bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who Will Care for Our Parents? Changing Boundaries of Family and Public Roles in Providing Care for the Aged in Urban China
Authors: Zhang Hong
Published: April 2007

The combined effects of more and more elderly Chinese living in empty-nest households and into advanced age pose an unprecedented challenge to the traditional family care for the aged in China and raise concerns about how to provide long-term care for the needy elderly. It has been increasingly recognized that the traditional family-based support system alone is inadequate to cope with rapid social change and population aging in China and that there is an urgent need to explore and develop the role of extrafamilial involvement in meeting the needs of long-term care for the Chinese elderly. This study used the interview data collected in 2001 in the city of Wuhan, and three other surveys on eldercare in Wuhan between 1998 and 2005, to show what eldercare patterns have emerged to cope with the long-term care needs of the urban elderly. More specifically, it describes and discusses three new eldercare patterns: at-home eldercare (jujia yanglao), community-based eldercare (shequ yanglao), and institutional care (yanglao jigou yanglao).
Competition, Organizational Change, and Conflict: The Changing Role of Case Managers in Ontario’s Homecare System
Authors: Randall Glen E.
Published: April 2007

As health care costs climb, governments continue to seek ways of controlling expenditures and improving accountability. One approach recently used by the government of Ontario to reform the delivery of homecare services focused on the introduction of competitive market forces in conjunction with the establishment of greater managerial controls over the activities of frontline health professionals. The purpose of this article is to assess how this “managed competition” model impacted the role of homecare case managers and their relationships with frontline health professionals. Data for this case study were obtained primarily through 36 in-depth key informant interviews with representatives from homecare provider agencies and the community care access centers (CCACs), which contract with the provider agencies for client services. The managed competition reform dramatically altered the role of homecare case managers by requiring them to take on greater responsibility for monitoring budgets and rationing services. This shift from a collaborative to a competitive system promoted conflict between case managers and other health care professionals. In the presence of an increasingly bureaucratized case manager role, interprofessional conflict and a focus on cost containment seems to have left clients without any clear advocate of their interests.
Living Independently Is Good: Residence Patterns in Rural North China Reconsidered
Authors: Miller Eric T.
Published: April 2007

Filial piety provides an important ideological basis for family-based support in China. Evidence indicates that in recent years the support of the aged within the Chinese extended family has decreased. This article examines filial piety, residence, and support arrangements in three rural Chinese villages. Anthropologists independently conducted research in these villages in the 1990s: Hong Zhang in Zhongshan Village in Hubei Province, Yunxiang Yan in Xiajia Village in Heilongjiang Province, and myself in Lijia Village in Shandong Province. This article examines the strategies used by the young and old in negotiating intergenerational support and residential arrangements within the context of local village circumstances and policies. In each village, the aged are increasingly likely to live apart from children, and to express a preference for living independently. Although these facts appear to contradict filial piety, filial piety continues to be valued. Filial respect of elders, however, is seen less as an inherent right and more as a reciprocal relationship that can be built, maintained, and lost. Housing policies and the economic status of the aged both appear to play an important role in explaining the common trends in these villages as well as explaining the differences between them. To varying degrees in each village, power has shifted to the younger generation.
Older Chinese, the Internet, and Well-Being
Authors: Xie Bo
Published: April 2007

This study examines the impact of the Internet on the well-being of older Chinese. Thirty-three older Chinese, who were current or former students of a senior-oriented computer training organization based in Shanghai, China, were interviewed about their use and perceptions of the Internet. Data analysis was guided by grounded theory. The findings indicate that Internet learning and use in this peer group makes these older Chinese’s lives after retirement more meaningful, and improves their self-evaluations as well as other people’s views of them. These findings suggest that Internet learning and use is positively associated with the well-being of these older Chinese. This study also finds culturally specific factors—including mandatory retirement and recent economic reforms in China—that mediate older Chinese people’s use and perceptions of the Internet. Finally, societal implications, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
Understanding Successful Aging: A Study of Older Indian Adults in Singapore
Authors: Nagalingam Jayanthi
Published: April 2007

This qualitative study examines the factors that determine older Indian adults’ perceptions of successful aging. Comparisons are made between the Western and Singaporean notions of successful aging and care is taken to identify the differences in the definition of successful aging across gender, income, and educational levels. Finally, I analyze the role played by state policy and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in understanding and defining successful aging in Singapore. Concepts from Kahana, Kahana, and Kercher’s (1999) model of successful aging are used to test their degree of importance as factors associated with older Indians’ definition of successful aging in Singapore. Three variables, work status, marital status, and living arrangements, were employed to determine their influence on respondents’ perceptions of successful aging. In general, regardless of income and education, older males viewed financial stability and females indicated familial networks as key factors in successful aging.
Ethics of CIA and Military Contracting by Psychiatrists and Psychologists
Authors: Ross Colin A.
Published: April 2007

There have been extensive, systematic violations of human rights by American psychiatrists, psychologists, and neurosurgeons throughout the second half of the twentieth century. These violations have occurred at the leading medical schools with funding from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the U.S. military. Experiments have involved brain electrodes, LSD, hypnosis, the creation of Manchurian candidates, the development of biological, chemical, and nonlethal weapons, and the implantation of false memories and creation of amnesia. Many experiments were conducted on unwitting civilians and none involved documented consent, adequate outside review, or representation for the experimental subjects, or any meaningful follow-up. Because such still-classified mind control programs are undoubtedly ongoing, there should be disclosure requirements for psychologists and psychiatrists presenting or publishing in subject areas related to their CIA and military contracts, just as there are for civilians in relationships with drug companies.
It’s a Crime: Reexamining the Successful Use of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder as a Legal Defense to Child Sexual Assault in the Canadian Case of R. v. Borsch
Authors: Grover Sonja
Published: April 2007

This article discusses the 2006 Canadian case of R. v. Borsch in which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was successfully used as the basis for an insanity defense in a child sexual assault case. It is argued that there is no scientific evidence of a causal link between PTSD and violent criminal behavior. The facts of the Borsch case are discussed in order to highlight the illegitimacy of basing an insanity defense on PTSD. The court’s drawing of a causal link in Borsch between the defendant’s alleged PTSD and his committing a child sexual assault creates a maladaptive culturally defined belief system. That belief system assigns to defendants an alleged entitlement, due to PTSD, to commit violent acts by holding these acts to be an inevitable outcome for a variety of reasons in the particular instance. The similarities between PTSD and the so-called “culture-bound” mental disorder of “amok” are also discussed.
Full Disclosure: Toward a Participatory and Risk-Limiting Approach to Neuroleptic Drugs
Authors: Aderhold Volkmar , Stastny Peter
Published: April 2007

Following the many clinical studies of neuroleptic treatment and the resulting practice guidelines and algorithms that have been established by various psychiatric associations, there seems to be little room for considering other treatment concepts that may be at variance with these guidelines: the earlier and the more sustainedly that neuroleptics are taken, the better—this is currently the widely accepted basic principle. If this were indeed correct, service users would have only negligible input into their treatment with neuroleptics. For therapists, there would be little more to do than to inform patients fully about these medications and their untoward effects. The elbow room could be substantially increased if clinical experiences and scientific results that are frequently ignored were to be considered. Such information will be presented in this article, with the aim of enhancing the agency and creativity of users and mental health professionals and of advocating for patient-centered and context-oriented advances in psychiatry. Critical assessments of neuroleptic treatment will be followed by a presentation of the therapeutic potential of complex psychosocial interventions, which enable the avoidance of neuroleptic medications in 40%–70% of instances; and finally, the principles of an approach that we would call participatory neuroleptic treatment will be outlined.
Mental Health Professionals as Pawns in Oppressive Practices: A Case Example Concerning Psychologists’ Involvement in the Denial of Education Rights to Roma/Gypsy Children
Authors: Grover Sonja
Published: April 2007

This article examines a 2006 European Court of Human Rights judgment concerning educational discrimination against Roma children in the Czech Republic and the involvement of educational psychologists in the case. The court held the school to be the proper final arbiter on the question of the best interests of the child regarding educational placement. Based largely on culturally biased psychological testing results, the Roma children in question were declared mentally handicapped by educational psychologists. On that basis, they were placed in a segregated school for the intellectually disabled where the curriculum was quite deficient. Despite statistical evidence of the overrepresentation of Roma children in such segregated Czech schools, and of widespread discrimination against Roma in schools and in the larger society, the court rejected the claim that the children’s right to an education had been violated. The implication for psychologists and educators internationally, to avoid becoming pawns contributing to an oppressive human rights situation, is discussed.
Delayed fluorescence in algal growth inhibition tests
Authors: Berden-Zrimec Maja , Drinovec Luka , Zrimec Alexis , Tišler Tatjana
Published: April 2007

A series of 72-hour growth inhibition tests with green alga Desmodesmus (Scenedesmus) subspicatus (ISO 8692) has been performed to test the delayed fluorescence (DF) parameters as possible endpoint measurements. Sensitivity to five toxicants with direct and indirect effects on photosynthesis was tested, and the median effective concentration (EC50) values derived from the cell concentration, absorbance and DF were compared. The sensitivity of DF intensity (DFI) was comparable with the two endpoints suggested in ISO 8692 for all five toxicants: potassium dichromate, 3,5-dichlorophenol (3,5-DCP), DCMU, copper and cadmium. In the case of potassium dichromate and copper, DFI was more sensitive than the other endpoints in this study. The analysis of DF relaxation kinetics showed a specific response to the herbicide DCMU. Additionally, a 24-hour test was performed with the same toxicant concentrations (except copper), where DFI was measured 30 minutes, one hour and 24 hours after the exposure. The influence of toxicants on DFI after a 24-hour exposure was comparable with the effects after 72 hours. Only 3,5-DCP influenced DFI after 30 minutes. DF proved to be a simple, reliable and rapid measurement to assess toxicity in algal tests, which can to some extent differentiate among various toxicants.
[Fe3(HCOO)6]: A Permanent Porous Diamond Framework Displaying H2/N2 Adsorption, Guest Inclusion, and Guest‐Dependent Magnetism
Authors: Wang Z.‐M. , Zhang Y.‐J. , Liu T. , Kurmoo M. , Gao S.
Published: April 2007

The porous magnet [Fe3(HCOO)6], the iron member of the [M3(HCOO)6] family (where M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, etc.), based on a diamond framework consisting of Fe‐centered FeFe4 tetrahedral nodes, is prepared successfully by using a solution‐chemistry method. The as‐prepared compound, [Fe3(HCOO)6](CH3OH)1.5(H2O)0.5 (1‐parent), exhibits facile removal of its guests, methanol, and water, to give the desolvated framework [Fe3(HCOO)6] (2‐empty) that displays permanent porosity and thermal stability up to 270 °C. The flexibility of the framework and the amphiphilic nature of the surface of the pores consisting of both C–H and O arrays allows 2‐empty to take up significant H2 and N2 at liquid‐nitrogen temperatures and a wide spectrum of both polar and nonpolar guests of different sizes. A series of guest‐inclusion compounds, [Fe3(HCOO)6](I2)0.84 (3‐iodine), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C4H8O) (4‐THF), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C4H4O) (5‐furan), [Fe3(HCOO)6](C6H6) (6‐benzene), [Fe3(HCOO)6](CH3CN) (7‐acetonitrile), and [Fe3(HCOO)6]((CH3)2CO) (8‐acetone) are successfully prepared by vapor diffusion of the guest into the pores of 2‐empty and their structures are characterized by using single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. Zigzag molecular arrays of the guest are formed in the confined channels of the host framework, and the weak hydrogen‐bonding provides the main host–guest interaction. All the compounds show 3D long‐range magnetic ordering and guest‐modulated Curie temperatures, coercive fields, and remnant magnetization as a consequence of the subtle rearrangement of the magnetic framework that conforms to the size of the guests and the difference in host–guest interactions. A possible magnetic structure of the framework is proposed to account for magnetic competition and geometrical frustration. The thermal and spectroscopic properties of the compounds are also reported.
Modern Potentiometry
Authors: Bakker Eric , Pretsch Ernö
Published: April 2007

For most chemists, potentiometry with ion‐selective electrodes (ISEs) primarily means pH measurements with a glass electrode. Those interested in clinical analysis might know that ISEs, routinely used for the determination of blood electrolytes, have a market size comparable to that of glass electrodes. It is even less well known that potentiometry went through a silent revolution during the past decade. The lower detection limit and the discrimination of interfering ions (the selectivity coefficients) have been improved in many cases by factors up to 106 and 1010, respectively, thus allowing their application in fields such as environmental trace analysis and potentiometric biosensing. The determination of complex formation constants for lipophilic hosts and ionic guests is also covered in this Minireview.
Synthesis, Structural Characterization, Electronic Structure, and Magnetic Properties of the Zintl Phase Eu10Cd6Bi12
Authors: Xia Sheng‐qing , Bobev Svilen
Published: April 2007

A new transition‐metal‐containing Zintl phase, Eu10Cd6Bi12, was synthesized by combining the elements in excess molten Cd. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies indicated that this compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm (No. 65) with a=7.840(2), b=24.060(7), and c=4.7809(14) Å. The crystal structure of Eu10Cd6Bi12 can be viewed as a stacking of a series of [Cd6Bi12] double layers, which are arranged alternately along the b axial direction. The layers are composed of corner‐ and edge‐shared CdBi4 tetrahedra, a common feature in the crystal chemistry of many transition‐metal Zintl phases. Electronic‐band‐structure calculations confirm the closed‐shell configuration of all constituent elements and corroborate the electron count inferred by the Zintl formalism, that is, [Eu2+]10[Cd2+]6[Bi3−]8[Bi2−]4. Magnetic‐susceptibility measurements confirm the divalency of europium and show the existence of a long‐range antiferromagnetic order of the Eu spins below 12.3 K.
Agricultural Waste Conversion to Activated Carbon by Chemical Activation with Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Soleimani M. , Kaghazchi T.
Published: April 2007

Activated carbon is widely used in various processes as an inexpensive and effective adsorbent. The adsorption properties of activated carbon vary with the feed materials used and the method of activation. The use of an inexpensive material and performing a suitable production method may help to generate a low cost product. Agricultural wastes could be considered as suitable raw materials for the production of activated carbon. In this work, activated carbon was produced by chemical activation with phosphoric acid of agricultural wastes such as bagasse, hard shells of apricot stones, almond, walnut and hazelnut shells. The effects of various preparation variables on both yield and quality of the prepared carbon were studied. The results showed that the selection of final activation temperature, heating rate, activation time and impregnation rate of the chemical agent was important in determining the quality of activated carbon obtained. The surface area and ash content of the activated carbon produced were compared to those of imported commercial samples. According to the results obtained, activated carbon from the hard shells of apricot stones have the best adsorption properties and the highest surface area. This activated carbon could be used in the separation of metal ions from wastewaters.
Phenol Removal through Chemical Oxidation using Fenton Reagent
Authors: Yavuz Y. , Savas Koparal A. , Bakir Ögütveren Ü.
Published: April 2007

In this study, phenol, aromatic, and non‐biodegradable organic matter were investigated and found to be removed from the model solution through chemical oxidation using Fenton reagent. The effects of the initial phenol concentration, hydrogen peroxide, and ferrous sulfate concentrations on the removal efficiency were investigated. Performance of the chemical oxidation process was monitored with phenol and COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) analyses. In the experimental studies, phenol removal of over 98 % and COD removal of nearly 70 % were achieved. The optimum conditions for Fenton reaction both for initial phenol concentrations of 200 and 500 mg/L were found at a ratio [Fe2+]/[H2O2] (mol/mol) equal to 0.11. According to the results, chemical oxidation using Fenton reagent was found to be too effective, especially for phenol removal. However, this method has limited removal efficiency for COD.
Finite Volume Simulation of High Speed Combustion of Premixed Air‐Acetylene Mixtures in a Microchannel
Authors: Chaudhuri A. , Guha C. , Dutta T. K.
Published: April 2007

High speed combustion characteristics of premixed stoichiometric air‐acetylene mixtures inside microchannels are numerically studied by solving a Navier‐Stokes (NS) system of equations with a single‐step chemistry model. A two dimensional explicit finite volume solver has been developed using modified advection upwind splitting methods (AUSM+) to predict the complex interactions among hydrodynamic processes, shock structures and combustion in microdimensions. The effects of channel aspect ratio and wall temperature on high speed microcombustion have been studied in this work. The increase in wall temperature due to wall friction in reduced dimensions initiates the chemical reaction of the combustible mixture near the wall region, and the reacted zone reaches the centerline for smaller height‐to‐length ratios of the microchannels. The wall temperature plays an important role in hypersonic combustion at the microscale.
Practical Assessment of Electronic Water Treatment for the Prevention of Fouling
Authors: Van Hulle S. W.H. , Vergote A. , Hogie J. , Dejans P.
Published: April 2007

Fouling or scaling, i.e., the occurrence of deposits on tubes, heat exchangers, and other devices, is a common problem in industrial and domestic processes. Many anti‐fouling techniques exist, both chemically and non‐chemically. The efficiency of non‐chemical methods is still controversial, although the use of these devices is already widespread in industry. In this contribution, a case study is presented in which the operation of such a device is demonstrated. The electronic water treatment device under study was connected to a 2 m‐long copper tube immersed in a water bath with a temperature of 65 °C. A short‐term experiment revealed that the device did not alter the water chemistry and that locally, fouling was prevented by the device. However, the potential for fouling further downstream was not reduced. A long‐term experiment further confirmed the findings of the short‐term experiment showing that locally, the device has an anti‐fouling action as a significant increase in weight was observed when the device was switched off and a significant decrease in weight was observed when the device was switched on.
A New Process for Synthesis of γ‐Butyrolactone and Cyclohexanone
Authors: Zheng H.‐Y. , Zhu Y.‐L. , Huang L. , Xiang H.‐W. , Li Y.‐W.
Published: April 2007

A new process through the coupling of maleic anhydride hydrogenation and cyclohexanol dehydrogenation has been studied for the simultaneous synthesis of γ‐butyrolactone and cyclohexanone. The possibility of the coupling process has been investigated thermodynamically. The separated hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol, and the coupling process over the same Cu‐Zn‐Al catalyst have been carried out in a fixed‐bed reactor. Compared to conventional processes, the coupling process has several advantages, e.g., improved γ‐butyrolactone and cyclohexanone yields, good energy efficiency, and optimal hydrogen utilization. The effects of reaction temperature, n(H2)/n (reactants) and liquid hourly space velocity on the coupling process are investigated. One thousand hours of stability testing shows that the Cu‐based catalyst has relatively high activity and good stability in the coupling process.
Metal‐induced supramolecular chirality in optically active polymers of oxazoline‐substituted N‐phenylmaleimides
Authors: Xi Xiujuan , Jiang Liming , Sun Weilin , Shen Zhiquan
Published: April 2007

Polymerization of N‐phenylmaleimide derivatives bearing a chiral oxazoline substituent at ortho‐position on the phenyl group (namely, N‐[o‐(4,5‐dihydro‐1,3‐oxazol‐2‐yl)phenyl]maleimides, OPMI) was carried out with diethylzinc (Et2Zn) as an initiator. The resulting polymers exhibited a quite high specific rotation and a unique split‐type circular dichroism. Furthermore, an induced Cotton effect was observed in the π–π* transition region of the chromophores upon complexation of these polymers with copper(II) salt in tetrahydrofuran solution, indicating the formation of chiral supramolecular aggregates. The induced supramolecular chirality was found to be dependent on the absolute configuration of monomer units, that is, the polymers with (R)‐configurational oxazolinyl chromophores tended to form chiral aggregates with levorotatory handedness, while polymers obtained from the (S)‐monomer offered dextrogyrate one upon the addition of Cu(II) salt. Chirality, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Chemie der Kastanie – Experimente mit Rosskastaniensamen
Authors: Weber Philipp , Martens Andreas , Ducci Matthias
Published: April 2007

Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden schulrelevante Experimente mit den Samen der Rosskastanie beschrieben. In einer Übersicht wird auf die Verbreitung der Rosskastanie in Mitteleuropa eingegangen und die Inhaltsstoffe der Kastaniensamen sowie historische und aktuelle Verwendungsmöglichkeiten der Kastaniensamen werden behandelt.
Spectral near‐infrared fluorescence imaging of curved surfaces using projection reconstruction algorithms
Authors: Hama Yukihiro , Koyama Yoshinori , Bernardo Marcelino , Choyke Peter L. , Kobayashi Hisataka
Published: April 2007

In vivo spectral fluorescence imaging has made it possible to non‐invasively visualize superficial curved structures as well as structures deep to the skin. However, the defocus created by blurring has been an obstacle to creating anatomically interpretable surface images. Herein we present a methodology to correct for blurring induced by curved structures during spectral fluorescence imaging using signal intensity projection algorithms. In a phantom and an animal model in which the lymphatic system was visualized after the interstitial injection of quantum dots with emission spectra in the near‐infrared (NIR) range, the planes of focus were sequentially adjusted to obtain a z‐stack of images which contains images acquired from multiple focal points. Maximum, minimum, median and average intensity projections were applied to the resulting images. Using the phantom, the minimum and the median intensity projection images demonstrated improved deblurring whereas during in vivo imaging the median intensity projection images more clearly visualized important structures than did the other projection techniques. Image stacking with subsequent application of appropriate projection techniques provides a simple method for deblurring in vivo optical images obtained from curved surfaces, thus improving their anatomic resolution. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of intramolecular H‐bond formation on the stability constant and water exchange rate of the Gd(III)‐diethylenetriamine‐N′‐(3‐amino‐1,1‐propylenephosphonic)‐N, N,N″,N″‐tetraacetate complex
Authors: Baranyai Zsolt , Gianolio Eliana , Ramalingam Kondareddiar , Swenson Rolf , Ranganathan Ramachandran , Brücher E. , Aime Silvio
Published: April 2007

The binding interaction of metal chelates to biological macromolecules, though driven by properly devoted recognition synthons, may cause dramatic changes in some property associated with the coordination cage such as the thermodynamic stability or the exchange rate of the metal coordinated water. Such changes are due to electrostatic and H‐bonding interactions involving atoms of the coordination cage and atoms of the biological molecule at the binding site. To mimic this type of H‐bonding interactions, lanthanide(III) complexes with a DTPA–monophosphonate ligand bearing a propylamino moiety (H6NP–DTPA) were synthesized. Their thermodynamic stabilities and the exchange lifetime of the coordinated water molecule (for the Gd‐complex) were compared with those of the analog complexes with DTPA and the parent DTPA–monophosphonate derivative (H6P–DTPA). It was found that the intramolecular H‐bond between the ε‐amino group and the phosphonate moiety in NP–DTPA complexes causes displacements of electric charges in their coordination cage that are markedly pH dependent. In turn, this affects the characteristic properties of the coordination cage. In particular it results in a marked elongation of the exchange lifetime of the coordinated water molecule. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to determine the number of inner‐sphere water molecules in Lanthanide(III) complexes by 17O NMR spectroscopy. A technical note
Authors: Djanashvili Kristina , Peters Joop. A.
Published: April 2007

Lanthanide(III) complexes of polyaminocarboxylates are widely used in MRI as contrast agents. The paramagnetic properties of the metal ion contribute to the increase of 1H relaxation rates, while the chelate offers a stable binding with the metal. The number of water molecules, coordinated directly to the Ln(III) ion, is very important for the relaxivity and, thus, the efficacy of these contrast agents. Here, we describe convenient methods to determine this parameter by measurement of Ln(III)‐induced shifts of the water 17O NMR resonance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness of influenza vaccination in working‐age cancer patients
Authors: Avritscher Elenir B. C. , Cooksley Catherine D. , Geraci Jane M. , Bekele Benjamin N. , Cantor Scott B. , Rolston Kenneth V. , Elting Linda S.
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND.

Despite recommendations to immunize all patients at an increased risk of influenza complications, the vaccine utilization among high‐risk nonelderly adults remains low and its cost‐effectiveness is unclear. In the current study, the authors analyzed the cost‐effectiveness of influenza vaccination in working‐age (ages 20–64 years) cancer patients.

METHODS.

The authors developed a decision‐analytic model, from the societal perspective, using epidemiologic, vaccine effectiveness, resource utilization, cost, survival, and utility data from published sources, supplemented with data collected from the authors' own institutional accounting system. Two strategies were compared: influenza vaccination of working‐age cancer patients and no vaccination. The base‐case patient was assumed to be a 51‐year‐old cancer patient (the mean age for the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results [SEER] population of working‐age patients within 5 years of cancer diagnosis).

RESULTS.

The effectiveness of the influenza vaccine was 6.02 quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs) at a cost of $30.10. The effectiveness of the no vaccination strategy was 6.01 QALYs at a cost of $27.86. Compared with the no vaccination strategy, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of vaccinating working‐age cancer patients would be $224.00 per QALY gained. Using the benchmark of $50,000 per QALY, the model was only sensitive to changes in cancer survival (threshold of 2.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS.

The influenza vaccine is cost‐effective for working‐age cancer patients with a life expectancy of ≥3 months. All working‐age cancer patients who are within 5 years of cancer diagnosis and have a life expectancy of at least 3 months should be vaccinated against influenza. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Can oral supplementation with a collagen‐casein‐based liquid protein improve serum albumin levels in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Pittaoulis Ann , Phillips Evelyn
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

Decreased synthesis of albumin (Alb) results in hypoalbuminemia and occurs because of the interrelationship of inflammation and malnutrition (uremic malnutrition) observed in chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients. Improving the nutrition status of CHD patients is necessary to prevent and treat uremic malnutrition. The issue remains of how to achieve this goal in CHD patients given the barriers to adequate and appropriate intake such as anorexia, impaired nutrient absorption, and necessary diet modifications.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if oral supplementation with a collagen‐casein‐based hydrolyzed liquid protein can improve Alb levels in hypoalbuminemic CHD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study patients were adult outpatients on hemodialysis for at least 1 year whose serum Alb was between 2.8 and 3.7 g/dL and who had given written consent. Patients (age = 31–90 years) were divided into 2 groups according to days they had dialysis. Controls ( n = 21; dialysis days Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) received standard nutritional counseling. The study group ( n = 29; dialysis days Monday, Wednesday, Friday) received 30 mL of liquid protein at the beginning and end of treatment. The main outcome measures were baseline and monthly Alb for 3 months and a subjective assessment of tolerance.

RESULTS

Five subjects in the control group (final n = 16 [49%]) and 12 subjects in the study group (final n = 17 [51%]) did not complete the study. There was not a statistically significant correlation between baseline Alb and baseline CRP, r = − 0.30 (p = 0.093), or between baseline Alb and baseline URR, r = 0.27 (p = 0.14). Average Alb of the control group did not differ between the baseline (3.43 g/dL) and final (3.44 g/dL) measurements, t = − 0.54; df = 15; p = 0.60. In the study group, however, the final average Alb (SD) of 3.73 (0.28) was statistically significantly greater than the baseline average of 3.49 (0.20), t = − 4.19; df = 16; p = 0.001.

CONCLUSION

These statistically significant results indicate that oral supplementation with a collagen‐casein‐based hydrolyzed liquid protein can improve serum albumin levels of hypoalbuminemic CHD patients.
CNS midline cells influence the division and survival of lateral glia in the Drosophila nervous system
Authors: Kim So Hee , Kim Hyeon Ju , Kim Soo Youn , Jeon Sang‐Hak , Kim Sang Hee
Published: April 2007

Central nervous system (CNS) midline cells are essential for identity determination and differentiation of neurons in the Drosophila nervous system. It is not clear, however, whether CNS midline cells are also involved in the development of lateral glial cells. The roles of CNS midline cells in lateral glia development were elucidated using general markers for lateral glia, such as glial cell missing and reverse polarity, and specific enhancer trap lines labeling the longitudinal, A, B, medial cell body, peripheral, and exit glia. We found that CNS midline cells were necessary for the proper expression of glial cell missing, reverse polarity, and other lateral glia markers only during the later stages of development, suggesting that they are not required for initial identity determination. Instead, CNS midline cells appear to be necessary for proper division and survival of lateral glia. CNS midline cells were also required for proper positioning of three exit glia at the junction of segmental and intersegmental nerves, as well as some peripheral glia along motor and sensory axon pathways. This study demonstrated that CNS midline cells are extrinsically required for the proper division, migration, and survival of various classes of lateral glia from the ventral neuroectoderm. genesis 45:266–274, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Polymer‐Anchored Oxidovanadium(IV) Complexes and Their Use for the Oxidation of Styrene and Cumene
Authors: Maurya Mannar R. , Kumar Umesh , Manikandan P.
Published: April 2007

The Schiff bases H2fsal‐ea (I), H2fsal‐pa (II) and H2fsal‐amp (III), derived from 3‐formylsalicylic acid and 2‐aminoethanol, 3‐aminopropanol and 2‐amino‐2‐methylpropanol, respectively, have been connected, by means of covalent bonds, to chloromethylated polystyrene cross‐linked with 5 % divinylbenzene. On treatment with [VO(acac)2] in dimethylformamide (DMF), these polymer‐anchored ligands PS‐H2fsal‐ea (IV), PS‐H2fsal‐pa (V) and PS‐H2fsal‐amp (VI) gave the oxidovanadium(IV) complexes, PS‐[VO(fsal‐ea)·DMF] (4), PS‐[VO(fsal‐pa)·DMF] (5) and PS‐[VO(fsal‐amp)·DMF] (6), respectively. The corresponding neat complexes [VO(fsal‐ea)]2 (1), [VO(fsal‐pa)]2 (2) and [VO(fsal‐amp)]2 (3) have also been similarly prepared. These complexes all exhibit a medium intensity band between 964 and 993 cm–1 in their IR spectra resulting from the V=O stretch. The EPR spectra of the polymer‐anchored complexes are characteristics of monomeric VIV centres with a simple S = ${1 \over 2}$ electronic spin and with an axial pattern typical of square pyramidal geometry. Broad features for the neat complexes along with magnetic susceptibility studies suggest the presence of antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between two vanadium centres in close proximity. These catalysts have been tested for the oxidation of styrene and cumene and were found to be efficient. Styrene gives five reaction products namely styrene epoxide, benzaldehyde, 1‐phenylethane‐1,2‐diol, benzoic acid and phenylacetaldehyde, whereas cumene gives acetophenone, 2‐phenylpropanal, α‐methyl styrene epoxide, 2‐phenyl‐2‐propanol, 2‐isopropyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone and α‐methyl styrene. The polymer‐anchored heterogeneous catalysts are recyclable. The catalytic activities of the neat complexes have also been examined and compared with the corresponding anchored analogues. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A modified conservation principles theory leading to an optimal Galerkin CFD algorithm
Authors: Sahu Sunil , Baker A. J.
Published: April 2007

A modified conservation principles theory in one, then multi‐dimensions, admits the prediction of an optimally accurate algorithm construction for the unsteady incompressible Navier–Stokes (INS) equations.Viaa time Taylor series (TS) operation, followed by a pseudo‐limit process, the theory generates a modified, but still analytical, INS system parameterized by a set of coefficients constrained only by a convexity requirement. A spatially discretized finite element implementation of a Galerkin weak statement on this modified INS system, termed the ‘Taylor weak statement (TWS), ’ generates a parameterized CFD algorithm for analysis. TWS algorithm phase velocity and amplification factor error functions are derived for linear and bilinear basis implementations assembled at the generic node. A subsequent TS expansion in wave number space admits analytical identification of parameter set options affecting lowest order error terms. The results of definitive verification‐ and validation‐class computational experiments for a range of published CFD algorithms belonging to the TWS class, reported herein, clearly confirm theoretical prediction of the optimal TWS algorithm for INS thermal/fluid transport applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A physically based flux limiter for QUICK calculations of advective scalar transport
Authors: Qian Qin , Stefan Heinz G. , Voller V. R.
Published: April 2007

Transient, advective transport of a contaminant into a clean domain will exhibit a moving sharp front that separates contaminated and clean regions. Due to ‘numerical diffusion’—the combined effects of ‘cross‐wind diffusion’ and ‘artificial dispersion’—a numerical solution based on a first‐order (upwind) treatment will smear out the sharp front. The use of higher‐order schemes, e.g. QUICK (quadratic upwinding) reduces the smearing but can introduce non‐physical oscillations in the solution. A common approach to reduce numerical diffusion without oscillations is to use a scheme that blends low‐order and high‐order approximations of the advective transport. Typically, the blending is based on a parameter that measures the local monotonicity in the predicted scalar field. In this paper, an alternative approach is proposed for use in scalar transport problems where physical bounds
CLow⩽C⩽CHigh on the scalar are known a priori. For this class of problems, the proposed scheme switches from a QUICK approximation to an upwind approximation whenever the predicted upwind nodal value falls outside of the physical range [CLow, CHigh]. On two‐dimensional steady‐state and one‐dimensional transient test problems predictions obtained with the proposed scheme are essentially indistinguishable from those obtained with monotonic flux‐limiter schemes. An analysis of the modified equation explains the observed performance of first‐ and second‐order time‐stepping schemes in predicting the advective transport of a step. In application to the transient two‐dimensional problem of contaminate transport into a streambed, predictions obtained with the proposed flux‐limiter scheme agree with those obtained with a scheme from the literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactive nonproliferative gliosis predominates in a chronic mouse model of glaucoma
Authors: Inman D. M. , Horner P. J.
Published: April 2007

In many CNS diseases, proliferation becomes dysregulated; cells divide and participate in pathological processes. Gliosis is a fundamental CNS response to trauma or disease in which cell hypertrophy and proliferation play prominent roles. The DBA/2J mouse is a glaucoma model in which mice experience gliosis concomitant with raised intraocular pressure that leads to a slow and progressive retinal ganglion cell axonopathy. We sought to determine if glaucomatous changes in DBA/2 retina would alter the regulation of cell proliferation, specifically in relation to retinal glia. Astrocyte and Müller glia populations within DBA/2 retina upregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein mRNA and protein compared with C57Bl/6; microglial cell number increased twofold from 4 to 10 months. Various bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) injection paradigms were used to label dividing cells in DBA/2 and C57Bl/6 retina at 4 and 10 months of age. Very modest cell division in the retina, primarily in ganglion cell and inner nuclear layers, was observed at all ages. Immunohistochemistry indicated cell turnover primarily of NG2+ pericytes and Iba1+ microglia; astrocytes and Müller glia did not proliferate. There were no significant differences in BrdU+ cell numbers in 4 and 10‐month‐old retina, though 4‐month retina had generally fewer BrdU+ cells than 10‐month. C57Bl/6 retinas had fewer BrdU+ cells than DBA/2 retinas at all ages. These data show that, in contrast to gliosis in other CNS trauma and neurodegenerative diseases, glaucomatous changes in retina do not include substantive cell proliferation. Retinal changes in a chronic model of glaucoma engender a reactive, not proliferative, gliosis response. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The units of thought
Authors: Bar Moshe , Aminoff Elissa , Mason Malia , Fenske Mark
Published: April 2007

That associative processing provides the vehicle of thought is a long‐standing idea. We describe here observations from cognitive neuroimaging that elucidate the neural processing that mediates this element. This account further allows a more specific ascription of a cognitive function to the brain's “default” activity in mindwandering. We extend this account to argue that one primary outcome of associative processing is the generation of predictions, which approximate the immediately relevant future and thus facilitate perception, action, and the progression of thought. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Signaling properties of stratum oriens interneurons in the hippocampus of transgenic mice expressing EGFP in a subset of somatostatin‐containing cells
Authors: Minneci Federico , Janahmadi Mahyar , Migliore Michele , Dragicevic Natasa , Avossa Daniela , Cherubini Enrico
Published: April 2007

GABAergic interneurons constitute a heterogeneous group of cells that exert a powerful control on network excitability and are responsible for the oscillatory behavior crucial for information processing in the brain. These cells have been differently classified according to their morphological, neurochemical, and physiological characteristics. Here, whole cell patch clamp recordings were used to further characterize, in transgenic mice expressing EGFP in a subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons containing somatostatin (GIN mice), the functional properties of EGFP‐positive cells in stratum oriens of the CA1 region of the hippocampus, in slice cultures obtained from P8 old animals. These cells showed passive and active membrane properties similar to those found in stratum oriens interneurons projecting to stratum lacunosum‐moleculare. Moreover, they exhibited different firing patterns that were maintained upon membrane depolarization: irregular (48%), regular (30%), and clustered (22%). Trains of action potentials in interneurons evoked in a minority of principal cells (3/45) small amplitude GABAergic currents that at 20 Hz underwent short‐term depression. In contrast, excitatory connections between principal cells and EGFP‐positive interneurons were highly reliable (17/55) and exhibited a frequency and use‐dependent facilitation particularly in the gamma band. In addition, recordings from paired of interconnected EGFP‐positive cells revealed in 47% of the cases electrical coupling, which was abolished by carbenoxolone (200 μM). On average, the coupling coefficient was 0.21 ± 0.07. When electrical coupling was particularly strong it acted as a powerful low‐pass filter, thus contributing to alter the output of individual cells. In conclusion, it appears that the dynamic interaction between cells with various firing patterns could differently affect GABAergic signaling, leading, as suggested by simulation data, to a wide range of interneuronal communication within the hippocampal network. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hydrology and water quality in two mountain basins of the northeastern US: assessing baseline conditions and effects of ski area development
Authors: Wemple Beverley , Shanley James , Denner Jon , Ross Donald , Mills Kevin
Published: April 2007

Mountain regions throughout the world face intense development pressures associated with recreational and tourism uses. Despite these pressures, much of the research on bio‐geophysical impacts of humans in mountain regions has focused on the effects of natural resource extraction. This paper describes findings from the first 3 years of a study examining high elevation watershed processes in a region undergoing alpine resort development. Our study is designed as a paired‐watershed experiment. The Ranch Brook watershed (9·6 km2) is a relatively pristine, forested watershed and serves as the undeveloped ‘control’ basin. West Branch (11·7 km2) encompasses an existing alpine ski resort, with approximately 17% of the basin occupied by ski trails and impervious surfaces, and an additional 7% slated for clearing and development. Here, we report results for water years 2001–2003 of streamflow and water quality dynamics for these watersheds. Precipitation increases significantly with elevation in the watersheds, and winter precipitation represents 36–46% of annual precipitation. Artificial snowmaking from water within West Branch watershed currently augments annual precipitation by only 3–4%. Water yield in the developed basin exceeded that in the control by 18–36%. Suspended sediment yield was more than two and a half times greater and fluxes of all major solutes were higher in the developed basin. Our study is the first to document the effects of existing ski area development on hydrology and water quality in the northeastern US and will serve as an important baseline for evaluating the effects of planned resort expansion activities in this area. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Special issue on human security, well‐being and sustainability: rights, responsibilities and priorities
Authors: Anand P. B. , Gasper Des
Published: April 2007

This introduction to a Special Issue provides a conceptual framework connecting the themes of human security, well‐being and human development, and sustainability. Inter‐connections between each of these three themes are possible. The connecting concepts are freedoms, rights, responsibilities, and deliberative processes. The main arguments of the five papers in this Special Issue are introduced in the context of this framework. Some potential criticisms and possible synergies are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.