bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Arf activator Gea2p and the P-type ATPase Drs2p interact at the Golgi in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chantalat Sophie , Park Sei-Kyoung , Hua Zhaolin , Liu Ke , Gobin Renée , Peyroche Anne , Rambourg Alain , Graham Todd R. , Jackson Catherine L.
Published: January 2004

Arf GTPases regulate both the morphological and protein sorting events that are essential for membrane trafficking. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) specific for Arf proteins determine when and where Arf GTPases will be activated in cells. The yeast Gea2p Arf GEF is a member of an evolutionarily conserved family of high molecular mass Arf GEFs that are peripherally associated with membranes. Nothing is known about how these proteins are localized to membranes, and few direct binding partners have been identified. In yeast, Gea2p has been implicated in trafficking through the Golgi apparatus and in maintaining Golgi structure. A major function of the Golgi apparatus is the packaging of cargo into secretory granules or vesicles. This process occurs through a series of membrane transformation events starting with fenestration of a saccular membrane, and subsequent remodeling of the fenestrated membrane into a mesh-like tubular network. Concentration of secretory cargo into nodes of the tubular network leads to enlargement of the nodes, which correspond to forming vesicles/granules, and thinning of the surrounding tubules. The tubules eventually break to release the secretory vesicles/granules into the cytoplasm. This process is highly conserved at the morphological level from yeast to mammalian cells. Drs2p, a multi-span transmembrane domain protein and putative aminophospholipid translocase, is required for the formation of a class of secretory granules/vesicles in yeast. Here we show that Drs2p interacts directly with Gea2p, both in vitro and in vivo. We mapped the domain of interaction of Drs2p to a 20-amino-acid region of the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of the protein, adjacent to a region essential for Drs2p function. Mutations in Gea2p that abolish interaction with Drs2p are clustered in the C-terminal third of the Sec7 domain, and are important for Gea2p function. We characterize one such mutant that has a thermosensitive phenotype, and show that it has morphological defects along the secretory pathway in the formation of secretory granules/vesicles.
Phosphorylation of golgin-160 by mixed lineage kinase 3
Authors: Cha Hyukjin , Smith Barbara L. , Gallo Kathleen , Machamer Carolyn E. , Shapiro Paul
Published: January 2004

Golgin-160 is a member of the coiled-coil family of golgin proteins, which are proposed to regulate the structure of the Golgi complex. The C-terminal two-thirds of golgin-160 is predicted to form a coiled-coil domain and the N-terminal head domain contains several putative binding domains, regulatory motifs and phosphorylation sites. Recently, it has been demonstrated that caspase-dependent cleavage of the golgin-160 head domain occurs rapidly after induction of apoptosis. The role of golgin-160 phosphorylation and the functional implications for Golgi structure have not been defined. In this study, we investigated the kinase(s) responsible for phosphorylation of golgin-160. Signaling through the small G-protein Rac and mixed-lineage-kinase-3 (MLK3) resulted in increased phosphorylation of golgin-160. The intracellular distribution of MLK3 overlapped with that of golgin-160 and the two proteins could be co-immunoprecipitated. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated that MLK3 directly phosphorylates golgin-160 in the N-terminal head region between residues 96 and 259. Overexpression of MLK3 caused an enhanced caspase-dependent cleavage of golgin-160 at Asp139. Golgin-160 is the first non-kinase substrate of MLK3 identified, and phosphorylation by MLK3 might modulate cleavage of golgin-160 during apoptosis.
The Q267E mutation in the sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) causes congenital iodide transport defect (ITD) by decreasing the NIS turnover number
Authors: De la Vieja Antonio , Ginter Christopher S. , Carrasco Nancy
Published: January 2004

The Na+/I- symporter (NIS) is a key plasma membrane glycoprotein that mediates active iodide (I-) transport in the thyroid and other tissues. Since isolation of the cDNA encoding NIS (G. Dai, O. Levy, and N. Carrasco (1996) Nature 379, 458-460), ten mutations in NIS have been identified as causes of congenital iodide transport defect (ITD). Two of these mutations (T354P and G395R) have been thoroughly characterized at the molecular level. Both mutant NIS proteins are inactive but normally expressed and correctly targeted to the plasma membrane. The hydroxyl group at the β-carbon of residue 354 is essential for NIS function, whereas the presence of a charged or large side-chain at position 395 interferes with NIS function. We report the extensive molecular analysis of the Q267E mutation in COS-7 cells transfected with rat or human Q267E NIS cDNA constructs. We used site-directed mutagenesis to engineer various residue substitutions into position 267. In contrast to previous suggestions that Q267E NIS was inactive, possibly because of a trafficking defect, we conclusively show that Q267E NIS is modestly active and properly targeted to the plasma membrane. Q267E NIS exhibited lower Vmax values for I- than wild-type NIS, suggesting that the decreased level of activity of Q267E NIS is due to a lower catalytic rate. That Q267E NIS retains even partial activity sets this ITD-causing mutant apart from T354P and G395R NIS. The presence of charged residues (of any polarity) other than Glu at position 267 rendered NIS inactive without affecting its expression or targeting, but substitution with neutral residues at this position was compatible with partial activity.
Characterization of branchial lead-calcium interaction in the freshwater rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Rogers Joseph T. , Wood Chris M.
Published: January 2004

The mechanism of branchial lead uptake and interplay with Ca2+transport was investigated in the freshwater rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. Lead significantly reduced Ca2+ influx by approximately 40% and 30% after exposure to 2.3±0.1 and 1.4±0.2μmol l-1 dissolved lead, respectively, for 0-48 h. Acute inhibition of Ca2+ influx by lead exhibited typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an approximate 16-fold increase in Km, whereas Jmax values did not significantly change, yielding an inhibitor constant(Ki,Pb) of 0.48 μmol l-1. Alternative analyses suggest the possibility of a mixed competitive/non-competitive interaction at the highest lead concentration tested (4.8 μmol l-1). Branchial lead accumulation was reduced with increasing waterborne Ca2+ concentrations, suggesting a protective effect of Ca2+ against lead uptake at the gill. The apical entries of Ca2+ and lead were both inhibited (55% and 77%, respectively) by the addition of lanthanum (1 μmol l-1) to the exposure water. The use of cadmium (1 μmol l-1) and zinc (100 μmol l-1) as voltage-independent calcium channel competitors also reduced branchial lead uptake by approximately 56% and 47%, respectively. Nifedipine and verapamil (up to 100 μmol l-1), both voltage-dependent calcium channel blockers, had no effect on gill lead accumulation. CaCl2 injection reduced both Ca2+ and lead uptake by the gills. This suggests transport of lead through apical voltage-independent calcium channels, similar to the entry of Ca2+. High-affinity Ca2+-ATPase activity was not acutely affected by lead, but a significant 80% reduction in activity occurred during exposure for 96 h to 5.5±0.4 μmol l-1 dissolved lead, indicating a possible non-competitive component to lead-induced Ca2+ disruption. The effect of lead on Ca2+ efflux was investigated and found to be insignificant. We conclude that uptake of lead occurs, at least in part, by the same mechanism as Ca2+, which results in disruption of Ca2+ influx and ultimately Ca2+ homeostasis.
Inverse venting problem for estimation of the discharge coefficient in a satellite launch vehicle
Authors: Mehta R C
Published: January 2004

The pressure variation inside the heat shield of a satellite launch vehicle during ascent flight through the atmosphere induces structure load. If the depressurization of air is not rapid or appropriate, excessive pressure loading can cause structural failure of the heat shield or malfunctioning of the electronic devices of the satellite. The pressure inside the heat shield compartment is generally computed numerically by solving a compressible and isentropic flow equation using knowledge of the discharge coefficient as a function of Mach number. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the compartment is then evaluated using the atmospheric pressure as a function of the altitude. In this paper, an inverse venting problem for estimation of the discharge coefficient is presented using measured internal pressure inside a compartment during the ascent flight of a satellite launch vehicle. The discharge coefficients are estimated using the Newton-Raphson method and a direct-search procedure utilizing pseudo-random numbers. It is found that the estimated discharge coefficient is dependent on the flight Mach number of the vehicle.
Steady and unsteady multiblock hovering rotor simulations
Authors: Allen C B
Published: January 2004

A multiblock upwind Euler solver is presented and applied to multibladed lifting hovering rotor flow. Hovering rotor flows can be simulated as a steady case in a blade-fixed rotating coordinate system. Furthermore, periodic boundary conditions mean that only part of the domain need be considered, and so a single-block structured grid can be used. However, forward flight simulation will always require an unsteady solution, and the complete rotor disc must be considered, so a multiblock grid is preferable, for a structured grid solution, particularly to represent complex blades or hubs. Hence, as a stepping stone in the development of a forward flight simulation tool, both explicit steady and implicit unsteady simulations of the same hovering case are presented using a multiblock grid. Convergence of the two approaches is examined and compared, in terms of residual history, cost and solution evolution, as a means of both validating the unsteady formulation and considering implications for forward flight simulation. Consideration of the solution evolution and wake capturing shows that, for hovering rotor cases, the unsteady and steady solutions are the same, but the unsteady solution is more expensive in terms of CPU time. It is also shown that, for hover, the fewer real time steps taken per revolution, the more efficient the implicit scheme will be.
The fundamental configuration and design of the compound helicopter
Authors: Orchard M , Newman S
Published: January 2004

The compound helicopter has much to offer as a means of expanding the flight envelope of rotorcraft. There have been significant amounts of research performed, albeit disjointed, and many flight demonstrator compound helicopters produced and trialled since the end of the Second World War mainly with the aim of increasing the helicopter's maximum forward speed. This paper aims to pool this knowledge, along with relevant developments in other fields, not only to state the current level of understanding of the compound helicopter configuration but also to use it to predict likely configurations and technologies that would be best suited to future compound helicopter designs. From this basis it is suggested that the most likely configuration will be a low wing of minimized area to alleviate retreating blade stall at a minimum hover blockage, with plain flaps for blockage reduction and control of the rotor-wing load share. In terms of propulsion a ducted fan or propeller are deemed most suitable, driven by either an advanced mechanical drive or variable cycle engine. The areas of rotor-wing interaction and advanced rotor design are also noted as subjects of significant interest in the optimal design of a compound helicopter.
On the use of control surface excitation in flutter testing
Authors: Wright J R , Wong J , Cooper J E , Dimitriadis G
Published: January 2004

Flutter testing is aimed at demonstrating that the aircraft flight envelope is flutter free. Response measurements from deliberate excitation of the structure are used to identify and track frequency and damping values against velocity. In this paper, the common approach of using a flight control surface to provide the excitation is examined using a mathematical model of a wing and control surface whose rotation is restrained by a simple actuator. In particular, it is shown that it is essential to use the demand signal to the actuator as a reference signal for data processing. Use of the actuator force (or strain) or control angle (or actuator displacement) as a reference signal is bad practice because these signals contain response information. It may also be dangerous in that the onset of flutter may not be seen in the test results.
Synthesis of Dialkyl Dithiophosphate Surface-Capped Copper Nanoclusters
Authors: Wang Xiaobo , Liu Weimin , Yan Fengyuan , Zhang Zhijun , Xu Binshi
Published: January 2004

Dialkyl dithiophosphate-capped lyophobic copper nanoclusters of a mean size of 4.0 ± 1.1 nm were synthesized by a novel method. The method was characterized by the generation of small copper clusters through aqueous reduction and the extraction of the clusters into organic solvent using dialkyldithiophosphate.
Selective Oxidation of Cycloalkanes over Iron-substituted Hexagonal Mesoporous Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieves
Authors: Mohapatra Susanta K , Selvam Parasuraman
Published: January 2004

Iron-substituted hexagonal mesoposours aluminiphosphate (FeHMA) molecular sieves oxidize cycloalkanes into cycloalkanols and cycloalkanones with excellent yield in the presence of molecular oxygen or air under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst showed higher activity as compared to mesoporous FeMCM-41 as well as microporous FeS-1 and FeAPO-5 molecular sieves, and that FeHMA can be recycled without much loss in activity.
Catalytic Oxidation of Cyclohexene by Molecular Oxygen over Isopolyoxometalates
Authors: Liu Yanyong , Murata Kazuhisa , Inaba Megumu , Nakajima Hitoshi , Koya Masahiko , Tomokuni Keizou
Published: January 2004

Isopolyoxomolybdates exhibited high selectivities for the industrially useful products (cyclohexene oxide and 2-cyclohexen-1-ol) catalyzing effectively the reaction of initial product cyclohexenyl hydroperoxide with cyclohexene in the oxidation of cyclohexene by molecular oxygen.
Synthesis of Microporous Silica Templated by Gelatin
Authors: Jia Jianguang , Zhou Xiaowen , Caruso Rachel A , Antonietti Markus
Published: January 2004

Gelatin, a low cost biopolymer was successfully used as a porogen to form microporous silica in the presence of formic acid as a cosolvent.
Enantiomeric Resolution of Intramolecular Amine–Borane Complex with a Chiral Boron Center
Authors: Toyota Shinji , Hakamata Tomohiro , Nitta Naoya , Ito Fumiko
Published: January 2004

The enantiomers of [2-(dimethylaminomethyl)phenyl](pentafluoropropionyloxy)phenylborane were successfully resolved by chiral HPLC as a new type of intramolecular amine–borane complex with a chiral center at the tetrahedral boron atom. The X-ray structure, the barrier to racemization, and the chiroptical properties are reported.
Synthesis of Novel Nano-structured Clays: Unique Conformation of Pillar Complexes
Authors: Yamaguchi Norihito , Shimazu Shogo , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Uematsu Takayoshi
Published: January 2004

Novel nano-structured clays were synthesized from cation exchange reaction by the intercalation of rhodium complexes with ligand spacers into clay. Expansion of interlayer space of the modified clays depends on the spacers. A unique conformation of pillar complexes was detected by cross polarization magic angle spinning (CP MAS) NMR.
The First Luminescent Anionic Bis(ethynylphenanthroline)gold(I) Complex
Authors: Yamamoto Youhei , Shiotsuka Michito , Okuno Sigeru , Onaka Satoru
Published: January 2004

First anionic bis(ethynylphenanthroline)gold(I) complex and neutral diethynylphenanthroline–digold(I) complex have demonstrated an intense phosphorescence which is assignable to 3π–π*(C≡C) emission even at room temperature. It is appropriate to highlight the role of gold(I) coordination which enables the spin–orbit coupling and facilitates the observation of triplet emissions.
Selection of RNA-binding Peptides Containing an Arg-rich Motif
Authors: Shimada Naohiko , Iwase Reiko , Yamaoka Tetsuji , Murakami Akira
Published: January 2004

In order to create RNA-binding peptides, we designed peptides based on the sequence information of the RNA-binding proteins and selected them using affinity chromatography. The five peptides out of 42 peptides were efficiently selected. The selected peptides containing Asn and Arg could recognize the RNA structure with the binding pocket such as the internal loop or G•U wobble pair.
Direct Observation of the Li+–18-Crown-6 Complex Working as H2O Capture in Acetone–Water Mixture
Authors: Kikuchi Yoichi , Haramoto Kayoko , Mochizuki Shunsuke , Wakisaka Akihiro
Published: January 2004

The complex formation of alkali metal ion (Li+ or Na+) with 18-crown-6 in an acetone–water mixed solvent was studied by means of the specially designed mass spectrometer. The Li+–18-crown-6 complex can hold one H2O in its cavity in the mixed solvent, whereas the Na+–18-crown-6 complex hardly holds an H2O.
Self-organized Nanocomposites of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with Octa(3-aminopropyl)octasilsesquioxane
Authors: Wang Xiaqin , Naka Kensuke , Itoh Hideaki , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2004

Self-organized nanocomposites of functionalized gold nanoparticles with octa(3-aminopropyl)octasilsesquioxane were prepared via electrostatic interaction between carboxylate groups and ammonium cations under mild basic conditions. Subsequent chemical reaction between the reactive ion couples well-defined in the nanocomposites generated amide bonds between the two components.
Topographical Imaging of Soft Structures of Lipid Membranes at Water–solid Interface by Fluorescence Interferometry
Authors: Suzuki Kenji , Masuhara Hiroshi
Published: January 2004

We have developed a modified fluorescence interference contrast microscopy (FICM) that facilitates height measurement of soft structures of lipid membranes in nm-scale. The resolution of the method was examined by measuring depth of micropits on glass substrates covered with bilayer lipid membranes, and then thickness of giant membrane lobes was measured as a practical example of soft structures.
Lattice Deformation of Strain-induced Crystallites in Carbon-filled Natural Rubber
Authors: Poompradub Sirilux , Tosaka Masatoshi , Kohjiya Shinzo , Ikeda Yuko , Toki Shigeyuki , Sics Igors , Hsiao Benjamin S
Published: January 2004

By using a powerful synchrotron X-ray radiation, lattice deformation of strain-induced crystallites in carbon-black-filled natural rubber with nominal stress was clarified. The degree of deformation of the unit cell became smaller by filling with carbon black. This result implies that as some local stress was transferred to carbon black, relatively less stress was apportioned to strain-induced crystallites.
Electroless Formation of Pressure Sensitive Thin Films of Platinum Porphyrin Using Surfactants with an Azobenzene Group
Authors: Ito Yoshitaka , Mitsuo Kazunori , Asai Keisuke , Okura Ichiro , Saji Tetsuo
Published: January 2004

Pressure sensitive thin films of platinum porphyrin with a polymer binder are prepared by the micelle disruption method using redox-active surfactants with an azobenzene group. Much thinner films can be prepared by this method than conventional methods, which provide a quick time response to pressure changes. Furthermore, the thin films prepared by this method show a good linearity in the Stern–Volmer plot and a high sensitivity to pressure.
Synthesis of Graft Copolymer from Polysilsesquioxane Initiated by Photoiniferter
Authors: Moriya Osamu , Yamamoto Shin-ichi , Kumon Takeo , Kageyama Toshifumi , Kimura Atsuko , Sugizaki Toshio
Published: January 2004

From the polysilsesquioxane having phenyl groups and diethyldithiocarbamate groups served as the photoiniferters, the graft derivative (4) was obtained by the polymerization with N,N-dimethylacrylamide under UV irradiation without gelation. The effects of the grafting on physical properties were shown in the measurements of thermal stability and contact angle of 4.
Intermolecular Communication on Lipid Bilayer Membrane. Control of Enzymatic Activity Triggered by a Lipid Signal
Authors: Tian Wen-Jie , Sasaki Yoshihiro , Ikeda Atsushi , Kikuchi Jun-ichi , Fan Sheng-Di
Published: January 2004

Functionalized lipid membrane, on which enzymatic activity was switched by a lipid signal, was constructed by self-assembling of the following components in aqueous media; a cationic peptide lipid as a bilayer-forming matrix, dimyristoylphosphatidylethanolamine as a lipid signal, lactate dehydrogenase as a membrane-binding effector, and Cu2+ ion as a mediator between the signal and the effector. Upon addition of pyridoxal 5′-phosphate as a signal activator, specific binding of the activator to the lipid signal induced activation of the enzyme.
A Novel 3-D Network of Fe(II) Glutarate: 2-D Honeycomb-type Edge-shared FeO6 Layers and Isolated Interlayer FeO6 Octahedra
Authors: Kim YooJin , Park YunJu , Jung Duk-Young , Oh Sangjun , Kim Dae Sung , Sur Jung Chul
Published: January 2004

The 3-D structure of Fe(II) glutarate is built up from 2-D honeycomb layers of 12-membered FeO6 polyhedra and pillar-like interlayer FeO6 interconnected by Fe–O–C–O–Fe bridging modes, presenting ferrimagnetic coupling below 5 K.
Curdlan and Schizophyllan (β-1,3-Glucans) can Entrap Single-wall Carbon Nanotubes in Their Helical Superstructure
Authors: Numata Munenori , Asai Masayoshi , Kaneko Kenji , Hasegawa Teruaki , Fujita Norifumi , Kitada Yumiko , Sakurai Kazuo , Shinkai Seiji
Published: January 2004

We have found that s-SPG and curdlan are capable of wrapping SWNTs and the “periodical” helical structure is created, reflecting the helical nature of the SPG main-chain, on the SWNTs surface. The novel SWNTs/β-1,3-glucan composites were characterized by TEM and AFM, which consistently support the view that these β-1,3-glucans wrap SWNTs, creating a helical higher-order structure.
Synthesis of Novel Luminescent Substrates and Their Incorporation into a Protein Only at a Terminal Site via a Transglutaminase-catalyzed Enzymatic Reaction
Authors: Taki Masumi , Taira Kazunari
Published: January 2004

Luminescent lanthanide chelator and pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes were synthesized and conjugated only to a terminal site of a protein through mild enzymatic reaction.
New Synthesis of Isoquinoline Derivatives by Reactions of 2-(2-Methoxyethenyl)benzonitriles with Organolithiums and Lithium Dialkylamides
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuhiro , Shiokawa Taiyo , Morikawa Osamu , Konishi Hisatoshi
Published: January 2004

A simple and efficient synthesis of 1-alkyl(or aryl)isoquinoline and isoquinolin-1-amine derivatives based on intramolecular cyclization of 2-(2-methoxyethenyl)benzonitriles initiated by the addition of alkyl(or aryl)lithiums and lithium dialkylamides to the nitrile carbons, respectively, is described.
Synthesis of SF2809-V, Chymase Inhibitor, and Its Analogs by Three Component Reaction: Model Study for High Throughput Synthesis of a Chymase Inhibitor Library
Authors: Yamamoto Yasuo , Harimaya Kenzo
Published: January 2004

SF2809-V, chymase inhibitor, was synthesized by a three component reaction and its sixteen analogs were also synthesized to establish a method for preparation of a chymase inhibitor library.
Cytoplasmic Molecular Delivery by Hematoporphyrin Derivative-based Photodynamic Treatment Using High-intensity Pulsed Laser Irradiation
Authors: Miyamoto Yuuichi , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Meguro Takashi , Iwaki Masaya
Published: January 2004

Photosensitized HeLa cells receiving high-intensity pulsed laser irradiation exhibited pores on the membrane surface. We attempted to deliver FITC-labeled dextran (71.6 kDa) into the cell cytoplasm. The ratio of FITC-positive cells in photodynamic-treated HeLa cells was significantly higher than that of non-treated HeLa cells, with no loss in cell viability.
Photorefractivity of Mixtures of a Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal and Photoconductive Polymers
Authors: Nakazawa Yukihito , Sasaki Takeo
Published: January 2004

The photorefractive properties of mixtures of a ferroelectric liquid crystal and photoconductive polymers were investigated by two-beam coupling experiments. A photorefractive effect based on reorientation of spontaneous polarization was induced in these mixtures. Asymmetric energy exchange was observed in the Bragg diffraction condition and gain coefficients of 10–15 cm−1 were obtained. It was found that the internal electric field was efficiently formed in polymer/FLC mixtures.
Large Scale Fabrication of Hollow Palladium Nanospheres by Template-free Approach
Authors: Zhang Xuanjun , Zhao Qingrui , Tian Yupeng , Xie Yi
Published: January 2004

In large-scale and high yields hollow palladium nanospheres with different scales were fabricated by template-free approach in one step at room temperature. The hollow nanospheres were found to form from the aggregation of small palladium nanoparticles.
A Novel Method for the Preparation of Green-photoluminescent Zinc Oxide by Microwave-assisted Carbothermal Reduction
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsushi , Wada Yuji , Miyamoto Hiromitsu , Yanagida Shozo
Published: January 2004

We succeeded in preparing green-photoluminescent zinc oxide (ZnO) by microwave-assisted carbothermal reduction in air. This method enables us to control the maximum green-PL intensity by changing the percentage of carbon reacted under microwave irradiation for only 2 min at 650 W.
Baeyer–Villiger Oxidations in Ionic Liquids. A Facile Conversion of Ketones to Esters and Lactones
Authors: Yadav J S , Reddy B V S , Basak A K , Narsaiah A V
Published: January 2004

A variety of cyclic and acyclic ketones underwent readily oxidation with m-chloroperbenzoic acid (m-CPBA) in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [bmim]BF4 to afford esters/lactones with high selectivity, ease of product separation and in excellent chemical yields. The reaction proceeded smoothly in ionic liquid without the need of any additional acid or base catalyst. The ketones show enhanced reactivity in ionic liquids thereby reducing reaction times and improving the yields significantly.
Highly Isospecific Polymerization of Propylene with Bis(phenoxy-imine) Zr and Hf Complexes Using iBu3Al/Ph3CB(C6F5)4 as a Cocatalyst
Authors: Prasad Aitha Vishwa , Makio Haruyuki , Saito Junji , Onda Mitsuhiko , Fujita Terunori
Published: January 2004

Highly isospecific propylene polymerization was achieved by bis(phenoxy-imine) Zr and Hf complexes combined with iBu3Al/Ph3CB(C6F5)4. Microstructural analyses of the isotactic polymers suggested that the polymerization probably proceeds via a site-control mechanism with a 1,2-insertion of propylene. Among the complexes examined, Hf complex 2 produced the highest tacticity polypropylene ([mmmm] 96.8%, Tm 165.1 °C) that is comparable to that made by the best heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts.
Direct Alkylation and Phenylation of 3,8-Dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline with Grignard Reagents
Authors: Anzai Kazushige , Fukumoto Hiroki , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: January 2004

Reactions of alkyl and phenyl Grignard reagents with 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline led to alkylation and phenylation at the 2-position of 1,10-phenanthroline. The prepared 2-alkyl-1,10-phenanthroline forms a 1:1 complex with Cu(II) and serves as a starting material for poly(2-alkyl-1,10-phenanthroline-3,8-diyl).
How well do members of the public deal with a distributive justice problem in health care?
Authors: Wilmot Stephen , Ratcliffe Julie , Allen Clare
Published: January 2004

Objectives: There is some debate about the appropriateness of involving the general public in decisions concerning the prioritising and rationing of health care resources. Doubt has been expressed about the public's ability to deal with these issues in a fair and rational way without taking refuge in ready-made official ideologies. This study considers the quality of discussion achieved by members of the public on this issue in terms of their ability to recognise the validity of conflicting arguments, to cope with the shifting positions created by these conflicts, and to avoid opting for simplistic ready-made solutions. It also records the participants' own perceptions of the quality of their discussion.

Methods: Four focus groups were recruited through community organisations in a suburban area of Derby, and were asked to evaluate criteria for the rationing of donor livers for transplantation, relating this to specific patient profiles. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative methods.

Results: Three groups showed an ability to work with shifting and conflicting arguments on most issues they discussed, but two of these groups showed a tendency to adopt simplistic solutions on one specific issue. The fourth group adopted a clear-cut solution to the main issues early on, and adhered to it for the rest of the discussion.

Conclusion: The overall performance of the groups suggests that rational and open public discussion can be achieved, but that participants may need support in avoiding premature adoption of simplistic solutions.
An holistic economic evaluation of an Aboriginal community-controlled midwifery programme in Western Sydney
Authors: Jan Stephen , Conaty Stephen , Hecker Rosalind , Bartlett Mark , Delaney Sheilah , Capon Tony
Published: January 2004

Objectives: To conduct an holistic economic evaluation of an Aboriginal community (Daruk)-controlled midwifery service in Western Sydney.

Methods: The study estimated direct programme costs and downstream savings to the health sector. Measures of antenatal attendance and perinatal outcome were compared between Aboriginal women with and without experiences of the antenatal programme through examination of antenatal clinic records and the New South Wales Midwives Data Collection for the period 1991–1996. Qualitative outcomes were analysed through interviews and focus groups.

Results: The net cost to the health sector was estimated to be $A1200 per client. Compared with Aboriginal women who received antenatal care in two conventional settings, there were no statistically significant differences in birthweight and perinatal survival. Gestational age at first visit was lower (17.2 vs 21.2 and 19.9 weeks), mean number of antenatal visits was higher (10.5 vs 5.5 and 9.5) and attendance for routine antenatal tests was better (94% vs 71% and 84%). Aboriginal clients were strongly positive about their experience of the Daruk service in terms of relationship and trust, accessibility, flexibility, provision of clear and appropriate information, continuity of care, empowerment and family-centred care.

Conclusions: Net per client costs to the health service were modest. Quantitative evidence of improved antenatal outcomes was limited, but qualitative evaluation suggested the service was strongly valued. The outcomes examined in this study were broader than those used in conventional forms of economic evaluation and this enabled identification and analysis of more diverse sources of value from this programme.
Patients' consent preferences regarding the use of their health information for research purposes: a qualitative study
Authors: Nair Kalpana , Willison Donald , Holbrook Anne , Keshavjee Karim
Published: January 2004

Objective: To explore the consent preferences of patients whose health data are currently being used for research purposes.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 patients whose primary physicians were taking part in a study that utilized de-identified individual-level health information from their electronic medical record. All physicians practised in southwestern Ontario. All interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a constant comparative method. All transcripts and debriefing notes were read and reread to elicit general themes.

Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: patients recognized the need to balance their consent preferences with time pressures in the clinical encounter when deciding the nature of consent for a study; patients generally regarded the seeking of consent as being an issue of respect for them as individuals; and patients were also weighing their perceived benefits and concerns related to the research. For these patients, seeking their consent was an important step in research participation. For some patients, the sponsor and the research topic were factors that would influence their decision to provide consent.

Conclusion: Patients want their consent to be sought when their data are used for research purposes. This will involve explicitly informing patients that a study is taking place, providing written consent and offering regular updates about the study.
Identification of criteria for the prioritisation of patients for elective general surgery
Authors: MacCormick Andrew , Macmillan Alexandra , Parry Bryan
Published: January 2004

Objective: A single visual analogue scale is used in New Zealand to prioritise patients for elective general surgery. Although it reflects clinical judgement, it has been criticised for its lack of transparency. We wished to elicit generic criteria used by surgeons for prioritisation of patients for elective general surgery in order to improve the transparency of the visual analogue scale.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 general surgeons. Using the repertory grid method, surgeons were asked to explain their rationale for distinguishing between patients they considered a high, medium or low priority for treatment. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed for themes. The accuracy of the thematic analysis was checked using a five-point Likert scale to assess surgeons' agreement with the identified themes. Further testing to check for face, content and construct validity was undertaken with a purposive sample of six surgeons prioritising patient vignettes.

Results: Eight major themes were deduced: diagnosis; treatment; patient characteristics; symptomatology and sequelae to date; future complications; quality of life; psychological/emotional impact; and socio-political/logistic factors. The utilisation of these themes by surgeons was confirmed. Tests of collinearity indicated good content validity. Factor analysis confirmed the hypothesis of one underlying construct, namely priority.

Conclusion: Seven of the themes became the basis for a new clinical priority assessment criteria tool using visual analogue scales to determine priority of patients for elective general surgery. Further testing of reliability and validity is needed.
Equity of use of inpatient services by the two communities in Northern Ireland
Authors: Jamison Jim , O'Reilly Dermot , Carr-Hill Roy , Stevenson Mike
Published: January 2004

Objective: There is concern about whether public services in Northern Ireland are equitably targeted across the religious divide. This study investigates whether use of acute hospital inpatient services differs by religious denomination, after adjusting for supply and for identified demographic, morbidity and socio-economic determinants of need for such services.

Methods: Hospital utilisation at small area level was modelled against a wide range of potential health and socioeconomic factors. Spatial interactive modelling was used to estimate the effect of supply of hospital beds and other facilities on hospital utilisation. Two-stage weighted least-squares regression was used to model utilisation against need and supply.

Results: There was a clear positive relationship between the proportion of Roman Catholics in a ward and both need for and utilisation of inpatient services. The higher levels of relative utilisation in wards with a greater proportion of Catholics persisted after controlling for needs but not when supply variables were also entered in the regression equation. The surviving needs drivers were: uptake levels of 'income maintenance' benefits, all-ages standardised mortality ratio, low birth weight and elderly people living alone. Most of these indicators of need are positively correlated with proportion of Catholics.

Conclusions: When both need and supply factors are taken into account, there appears to be no significant effect of religion on inpatient hospital use in Northern Ireland. Efforts to ensure socio-economic equity between the two communities should focus on ensuring that hospital rationalisation does not lead to disadvantage and on reducing socio-economic differentials between the Catholic and Protestant communities.
Roughly right or precisely wrong? Systematic review of quality-of-life weights elicited with the time trade-off method
Authors: Arnesen Trude , Trommald Mari
Published: January 2004

Objective: Cost-utility analysis is gaining importance as a tool for setting priorities in health care. The approach requires quality-of-life weights on a scale from 0.00 (corresponding to death) to 1.00 (corresponding to perfect health). Different methods and perspectives of the evaluators tend to give different results. Time trade-off (TTO) is the most commonly used method to elicit quality-of-life weights for quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). How reliable are the results of this method, when limited to one specific perspective, as input for cost-utility analysis?

Method: Systematic literature review of empirical studies in which the TTO is elicited by the respondent on their own behalf.

Results: In 56 papers, quality-of-life weights for 102 diagnostic groups were given. Ranking of the diagnostic groups according to their quality-of-life weights had no apparent relation to severity. One specific diagnostic group was assigned quality-of-life weights ranging from 0.39 to 0.84. Altogether, 57% of respondents did not trade any life-time at all in exchange for health improvements. The distributions studied were skewed towards 1.00 and were bimodal without a central tendency. The correlation between the TTO and related methods was generally weak. Possible explanations for the poor empirical properties of the TTO are inappropriate use of the method, lack of representative samples, or that the TTO does not measure what it claims to measure.

Conclusion: In the light of these findings, the TTO elicited from the patient perspective, as currently practised, should not be used as an input for QALYs or for comparisons of diagnostic groups.
Milburn, Powell and Hayek: for and against planning in the NHS
Authors: Mohan John
Published: January 2004

This paper contrasts the views of two prominent politicians on the ways in which the distribution of hospital services should be organised, and relates them to the views of Hayek on the nature of planning. It is argued that, in relying on an independent regulator to supervise access to health care under the new 'foundation' hospitals regime in the English National Health Service (NHS), not only is the Labour government distancing itself clearly from old-style top-down planning, it also risks greater variability in the definition of fair access to health care. There are relevant historical parallels with the mixed economy of the pre-NHS era that policy-makers should make explicit.
Recruiting and developing an effective workforce in the British NHS
Authors: Pearson Richard , Reilly Peter , Robinson Dilys
Published: January 2004

The British NHS faces major challenges recruiting, motivating and retaining staff in a period of sustained growth and change. This paper examines the prevalence of skill shortages and organisations’ coping strategies, as well the factors that motivate staff in the workplace and in the NHS in particular. It argues that the evidence base for informed policy-making needs radical improvement. It then considers a number of approaches to pay that are being used or suggested to attract, motivate and retain staff. These include performance pay, team pay and local pay determination, as well as considering broader factors such as morale and staff development. The paper then draws together some conclusions for policy-makers. These argue that better evidence is needed as to what is happening in the public sector labour market in order to frame appropriate responses and that thorough evaluation of policy initiatives is necessary to establish their utility before their widespread implementation.
Researching patient-professional interactions
Authors: Bury Mike
Published: January 2004

This paper explores the nature and future of social research on patient-professional interactions. It first sketches the historical background to such research and notes that in the UK and US this was characterised by a focus on the doctor-patient relationship. This research embodied a sceptical view of the power of the medical profession in sustaining and promoting social inequalities, and a critique of ‘medical dominance’ over other health care professionals and patients. The paper then goes on to outline changes occurring in the nature of professional practice that suggest a fundamental shift in the social relations of health care and the role of medicine. These include a putative loss of public confidence in the medical profession and the authority of science, an increased role of the media in informing patients, and a change in the state's relationship with health care professionals. Finally, the paper outlines some items for a future research agenda, including the need to understand better patient preferences about changes in health care delivery, including a willingness to engage in ‘partnership’, and the possibilities and barriers to change in professional practice.
Optimal Management of Methotrexate Intoxication in a Child with Osteosarcoma
Authors: Peyriere Hélène , Cociglio Marylène , Margueritte Geneviève , Vallat Catherine , Blayac Jean-Pierre , Hillaire-Buys Dominique
Published: January 2004

OBJECTIVE

To describe the time course and management of methotrexate (MTX) toxicity in a 14-year-old Hispanic boy with osteosarcoma treated with high-dose MTX.

CASE SUMMARY

During the sixth cycle of high-dose MTX, severe intoxication was observed with high MTX plasma concentrations, acute renal failure, and hepatitis, followed by mucositis and moderate myelosuppression. Intensification of urine alkalinization and increased leucovorin dosages did not decrease plasma concentrations of MTX or prevent systemic toxicities. Carboxypeptidase G2 and aminophylline were thus administered as a second-intention rescue strategy. Within 2 weeks, a recovery of clinical symptoms and normalization of the biological abnormalities were observed. Limb salvage surgery was performed, which permitted classifying the patient as an MTX high-responder. Thereafter, MTX was successfully resumed, leading to clinical recovery of the patient. Concomitantly, homocysteine plasma levels, a marker of the pharmacodynamic effect of MTX, were measured. During the intoxication, homocysteine plasma levels were significantly increased, parallel to the excessive MTX plasma concentrations observed.

DISCUSSION

According to the excessive MTX levels measured in this patient, along with the observed clinical (mucositis) and biological (hepatitis, renal injury) adverse effects, we suggest that MTX may be a cause of these complications. Use of the Naranjo probability scale indicated a probable relationship between the complications and MTX.

CONCLUSIONS

This observation shows that severe complications observed during one cycle of high-dose MTX is not predictive of the tolerability of further courses. Optimal management of such complications, using specific therapeutic intervention, may be considered.
FDA urges reevaluating naloxone dosing in fentanyl era
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

A small‐scale study funded by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found that in community settings (as opposed to ambulances or hospital emergency rooms) where there is no oxygen available, the window in which naloxone can reverse injury due to oxygen deprivation and death due to cardiac arrest is limited. The study, conducted with 21 healthy participants, compared administration of different doses of naloxone, which comes in 4 milligram doses intranasally. The study used simulations of fentanyl administrations. It found that more naloxone has to be given right away, without waiting two minutes as is currently recommended before administering the next dose. The study looked at naloxone plasma concentrations.
NIDA and NIAAA quietly drop “preaddiction” RFI
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

A “Request for Information” (RFI) document issued last year (see NIDA and NIAAA call for information on use of ‘preaddiction’, ADAW April 15, 2023;https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33745) from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) on the use of the term “preaddiction” has been dropped. There was no official announcement of this, unless you were at the College on Problems of Drug Dependence annual meeting in June 2023, when the decision was presented by NIDA and NIAAA. “Responses to the RFI revealed broad consensus around the need to improve early intervention before substance use progresses to addiction,” NIDA and NIAAA press offices told ADAW last week. “However, the majority of respondents shared concerns that establishing a new diagnostic term would not be constructive. Based on this feedback, NIDA and NIAAA are not encouraging implementation of new diagnostic terms at this time. Instead, other research strategies to help identify people at high risk, improve addiction prevention and early intervention, and address the many barriers that impede the delivery of effective prevention interventions and engagement in care will be pursued. As one example, NIDA, NIAAA, and others are supporting a consensus study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, Medicine (NASEM) to provide a roadmap of steps needed to develop and finance a sustainable infrastructure at the national and/or state level for implementing evidence‐based interventions for preventing psychiatric disorders like addiction.” Work on that NASEM consensus study just began last week (see https://www.nationalacademies.org/our‐work/blueprint‐for‐a‐national‐prevention‐infrastructure‐for‐behavioral‐health‐disorders).
SUPPORT Act: APF compares House and Senate bills
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2024

The Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) for Patients and Communities Act was signed into law in 2018 to combat the opioid epidemic. The Addiction Policy Forum issued a comparison of the two bills currently under consideration by Congress to reauthorize the SUPPORT Act (see below). Since the law's passage, the problem has become worse, with illicit fentanyl, xylazine and other adulterants compounding the substance use and overdose crisis.