bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wavelength specific activation of PI 3‐kinase by UVB irradiation
Authors: Kabuyama Yukihito , Hamaya Mikiko , Homma Yoshimi
Published: July 2002

We investigated the effect of UVB irradiation on phospholipid metabolism using normal human diploid skin fibroblasts. When cells were exposed to monochromatic UV light, the intracellular PIP3 level was increased within 1 min in a wavelength‐specific manner. The increase was most marked in the UVB range and was inhibited by a PI 3‐kinase inhibitor, tyrosine kinase inhibitor, or antioxidant reagents. Furthermore, the decrease of cell viability induced by UVB irradiation was significantly blocked by wortmannin. These results suggest that PI 3‐kinase activation is involved in novel cellular responses specific for UVB that lead to cell death.
SDR and MDR: completed genome sequences show these protein families to be large, of old origin, and of complex nature
Authors: Jörnvall Hans , Höög Jan-Olov , Persson Bengt
Published: July 2002

Short‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) and medium‐chain dehydrogenases/reductases (MDR) are protein families originally distinguished from characterisations of alcohol dehydrogenase of these two types. Screening of completed genome sequences now reveals that both these families are large, wide‐spread and complex. In Escherichia coli alone, there are no fewer than 17 MDR forms, identified as open reading frames, considerably extending previously known MDR relationships in prokaryotes and including ethanol‐active alcohol dehydrogenase. In entire databanks, 1056 SDR and 537 MDR forms are currently known, extending the multiplicity further. Complexity is also large, with several enzyme activity types, subgroups and evolutionary patterns. Repeated duplications can be traced for the alcohol dehydrogenases, with independent enzymogenesis of ethanol activity, showing a general importance of this enzyme activity.
Role of tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C γ1 in the signaling pathway of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor‐induced cell death of L6 myoblasts
Authors: Mutoh Tatsuro , Kumano Takanori , Nakagawa Hiroto , Kuriyama Masaru
Published: July 2002

Our previous studies have shown that the HMG‐CoA reductase (HCR) inhibitor (HCRI), simvastatin, kills L6 myoblasts by involving Ca2+ mobilization from the Ca2+ pool in the cells but not by influx from extracellular space. More recently, we found that HCRI induced tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular proteins, followed by apoptotic cell death of L6 myoblasts. The present study was aimed to elucidate the molecular target(s) of these tyrosine phosphorylations induced by HCRI and demonstrated that simvastatin induces tyrosine phosphorylation of phospholipase C (PLC) γ1. This tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC‐γ1 caused the increment of the intracellular inositol triphosphate (IP3) levels in L6 myoblasts. Pretreatment of the cells with herbimycin A, a specific inhibitor of protein tyrosine kinase, inhibited a simvastatin‐induced increase in IP3 level in the cells as well as tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC‐γ1. Interestingly, pretreatment of the cells with U‐73122, a specific inhibitor of PLC, prevented simvastatin‐induced cell death. Thus, these results strongly suggest that simvastatin‐induced tyrosine phosphorylation of PLC‐γ1 plays, at least in part, an important role for the development of simvastatin‐induced cell death.
Mutations in tau reduce its microtubule binding properties in intact cells and affect its phosphorylation
Authors: Dayanandan R. , Van Slegtenhorst M. , Mack T.G.A. , Ko L. , Yen S.-H. , Leroy K. , Brion J.-P. , Anderton B.H. , Hutton M. , Lovestone S.
Published: July 2002

In vitro evidence has suggested a change in the ability of tau bearing mutations associated with fronto‐temporal dementia to promote microtubule assembly. We have used a cellular assay to quantitate the effect of both isoform differences and mutations on the physiological function of tau. Whilst all variants of tau bind to microtubules, microtubule extension is reduced in cells transfected with 3‐relative to 4‐repeat tau. Mutations reduce microtubule extension with the P301L mutation having a greater effect than the V337M mutation. The R406W mutation had a small effect on microtubule extension but, surprisingly, tau with this mutation was less phosphorylated in intact cells than the other variants.
The auxin‐binding protein Nt‐ERabp1 alone activates an auxin‐like transduction pathway
Authors: Leblanc N , Perrot-Rechenmann C , Barbier-Brygoo H
Published: July 2002

Hyperpolarization of tobacco protoplasts is amongst the earliest auxin responses described. It has been proposed that the auxin‐binding protein, ABP1, or a related protein could be involved in the first step of auxin perception at the plasma membrane. Using for the first time homologous conditions for interaction between the protein Nt‐ERabp1 or a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C‐terminus and tobacco protoplasts, we have demonstrated that both can induce the hyperpolarization response. The results show that Nt‐ERabp1 or the C‐terminal peptide alone activates the auxin pathway from the outer face of the plasma membrane.
Interactions of an antimicrobial peptide, magainin 2, with lipopolysaccharide‐containing liposomes as a model for outer membranes of Gram‐negative bacteria
Authors: Matsuzaki Katsumi , Sugishita Ken-ichi , Miyajima Koichiro
Published: July 2002

F12W‐magainin 2 preferentially interacted with lipopolysaccharide‐containing bilayers, permeabilizing the membranes, compared with lipopolysaccharide‐free phosphatidylcholine vesicles. Using this system, we demonstrated for the first time that the magainin peptide forms a helix upon binding to lipopolysaccharide. Incorporation of lipid A into phosphatidylcholine liposomes also enhanced interactions with the peptide. The presence of Mg2+, which nullifies the peptide's antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative bacteria, again weakened the interactions between the peptide and lipopolysaccharide‐doped bilayers. This system seems to be useful for investigating the molecular details of peptide‐lipopolysaccharide interactions.
Skp2 induction and phosphorylation is associated with the late G1 phase of proliferating rat hepatocytes
Authors: Bilodeau Marc , Talarmin Hélène , Ilyin Gennady , Rescan Claude , Glaise Denise , Cariou Sandrine , Loyer Pascal , Guguen-Guillouzo Christiane , Baffet Georges
Published: July 2002

The changes in phosphoproteins purified with the affinity peptide p9CKShs1 were analyzed from extracts of regenerating rat livers in order to define some G1 and G1/S regulations characteristic of mature hepatocytes stimulated to proliferate. We observed a 47 kDa phosphoprotein that occurred first at the end of G1 before peaking in the S phase. P47 was also found to be phosphorylated in late G1 in primary hepatocyte cultures stimulated with mitogens. P47 was still phosphorylated in extracts depleted of Cdc2, but to a lesser extent after Cdk2 depletion. This phosphoprotein was identified as Skp2. (i) P47 shared the same electrophoretic mobility than Skp2, a cell cycle protein essential for S phase entry in human fibroblasts; (ii) Skp2, like P47, started to be expressed and was highly phosphorylated during the G1/S transition of hepatocytes stimulated to proliferate in vivo and in vitro; (iii) P47 was specifically immunoprecipitated by an antibody directed against Skp2. In addition, cyclin A/Cdk2 complexes from regenerating liver clearly interacted with Skp2. This is the first demonstration that Skp2 is induced and phosphorylated in the late G1 and S phase of hepatocytes in vivo in regenerating liver as well as in vitro in mitogen‐stimulated hepatocytes.
Imaging of caspase‐3 activation in HeLa cells stimulated with etoposide using a novel fluorescent probe
Authors: Mizukami Shin , Kikuchi Kazuya , Higuchi Tsunehiko , Urano Yasuteru , Mashima Tetsuo , Tsuruo Takashi , Nagano Tetsuo
Published: July 2002

Microscopic visualization of intracellular enzyme activity can provide information about the physiological role of the enzyme. Caspases are cysteine proteases that have critical roles in the execution of apoptosis. General fluorometric substrates of caspase‐3, such as DEVD‐MCA, are unsuitable for imaging because they are excited at short wavelength, so we designed and synthesized novel fluorescent probes that are excited at suitable wavelengths for detecting caspase‐3 activity in living cells. Using one of these probes, we succeeded in microscopic visualization of caspase‐3‐like activity within HeLa cells treated with etoposide. The caspase‐3‐like activity was increased in the cytosol at first, then expanded to the whole cell.
New and unexpected routes for ultrafast electron transfer in photosynthetic reaction centers
Authors: van Brederode Marion E , van Grondelle Rienk
Published: July 2002

In photosynthetic reaction centers, the excitation with light leads to the formation of a charge separated state across the photosynthetic membrane. For the reaction center of purple non‐sulphur bacteria, it was previously generally assumed that this primary charge separation could only start with the excitation of the so‐called special pair of bacteriochlorophyll molecules located in the heart of the RC. However, recently new and ultrafast pathways of charge separation have been discovered in the bacterial RC that are driven directly by the excited state of the accessory monomeric bacteriochlorophyll present in the active branch of cofactors. These results demonstrate that the route for energy conversion in photosynthesis can be much more flexible than previously thought. We suggest that the existence of multiple charge separation routes is particularly relevant for the mechanism of charge separation in the photosystem II reaction center of higher plants.
A novel K+ channel blocking toxin from Tityus discrepans scorpion venom
Authors: D'Suze G. , Zamudio F. , Gómez-Lagunas F. , Possani L.D.
Published: July 2002

A novel toxin (TdK1) was purified from the venom of the scorpion Tityus discrepans, sequenced and functionally characterized. It contains 37 amino acid residues and blocks reversible the shakerB K+ channel expressed in SF9 cells with a K
d in the order of 280 nM. The proposed systematic nomenclature for this peptide is α‐KTx4.3.
The autocrine motility factor receptor gene encodes a novel type of seven transmembrane protein1
Authors: Shimizu Kimihiro , Tani Masachika , Watanabe Hideomi , Nagamachi Yasuhiro , Niinaka Yasufumi , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Ohwada Susumu , Raz Avraham , Yokota Jun
Published: July 2002

Autocrine motility factor receptor (AMFR) is a cell surface glycoprotein of molecular weight 78 000 (gp78), mediating cell motility signaling in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Here, we cloned the full‐length cDNAs for both human and mouse AMFR genes. Both genes encode a protein of 643 amino acids containing a seven transmembrane domain, a RING‐H2 motif and a leucine zipper motif and showed a 94.7% amino acid sequence identity to each other. Analysis of the amino acid sequence of AMFR with protein databases revealed no significant homology with all known seven transmembrane proteins, but a significant structural similarity to a hypothetical protein of Caenorhabditis elegans, F26E4.11. Thus, AMFR is a highly conserved gene which encodes a novel type of seven transmembrane protein.
Molecular cloning and characterization of AtTERT, a telomerase reverse transcriptase homolog in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Oguchi Keiko , Liu Hongtu , Tamura Katsunori , Takahashi Hideo
Published: July 2002

On the basis of its predicted homology to human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), a cDNA for Arabidopsis thaliana TERT (AtTERT) has now been isolated from cultured cells. The cDNA contains an open reading frame of 3372 bp, encoding a protein with a predicted size of 131 kDa and isoelectric point of 9.9. The AtTERT protein contains the conserved reverse transcriptase motifs 1, 2 and A–E as well as the TERT‐specific T motif. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis and an assay of telomerase activity revealed that both AtTERT mRNA and telomerase activity are abundant in shoot apical meristems but are not detectable in rosette leaves.
Yeast ascospore wall assembly requires two chitin deacetylase isozymes
Authors: Christodoulidou Anna , Briza Peter , Ellinger Adi , Bouriotis Vassilis
Published: July 2002

Chitin deacetylases are required for spore wall rigidity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two chitin deacetylase genes (CDA1 and CDA2) have been identified in yeast. In this report we studied the biochemical properties of the chitin deacetylases encoded by CDA1 and CDA2 and we show how their elimination directly affects the ascospore wall assembly.
MIT1, a black mamba toxin with a new and highly potent activity on intestinal contraction
Authors: Schweitz Hugues , Pacaud Pierre , Diochot Sylvie , Moinier Danielle , Lazdunski Michel
Published: July 2002

Mamba intestinal toxin (MIT1) isolated from Dendroaspis polylepis venom is a 81 amino acid polypeptide cross‐linked by five disulphide bridges. MIT1 has a very potent action on guinea‐pig intestinal contractility. MIT1 (1 nM) potently contracts longitudinal ileal muscle and distal colon, and this contraction is equivalent to that of 40 mM K+. Conversely MIT1 relaxes proximal colon again as potently as 40 mM K+. The MIT1‐induced effects are antagonised by tetrodotoxin (1 μM) in proximal and distal colon but not in longitudinal ileum. The MIT1‐induced relaxation of the proximal colon is reversibly inhibited by the NO synthase inhibitor L‐NAME (200 μM). 125I‐labelled MIT1 binds with a very high affinity to both ileum and brain membranes (K
d=1.3 pM and 0.9 pM, and B
max=30 fmol/mg and 26 fmol/mg, respectively). MIT1 is a very highly selective toxin for a receptor present both in the CNS and in the smooth muscle and which might be an as yet unidentified K+ channel.
Molecular electroporation: a unifying concept for the description of membrane pore formation by antibacterial peptides, exemplified with NK‐lysin
Authors: Miteva Maria , Andersson Mats , Karshikoff Andrey , Otting Gottfried
Published: July 2002

The antibacterial activity of many small, positively charged peptides and proteins is based on pore formation in lipid bilayers. It is here proposed to arise from an electroporation effect. This hypothesis is supported by calculations of the electrostatic potential of NK‐lysin associated to a membrane. For a significant area of the protein‐membrane interface, the electrostatic potential is found to be above the minimum threshold for electroporation. A single highly charged α‐helical segment of NK‐lysin is mainly responsible for this effect. It is experimentally demonstrated that a peptide comprising this helix has antibacterial activity. We propose that superficial association to membranes suffices to trigger electroporation, provided the peptide is sufficiently charged. The effect is referred to as molecular electroporation.
Nigerian male sexual activity during pregnancy
Authors: Onah H.E. , Iloabachie G.C. , Obi S.N. , Ezugwu F.O. , Eze J.N.
Published: July 2002

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of extra‐marital sexual affairs as well as other aspects of male sexual behavior during pregnancy in Nigeria. Methods: A questionnaire survey of the husbands of consecutive women who delivered in three tertiary care centers in south‐eastern Nigeria within an 8‐week period. The data were analyzed by means of simple percentages and descriptive and inferential statistics, using t‐tests, chi‐square tests and regression equations at the 95% confidence level. Results: 279 (88.3%) of the 316 eligible husbands responded to the questionnaire. A total of 78 (28.0%) of the respondents engaged in extra‐marital sexual relationships during pregnancy. Of the respondents, 36.6% and 32.3% experienced a decrease in achievement of erection and orgasm, respectively. While libido decreased in 41.9%, coital frequency declined in 72.4% of the respondents. On univariate analysis, respondent's age ≥40 years, duration of marriage ≥5 years, having an extra‐marital sexual partner and beliefs that coitus during pregnancy should be less frequent or can cause miscarriage were significant predictors of reduced coital frequency while a belief that coitus enhances fetal well‐being was a significant predictor of increased coital frequency during pregnancy (P<0.05 for each variable). On multivariate logistic regression, three factors were statistically significant predictors of reduced coital frequency — age ≥40 years (OR=2.3; 95% C.I., 1.9–2.3) and beliefs that coitus during pregnancy can cause miscarriage (OR=1.9; 95% C.I., 1.5–2.3) and should be less frequent (OR=1.9; 95% C.I., 1.8–2.5). Conclusions: Personal beliefs significantly affect sexual relationships between Nigerian husbands and their pregnant wives, making approximately one‐third of husbands engage in extra‐marital relationships as a way to satisfy their unmet sexual need during pregnancy. There is a need to educate husbands and their pregnant wives on sexual matters during pregnancy.
The traditional birth attendant: a reality and a challenge
Authors: Kamal I.T.
Published: July 2002

The traditional birth attendant (TBA) is an institution as old as the birthing process in the human species. Generally a female, in the absence of a better alternative, continues to deliver two thirds of the world's babies. A number of studies generated international interest in training TBAs. A review of TBA training and utilization programs in more than 70 countries over the past three decades revealed that there are very limited examples of their successful utilization. If unsupervised the TBA tends to slide back into her old ways and if unsupported she is rendered helpless when a killer strikes during child birth. The impact of trained TBAs on maternal mortality ratios is not palpable because of other factors such as accessibility of essential obstetric services. The challenge for the policy makers is to make the best use of this available human resource but simultaneously plan and implement a definite replacement strategy.
Swiss consensus guidelines for hysterectomy
Authors: Schilling J , Wyss P , Faisst K , Gutzwiller F , Haller U ,   Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Switzerland
Published: July 2002

Objective: The quality of the indication for hysterectomy is widely discussed at present. In early 1996, the committee for quality assurance of the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics decided to set up nationally accepted guidelines for the indication of hysterectomy. Methods: A modified Delphi approach was used. In a first step, general guidelines and actions prior to hysterectomy were defined. An expert panel of 17 Swiss gynecologists rated 74 frequent indications, twice for appropriateness (more benefits than risks for the patient), once for necessity (n=34; procedure has to be offered or discussed with the patient), and outlined suggestions to be performed prior to hysterectomy. Results: In a home rating round before the first panel met, there was an agreement rate of 48%. In 45% we observed neither agreement nor disagreement; in 7% we found disagreement. After the panel discussion 89% of experts agreed, 11% were indeterminate, and there was no disagreement. The necessity ratings showed agreement in 68% while 32% were indeterminate. The average median rating on a 1–9 point scale (1=extremely inappropriate, 9=extremely appropriate or necessary) was 5.4 over all single indications for appropriateness and 7.8 in single indications for necessity. After a second panel for consensus all panelists agreed on both appropriateness and necessity. Conclusion: The results of the appropriateness and necessity consensus presented in this paper reflect the findings of a 17 member Swiss panel. This joint effort by a medical society may be a step towards the direction of a peer controlled healthcare system.
Change drivers in the new millennium: implications for manufacturing strategy research
Authors: St. John Caron H , Cannon Alan R , Pouder Richard W
Published: July 2002

Drawing on multiple sources, we identify technological, global and workforce trends that will affect the formulation and implementation of manufacturing strategy in the next decade. We then describe several theories from economics, sociology, and psychology and show how they can be used to enrich our interpretations of the effects of these trends. Throughout, we offer suggestions for future research in manufacturing strategy.
Toward a measure of competitive priorities for purchasing
Authors: Krause Daniel R , Pagell Mark , Curkovic Sime
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this paper is to develop a set of measures of purchasing’s competitive priorities. We maintain that purchasing is a strategic contributor to the firm, and that the selection and retention of external suppliers is a fundamental and strategic purchasing task that manifests the function’s competitive priorities. Researchers and managers increasingly view the operations and purchasing functions as intimately linked, and as playing important roles in supply chain management. Ultimately, the performance of the operations management system, measured in terms of quality, cost, delivery and flexibility, depends on inputs secured by the purchasing function from the firm’s suppliers. However, in a search for substantive relationships, the purchasing literature has largely overlooked methodological issues such as measurement. Using empirical data collected from North American purchasing executives, a confirmatory factor analysis provides evidence that purchasing’s competitive priorities may be conceptualized similarly to the competitive priorities in operations, with key differences. The measures satisfy key measurement criteria including unidimensionality, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and reliability. Five competitive priorities form the basis of a multidimensional measure of purchasing’s competitive priorities, the individual factors of which will allow for the examination of linkages between purchasing, operations and other parts of the supply chain.
Stages of global sourcing strategy evolution: an exploratory study
Authors: Bozarth Cecil , Handfield Robert , Das Ajay
Published: July 2002

This paper analyzes the interrelationships between international sourcing decisions, sourcing strategies, and supplier performance. We first discuss the effect of global competition on the need for firms to seek international suppliers, and present a number of taxonomies that describe the evolution of global supply base development. The deployment of different commodity strategies (e.g., information sharing, single vs. multiple sourcing, contracts, and partnering) in conjunction with international sourcing is also reviewed. In the second half of the paper, we examine a set of international sourcing practices from a sample of 55 US manufacturing firms. Results suggest that US purchasing professionals are not spending as much time managing the ongoing buyer–supplier relationship as they are making the initial purchasing decision. This gap between ‘prescription’ and ‘practice’ represents both a competitive opportunity and threat for manufacturers.
Strategic consensus in operations strategy
Authors: Boyer Kenneth K , McDermott Christopher
Published: July 2002

Many companies' operations strategies resemble roadmaps: they are very detailed, yet poorly communicated across the organization and inflexible in reacting to environmental changes. In contrast, an operations strategy which is clearly outlined, widely understood and allows flexibility to adapt to changes in the environment more closely resembles a compass. For a strategy to be effective it must not only be appropriate (i.e., be well‐fitted to its competitive environment) but it also must be communicated and widely understood throughout the organization. This research examines the theoretical arguments regarding why such strategic consensus is important and presents an exploratory analysis of data from seven manufacturing plants. One of the weaknesses of the extant literature on operations strategy is that the majority of studies rely on responses provided by a single informant per company. This study employs a combination of survey and case study methods to gather data from seven manufacturing plants within the metalworking industry. The results of the study suggest that there are strategic areas where there is substantial disagreement between levels of the firm. Across the sample, operators tended to rate investments in technology disproportionately higher than managers. In addition to this systematic variation, individual case studies revealed that operators and managers in some firms exhibited significant inconsistencies in their manufacturing priorities, indicating a lack of strategic consensus. Furthermore, the methodology employed in this study illustrates one approach to obtaining more holistic, multiple respondent research on operations strategy.
The economics of yield‐driven processes
Authors: Bohn Roger E. , Terwiesch Christian
Published: July 2002

The economic performance of many modern production processes is substantially influenced by process yields. Their first effect is on product cost — in some cases, low‐yields can cause costs to double or worse. Yet measuring only costs can substantially underestimate the importance of yield improvement. We show that yields are especially important in periods of constrained capacity, such as new product ramp‐up. Our analysis is illustrated with numerical examples taken from hard disk drive manufacturing. A three percentage point increase in yields can be worth about 6% of gross revenue and 17% of contribution. In fact, an eight percentage point improvement in process yields can outweigh a US$20/h increase in direct labor wages. Therefore, yields, in addition to or instead of labor costs, should be a focus of attention when making decisions such as new factory siting and type of automation. The paper also provides rules for when to rework, and shows that cost minimization logic can again give wrong answers.
Effect of force direction on femoral fracture load for two types of loading conditions
Authors: Keyak Joyce H. , Skinner Harry B. , Fleming Judith A.
Published: July 2002

Identifying the loading conditions under which the femur is most likely to fracture may aid the prevention of hip fracture. This study quantified the effect of force direction on fracture load, a factor inherently associated with fracture risk. Finite element (FE) models of four femora were used to determine the force directions associated with the lowest fracture loads. Force directions were varied three‐dimensionally for two types of loading, one representing impact from a fall and one similar to joint loading during daily activities (atraumatic loading). For the fall configuration, the force direction with lowest fracture load corresponded to an impact onto the posterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter. For atraumatic loading, the lowest fracture loads for the force directions analyzed occurred when posterior force components were relatively large or when posterior and lateral components were both small, similar to conditions while standing on one leg or climbing stairs. When both fall and atraumatic configurations are considered, the type of loading associated with greatest fracture risk, i.e., with the greatest applied force and lowest fracture load, is impact from a fall onto the posterolateral aspect of the greater trochanter. Therefore, evaluation of hip fracture risk and development of fracture prevention technologies should focus on this high‐risk loading condition. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
The Suicide Assessment Scale: an instrument assessing suicide risk of suicide attempters
Authors: Niméus A , Alsén M , Träskman-Bendz L
Published: July 2002

The Suicide Assessment Scale (SUAS), a scale constructed to measure suicidality over time, was administered to 191 suicide attempters. Its predictive validity was tested.

SUAS ratings were compared to ratings from other scales, and related to age and psychiatric diagnoses including co-morbidity. Eight patients committed suicide within 12 months after the SUAS assessment. Apart from advanced age, high scores in the SUAS were significant predictors of suicide. From a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we identified cutoff SUAS scores which alone and in combination with certain diagnostic and demographic factors are of apparent value in the clinical evaluation of suicide risk after a suicide attempt.
A comparison of the validity of two psychiatric screening questionnaires: the Arabic General Health Questionnaire (AGHQ) and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) in UAE, using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis
Authors: Ghubash R. , Daradkeh T. , El-Rufaie O.F. , Abou-Saleh M.T.
Published: July 2002

This study compared the ability of the Arabic General Health questionnaire (AGHQ) and Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) to screen ICD-10 psychiatric disorders in an Arab community in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Standardised psychiatric assessments of subjects using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) were carried out. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine validity indices for the AGHQ and SRQ-20. For the AGHQ, sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve (AUC) were 86, 85 and 93% respectively, while for the SRQ-20, validity indices were 83, 83 and 90% respectively. Overall performance of the AGHQ was significantly better than the SRQ-20, especially in males and those under the age of 30 years. We conclude that both questionnaires are valid screening instruments in an Arab community in the UAE.
Should severely disturbed psychiatric patients be distributed or concentrated in specialized wards? An empirical study on the effects of hospital organization on ward atmosphere, aggressive behavior, and sexual molestation
Authors: Gebhardt R.P. , Steinert T.
Published: July 2002

This study examines whether ward atmosphere, aggressive behavior, and sexual molestation will change after severely disturbed patients have been distributed over several wards determined by their place of residence, instead of concentrating them in locked single-sex wards. Four wards for predominantly psychotic patients were investigated with the German version of the Ward Atmosphere Scale (WAS), and some further questions about the observation of aggressive behavior and sexual molestation once before and twice after internal sectorisation, partial ward opening, and mixing the sexes were asked. Questionnaires (345: 162 staff members, 183 patients) were evaluated. After the structural changes, a significant improvement of ward atmosphere and a reduction of aggressive behavior was found on average in all wards, whereas the impact on sexual molestation remained unclear. Internal sectorisation and sex integration policy, resulting in distributing rather than concentrating severely disturbed patients, have beneficial effects on the social climate of acute wards.
Maturity and exercise price of executive stock options
Authors: Choe Chongwoo
Published: July 2002

Using a simple three‐period model in which a manager can gather information before making an investment decision, this paper studies optimal contracts with various stock options. In particular, we show how the exercise price of executive stock options is related to a base salary, the size of the option grant, leverage, and the riskiness of a desired investment policy. The optimal exercise price increases in the size of grant and the base salary and decreases in leverage and the riskiness of a desired investment policy. Other things equal, the optimal exercise price of European options with a longer maturity should increase more for an increase in the base salary and the size of grant and decrease more for an increase in leverage than the one with a shorter maturity. The optimal exercise price of American options is determined by the optimal exercise prices of European options with different maturities. Given the fixed exercise price, the size of the option grant does not decrease in the face value of debt.
Incidence of newly diagnosed heart failure in UK general practice
Authors: Johansson Saga , Wallander Mari‐Ann , Ruigómez Ana , Rodríguez Luis Alberto García
Published: July 2002

Aim:

To estimate the incidence rate of heart failure in the general population and to assess risk factors associated with the occurrence of newly diagnosed heart failure.

Methods:

From the source population that was derived from the UK General Practice Research Database, we identified patients aged 40–84 years newly diagnosed with heart failure in 1996, and estimated incidence rates. We sent questionnaires to a random sample of heart failure patients (N ‐ 1200) and performed a nested case–control analysis to assess risk factors for heart failure.

Results:

The overall incidence rate for heart failure was 4.4 per 1000 person‐years in men and 3.9 per 1000 person‐years in women. The incidence increased steeply with age in both sexes. The relative risk of heart failure was 2.1 (95% C.I.: 1.7–2.6) among men compared with women less than 65 years old and 1.3 (95% C.I.: 1.2–1.4) above the age of 65. Slightly more than half of the cases were categorized in NYHA III–IV at the time of the first diagnosis. Within one month of initial diagnosis 62% of the men and 50% of the women were referred to specialists and/or hospitalized for heart failure. Smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity were independently associated with heart failure as well as history of distant dyspnoea. Coronary heart disease was the most common cause of heart failure with a greater relative prevalence in men than women.

Conclusion:

Incident heart failure cases mainly comprised elderly men and women frequently burdened with several diseases in general practice. Women had a lower incidence of heart failure than men. However, traditional risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, obesity, diabetes and dyspnoea appeared to confer the same relative increase in heart failure risk among women and men.
The CARE‐HF study (CArdiac REsynchronisation in Heart Failure study): rationale, design and end‐points
Authors: Cleland J.G.F. , Daubert J.C. , Erdmann E. , Freemantle N. , Gras D. , Kappenberger L. , Klein W. , Tavazzi L. ,   The CARE‐HF study Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: July 2002

Background:

Cardiac resynchronisation is a promising new intervention for patients with heart failure, left ventricular systolic dysfunction and ventricular dyssynchrony.

Objective:

The CARE‐HF trial is designed to evaluate the long‐term effects of cardiac (atrio‐bi‐ventricular) resynchronisation on the mortality and morbidity of patients with heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction already receiving diuretics and optimal medical therapy with ACE inhibitors and beta‐blockers (where indicated and tolerated).

Methods and Results:

Approximately 800 patients will be randomised to device therapy or control and followed for a minimum of 18 months. A pragmatic study design has been chosen that does not attempt to conceal allocation from investigators or patients because it is impossible to guarantee maintenance of blinding for the duration of the study. The end‐points committee will adjudicate events in a blinded fashion. Since cardiac resynchronisation may alter other aspects of the management of the patient, as would occur in clinical practice, the study should be considered a comparison of strategies rather than simply of a device. The primary end‐point is all‐cause mortality or unplanned cardiovascular hospitalisation. The study should complete recruitment during 2002 and report in 2004.
CLINICIAN‐SPECIFIC EPISIOTOMY RATES: IMPACT ON PERINEAL OUTCOMES
Authors: Low Lisa Kane , Seng Julia S. , Murtland Terri L. , Oakley Deborah
Published: July 2002

Recent, large, randomized, controlled trials of the effects of episiotomy on perineal damage have confirmed that episiotomy is associated with an increased risk of damage to the perineum. Yet episiotomy remains the most common surgical procedure women undergo. This article examines if clinician experience, rather than scientific evidence, forms the basis for continuing this practice. Perineal outcome data are analyzed for 865 low‐risk women who were attended at birth by the staff nurse‐midwives or faculty obstetricians at a university‐based, tertiary‐care hospital. Data were collected under routine, non‐experimental conditions such that the circumstances of the labor and the clinician's preferences were allowed to determine management decisions regarding the use of episiotomy or other techniques of perineal management. Multivariate findings indicate that in the absence of episiotomy, rates of perineal integrity were highest among clinicians who usually had the lowest rate of episiotomy use. When an episiotomy was done, rates of third‐ and fourth‐degree extensions were highest among clinicians who used episiotomy most frequently. This finding challenges the idea that clinicians who were very experienced with the use of episiotomy would avoid complications such as extensions. Future research should explore the use of nonsurgical techniques such as those employed by midwives to promote perineal integrity. Then interdisciplinary research and evidence‐based education regarding these techniques can occur to improve perineal outcomes for all women.
The Experience of Sexuality During Breastfeeding among Primiparous Women
Authors: Avery Melissa D. , Duckett Laura , Frantzich Carrie Roth
Published: July 2002

The purpose of this study was to describe various aspects of sexuality for primiparous breastfeeding women. The conceptual framework used for the study was Bernhard's theory of women's integrated sexuality which describes female sexuality as a multidimensional, biopsychosocial phenomenon. The investigators used a descriptive design, analyzing data from the 576 primiparous breastfeeding women who, as part of a larger study, completed the Breastfeeding and Sexuality Tool at the time of complete weaning. The women were from a large, private hospital in urban Minnesota. Subjects completed initial questionnaires during the postpartum hospitalization. Follow‐up data were collected by phone at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Those who had not weaned by 12 months were followed every 3 months until complete weaning was reported. Overall, women perceived that breastfeeding had a slightly negative impact on the physiologic aspects of sexuality, but did not greatly affect the woman's sexual relationship with her partner. In addition, breastfeeding mothers perceived their partners' attitudes towards breastfeeding and sexuality as slightly positive, and did not worry that sexual activity would harm their milk supply or their ability to nurse. Overall, breastfeeding had a slightly negative impact on sexuality. However, a wide range of responses were reported by the women. Health care providers should be familiar with the whole range of possible responses to sexuality while breastfeeding in order to appropriately counsel women about what is normal and what to expect during this time.
RASPBERRY LEAF IN PREGNANCY: ITS SAFETY AND EFFICACY IN LABOR
Authors: Simpson Michele , Parsons Myra , Greenwood Jennifer , Wade Kenneth
Published: July 2002

Objective: Many women consume the raspberry leaf herb during their pregnancies in the belief that it shortens labor and makes labor “easier.”

Methodology: Because of the paucity of research regarding this herb, particularly in relation to pregnancy and birth, the authors undertook a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial. The sample consisted of 192 low‐risk, nulliparous women who birthed their babies between May 1999 and February 2000 at a large tertiary‐level hospital in Sydney, Australia. The aim of the study was to identify the effect and safety of raspberry leaf tablets (2 × 1.2 g per day), consumed from 32 weeks' gestation until labor, on labor and birth outcomes.

Results: Raspberry leaf, consumed in tablet form, was found to cause no adverse effects for mother or baby, but contrary to popular belief, did not shorten the first stage of labor. The only clinically significant findings were a shortening of the second stage of labor (mean difference = 9.59 minutes) and a lower rate of forceps deliveries between the treatment group and the control group (19.3% vs. 30.4%). No significant relationship was found between tablet consumption and birth outcomes.

Conclusion: The lack of significant differences between the groups on measures expected to demonstrate the effect of raspberry leaf ingestion during pregnancy on labor prompted consideration of the issue of effectiveness of dosage level. Suggestions for further research are offered.
Crown Ether‐Assisted Growth and Scaling Up of FACsPbI3 Films for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Modules
Authors: Chen Ruihao , Wu Yazhuo , Wang Yongke , Xu Ruchao , He Ruiqin , Fan Yangtao , Huang Xiaofeng , Yin Jun , Wu Binghui , Li Jing , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: December 2020

FACs‐based (FA+, formamidinium and Cs+, cesium) perovskite solar cells have gained great attention due to their remarkable light and thermal stabilities toward practical application of perovskite modules. However, the moisture instability and difficulty in scalable fabrication are still the main obstacles blocking their photovoltaic applications in current status. Here, the employment of novel interaction between crown ether with metal cations is introduced to tailor the uniform growth and inhibit moisture invasion during the crystallization of α‐phase FACsPbI3, yielding the successful synthesis of high‐quality perovskite films in a large scale. Consequently, perovskite solar cells (PSC) modules in the total area of 4 × 4 and 10 × 10 cm2 are readily fabricated with respective champion efficiencies of 16.69% and 13.84% and excellent stability over 1000 h. This facile scaling‐up strategy assisted by crown ether has shown great promise for pursuing efficient and highly stable large‐area PSC modules.
Deacylative Carbon‐Carbon Bond Cleavage of Ketone Equivalents: Applications to Radical Carbon‐Carbon Bond Formation Reactions
Authors: Matsumoto Akira , Nguyen Bich‐Ngoc , Honda Tsubasa , Sakamoto Ryu , Huang Xiao , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Maruoka Keiji
Published: December 2020

This article describes the synthetic application of ketone‐derived oxaziridines as alkyl radical precursors in copper‐catalyzed Carbon‐Carbon bond formation reactions. Experimental and computational studies indicate a free radical mechanism, where alkyl radicals are efficiently generated via cleavage of a Carbon‐Carbon bond of oxaziridines. Acyclic and unstrained cyclic oxaziridines are applicable to the present radical process, allowing for the generation of various alkyl radicals with good functional group compatibility.
Individual differences in exploring versus exploiting and links to delay discounting
Authors: Meyers Ethan A. , Koehler Derek J.
Published: December 2020

Sometimes, we must choose between obtaining an immediate reward or foregoing it in favor of searching for a better reward elsewhere. Such decisions have been characterized as involving exploration‐exploitation trade‐offs. Here, we studied the reliability and basis of individual differences in tasks involving choices between exploration and exploitation. In Studies 1, 2, and 4, we found little evidence for a stable individual difference in tendency to explore (vs. exploit). Additionally, we tested delay discounting as a potential predictor of individual differences in exploration. In Studies 3 and 4, we found that delay discounting was inconsistently predictive of exploration behavior. Our results support the claim that people adapt their exploration behavior to the environment in which they find themselves. This adaptation overrides any general preference to explore environments more or less than other people. Our results also suggest that predictors of exploration may be exclusively restricted to the particular environment in which they were observed. Implications for past and future research of exploration‐exploitation decision making are discussed.
Action of Dipeptidyl Peptidase‐4 Inhibitors on SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease
Authors: Nar Herbert , Schnapp Gisela , Hucke Oliver , Hardman Timothy C. , Klein Thomas
Published: December 2020

In a recent publication, Eleftheriou et al. proposed that inhibitors of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) are functional inhibitors of the main protease (Mpro) of SARS‐CoV‐2. Their predictions prompted the authors to suggest linagliptin, a DPP‐4 inhibitor and approved anti‐diabetes drug, as a repurposed drug candidate against the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. We used an enzymatic assay measuring the inhibition of Mpro catalytic activity in the presence of four different commercially available gliptins (linagliptin, sitagliptin, alogliptin and saxagliptin) and several structural analogues of linagliptin to study the binding of DPP‐4 inhibitors to Mpro and their functional activity. We show here that DPP‐4 inhibitors like linagliptin, other gliptins and structural analogues are inactive against Mpro.
Green Process for 5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural Production from Biomass in Three‐Constituent Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Chen Binglin , Li Zheng , Feng Yunchao , Hao Weiwei , Sun Yong , Tang Xing , Zeng Xianhai , Lin Lu
Published: December 2020

5‐(Chloromethyl)furfural (CMF), a versatile bio‐platform molecule, was first synthesized in a three‐constituent deep eutectic solvent (3c‐DES) including choline chloride, AlCl3 ⋅ 6H2O, and oxalic acid. In particular, 3c‐DES was conducive for the production of CMF from glucose and provided a CMF yield of 70 % at 120 °C within 30 min. In addition, CMF yields reached up to 86, 80, 30, 29, and 35 % from fructose, sucrose, cellulose, bamboo, and bamboo pulp, respectively. This study opens new avenues for the preparation of CMF.
A New Ester‐Substituted Quinoxaline‐Based Narrow Bandgap Polymer Donor for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Luo Yue , Luo Yingtong , Huang Xuelong , Liu Shengjian , Cao Zhixiong , Guo Lingzhi , Li Qingduan , Cai Yue‐Peng , Wang Yang
Published: December 2020

The electron‐deficient ester group substitution in the sidechain of the commonly used electron‐withdrawing quinoxaline (Qx) unit is seldom studied, while ester‐substituted Qx units possess easy syntheses and facile modulation of the polymer solubility, and the enhanced electron‐withdrawing property of ester substituted Qx unit can theoretically broaden the optical absorption of the resulting polymers and improve the open circuit voltage in the corresponding organic solar cells (OSCs). In this work, a novel ester‐substituted Qx‐based narrow bandgap polymer (NBG) donor material PBDTT‐EFQx, which exhibits an absorption edge of 790 nm (bandgap < 1.6 eV), is designed and synthesized. Results show that the OSCs composed of PBDTT‐EFQx and PC71BM present the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.8%, compared to PCEs of 5.0% for PBDTT‐EFQx:ITIC based devices and 4.1% for PBDTT‐EFQx:N2200 based devices, respectively. Characterizations and analyses indicate that the PC71BM‐based OSCs have well‐matched energy levels, better complementary light absorption, the highest and most balanced carrier mobilities, as well as the lowest degree of recombination losses, and therefore, leading to the highest PCE among the three types of OSCs. This work reveals that the ester‐substituted quinoxaline unit is one of the potential building blocks for NBG polymer donors.