upper extremity thrombosis. In this complicated patient, who was resistant to oral warfarin and unable to receive subcutaneous low‐molecular‐weight heparin, therapeutic anticoagulation was achieved with intravenous warfarin. Intravenous warfarin provides an alternative administration route for patients who cannot receive the oral formulation and cannot be administered subcutaneous low‐molecular‐weight heparins due to adverse effects.
Creating an Immune-Privileged Site Using Retinal Progenitor Cells and Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Ng Tat Fong , Lavik Erin , Keino Hiroshi , Taylor Andrew W. , Langer Robert S. , Young Michael J.
Published: June 2007

We describe the creation of local immune privilege (IP) using retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and biodegradable polymers. Murine RPCs were seeded on poly(lactic-coglycolic acid) polymers to generate composite grafts. Composites or RPCs alone were transplanted into allogeneic kidney capsules. Grafts survived at all time points, differentiating into neurons and astrocytes. Upon treatment with interferon γ (IFNγ), major histocompatibility complex antigens were upregulated. Although 10% of IFNγ-treated RPC grafts survived 14 days, 66% of the IFNγ-treated composites survived in part by producing immune suppressive factors transforming growth factor-β2, Fas ligand, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. The composites were assayed for delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) by seeding composites with antigen-presenting cells incubated with ovalbumin. This resulted in suppression of ovalbumin-specific DTH, indicating that composite grafts consisting of biodegradable polymers and central nervous system progenitor cells can be used to generate local IP. This technology may be used to promote the survival of nonprivileged grafts (e.g., pancreas, liver, or skin).

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Evaluation of strength and stiffness response of coir-fibre-reinforced soil
Authors: Babu G. L. Sivakumar , Vasudevan A. K.
Published: June 2007

Coir, a natural biodegradable material, is abundantly available in most parts of south-west India, Sri Lanka, and other Asian countries, and is cheap. The use of coir in geotechnical construction started in the early 1990s, and it is found in many applications, such as drainage and filtration, erosion control, and the improvement of surficial stability of embankments in the form of sheets and mats in some of these areas. A few attempts are also made to use coir as random reinforcing material, in which some percentage of fibre is added to obtain an improvement in performance, and laboratory tests indicate that the strength increases considerably with the inclusion of coir fibres. However, there is a lack of a proper methodology for quantifying the strength and stiffness of soil due to the inclusion of fibres. This paper discusses a few experimental results, different methods for evaluating the strength of fibre-reinforced soil, and the application of these methods to predict the strength response of coir-fibre-reinforced soil. The paper suggests a simple analytical approach to predict the stiffness modulus of fibre-reinforced soil.

Le coir, un matériau naturel biodégradable, se trouve en abondance dans la plupart des régions du sud-ouest de l'Inde, au Sri Lanka et dans d'autres pays asiatiques, oùil est de faible coût. L'utilisation du coir dans la construction géotechnique a commencé au début des années 90. On le trouve dans de nombreuses applications, telles que drainage et filtration, contrôle de l'érosion et amélioration de la stabilité superficielle de remblais sous la forme de feuilles ou de tapis dans certaines de ces régions. Plusieurs tentatives ont é té effectuées pour utiliser le coir comme matériau de renfort aléatoire. Dans ce cas, un certain pourcentage de fibres est intégré aà la matrice pour obtenir une amélioration des performances. Les résultats de laboratoire indiquent que la résistance augmente considérablement avec l'intégration de fibres de coir. Cependant, il n'existe pas de méthodologie satisfaisante pour quantifier la résistance et la rigidité du sol résultant de l'inclusion de fibres. Cet article analyse plusieurs résultats expérimentaux et différentes méthodes d'évaluation de la résistance d'un sol renforcé avec des fibres de coir. Il discute de l'application possible de ces méthodes pour prédire la réponse en résistance du sol ainsi renforcé. L'article propose une approche analytique simple pour estimer le module de rigidité d'un sol comportant un renfort de fibres de coir.
Dynamic Pricing of General Insurance in a Competitive Market
Authors: Emms Paul
Published: June 2007

A model for general insurance pricing is developed which represents a stochastic generalisation of the discrete model proposed by Taylor (1986). This model determines the insurance premium based both on the breakeven premium and the competing premiums offered by the rest of the insurance market. The optimal premium is determined using stochastic optimal control theory for two objective functions in order to examine how the optimal premium strategy changes with the insurer’s objective. Each of these problems can be formulated in terms of a multi-dimensional Bellman equation.

In the first problem the optimal insurance premium is calculated when the insurer maximises its expected terminal wealth. In the second, the premium is found if the insurer maximises the expected total discounted utility of wealth where the utility function is nonlinear in the wealth. The solution to both these problems is built-up from simpler optimisation problems. For the terminal wealth problem with constant loss-ratio the optimal premium strategy can be found analytically. For the total wealth problem the optimal relative premium is found to increase with the insurer’s risk aversion which leads to reduced market exposure and lower overall wealth generation.
Extension of the Capital Asset Pricing Model to Non-normal Dependence Structures
Authors: Johnston Mark
Published: June 2007

The Capital Asset Pricing Model arises in an economy where agents have exponential utility functions and aggregate consumption is normally distributed, and gives the prices of assets with payoffs which are jointly normal with consumption. Such assets have normal marginal distributions and have dependence with consumption characterised by a normal copula. Wang has derived a transform which extends the CAPM by allowing pricing of assets in such an economy which have non-normal marginal distributions but still are normal-copula with consumption.

Here we set out the stochastic discount factors corresponding to this version of the CAPM and to Wang’s transform, and show how to calculate stochastic discount factors and hence asset prices for assets whose dependence with consumption is non-normal. We show that the impact of dependency structure on asset prices is significant.
Bonus-malus Systems as Markov Set-chains
Authors: Niemiec Małgorzata
Published: June 2007

The objective of this paper is to present an analysis of a bonus-malus system (BMS) within the framework of the theory of ergodic Markov set-chains. It is shown that this type of Markov chains enables the evaluation of BMS, even in steady-state, under the assumption that transition probabilities change in a definite range. We introduce a model that allows the determination of the consequences of changes in the claim frequency of a policyholder. In a numerical example we examine the BMS employed by one of the Polish insurance companies.
An Individual Claims Reserving Model
Authors:   Larsen & Partners Limited
Published: June 2007

Traditional Chain Ladder models are based on a few cells in an upper triangle and often give inaccurate projections of the reserve. Traditional stochastic models are based on the same few summaries and in addition are based on the often unrealistic assumption of independence between the aggregate incremental values. In this paper a set of stochastic models with weaker assumptions based on the individual claims development are described. These models can include information about settlement and can handle seasonal effects, changes in mix of business and claim types as well as changes in mix of claim size. It is demonstrated how the distribution of the process can be specified and especially how the distribution of the reserve can be determined. The method is illustrated with an example.
Mortality Projection Based on the Wang Transform
Authors: Jong Piet De , Marshall Claymore
Published: June 2007

A new method for analysing and projecting mortality is proposed and examined. The method takes observed time series of survival probabilities, finds the corresponding z-scores in the standard normal distribution and forecasts the z-scores. The z-scores appear to follow a common simple linear progression in time and hence forecasting is straightforward. Analysis on the z-score scale offers useful insights into the way mortality evolves over time. The method and extensions are applied to Australian female mortality data to derive projections to the year 2100 in both survival probabilities and expectations of life.
Fidelity of J1269 and J2452
Authors: Popio James A. , Luchini John R.
Published: June 2007

This study compares data from the two Society of Automotive Engineers test methods for rolling resistance: J-2452 (Stepwise Coast-Down) and J-1269 (Equilibrium) steady state. The ability of the two methods to evaluate tires was examined by collecting data for 12 tires. The data were analyzed and the data showed that the two methods ranked the tires the same after the data were regressed and the rolling resistance magnitude was calculated at the Standard Reference Condition. In addition, analysis of the two methods using this matched set of testing provided an opportunity to evaluate each of these test standards against the other. It was observed that each test has merits absent from the other.
Le bois du Jura – de la tradition à l'appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) | Wood from Jura – from tradition to a label of origin (AOC)
Authors: Bonhôte Pierre
Published: June 2007

Within the context of a very competitive market characterised by prices that hardly cover the costs of production the creation of a label of origin (AOC) for the resinous wood of the Jura region seem to offer a promising way profiling a well-known product of high quality. According to an increasing number of scientific studies carried out within the framework of an Interreg project, the Swiss association for an AOC «wood from Jura»and its French counterpart have submitted an application for the recognition of an AOC label for the basic transformed products of resinous wood from this region. In return for an adaptation planned in Swiss forest legislation, an AOC could be granted on both sides of the national borders around 2010.
Sylviculture et revitalisation des habitats des Tétraonidés dans le canton de Neuchâtel (Suisse) | Silviculture and revitalisation of the Tetrao habitats in Canton Neuchâtel (Switzerland)
Authors: Mulhauser Blaise , Junod Pascal
Published: June 2007

Since initial awareness at the end of the 1980s of the contribution that differentiated silviculture can make to the survival of the capercaille and hazel grouse, a steadily growing collaborative approach has developed between grouse specialists, forest owners and silvicultural professionals. The article presents the experimental approach underway in Canton Neuchâtel with the aim of promoting the revitalisation of the habitat of these bird species. Founded on the setting up of networks of the regions' populations the forestry measures aim at the creation of a structured «patchwork» environment; each essential vegetative structure of the habitat of each species constitutes a particular part of the whole.
Bewertung lichter Wälder im Kanton Zürich und der Nutzen für das Projektmanagement | Evaluation of open forest in Canton Zurich and its significance for project management
Authors: Bertiller René , Keel Andreas , Stutz Hans-Peter
Published: June 2007

In 2004, the canton of Zurich possessed 376 hectares of uninterrupted open forest. Such stretches of forest provide essential habitats for animal species that favour both light and heat. Standardised surveys, and available data relative to existing flora and fauna has greatly facilitated the evaluation of the forest's vegetation and inhabitants. This contribution presents both the methods used, and the initial results. The advantages and disadvantages of the so called LiWa-indicator are discussed,and the way this evaluation method can be used to manage the plan of action entitled «Open forests in Canton Zurich»is illustrated.
Wo liegen die Kalender-Landschaften der Schweiz? | Where are all the calendar landscapes in Switzerland?
Authors: Kuster Thomas , Tanner Karl Martin
Published: June 2007

The locations of 750 calendar images of Switzerland spanning the years from 1951 to 2000 have been assessed. By far the greatest number of landscape images are from the Alps, more specifically from tourist regions, such as the Jungfrau and Aletsch region, Zermatt, Matterhorn, the Oberengadin, Bernina,the Santis and Churfirsten. It would be fairly safe to say that the landscapes that appear on calendars act as « ambassadors »for promoting Switzerland as an attractive country. Any areas of degraded or ruined landscape only serves to reduce this potential.
Bettlaubsammeln als Streunutzung im St. Galler Rheintal | Collecting leaves for beddings – a traditional forest use in the St. Galler Rheintal
Authors: Roth Liliane , Bürgi Matthias
Published: June 2007

So far, only little is known about the traditional forest use of collecting leaves for beddings. In a study in the St. Galler Rheintal, oral history interviews were conducted to collect traditional knowledge about the use, extent and the reasons why this special type of litter collection has been abandoned. The study shows that factors other than the availability of beach stands and the economic situation were responsible for the existence of this use. Amongst these, access to alternative materials for bedding, and regional traditions are the most prominent. In areas with a lack of access to alternatives, beach leaves were highly valued, but only rarely were they given a monetary value. According to the forest service, intensive leaf collection had negative effects on the forests, giving rise to the need for regulations. Our results show that these regulations were regionally very variable. The declining demand for leaves for beddings led to a slackening of the regulations, which were then subsequently abandoned altogether.
Der Gehölzbestand der aargauischen Reussebene 1971 und 2005 | The stock of groves in the Reuss plain of Aargau, 1971 to 2005
Authors: Steffan Anke
Published: June 2007

The communities of the Upper Freiamt (Canton Aargau) have seen a basic change to their landscape due to the restructuring of the Reuss plain. In contrast to melioration projects in other regions, the interests and aims of nature and landscape conservation had already been taken into account at the project planning stage. This article documents the changes to the stock of groves (trees, hedges and groups of groves) since 1971. The main focus is on the number of grove elements and their spatial distribution.
Identification and structuration of stakeholders: important steps in a participative process for a large project? Case study: the Third Rhône Correction Project (R3) in Switzerland (reviewed paper)
Authors: Luyet Vincent , Schlaepfer Rodolphe , Iorgulescu Ion
Published: June 2007

The main contributions of this paper are to propose a method to identify stakeholders, to regroup them into homogenous groups and then to assign to these groups a specific stakeholder involvement. Techniques are adapted,developed and tested to concretely apply this method.
Cell‐free synthesis and maturation of [FeFe] hydrogenases
Authors: Boyer Marcus E. , Stapleton James A. , Kuchenreuther Jon M. , Wang Chia‐wei , Swartz James R.
Published: June 2007

[FeFe] hydrogenases catalyze the reversible reduction of protons to molecular hydrogen (Adams (1990); Biochim Biophys Acta 1020(2): 115–145) and are of significant interest for the biological production of hydrogen fuel. They are complex proteins with active sites containing iron, sulfur, and carbon monoxide and cyanide ligands (Peters et al. (1998); Science 282(5395): 1853–1858). Maturation enzymes for [FeFe] hydrogenases have been identified (Posewitz et al. (2004); J Biol Chem 279(24): 25711–25720), but complete mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. The study of [FeFe] hydrogenases has been impeded by the lack of an easily manipulated expression/activation system capable of producing these complex and extremely oxygen‐sensitive enzymes. Here we show the first expression of functional [FeFe] hydrogenases in an Escherichia coli‐based cell‐free transcription/translation system. We have produced and matured both algal and bacterial hydrogenases using E. coli cell extracts containing the HydG, HydE, and HydF proteins from Shewanella oneidensis. The current system produces ∼22 µg/mL of active protein, constituting ∼44% of the total protein produced. Active protein yield is greatly enhanced by pre‐incubation of the maturation enzyme‐containing extract with inorganic iron and sulfur for reconstitution of the [Fe‐S] clusters in HydG, HydE, and HydF. The absence of cell walls permits direct addition of cofactors and substrates, enabling rapid production of active protein and providing control over the maturation conditions. These new capabilities will enhance the investigation of complex proteins requiring helper proteins for maturation and move us closer to the development of improved hydrogenases for biological production of hydrogen as a clean, renewable alternative fuel. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 59–67. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Versatile RHDV virus‐like particles: Incorporation of antigens by genetic modification and chemical conjugation
Authors: Peacey Matthew , Wilson Sarah , Baird Margaret A. , Ward Vernon K.
Published: June 2007

Virus‐like particles have proved to be excellent molecular scaffolds, yet the individual characteristics and immune responses generated against each VLP requires the development of a wide range of capsids for use as vaccines, molecular delivery vessels, and nanoscale templates. Here we describe the development of Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV)‐like particles as a rapidly versatile molecular workbench, overcoming limitations imposed by established genetic antigen incorporation procedures with chimeric VLP. Production of the RHDV capsid protein in a baculovirus system led to the self‐assembly of VLP which were recovered at over 99% purity and manipulated both genetically and chemically. Fusion of small peptide sequences to RHDV VLP was well tolerated, forming chimeric capsids that enhanced the presentation of foreign peptide to hybridoma T helper cells 700‐fold. Rapid and simple conjugation techniques employing the hetero‐bifunctional chemical linker sulfo‐SMCC enabled both small peptides and whole proteins to be conjugated to the surface of RHDV VLP, overcoming limitations imposed on VLP formation and yield experienced with chimeric VLP. Administration of VLP/ovalbumin conjugate provoked high titre ovalbumin‐specific antibody in mice, demonstrating the immune stimulatory properties of the capsid were conferred to conjugated foreign antigen. VLP facilitated delivery of conjugated antigen to dendritic cells, eliciting proliferative responses in naïve TCR transgenic T helper cells that were at least 10‐fold greater than ovalbumin antigen delivered alone. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 968–977. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pretreatment of eucalyptus wood chips for enzymatic saccharification using combined sulfuric acid‐free ethanol cooking and ball milling
Authors: Teramoto Yoshikuni , Tanaka Noriko , Lee Seung‐Hwan , Endo Takashi
Published: June 2007

A combined sulfuric acid‐free ethanol cooking and pulverization process was developed in order to achieve the complete saccharification of the cellulosic component of woody biomass, thereby avoiding the problems associated with the use of strong acid catalysts. Eucalyptus wood chips were used as a raw material and exposed to an ethanol/water/acetic acid mixed solvent in an autoclave. This process can cause the fibrillation of wood chips. During the process, the production of furfural due to an excessive degradation of polysaccharide components was extremely low and delignification was insignificant. Therefore, the cooking process is regarded not as a delignification but as an activation of the original wood. Subsequently, the activated solid products were pulverized by ball‐milling in order to improve their enzymatic digestibility. Enzymatic hydrolysis experiments demonstrated that the conversion of the cellulosic components into glucose attained 100% under optimal conditions. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometry and particle size distribution analysis revealed that the scale affecting the improvement of enzymatic digestibility ranged from 10 nm to 1 µm. Field emission scanning electron microscopy depicted that the sulfuric acid‐free ethanol cooking induced a pore formation by the removal of part of the lignin and hemicellulose fractions in the size range from a few of tens nanometers to several hundred nanometers. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 75–85. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acidification of methanol‐fed anaerobic granular sludge bioreactors by cobalt deprivation: Induction and microbial community dynamics
Authors: Fermoso Fernando G. , Collins Gavin , Bartacek Jan , O'Flaherty Vincent , Lens Piet
Published: June 2007

The acidification of mesophilic (30°C) methanol‐fed upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactors induced by cobalt deprivation from the influent was investigated by coupling the reactor performance (pH 7.0; organic loading rate 4.5 g COD · L−1 · d−1) to the microbial ecology of the bioreactor sludge. The latter was investigated by specific methanogenic activity (SMA) measurements and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to quantify the abundance of key organisms over time. This study hypothesized that under cobalt limiting conditions, the SMA on methanol of the sludge gradually decreases, which ultimately results in methanol accumulation in the reactor effluent. Once the methanol accumulation surpasses a threshold value (about 8.5 mM for the sludge investigated), reactor acidification occurs because acetogens outcompete methylothrophic methanogens at these elevated methanol concentrations. Methanogens present in granular sludge at the time of the acidification do not use methanol as the direct substrate and are unable to degrade acetate. Methylotrophic/acetoclastic methanogenic activity was found to be lost within 10 days of reactor operation, coinciding with the disappearance of the Methanosarcina population. The loss of SMA on methanol can thus be used as an accurate parameter to predict reactor acidification of methanol‐fed UASB reactors operating under cobalt limiting conditions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;99: 49–59. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The professional liability of behavioral scientists: An overview
Authors: Cohen Ronald Jay
Published: June 2007

Issues regarding the question of what constitutes malpractice by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals, are reviewed. The legal concepts of negligence, professional liability, and causation are explained and related subjects including the duty of mental health professionals and what constitutes a breach of that duty are discussed and illustrated. Guidelines for avoiding legal jeopardy are also presented.
Tardive dyskinesia and malpractice
Authors: Wettstein Robert M.
Published: June 2007

Tardive dyskinesia is a potentially irreversible disorder of involuntary movement which may result from the prolonged use of neuroleptic medication in some patients. Its increase in prevalence in recent years has been accompanied by increased apprehension in the medical community regarding malpractice litigation. Following an update of current knowledge about tardive dyskinesia, several legal aspects of tardive dyskinesia are reviewed, including negligence, breach of contract, fraud, strict liability and informed consent. Despite considerable criticism of the doctrine of informed consent, it is suggested that it constitutes an inherent and indispensable component of long‐term psychiatric treatment, where tardive dyskinesia is at issue.
The hazards of writing or disclosing information in psychiatry
Authors: Slovenko Ralph
Published: June 2007

The health care professional must be aware of the potential hazards in writing or disclosing information about a patient or a non‐patient. Two important interests are pitted against each other: dissemination of scientific information versus confidentiality. Presented is a discussion of the legal and ethical issues involved in (1) writing an article or book about a patient, (2) writing about a research subject, (3) writing about a subject of a forensic examination on behalf of the court or attorney, and (4) writing in a medical record.
The anatomy of a hostage situation
Authors: Wesselius Cassie L. , DeSarno James V.
Published: June 2007

The authors have attempted to exemplify the social‐psychological interplay between hostage and hostage taker and to dissect the impact of this type of event by focusing on one hostage‐taking incident. The event described is representative of many incidents in which the hostage taker acts alone, without a supporting organization, and is primarily motivated by expressive needs. The hostages suffered many common emotions and symptoms. Each hostage also suffered in an individual way, determined in part by preceding events and dynamics and in part by the roles they assumed within the hostage situation. The more common Hostage Response Syndrome included the overt appearance of the Stockholm Syndrome in only one of the hostages.
Behavioral scientists and law enforcement personnel: Working together on the problem of terrorism
Authors: Soskis David A.
Published: June 2007

Behavioral scientists work with law enforcement personnel on the problem of terrorism in three general contexts: clinical help for victims, training and consultation for hostage negotiation, and profiling and institutional consultation. In a study of 115 senior police officers working in the area of terrorism, subjects valued psychological counseling for crime victims within a broad framework of financial and criminal justice services. When describing a past personal victim experience, they valued direct physical action in their own coping, but expressions of sympathy and reassurance when provided by others. Problems encountered by behavioral scientists working in this area have usually involved difficulties in maintaining an effective consultant role, over‐identification with the law enforcement identity, or inappropriate media statements.
Thought control and the first amendment
Authors: Beyer Stephan V.
Published: June 2007

This article explores the application of the free speech clause of the First Amendment to the purported right of an individual to think socially stigmatized thoughts—for example, psychotic or sexually sadistic thoughts. The state may attempt to control such thoughts either by imposing a thought‐control technology on the thinker or by prohibiting the thinker from voluntarily using thought‐control technology of his own. Thought‐control technologies embrace antipsychotic drugs, hallucinogenic drugs, pornography, and other mind‐altering devices. Two underlying models of the free speech clause are proposed—a strong model and a weak model. Despite the apparent endorsement of the strong model by the United States Supreme Court, courts in fact vacillate between the two models and are, apparently, reluctant to utilize the First Amendment as a tool to enforce any right to think wicked thoughts. This reluctance, it is proposed, may well have a religious basis in an equation of wicked thoughts with sin.
Psychojargon in the psycholegal report: Ratings by judges, psychiatrists, and psychologists
Authors: Dietz Park Elliott , Cooke Gerald , Rappeport Jonas R. , Silvergleit Ira T.
Published: June 2007

Questionnaires designed to measure the perceived value of technical terminology for psycholegal reports were completed by 67 judges, 78 forensic psychiatrists, and 126 forensic psychologists. Judges were asked for ratings of the degree to which each term aids their understanding, and clinicians were asked for ratings of the likelihood that they would use each term in a report for the court. Rank‐ordered ratings of the 45 terms were highly correlated among the three respondent groups, suggesting that forensic clinicians are generally aware of the problem of using incomprehensible psychojargon. Empirical ratings can be helpful in distinguishing between comprehensible and incomprehensible psychojargon for psycholegal use.
Female patients who assault in the hospital
Authors: Felthous Alan R. , Coyne Lolafaye
Published: June 2007

This pilot study investigates factors associated with assaultive behavior in hospitalized female patients. Eight patients who assaulted were compared with 11 patients who did not. Associated with the assaultive sample were prior assaults, a time span from first to last assault of over one year and destruction of property. Behavioral items significantly associated with assault included a history of breaking glass objects, a history of breaking window panes and a history of frequent physical assaults between 10 and 18 years of age. No relationship between organic findings suggestive of CNS dysfunction and assaultiveness was found.