bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of serum osteoprotegerin levels with coronary artery disease severity, left ventricular hypertrophy and C-reactive protein
Authors: RHEE Eun-Jung , LEE Won-Young , KIM Se-Yeon , KIM Byung-Jin , SUNG Ki-Chul , KIM Bum-Su , KANG Jin-Ho , OH Ki-Won , OH Eun-Sook , BAEK Ki-Hyun , KANG Moo-Il , WOO Hee-Yeon , PARK Hyo-Soon , KIM Sun-Woo , LEE Man-Ho , PARK Jung-Roe
Published: February 2005

OPG (osteoprotegerin) is an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and recent work suggests it has a role in atherosclerosis. Therefore we measured serum OPG levels in patients with coronary artery disease, compared the serum OPG levels among the different groups according to the number of stenotic vessels and determined whether there was any correlation with aortic calcification, LV (left ventricular) mass index and serum CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Subjects (n=100; mean age, 57 years) who underwent coronary angiograms were enrolled. Blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles and CRP levels were measured and the LV mass indices were calculated using ECGs. Serum OPG levels were measured by ELISA. The presence of calcification in the aortic notch was checked by a chest X-ray. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the number of stenotic vessels. The mean serum OPG levels increased significantly as the number of stenotic vessels increased, and the mean serum OPG levels were higher in the group with three-vessel disease compared with the groups with no- or one-vessel disease. The mean serum CRP level was significantly higher in the group with three-vessel disease compared with the groups with no-, one- and two-vessel disease. Age and LV mass index showed significant positive correlations with serum OPG levels, although significance was lost after an adjustment for age. Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with serum OPG levels even after an adjustment for age. There were no differences in serum OPG levels according to the presence of fasting hyperglycaemia or aortic calcification. In conclusion, serum OPG level was related to the severity of stenotic coronary arteries and serum CRP levels. LV mass indices showed no significant correlation with OPG levels. The precise mechanism for the role of OPG in atherosclerosis needs to be investigated further.
A reliable new three-dimensional potential energy surface for H2–Kr
Authors: Wei Hua , Le Roy Robert J. , Wheatley Richard , Meath William J.
Published: February 2005

An improved three-dimensional potential energy surface for the H2–Kr system is determined from a direct fit of new infrared spectroscopic data for H2–Kr and D2–Kr to a potential energy function form based on the exchange-Coulomb model for the intermolecular interaction energy. These fits require repetitive, highly accurate simulations of the observed spectra, and both the strength of the potential energy anisotropy and the accuracy of the new data make the “secular equation perturbation theory” method used in previous analyses of H2–(rare gas) spectra inadequate for the present work. To address this problem, an extended version of the “iterative secular equation” method was developed which implements direct Hellmann–Feynman theorem calculation of the partial derivatives of eigenvalues with respect to parameters of the Hamiltonian which are required for the fits.
Orbital-optimized coupled-cluster theory does not reproduce the full configuration-interaction limit
Authors: Köhn Andreas , Olsen Jeppe
Published: February 2005

It is shown that due to the mixing of the usual projection approach of coupled cluster with variational orbital optimization, orbital-optimized coupled cluster (OCC) fails to reproduce the full configuration-interaction (full CI) limit when the cluster operator becomes complete. It is pointed out that the fulfillment of the projected singles equations, which define the orbital gradient in Brueckner coupled cluster (BCC), is mandatory for a correct behavior. As numerical examples we present general OCC and BCC calculations up to the full CI limit on CH2 and an active-space model of ozone. The observed deviations of OCC from full CI are of the order of the correlation error obtained in calculations with up to quadruples excitations. Thus the failure of OCC may be considered tolerable in more approximate calculations but clearly prohibitive for any benchmark application. For applications to active-space models a hybrid approach for OCC is suggested in which for active particle-hole rotations the Brueckner orbital gradient is employed, whereas for the remaining orbital rotations the variational orbital gradient is retained.
Primary and secondary relaxations in bis-5-hydroxypentylphthalate
Authors: Maślanka S. , Paluch M. , Sułkowski W. W. , Roland C. M.
Published: February 2005

Broadband dielectric spectroscopy was used to study the relaxation dynamics in bis-5-hydroxypentylphthalate (BHPP) under both isobaric and isothermal conditions. The relaxation dynamics exhibit complex behavior, arising from hydrogen bonding in the BHPP. At ambient pressure above the glass transition temperature Tg, the dielectric spectrum shows a broad structural relaxation peak with a prominent excess wing toward higher frequencies. As temperature is decreased below Tg, the excess wing transforms into two distinct peaks, both having Arrhenius behavior with activation energies equal to 58.8 and 32.6kJ∕mol for slower (β) and faster (γ) processes, respectively. Furthermore, the relaxation times for the β process increase with increasing pressure, whereas the faster γ relaxation is practically insensitive to pressure changes. Analysis of the properties of these secondary relaxations suggests that the β peak can be identified as an intermolecular Johari–Goldstein (JG) process. However, its separation in frequency from the α relaxation, and both its activation energy and activation volume, differ substantially from values calculated from the breadth of the structural relaxation peak. Thus, the dynamics of BHPP appear to be an exception to the usual correlation between the respective properties of the structural and the JG secondary relaxations.
Stabilization and relative phase effects in a dichromatically driven diatomic Morse molecule: Interpretation based on nonlinear classical dynamics
Authors: Constantoudis Vassilios , Nicolaides Cleanthes A
Published: February 2005

The dissociation dynamics of a dichromatically laser-driven diatomic Morse molecule vibrating in the ground state is investigated by applying tools of the nonlinear theory of classical Hamiltonian systems. Emphasis is placed on the role of the relative phase of the two fields, φ. First, it is found that, just like in quantum mechanics, there is dependence of the dissociation probability on φ. Then, it is demonstrated that addition of the second laser leads to suppression of probability (stabilization), when the intensity of the first laser is kept constant just above or below the single laser dissociation threshold. This “chemical bond hardening” diminishes as φ increases. These effects are investigated and interpreted in terms of modifications in phase space topology. Variations of φ as well as of the intensity of the second laser may cause (i) appearance/disappearance of the stability island corresponding to the common resonance with the lowest energy and (ii) deformation and movement of the region of Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser tori that survive from the undriven system. The latter is the main origin in phase space of stabilization and φ dependence. Finally, it is shown that the use of short laser pulses enhances both effects.
Solvent mediated interactions close to fluid-fluid phase separation: Microscopic treatment of bridging in a soft-core fluid
Authors: Archer A. J. , Evans R. , Roth R. , Oettel M.
Published: February 2005

Using density functional theory we calculate the density profiles of a binary solvent adsorbed around a pair of big solute particles. All species interact via repulsive Gaussian potentials. The solvent exhibits fluid-fluid phase separation, and for thermodynamic states near to coexistence the big particles can be surrounded by a thick adsorbed “wetting” film of the coexisting solvent phase. On reducing the separation between the two big particles we find there can be a “bridging” transition as the wetting films join to form a fluid bridge. The effective (solvent mediated) potential between the two big particles becomes long ranged and strongly attractive in the bridged configuration. Within our mean-field treatment the bridging transition results in a discontinuity in the solvent mediated force. We demonstrate that accounting for the phenomenon of bridging requires the presence of a nonzero bridge function in the correlations between the solute particles when our model fluid is described within a full mixture theory based upon the Ornstein–Zernike equations.
Athermal germanium migration in strained silicon layers during junction formation with solid-phase epitaxial regrowth
Authors: Vandervorst W. , Janssens T. , Brijs B. , Delhougne R. , Loo R. , Caymax M. , Pawlak B. J. , Posselt Matthias
Published: February 2005

The formation of a thin strained Si layer on top of a strain-relaxed SiGe buffer is a recent approach to improve the drive current of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor devices by inducing strain within the transistor channel. At the same time, advanced process technologies require junction formation processes with minimal diffusion and very high dopant activation. Solid-phase epitaxial regrowth is a low temperature process based on preamorphization and subsequent regrowth leading to highly activated and shallow junctions. In this letter, we investigate the stability of the thin strained Si layer, during solid-phase epitaxial regrowth process by monitoring the Ge redistribution∕strain after the preamorphization step (without any anneal) and after the thermal regrowth process.
Buoyancy driven miscible front dynamics in tilted tubes
Authors: Séon T. , Hulin J.-P. , Salin D. , Perrin B. , Hinch E. J.
Published: February 2005

The velocity Vf of the fronts of light and heavy fluids in a tilted tube, interpenetrating many diameters, is studied as a function of the fluid viscosity μ, Atwood number At⪡1 and tilt angle θ from vertical. Three flow regimes are observed: starting from vertical, Vf first increases with θ, reaches a plateau and then decreases again. In the first regime, Vf is controlled by segregation and mixing effects, respectively, increasing and decreasing with θ. On the plateau, Vf is independent of the fluid viscosity and proportional to (Atgd)1∕2, indicating a balance between inertia and buoyancy. In the third regime close to horizontal, the fluids separate into two parallel countercurrents controlled by viscosity. The variations of Vf with θ, At, and μ in the second and third regimes and the crossover from one to the other are described by scaling laws based on characteristic viscous and inertial velocities.
Solid–liquid hybrid assembly for ultrasonic elasticity measurements under hydrostatic conditions of up to 8GPa in a Kawai-type multianvil apparatus
Authors: Song M. , Yoneda A. , Ito E.
Published: February 2005

A solid–liquid hybrid assembly has been designed for ultrasonic elasticity measurements of materials under hydrostatic conditions in a Kawai-type multianvil apparatus. In the assembly, a tungsten–carbide cubic anvil served as the buffer rod for the acoustic signals. The transducer and sample were mounted on two diagonally opposite truncated corners of the buffer-rod anvil. The sample was immersed in a liquid cell filled with a liquid pressure medium, a methanol–ethanol mixture (4:1 in volume), which produced hydrostatic conditions for the sample. The pressure was monitored with a bismuth pressure calibrant inside the liquid cell. Preliminary experiments using single-crystal MgO, polycrystal alumina, and silicate glass samples were successfully conducted up to 8GPa. This assembly is especially useful for precise elasticity measurements of single-crystal samples under hydrostatic compression.
Influence of thermal oxidation on the electronic properties of Pt Schottky contacts on GaN grown by molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Weidemann O. , Monroy E. , Hahn E. , Stutzmann M. , Eickhoff M.
Published: February 2005

The effect of thermal oxidation on the electric properties of Pt Schottky contacts on Si-doped GaN films grown by plasma-assisted molecular-beam epitaxy was investigated. Significant improvement of the electrical contact characteristics mirrored by an increase of the effective Schottky barrier height and a decrease of the reverse bias leakage current by up to four orders of magnitude was observed for an oxidation temperature of 700°C. Comparative analysis by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed preferential oxidation of threading dislocations causing selective passivation of leakage current paths as the origin of the observed device improvement.
Low-temperature diffusion of high-concentration phosphorus in silicon, a preferential movement toward the surface
Authors: Duffy R. , Venezia V. C. , Loo J. , Hopstaken M. J. P. , Verheijen M. A. , van Berkum J. G. M. , Maas G. C. J. , Tamminga Y. , Dao T. , Demeurisse C.
Published: February 2005

We demonstrate that ultrashallow high-concentration phosphorus profiles in silicon diffuse preferentially toward the surface during low-temperature annealing at 700°C after recrystallization of an amorphous layer. In this work, we observe the preferential diffusion following a preamorphizing germanium implant, and also after a self-amorphizing phosphorus implant. This phenomenon is driven by the presence and dissolution of silicon interstitial defects. The greater the distance between the defect band and the high-concentration phosphorus profile, the less the preferential diffusion for a fixed anneal time. The overall result of this effect is a phosphorus profile that is significantly shallower and steeper than after implant.
Three-dimensional mapping of polarization profiles with thermal pulses
Authors: Mellinger Axel , Singh Rajeev , Wegener Michael , Wirges Werner , Gerhard-Multhaupt Reimund , Lang Sidney B.
Published: February 2005

High-resolution, large-area three-dimensional mapping of polarization profiles in electret polymers was carried out by means of a fast thermal pulse technique with a focused laser beam. A lateral resolution of 38 μm and a near-surface depth resolution of less than 0.5 μm was achieved. At larger depths, fast thermal diffusion in the metal electrode rather than the laser spot size becomes the limiting factor for the lateral resolution.
Engineering of directional emission from photonic-crystal waveguides
Authors: Morrison Steven K. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: February 2005

We analyze, by the finite-difference time-domain numerical method, different ways to enhance the directional emission from photonic-crystal waveguides through the recently predicted beaming effect. We demonstrate that the substantial enhancement of the light emission can be achieved by adjusting the input wavelength, using a positive surface corrugation, increasing the refractive index of the surface layer, and inducing a near-surface mode.
Band alignment at epitaxial SrTiO3–GaAs(001) heterojunction
Authors: Liang Y. , Curless J. , McCready D.
Published: February 2005

Band discontinuities and band bending at the epitaxial SrTiO3∕GaAs(001) interface were investigated using x-ray and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Results showed that the epitaxial SrTiO3∕GaAs(001) formed a type II heterojunction with conduction and valence band offsets being 0.6 and 2.5 eV, respectively, for both n- and p-GaAs(001) substrates. The photoemission results further revealed that Fermi level was unpinned at the epitaxial SrTiO3∕GaAs(001) interface.
Giant negative magnetoresistance of spin polarons in magnetic semiconductors–chromium-doped Ti2O3 thin films
Authors: Wang Zhenjun , Hong Yuanjia , Tang Jinke , Radu Cosmin , Chen Yuxi , Spinu Leonard , Zhou Weilie , Tung Le Duc
Published: February 2005

Epitaxial Cr-doped Ti2O3 films show giant negative magnetoresistance up to −365% at 2K. The resistivity of the doped samples follows the behavior expected of spin (magnetic) polarons at low temperature. Namely, ρ=ρ0exp(T0∕T)p, where p=0.5 in zero field. A large applied field quenches the spin polarons and p is reduced to 0.25 expected for lattice polarons. The formation of spin polarons is an indication of strong exchange coupling between the magnetic ions and holes in the system.
Bark anatomy of Nothofagus species (Nothofagaceae) indigenous to the Andean - Patagonian forest, Argentina
Authors: Castro M. A. , Apóstolo N. M. , De Magistris A. A.
Published: February 2005

The bark structure of Nothofagus alpina (Poepp. et Endl.) Oerst., N. antarctica (G.Forster) Oerst. N. obliqua (Mirbel) Oerst., N. pumilio (Poepp. et Endl.) Krasser, N. betuloides (Mirbel) Oerst. and N. dombeyi (Mirbel) Oerst, native species from the Andean–Patagonian forests (Argentina), is described. Barks of the Nothofagus species are greyish to dark brown and have deep fissures, except that of N. obliqua. Non-collapsed secondary phloem has abundant sieve elements with scalariform compound sieve plates in oblique end walls, and with rounded to polygonal sieve areas in tangential walls. Axial parenchyma in secondary phloem is diffuse and/or arranged in discontinuous uni–triseriate tangential lines and bands. Crystalliferous axial parenchyma is present adjacent to sclerenchyma. Rays are usually homocellular, exclusively uniseriate in N. dombeyi to bi–triseriate in the other species. Fibres in secondary phloem are arranged in clusters, tangential lines and bands. Combined fibre and sclereid clusters are present in N. betuloides. Persistent rhytidomes usually include a variable proportion of bark. The present study helps to confirm the taxonomic placement of Nothofagaceae as a distinct family from Fagaceae, and supports the infrageneric classification of Nothofagus proposed by different authors.
Herbivore damage, resource richness and putative defences in juvenile versus adult Eucalyptus leaves
Authors: Gras Emma K. , Read Jennifer , Mach Chantal T. , Sanson Gordon D. , Clissold Fiona J.
Published: February 2005

Eucalyptus species often show marked differences in morphology and ecophysiology between adult and juvenile leaves. Given these differences, it was hypothesised that juvenile and adult leaves would present different levels of resources to a herbivore, and potentially different levels of putative anti-herbivore defences. This hypothesis was tested in some eucalypts growing in native forest in south-eastern Australia.
There were no significant differences in levels of water, protein or carbohydrates (per unit dry weight) between mature adult and juvenile leaves. No difference was recorded in concentration of total phenolics between leaf forms, but more protein was precipitated (an estimate of tannin activity) in extracts from juvenile leaves. Cyanogenic glycosides were absent from mature leaves, but present in young leaves of both leaf forms in E. polyanthemos. No significant difference in concentration of any terpene was recorded between adult and juvenile leaves in E. nitens and E. regnans. Specific leaf area was lower in adult leaves, and fibre concentration was higher in adult leaves of some species, suggesting that resources in the adult leaf may be less accessible to a herbivore. However, there was no difference in leaf toughness between leaf forms, even though toughness per unit leaf thickness was higher in juvenile leaves. Hence, no major trends in resource concentration were apparent between the leaf forms, and of the defences investigated, only tannin activity varied significantly between the leaf forms.
β-Arrestin2, interacting with phosphodiesterase 4, regulates synaptic release probability and presynaptic inhibition by opioids
Authors: Bradaïa Amyaouch , Berton Frédérique , Ferrari Serge , Lüscher Christian
Published: February 2005

Most μ-opioid receptor agonists recruit β-arrestin2, with some exceptions such as morphine. Surprisingly, however, the acute analgesic effect of morphine is enhanced in the absence of β-arrestin2. To resolve this paradox, we examined the effects of morphine and fentanyl in acute brain slices of the locus coeruleus and the periaqueductal gray from β-arrestin2 knockout mice. We report that, in these mice, presynaptic inhibition of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents was enhanced, whereas postsynaptic G protein-coupled K
+
(Kir3/GIRK) currents were unaffected. The frequency, but not amplitude, of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents was increased in β-arrestin2 knockout mice, indicating a higher release probability compared to WT mice. The increased release probability resulted from increased cAMP levels because of impaired phosphodiesterase 4 function and conferred an enhanced efficacy of morphine to inhibit GABA release. Thus, β-arrestin2 attenuates presynaptic inhibition by opioids independent of μ-opioid receptor-driven recruitment, which may make β-arrestin2 a promising target for regulating analgesia.
Comparative sequencing provides insights about the structure and conservation of marsupial and monotreme genomes
Authors: Margulies Elliott H. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program‡, Maduro Valerie V. B. , Thomas Pamela J. , Tomkins Jeffery P. , Amemiya Chris T. , Luo Meizhong , Green Eric D.
Published: February 2005

Sequencing and comparative analyses of genomes from multiple vertebrates are providing insights about the genetic basis for biological diversity. To date, these efforts largely have focused on eutherian mammals, chicken, and fish. In this article, we describe the generation and study of genomic sequences from noneutherian mammals, a group of species occupying unusual phylogenetic positions. A large sequence data set (totaling >5 Mb) was generated for the same orthologous region in three marsupial (North American opossum, South American opossum, and Australian tammar wallaby) and one monotreme (platypus) genomes. These ancient mammalian genomes are characterized by unusual architectural features with respect to G + C and repeat content, as well as compression relative to human. Approximately 14% and 34% of the human sequence forms alignments with the orthologous sequence from platypus and the marsupials, respectively; these numbers are distinctly lower than that observed with nonprimate eutherian mammals (45–70%). The alignable sequences between human and each marsupial species are not completely overlapping (only 80% common to all three species) nor are the platypus-alignable sequences completely contained within the marsupial-alignable sequences. Phylogenetic analysis of synonymous coding positions reveals that platypus has a notably long branch length, with the human–platypus substitution rate being on average 55% greater than that seen with human–marsupial pairs. Finally, analyses of the major mammalian lineages reveal distinct patterns with respect to the common presence of evolutionarily conserved vertebrate sequences. Our results confirm that genomic sequence from noneutherian mammals can contribute uniquely to unraveling the functional and evolutionary histories of the mammalian genome.
DNA twisting flexibility and the formation of sharply looped protein–DNA complexes
Authors: Cloutier T. E. , Widom J.
Published: February 2005

Gene-regulatory complexes often require that pairs of DNA-bound proteins interact by looping-out short (often ≈100-bp) stretches of DNA. The loops can vary in detailed length and sequence and, thus, in total helical twist, which radically alters their geometry. How this variability is accommodated structurally is not known. Here we show that the inherent twistability of 89- to 105-bp DNA circles exceeds theoretical expectation by up to 400-fold. These results can be explained only by greatly enhanced DNA flexibility, not by permanent bends. They invalidate the use of classic theories of flexibility for understanding sharp DNA looping but support predictions of two recent theories. Our findings imply an active role for DNA flexibility in loop formation and suggest that variability in the detailed helical twist of regulatory loops is accommodated naturally by the inherent twistability of the DNA.
Crystal structure of HLA-G: A nonclassical MHC class I molecule expressed at the fetal–maternal interface
Authors: Clements Craig S. , Kjer-Nielsen Lars , Kostenko Lyudmila , Hoare Hilary L. , Dunstone Michelle A. , Moses Eric , Freed Katy , Brooks Andrew G. , Rossjohn Jamie , McCluskey James
Published: February 2005

HLA-G is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecule that is primarily expressed at the fetal–maternal interface, where it is thought to play a role in protecting the fetus from the maternal immune response. HLA-G binds a limited repertoire of peptides and interacts with the inhibitory leukocyte Ig-like receptors LIR-1 and LIR-2 and possibly with certain natural killer cell receptors. To gain further insights into HLA-G function, we determined the 1.9-Å structure of a monomeric HLA-G complexed to a natural endogenous peptide ligand from histone H2A (RIIPRHLQL). An extensive network of contacts between the peptide and the antigen-binding cleft reveal a constrained mode of binding reminiscent of the nonclassical HLA-E molecule, thereby providing a structural basis for the limited peptide repertoire of HLA-G. The α3 domain of HLA-G, a candidate binding site for the LIR-1 and -2 inhibitory receptors, is structurally distinct from the α3 domains of classical MHC-I molecules, providing a rationale for the observed affinity differences for these ligands. The structural data suggest a head-to-tail mode of dimerization, mediated by an intermolecular disulfide bond, that is consistent with the observation of HLA-G dimers on the cell surface.
When hearing turns into playing: Movement induction by auditory stimuli in pianists
Authors: Drost Ulrich C. , Rieger Martina , Brass Marcel , Gunter Thomas C. , Prinz Wolfgang
Published: February 2005

In this study, pianists were tested for learned associations between actions (movements on the piano) and their perceivable sensory effects (piano tones). Actions were examined that required the playing of two-tone sequences (intervals) in a four-choice paradigm. In Experiment 1, the intervals to be played were denoted by visual note stimuli. Concurrently with these imperative stimuli, task-irrelevant auditory distractor intervals were presented (“potential” action effects, congruent or incongruent). In Experiment 2, imperative stimuli were coloured squares, in order to exclude possible influences of spatial relationships of notes, responses, and auditory stimuli. In both experiments responses in the incongruent conditions were slower than those in the congruent conditions. Also, heard intervals actually “induced” false responses. The reaction time effects were more pronounced in Experiment 2. In nonmusicians (Experiment 3), no evidence for interference could be observed. Thus, our results show that in expert pianists potential action effects are able to induce corresponding actions, which demonstrates the existence of acquired action–effect associations in pianists.
A model for cost-effectiveness analyses of smoking cessation interventions applied to a Quit-and-Win contest for mothers of small children
Authors: Johansson Pia M. , Tillgren Per E. , Guldbrandsson Karin A. , Lindholm Lars A.
Published: February 2005

Aims: The first aim of this study was to develop a model that predicts health and economic consequences of smoking cessation in Sweden, striving to follow the methodological recommendations to reflect the societal perspective and to use the health measure quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The second aim was to apply the model estimates to a smoking cessation intervention. Methods: A Markov cost-effectiveness model was developed on smoking-related lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cardiovascular disease. Swedish primary data on medical treatment costs and quality-of-life weights were used, supplemented with secondary data on other societal effects and the disease and death risks. The model simulations were applied to a ``Quit-and-Win'' contest for mothers of pre-school children. In total, 238 women participated, with 34 sustained tobacco-free at 12-month follow-up. Results: The cost-effectiveness model estimates a gain of 0.34 to 0.55 QALYs (discounted 3%), and cost savings of SEK 20—35,000 per female quitter in the age range 15 to 49 years. The cost-effectiveness analyses of the intervention showed intervention costs per quitter of SEK 7,850, and intervention costs per life-years saved (YLS) (discounted 3%) of SEK 13,200. The cost-utility analysis demonstrated cost savings and a gain of 16 QALYs. Conclusions: The cost-utility analysis estimated health gains and cost savings resulting from the ``Quit-and-Win'' contest. As the model estimates on the differences in societal cost between smokers and quitters are considerable, many tobacco control programmes would result in cost savings. The construction of an optimal mix of tobacco control policies, however, demands incremental calculations on a range of programmes.
Sickness certificates as a basis for decisions regarding entitlement to sickness insurance benefits
Authors: Söderberg Elsy , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: February 2005

Background: The sickness certificate is a major instrument for establishing contact and conveying information between two authorities that have a substantial impact on the life situation and work situation of the patients, as well as on the economic costs of the society. Aim: A study was undertaken to assess the quality of physicians' sickness certificates as a basis for social insurance officers' decisions regarding entitlement to sickness benefits. Method: Information on all 2,449 sickness certificates for sick-leave periods exceeding 28 days' sick leave period received at the social insurance offices in one Swedish county during one week in 2002 was coded and analysed. Results: Information provided in the certificates was often not sufficient to allow social insurance officers to determine eligibility for sickness benefits. Qualitative analyses of certificates from general practitioners (GPs) revealed that 21% contained ambiguous statements about the medical disorder, 30% were unclear regarding the assessment of functional capacity, and 22% required additional information on both those aspects. Sickness certificates issued by GPs and physicians under specialist training, as compared with other categories of physicians, more often provided essential data, for example concerning the patient's occupational tasks and type of employment. Conclusions: Physicians often fail to contribute required information concerning functional capacity and other important aspects when issuing sickness certificates. This limits the use of these documents as a basis for decisions regarding sickness insurance benefits. The practical consequences of incomplete certificates might be delayed payment of benefits and delayed initiation of return to work measures.
Synthesis of diethyl 2H‐naphtho[2,1,b]pyran‐2,3‐dicarboxylate and some related compounds as UV absorbers
Authors: Asiri A.M. , Ismail I.M.I.
Published: February 2005

Purpose

Synthesis and evaluation of new naphthopyran and related compounds as ultraviolet absorbers.

Design/methodology/approach

The new naphthopyran and related compounds were prepared using new synthesis methodology which gave new derivatives via positions not accessible by traditional methods.

Findings

A new method for the preparations of naphthopyran was developed. The naphthopyran compounds prepared had promising UV absorption/protection capabilities.

Practical implications

The new compounds synthesised had unique character enabling them to be used in applications such as UV absorber and sunscreen.

Originality/value

New method of synthesis and the possibility of using the naphthopyran derivatives as UV absorber in many applications.
Insights into the domains required for dimerization and assembly of human αB crystallin
Authors: Ghosh Joy G. , Clark John I.
Published: February 2005

Protein pin array technology was used to identify subunit–subunit interaction sites in the small heat shock protein (sHSP) αB crystallin. Subunit–subunit interaction sites were defined as consensus sequences that interacted with both human αA crystallin and αB crystallin. The human αB crystallin protein pin array consisted of contiguous and overlapping peptides, eight amino acids in length, immobilized on pins that were in a 96‐well ELISA plate format. The interaction of αB crystallin peptides with physiological partner proteins, αA crystallin and αB crystallin, was detected using antibodies and recorded using spectrophotometric absorbance. Five peptide sequences including 37LFPTSTSLSPFYLRPPSF54 in the N terminus, 75FSVNLDVK82 (β3), 131LTITSSLS138 (β8) and 141GVLTVNGP148 (β9) that form β strands in the conserved α crystallin core domain, and 155PERTIPITREEK166 in the C‐terminal extension were identified as subunit–subunit interaction sites in human αB crystallin using the novel protein pin array assay. The subunit–subunit interaction sites were mapped to a three‐dimensional (3D) homology model of wild‐type human αB crystallin that was based on the crystal structure of wheat sHSP16.9 and Methanococcus jannaschi sHSP16.5 (Mj sHSP16.5). The subunit–subunit interaction sites identified and mapped onto the homology model were solvent‐exposed and had variable secondary structures ranging from β strands to random coils and short α helices. The subunit–subunit interaction sites formed a pattern of hydrophobic patches on the 3D surface of human αB crystallin.
Adverse Selection in an Insurance Market With Government‐Guaranteed Subsistence Levels
Authors: Kim Bum J. , Schlesinger Harris
Published: February 2005

Abstract

We consider a competitive insurance market with adverse selection. Unlike the standard models, we assume that individuals receive the benefit of some type of potential government assistance that guarantees them a minimum level of wealth. For example, this assistance might be some type of government‐sponsored relief program, or it might simply be some type of limited liability afforded via bankruptcy laws. Government assistance is calculated ex post of any insurance benefits. This alters the individuals' demand for insurance coverage. In turn, this affects the equilibria in various insurance models of markets with adverse selection.
The Role of Holding Company Financial Information in the Insurer‐Rating Process: Evidence From the Property‐Liability Industry
Authors: Gaver Jennifer J. , Pottier Steven W.
Published: February 2005

Abstract

We examine data for the year ended December 31, 1997 for 80 publicly traded property‐liability insurers that have Best financial strength ratings of their consolidated insurance‐operating subsidiaries. These firms employ a holding company structure, in which a parent owns the stock of multiple insurance‐operating subsidiaries. The operating subsidiaries prepare a consolidated annual report using the Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), and an analogous set of financial statements based on the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is released by the parent. We find that the financial characteristics important in determining ratings at the individual firm level—capitalization, liquidity, profitability, and size—are also important at the group level. Further, financial ratios from holding company statements are incrementally useful in the ratings' process, after group‐level ratios have been taken into account. Robustness tests based on a subsample of holding companies with minimal investment outside of the property‐liability industry reinforce our conclusion that parent company statements influence consolidated group ratings. However, our data do not allow us to separate the relative contribution of the GAAP model and underlying transactions to the ratings decision.
Continuity of care in psychiatric post‐ward outpatient services – conceptions of patients and personnel concerning factors contributing to the continuity of care
Authors: HAUTALA‐JYLHÄ P.‐L. , NIKKONEN M. , JYLHÄ J.
Published: February 2005

A structural change of the psychiatric services was started in Finland in the 1980s. Its primary objective was to shift the main emphasis from hospital to outpatient services. Hence, the number of psychiatric beds has declined to a third of the maximum rate, inpatient periods have shortened and the number of outpatient appointments has increased significantly. International research shows that when the emphasis of psychiatric services shifts to outpatient services and hospitalization becomes short‐term, diverse individual alternatives are needed to support patients’ coping. Several Finnish psychiatric hospitals initiated in the 1990s outpatient services provided at inpatient wards, which means, that after the period of hospitalization, further care is provided to the patient at the same ward where s/he was hospitalized. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyse the conceptions of patients, ward personnel, outpatient services personnel and administrative personnel in psychiatric units concerning the factors improving the continuity of care. A phenomenographic approach was used and the objective was to find the different empirical variations of the conceptions, through which people experience, comprehend and become conscious of the phenomena in the surrounding world. The data were gathered by interviewing post‐ward outpatients (n = 5), personnel at psychiatric wards and in outpatient services (n = 18) and administrative personnel in psychiatric units (n = 5). As a result of the analysis seven categories of the factors improving the continuity of care were formed: (1) adherence to a good cooperative relationship; (2) adherence to the care environment; (3) flexibility in tailoring care; (4) active maintenance of contacts in care; (5) constant possibility to contact the ward; (6) up‐to‐date patient data; and (7) active cooperation between outpatient services and other collaborators.
Releasing the therapeutic potential of the psychiatric nurse: a human relations perspective of the nurse–patient relationship
Authors: CAMERON D. , KAPUR R. , CAMPBELL P.
Published: February 2005

In psychiatry mental health nurses form the largest professional discipline providing care on an everyday basis for sustained periods. Mental health nurses therefore are in a pivotal position to establish valued therapeutic alliances. In practice, however, a disproportionate amount of nursing time is taken up by administration, time spent talking to patients is minimal and when interactions do occur they remain notionally therapeutic and often are not theoretically informed. This noted paucity of therapeutic contact is antithetical to the aspirations of service users who increasingly are asking for a more skilled approach to the talking–listening that occurs in the therapeutic encounter. It is hypothesized by the present authors that an object‐relations perspective of the nurse–patient relationship could release the largely untapped therapeutic potential of the psychiatric nurse by (1) bridging the gap between theory and practice and (2) providing a professional identity from within which nurses can begin to ‘get to know’ and understand the predicament of the patient with severe mental illness.
Experience of implementing an adult educational approach to treating anxiety disorders
Authors: WOOD S. D. , KITCHINER N. J. , BISSON J. I.
Published: February 2005

This paper describes the background to the development and delivery of a self‐help package for anxiety disorders. Evidence of effectiveness is summarized. The paper outlines the intervention and describes the experience of two mental health nurses, who set out to assess its acceptability, evaluate its outcomes in routine clinical practice and assess the feasibility of its delivery by mental health nurses. Acceptability of the intervention was high, judged by retention and attendance rates. The pilot study produced promising clinical outcomes, especially for people with depression secondary to anxiety. Clinical measures showed significant improvements from pre‐course to 6‐month follow‐up in anxiety, psychological well‐being and depression. The outcomes suggest that appropriately trained mental health nurses could deliver the intervention as a routine treatment. The paper concludes by discussing future plans, including a randomized controlled trial and implementation in primary care.
A study on how mental health practitioners address ethical issues in clinical audit
Authors: ASHMORE R.
Published: February 2005

Although much debate has taken place within the literature on the differences between research and clinical audit, the ethical dimensions of audit have frequently been neglected. Furthermore, no research has of yet explored what ethical issues auditors consider in relation to their projects or how they manage them in practice. Using data collected from audit documentation, semi‐structured interviews and a researcher‐administered questionnaire, this study sought to advance this position by exploring how 14 clinicians undertook audits in one mental health Trust addressed the ethical dimensions of their project. Analysis of the data revealed that the Trust had no formal mechanisms for reviewing and monitoring audit projects whilst other informal mechanisms were not utilized by all auditors. A number of projects had contact with both clinicians and service users through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; however, issues such as informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity were not adequately addressed by auditors. The implications of these findings are discussed and recommendations for practice outlined.
Coercion or collaboration? Nurses doing research with people who have severe mental health problems
Authors: DAVIES B. R.
Published: February 2005

Nurses should address the concerns of service users in research and engage in collaborative work with them. Doing this presents ethical dilemmas, not least around the issues of assessing capacity and informed consent to participation in research.

The view that judgement regarding the capacity to consent is solely the responsibility of a consultant psychiatrist is challenged as inadequate. The concept of ‘moral discourse’ (Pike 1991) is used to understand the process by which the assessment of capacity may be carried out. This is illustrated by the application of the concept in a qualitative research study carried out to explore what makes mental health services accessible to women with children.

The role of the mental health nurse entails surveillance and the development of expertise in negotiating compliance with treatment programmes. The paper outlines the measures taken to ensure that service users felt empowered, rather than coerced, to participate in this study.

While Community Mental Health Team workers were engaged in ‘moral discourse’ in respect of participation by service users in the study, there were difficulties in engaging General Practitioners. However, there was evidence that women themselves felt empowered both to express interest in participating and to withdraw if they so wished.
Pharmacokinetics of ibafloxacin in healthy cats
Authors: COULET M. , MORELLO C. , COX P. , LOHUIS J.
Published: February 2005

The pharmacokinetics of ibafloxacin following single and repeated administration of an oral gel formulation and the effect of food intake were investigated in cats. Ibafloxacin is a chiral fluoroquinolone available for clinical use as a racemic mixture of the R‐ and S‐enantiomers. Plasma concentrations of ibafloxacin and its metabolites were determined using microbiological, LC–MS–MS and enantioselective capillary zone electrophoresis assays. Ibafloxacin was absorbed rapidly [time of maximum concentration (tmax) 2–3 h], reaching a mean maximum concentration (Cmax) of approximately 2.1 and 1.6 μg/mL for R‐ and S‐ibafloxacin, respectively, following a single oral administration of the racemate at 15 mg/kg. Once absorbed, ibafloxacin was metabolized to 7‐hydroxy‐ibafloxacin and mainly to 8‐hydroxy‐ibafloxacin. Following repeated oral administration, significant increases in Cmax and AUC of ibafloxacin and its less active metabolites (racemic or enantiomers) were observed between the first and the tenth day of treatment. This twofold exposure increase in concentrations of ibafloxacin and its metabolites may contribute additionally to the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of feline bacterial infections. Single and repeated doses of ibafloxacin were well tolerated by cats. Food promoted the absorption of ibafloxacin, doubling Cmax and increasing AUC and slightly delaying tmax. High concentrations of the metabolites, mainly 8‐hydroxy‐ and 7‐hydroxy‐ibafloxacin were excreted in urine, either unchanged or as glucurono‐conjugates.
Clinical efficacy of prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine in a Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus infection model in ponies
Authors: ENSINK J. M. , BOSCH G. , VAN DUIJKEREN E.
Published: February 2005

Tissue chambers, implanted subcutaneously in the neck in six ponies, were inoculated with Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus in order to determine the clinical efficacy of prophylactic administration of trimethoprim/sulfadiazine (TMP/SDZ) against this infection. The TMP/SDZ treatment consisted of one intravenous (i.v.) injection of 5 mg/kg TMP and 25 mg/kg SDZ and the same dose of TMP/SDZ per os (p.o.), both given 3 h before inoculation. The oral dose was then repeated every 12 h for 5 days. TMP/SDZ concentrations in tissue chamber fluid (TCF) were above 10 times MIC at the moment of inoculation, and they were maintained at this level or higher throughout the duration of treatment. Trimethoprim/sulfadiazine treatment resulted in a marked reduction of viable bacteria in the tissue chamber but did not eliminate the infection, resulting in abscessation from day 19 onwards in all six ponies. This shows that, even when TCF is not yet purulent, TMP/SDZ is unable to eliminate the streptococci. Therefore, TMP/SDZ should not be the antimicrobial treatment of choice in infections in secluded sites in horses.
Reductant for glutamate synthase in generated by the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in non‐photosynthetic root plastids
Authors: Bowsher C. G. , Boulton E. L. , Rose J. , Nayagam S. , Emes M. J.
Published: February 2005

Purified pea root plastids were supplied with glutamine, 2‐oxoglutarate and phosphorylated sugars. Formation of glutamate was linear for 75 min and dependent upon the intactness of the organelle. Glucose‐6‐phosphate and ribose‐5‐phosphate were the most effective substrates in supporting glutamate synthesis. Flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway during glutamate synthesis in purified plastids was followed by monitoring the release of 14CO2 from [1‐14C]glucose‐6‐phosphate. 14CO2 evolution from C‐1 was dependent upon the presence of both glutamine and 2‐oxoglutarate and could be inhibited by the application of azaserine. The data are discussed in view of the role of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in non‐photosynthetic plastids.