bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indirect ego‐strengthening in treating PTSD in immigrants from Central America
Authors: Gafner George , Benson Sonja
Published: February 2006

As a result of civil war in El Salvador and Guatemala, hundreds of thousands of refugees fled to the USA during the 1980s. Many of these refugees experienced torture and other abuse, and current adaptation is complicated by post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The scope of the problem is examined along with cultural factors in mental health treatment and the limitations of conventional exposure therapy. The authors describe two indirect, hypnotic ego‐strengthening techniques that are useful in treating PTSD in this refugee population. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis
Efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Liossi Christina , White Paul
Published: February 2006

The fact that terminal cancer patients experience considerable psychological distress is now undisputed, but the effectiveness of psychological treatments in relieving this suffering is less clear. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the efficacy of clinical hypnosis in the enhancement of quality of life of patients with far‐advanced cancer. Fifty terminally ill cancer patients were randomly assigned to two groups: standard care and hypnosis. Patients in the standard care group received routine medical and psychological care. Their medical treatment included pharmacological management of pain and other symptoms following the World Health Organization's model of palliative care (WHO, 1990). The psychological support consisted of supportive counselling based on the cognitive existential therapeutic tradition. In addition to the standard care, patients in the hypnosis group received weekly sessions of hypnosis with a therapist for four weeks. Outcome measures included quality of life, as measured by The Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (DeHaes, Olschewski, Fayers, Visser, Cull, Hopwood and Sanderman, 1996), and depression and anxiety, as measured by The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond and Snaith, 1983). Results demonstrated that at the end of intervention patients in the hypnosis group had significantly better overall quality of life and lower levels of anxiety and depression when compared to the standard care group. It is concluded that hypnosis is effective in the enhancement of quality of life in terminally ill cancer patients. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis
Prenylflavonoids as Nonsteroidal Phytoestrogens and Related Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Wang Zhi‐qiang , Weber Nadine , Lou Yi‐jia , Proksch Peter
Published: February 2006

In the search for estrogen receptor (ER) modulators, a series of prenylflavonoids were found to be widely distributed amongst tonic herbal medicines and to possess estrogen‐like activity in MCF‐7/BOS cells, as evaluated by an estrogen‐screening assay. Cell‐cycle analysis revealed that the stimulatory effects of these compounds toward cell proliferation were elicited at the G1–S checkpoint and could significantly increase the S‐phase population of MCF‐7 cells under hormone‐free conditions. ER‐responsive gene (PS2, PgR) and protein (PgR) expression was also detected; mRNA and protein‐expression levels for PS2 and PgR were up‐regulated by the compounds in a dose‐dependent manner. These effects could be inhibited by the pure ER antagonist ICI 182,780 ((7α‐[9‐{4,4,5,5,5‐pentafluoropentyl}sulfinyl]nonyl)estra‐1,3,5(10)‐triene‐3,17β‐diol). It was therefore concluded that the estrogen‐like effects of these prenylflavonoids were mediated primarily through ERs. Furthermore, to explore the structure–activity relationship based on the estrogen receptor and detailed molecular mechanisms among the prenylflavonoids, protein–ligand docking simulations were carried out by using the DS‐MODELING software package. The binding affinity of each prenylflavonoid toward ERα was scored, and the receptor–ligand interaction was also analyzed to provide the simulation characteristics of virtual molecular recognition mechanisms.
Interdependence of radial scar and proliferative disease with respect to invasive breast carcinoma risk in patients with benign breast biopsies
Authors: Sanders Melinda E. , Page David L. , Simpson Jean F. , Schuyler Peggy A. , Dale Plummer W. , Dupont William D.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Radial scars (RS) are benign breast lesions that have been implicated as independent risk factors for invasive breast carcinoma (IBC).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of 9556 women who underwent biopsy between 1950–1986 and enrolled in the Nashville Breast Cohort was performed to investigate the association between RS in a benign breast biopsy and the risk of IBC. The risk associated with RS and coexistent proliferative disease (PD) was assessed adjusting for age at biopsy using a Cox hazards regression analysis with time‐dependent covariates.

RESULTS

RS were identified in 880 women (9.2%). The average follow‐up time was 20.4 years. Sixty‐two women (7.0%) with RS developed IBC compared with 5.5% of controls. The relative risk of IBC associated with RS was 1.82 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.2–2.7) at 10 years. Restricting the analysis to women age > 49 years increased the risk to 2.14 (95% CI, 0.6–2.8). These risks decreased with increasing years of follow‐up. Approximately 92% of women with RS also had PD, but RS were present in only 1.3% of biopsies without PD. Analyses stratifying relative risk with regard to PD found RS to minimally elevate the relative risk of subsequent IBC.

CONCLUSIONS

RS in the absence of PD is uncommon. Although the presence of RS in a benign breast biopsy mildly elevates the risk of IBC risk, the current analysis indicated that this risk can be largely attributed to the category of coexistent PD. In women with both RS and atypical hyperplasia, recommendations for interventions beyond biopsy should be based on the extent of atypical hyperplasia. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Utility of molecular genetic signatures in the delineation of gastric neoplasia
Authors: Kidd Mark , Modlin Irvin M. , Mane Shrikant M. , Camp Robert L. , Eick Geeta N. , Latich Igor , Zikusoka Michelle N.
Published: February 2006

BACKGROUND

Current techniques to define gastric neoplasia are limited but molecular genetic signatures can categorize tumors and provide biological rationale for predicting clinical behavior. We identified three gene signatures: Chromogranin A (CgA), MAGE‐D2 (adhesion), and MTA1 (metastasis) that define gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids and hypothesize that their expression can delineate gastric neoplasia. This strategy provides a molecular basis to define neuroendocrine gastric carcinoids (GCs), neuronal stromal tumors (GISTs), or epithelial cell (gastric adenocarcinomas [GCAs])‐derived tumors.

METHODS

Total RNA was isolated from 38 GCs: Type I/II (n = 7), Type III/IV (n = 6), GISTs (n = 12), GCAs (n = 13), and normal mucosa (n = 12). Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (Q RT‐PCR) gene expression was quantified against glyseraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and CgA and MTA1 protein expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemical analyses of a gastric neoplasia microarray.

RESULTS

CgA was elevated in Type I/II (10‐fold; P < .01) and Type III/IV (100‐fold, P < .005), decreased in GISTs (100‐fold, P < .03), and unchanged in GCAs. MAGE‐D2 was 5‐10‐fold elevated (P < .05) in Type III/IV, GISTs, and GCAs but not in Type I/II tumors. MTA1 (> 5‐fold, P < .01) was elevated in GCs (Type III/IV>I/II, P < .05), in GISTs (> 4‐fold, P < .05), and GCAs. CgA protein levels were elevated in GCs (P < .005) but not in GISTs and GCAs. MTA1 levels were elevated in all tumors (P < .02) compared with normal, and especially with tumor invasion (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

CgA discriminates GCs from other gastric neoplasms; overexpression of MAGE‐D2 and MTA1 differentiate Type III/IV from Type I/II GCs. GISTs share similar expression patterns with Type III/IV GCs but have decreased CgA. MTA1 is a marker of tumor invasion. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A miniaturized wide‐angle 2D cytometer
Authors: Singh Kirat , Su Xuantao , Liu Caigen , Capjack Clarence , Rozmus Wojciech , Backhouse Christopher James
Published: February 2006

Background:

We present an optical waveguide based cytometer that is capable of simultaneously collecting the light scattered by cells over a wide range of solid angles. Such comprehensive scattering data are a prerequisite for the microstructural characterization of cells.

Methods:

We use latex beads as cell mimics, and demonstrate the ability of this new cytometer to collect back‐scattered light in two dimensions (2D). This cytometer is based on a liquid‐core optical waveguide, excited by prism coupling, that also serves as the microfluidic channel. In principle, our use of a hemispherical lens allows the collection of scattered light from 0 to 180° in 2D.

Results:

The experimentally observed positions of the intensity peaks of the back‐scattered light agree well with theoretical prediction of scattering from both 4.0‐ and 9.6‐μm diameter latex beads. The position of the bead, relative to the axes of the hemispherical lens and the microchannel, strongly affects the scattering pattern. We discuss a computational method for determining these offsets.

Conclusions:

We show that wide‐angle 2D light scattering patterns of cell‐sized latex beads can be observed in a microfluidic‐based optical cytometer that uses leaky waveguide mode excitation. This chip‐based system is compatible with emerging chip‐based technologies. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of Acanthamoeba–microsphere association by multiparameter flow cytometry and confocal microscopy
Authors: Elloway Edward A. G. , Bird Roger A. , Hewitt Christopher J. , Kelly Steven L. , Smith Stephen N.
Published: February 2006

Background:

Acanthamoebae, in common with other protozoa, readily endocytose particulate material, which in turn may lead to the spread of infectious disease.

Methods:

Evaluation and quantification of plain and carboxylate FITC–microsphere association with acanthamoebal trophzoites was undertaken using a combination of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Trophozoites from strains and species of Acanthamoeba were exposed to plain and carboxylate FITC–microspheres. Microsphere size and aspects such as trophozoite starvation, maturity, and exposure to metabolic inhibitors were assessed.

Results:

All species and strains of Acanthamoeba readily endocytosed plain and carboxylate microspheres. Starving trophozoites significantly increased binding and potential ingestion of microspheres, whereas trophozoites of increasing maturity lost such abilities. Trophozoites showed a significant preference for 2.0‐ and 3.0‐μm‐diameter microspheres when compared with other sizes, which in turn could occupy much of the cytoplasm. The physiological inhibitors sodium azide, 2,4‐dinitrophenol, and cytochalasin B reduced microsphere association with trophozoites; however, some microspheres still bound and associated with trophozoites after inhibitor exposure, a manifestation of both active and inactive agent involvement in microsphere endocytosis.

Conclusions:

Even though the origins of microsphere binding by acanthamoebal trophozoite remains shrouded, the combination of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy supported synergistic quantification and qualification of trophozoite–microsphere endocytosis. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Setup and characterization of a multiphoton FLIM instrument for protein–protein interaction measurements in living cells
Authors: Waharte François , Spriet Corentin , Héliot Laurent
Published: February 2006

Background:

Fluorescence lifetime microscopy (FLIM) is currently one of the best techniques to perform accurate measurements of interactions in living cells. It is independent of the fluorophore concentration, thus avoiding several common artifacts found in Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) imaging. However, for FLIM to achieve high performance, a rigorous instrumental setup and characterization is needed.

Methods:

We use known fluorophores to perform characterization experiments in our instrumental setup. This allows us to verify the accuracy of the fluorescence lifetime determination, and test the linearity of the instrument by fluorescence quenching.

Results:

We develop and validate here a protocol for rigorous characterization of time‐domain FLIM instruments. Following this protocol, we show that our system provides accurate and reproducible measurements. We also used HeLa cells expressing proteins fused to Green Fluorescent Proteins variants (CFP and YFP) to confirm its ability to detect interactions in living cells by FRET.

Conclusions:

We report a well‐designed protocol in which precise and reproducible lifetime measurements can be performed. It is usable for all confocal‐based FLIM instruments and is a useful tool for anyone who wants to perform quantitative lifetime measurements, especially when studying interactions in living cells using FRET. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Isolation of FRET‐positive cells using single 408‐nm laser flow cytometry
Authors: van Wageningen Sake , Pennings Arie H. , van der Reijden Bert A. , Boezeman Jan B. , de Lange Frank , Jansen Joop H.
Published: February 2006

Background:

Flow cytometry may be used to isolate large amounts of living, fluorescently labeled cells. Certain fluorescent labels, like enhanced cyan fluorescent protein (ECFP) and enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP), allow the assessment of direct protein–protein interaction in situ, by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). However, current flow cytometric methods either require elaborate technical adaptations or, using a single laser protocol, are hampered by background signal. We optimized a single 408‐nm laser protocol to detect FRET between ECFP/EYFP‐tagged proteins.

Methods:

Cell lines stably expressing ECFP and/or EYFP or an EYFP‐ECFP fusion protein were used to design the settings for the flow cytometer to detect FRET‐positive cells using a single 408‐nm laser. Using these settings, interactions between the subunits of the transcription factor NF‐Y were studied.

Results:

Flow cytometric analysis of the cells expressing an EYFP‐ECFP fusion protein yielded a discrete FRET‐positive population. Using the same settings, in cells expressing NF‐YB‐CFP and NF‐YC‐YFP fusion proteins, FRET could also be detected. These cells were sorted and FRET was confirmed by confocal microscopy.

Conclusion:

FRET‐positive cells, expressing ECFP‐ and EYFP‐tagged proteins, can be detected using single 408‐nm laser excitation, with low background signal. This allows high‐throughput analysis and isolation of viable FRET‐positive and ‐negative cells for subsequent biological experiments. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Pharmacodynamic monitoring of BAY 43‐9006 (Sorafenib) in phase I clinical trials involving solid tumor and AML/MDS patients, using flow cytometry to monitor activation of the ERK pathway in peripheral blood cells
Authors: Tong Frances K. , Chow Sue , Hedley David
Published: February 2006

Background

We previously reported a flow cytometry technique to monitor pharmacodynamic effects of the raf kinase inhibitor BAY 43‐9006 based on the ability of phorbol ester (PMA) to phosphorylate extracellular‐regulated kinase (ERK) in peripheral blood (Chow et al., Cytometry 2001;46:72–78). In this article, we describe its application to phase I trials of BAY 43‐9006 in solid tumor and AML/MDS patients.

Methods

The previously described whole blood lysis method was used to monitor BAY 43‐9006 effects on peripheral T‐cells of solid tumor patients. A modified whole blood fixation protocol was developed for the AML/MDS trial, using the c‐kit ligand stem cell factor (SCF) to activate ERK as an alternative to PMA, and incorporating immunophenotypic markers to identify leukemic blasts.

Results

At all dose levels of BAY 43‐9006 used to treat solid tumor patients, ERK could be activated by PMA in peripheral T‐cells and we were not able to show inhibition of raf kinase. A similar effect was seen in the lymphocytes of AML/MDS patients during treatment with BAY 43‐9006. However, we found strong inhibition when ERK was activated via c‐kit using SCF. Furthermore, normal donor CD34+ve stem cells were much more sensitive to BAY 43‐9006 when ERK was activated by SCF, compared to PMA.

Conclusions

These findings support the further development of flow cytometry applications to monitor signal transduction inhibitors during early phase clinical trials. © 2006 International Society for Analytical Cytology
Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Photophysical Properties of Two Novel Lead(II)–SIP Coordination Polymers (NaH2SIP = 5‐Sulfoisophthalic Acid Monosodium Salt) Containing Tetranuclear Lead(II) Units
Authors: Liu Qing‐Yan , Xu Li
Published: February 2006

Two new PbII–SIP coordination polymers, {[Pb4(OH)2(SIP)2(H2O)](H2O)5}n (1) and [Pb3(SIP)2(H2O)5]n (2), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of Pb(OH)2 or Pb(NO3)2 and 5‐sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt (NaH2SIP) at 160 °C, respectively. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals that compound 1 has a 2D brick‐wall‐like architecture constructed from 1D tapes containing the basketlike tetranuclear [Pb4(μ3‐OH)2(COO)2]. Compound 2 has a 2D‐layered structure, which is constructed from a 1D‐ladder structure composed of the cyclic [Pb4(SIP)2(COO)2] grid with the four Pb atoms nearly coplanar. In the solid state, compound 1 exhibits blue photoluminescence with the maximum emission intensity at 436 nm upon excitation at 335 nm. Compound 2 shows phosphorescence with the maximum emission intensity at 603 nm upon excitation at 426 nm. Both compounds have also been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, TG analysis, and powder X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
13C Chemical Shifts and 1JCH Coupling Constants of Cytidine at Different χ Dihedrals Based on DFT Calculations
Authors: Fischer Jörg T. , Reinscheid Uwe M.
Published: February 2006

A molecular dynamic simulation of cytidine reproduced the dominating 3E‐endo, the so‐called North conformation of the sugar and the anti base orientation with χ = –120°. Taken as starting structures for a geometry optimisation, 13C chemical shifts and 1J coupling constants were calculated by DFT [functional: B3LYP, basis set: 6‐31G(d,p)]. As for the first time no minimal structural model was used, the results can be interpreted without further approximations except solvent dependence which was not included. The influence of the glycosidic torsion angle was studied. The 13C chemical shifts correlated with a North conformation of the sugar independent of the base orientation when using an empirically derived coordinate analysis. However, the 1JCH coupling constants and 13C chemical shifts clearly showed a dependence on the glycosidic torsion which enables the identification of χ. The 1JCH analysis showed that the sugar pucker is not the major determinant for 1JC1′H1′. Instead, the base orientation caused major changes, with a maximal difference of 14 Hz. Additionally, 1JC2′H2′, 1JC3′H3′ and 1JC4′H4′ are differently influenced by the glycosidic torsion which can be exploited for assigning χ. Analysis of electrostatic and steric effects showed that an isolated view is not able to explain all NMR spectroscopic data but gives some useful ideas. A higher charge on C3′ and the 1JC6H6 coupling constants were explained by through‐space effects. Depending on the glycosidic torsion, the base non‐planarity changes substantially. The results clearly show that also for ribonucleotides 13C chemical shifts and 1JCH coupling constants are dependent on the base orientation which was questioned in the past.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Isomerization of 3H‐ to 2H‐[1]Benzothieno[3,2‐b]pyrroles and Synthesis of the First Merocyanine Dyes Based on Them
Authors: Shimkin Alexey A. , Shirinian Valerii Z. , Nikalin Denis M. , Krayushkin Mikhail M. , Pivina Tatiana S. , Troitsky Nikolay A. , Vorontsova Ludmila G. , Starikova Zoya A.
Published: February 2006

New 2H‐[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b]pyrroles were synthesized by a [1,5]‐sigmatropic shift of 3H‐benzothienopyrroles. The dependence of the rearrangement on solvent and temperature was studied. The first merocyanine dyes based on both 3H‐ and 2H‐benzothienopyrroles were synthesized and characterized by NMR‐ and UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X‐ray crystallography.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
The Electrochemical Properties of Co(TPP), Tetraphenylborate Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode: Application to Dopamine and Uric Acid Analysis
Authors: Zeng Yunlong , Li Chunxiang , Tang Chunran , Zhang Xiao‐Bing , Shen Guoli , Yu Ruqin
Published: February 2006

We report the combination of the charge repelling property of tetraphenyl‐borate (TPB) anion and the electrooxidation catalytic effect of cobalt(II) tetrakisphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) embedded in a sol gel ceramic film to develop a modified glassy carbon electrode (CoTPP‐TPB‐SGGCE) for the simultaneous determination of dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA). The optimized CoTPP‐TPB‐SGGCE shows excellent sensitivity and selectivity for the DA and UA analysis. As high as 2000 fold acceptable tolerance of ascorbic acid (AA) for the determination of trace DA and UA is reached. In the presence of 0.10 mM AA, the linear concentration range for DA is from 6.0×10−8 to 2.5×10−5 M, and the detection limit is 2.0×10−8 M. For UA, the linear concentration range is from 1.0×10−7 to 3.5×10−5 M, and the detection limit is 7.0×10−8 M. Our study has also demonstrated that the novel CoTPP‐TPB‐SGGCE shows high stability and reliability. For 6.00 μM DA and UA, a total of 12 measurements were taken in one week, and the relative standard deviation is 2.05% and 2.68% respectively. No obvious shift of peak current and peak potential is observed over a three‐month lifetime test. The response of the sensor is very quick and response time is approximately 1 s. Satisfactory results are also achieved when the CoTPP‐TPB‐SGGCEs being used to detect the DA and UA in human urine samples.
Centralizing the non‐central chi‐square: a new method to correct for population stratification in genetic case‐control association studies
Authors: Gorroochurn Prakash , Heiman Gary A. , Hodge Susan E. , Greenberg David A.
Published: February 2006

We present a new method, the δ‐centralization (DC) method, to correct for population stratification (PS) in case‐control association studies. DC works well even when there is a lot of confounding due to PS. The latter causes overdispersion in the usual chi‐square statistics which then have non‐central chi‐square distributions. Other methods approach the non‐centrality indirectly, but we deal with it directly, by estimating the non‐centrality parameter τ itself. Specifically: (1) We define a quantity δ, a function of the relevant subpopulation parameters. We show that, for relatively large samples, δ exactly predicts the elevation of the false positive rate due to PS, when there is no true association between marker genotype and disease. (This quantity δ is quite different from Wright's FST and can be large even when FST is small.) (2) We show how to estimate δ, using a panel of unlinked “neutral” loci. (3) We then show that δ2 corresponds to τ the non‐centrality parameter of the chi‐square distribution. Thus, we can centralize the chi‐square using our estimate of δ; this is the DC method. (4) We demonstrate, via computer simulations, that DC works well with as few as 25–30 unlinked markers, where the markers are chosen to have allele frequencies reasonably close (within ±.1) to those at the test locus. (5) We compare DC with genomic control and show that where as the latter becomes overconservative when there is considerable confounding due to PS (i.e. when δ is large), DC performs well for all values of δ. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there a case for using visual analogue scale valuations in cost‐utility analysis?
Authors: Parkin David , Devlin Nancy
Published: February 2006

This paper critically reviews theoretical and empirical propositions regarding visual analogue scale (VAS) valuations of health states and their use in cost‐utility analysis (CUA). A widely repeated assertion in the economic evaluation literature is the inferiority, on theoretical grounds, of VAS valuations. Five common criticisms are: VAS lacks a theoretical foundation; VAS values are not ‘choice based’; VAS values are not consistent with utility‐under‐uncertainty requirements; context and range effects observed in VAS valuation data mean that they cannot even be considered to represent measurable value functions; and when completing a VAS, people are not trying to express values.

We address each of these points: the VAS does have a theoretical basis, being entirely consistent with the non‐welfarist foundations of QALYs and CUA; the ‘choiceless’ nature of the VAS is incorrectly judged by stated preference criteria relevant to monetary rather than health state valuations, and VAS valuations do in any case involve an element of choice; because valuations are intended for use in social decision‐making, it may be advantageous that VAS values are elicited under conditions of certainty; although there are measurement problems with the VAS, means such as better design and transformations of data can deal with these; and with any method of eliciting values, it is unrealistic to expect people consciously to think in terms of social science constructs such as utilities.

Moreover, there are problems, both theoretical and empirical, with alternative methods. Selection of the appropriate valuation method should be based on empirical performance, and in this the VAS has important advantages. We conclude that there are strong grounds for disputing the consensus view against the VAS and challenge those who hold it to deploy more convincing arguments and evidence in favour of alternative methods. However, we identify areas where further research is required to establish and consolidate the potential of the VAS as a valuation method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Free choice of health plan combined with risk‐adjusted capitation payments: are switchers and new enrolees good risks?
Authors: van Vliet René C.J.A.
Published: February 2006

It is well established in the literature that the young and healthy are more inclined to switch health plan, given the opportunity. In countries where risk‐adjusted capitation payments are used to create a level playing field for the competing health plans, as is the case in The Netherlands, it is important to determine whether plans could exploit such selective switching to gain unfair advantage. This study analyses whether various risk‐adjustment models are capable of compensating adequately for selective switching in the Dutch sickness fund sector. Data concern information on health care expenditures, demographics and indicators of chronic diseases for 10 million members from 21 funds. Results indicate that switchers in 2000–2001 had expenditures that were around 40% below average in 1994–2002, confirming that movers are ‘good’ risks in absolute terms. However, after taking into account that these people are younger and healthier, the risk‐adjusted payments for them nearly equalled actual expenditures. This holds for both people who in fact switched from one fund to another, and for those who were forced by regulation to leave the private insurance sector and who had to choose a sickness fund. Importantly, models using only demographics could not achieve this. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A re‐examination of the impact of reference pricing on anti‐hypertensive drug plan expenditures in British Columbia
Authors: Grootendorst Paul , Stewart David
Published: February 2006

Reference pricing (RP) limits drug plan reimbursement of interchangeable medicines to a reference price, which is typically equal to the price of the lowest‐cost interchangeable drug; any cost above that is borne by the patient. Much of the evidence of the effects of RP comes from ‘before and after’ studies of the RP scheme adopted by Pharmacare, the publicly funded drug plan for seniors and others in British Columbia, Canada. We critically assess the identifying assumption inherent in the before and after design – namely, that pre‐RP trends accurately predict counterfactual outcomes – in the context of estimating the impact of RP on Pharmacare's expenditure on anti‐hypertensive drugs for its senior beneficiaries. We use similar data from a public plan that has not introduced RP to estimate the effects on drug expenditures of patent expiration, secular changes in prescribing patterns and various other factors common to all Canadian public drug plans that could potentially confound the before and after estimates of the effect of RP on drug plan expenditures. We find that controlling for such factors reduces estimates of drug plan savings attributable to RP of the Calcium Channel Blockers by about half. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alkylation of phenol with tert‐butyl alcohol over a catalyst synthesized from coal fly ash
Authors: Ojha Keka , Pradhan Narayan C , Samanta Amar Nath
Published: February 2006

The alkylation of phenol with tert‐butyl alcohol was carried out in a continuous flow reactor over a catalyst synthesized from fly ash. The activity of the synthesized catalyst was compared with those of other conventional zeolite catalysts such as 13X (NaX) and Hβ. Of all the catalysts tested, zeolite Hβ showed the highest activity in phenol conversion followed by the synthesized zeolite (HZOP‐31). The activity of commercial 13X zeolite was found to be same as that of HZOP‐31. Ce‐exchanged catalyst (CeZOP‐31) showed even better performance than 13X in the alkylation of phenol. The effects of different parameters such as reactant mole ratio, temperature and space velocity on phenol conversion and tert‐butyl phenol selectivity were studied. The effect of mass transfer resistance was found to be negligible within the feed rate range and particle size range studied. The apparent activation energy for the reaction of tert‐butyl alcohol over HZOP‐31 was determined as 30.1 kJ mol−1. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Volumetric mass transfer coefficients in an internal loop airlift reactor with low‐density particles
Authors: Muthukumar Karuppan , Velan Manickam
Published: February 2006

The influence of organic additives (propanol, benzoic acid, isoamyl alcohol and carboxymethylcellulose) on the volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, in an internal loop airlift reactor with low‐density particles (nylon‐6 and polystyrene) was investigated. The kLa values increased with increase in superficial gas velocity, Usg, and decreased with increase in solid loading. A draft tube to reactor diameter ratio, DR/D, of 0.4 gave maximum kLa values. The addition of benzoic acid and propanol increased the kLa values owing to their coalescence inhibiting characteristics. The addition of isoamyl alcohol decreased kLa, owing to the formation of rigid bubbles and recirculation of small bubbles having a low oxygen content. The kLa values decreased with increase in the concentration of the non‐Newtonian fluid carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The proposed correlations predicted the experimental data well. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A calibration methodology and model‐based systems analysis for SBRs removing nutrients under limited aeration conditions
Authors: Insel Güçlü , Sin Gürkan , Lee Dae Sung , Nopens Ingmar , Vanrolleghem Peter A
Published: February 2006

A methodology is proposed for the model calibration of nutrient‐removing laboratory‐scale SBRs under limited aeration. Based on in‐process measurements and influent wastewater characterization, the ASM2d model was modified by adding an organic nitrogen module incorporating a hydrolysis mechanism. After calibration, the simulation results showed that enhanced biological nutrient removal occurred during the fill period and under reduced aeration achieving so‐called ‘simultaneous nutrient removal’. A model‐based systems analysis was performed in terms of the contributions of different processes to overall oxygen, nitrogen and phosphate utilization. In each phase, simultaneously occurring biological reactions were compared using the calibrated model. According to the calibrated model, 61% of all denitrified nitrate is denitrified during the mixing/filling phase. On the other hand, 17% of all denitrified nitrate is consumed by simultaneous nitrification–denitrification during the first aerobic period. The aerobic and anoxic P‐removals were quantified as 73% and 12%, respectively. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigations of cell immobilization in alginate: rheological and electrostatic extrusion studies
Authors: Manojlovic Verica , Djonlagic Jasna , Obradovic Bojana , Nedovic Viktor , Bugarski Branko
Published: February 2006

In this study, the process of electrostatic extrusion as a method for cell immobilization was investigated. We have assessed the effects of concentrations of yeast cells (as a model cell type) and Na alginate on the size of the resulting microbeads and attempted to rationalize the obtained findings by rheological characterization of the cell–alginate suspensions. Under the investigated conditions, microbeads, 50–600 µm in diameter, were produced and the increase in both alginate and cell concentrations resulted in larger microbeads with their sizes having higher standard deviations. Rheological characterization revealed non‐Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior of cell–alginate suspensions with higher viscosities at higher alginate concentrations. However, the presence of cells even at high concentrations (5 × 108 and 1 × 109 cells mL−1) did not significantly affect the rheological properties of the Na alginate solution. Finally, we have investigated the kinetics of alginate gelation with respect to the quantity of Ca2+ ions and the presence of cells. The molar ratio of α‐L‐guluronic acid units to Ca2+ ions of 4:1 provided complete crosslinking. The presence of cells decreased the rate of network formation as well as the strength of the obtained Ca alginate hydrogel. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of activation type on bioregeneration of various activated carbons loaded with phenol
Authors: Aktaş Özgür , Çeçen Ferhan
Published: February 2006

Thermally and chemically activated powdered carbons (PAC), and their granular countertypes (GAC) with similar physical characteristics were used to investigate the extent of bioregeneration in laboratory‐scale activated sludge reactors. Bioregeneration of activated carbon was determined by measurement of bulk phenol concentrations and loadings remaining on activated carbon. It was also followed by oxygen uptake rate measurements. For the carbons used in this study, bioregeneration of chemically activated carbons was found to be higher than thermally activated ones. This was in accordance with their higher reversibility of adsorption and showed that bioregeneration was controlled by the reversibility of adsorption. Oxidative polymerization of phenol was a plausible explanation for low bioregeneration of thermally activated carbons. However, bioregeneration efficiencies of thermally activated carbons were much higher than their total desorbabilities. This unexpectedly high bioregeneration indicated that some exoenzymatic reactions had occurred. These results suggest that carbon activation type is of crucial importance for bioregeneration. PAC and GAC countertypes showed comparable bioregeneration efficiencies indicating that carbon size was not an effective factor. The environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) studies showed that microorganisms were attached both on the external surface and interval cavities of activated carbon particles. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategic giving and the nursing shortage
Authors: Ullmann Steven G. , Martin Pamela , Kelly Catherine , Homer Jenny
Published: February 2006

Health care organizations in the United States face a significant nursing shortage, which seriously impacts the quality and availability of health care. Confronting this challenge requires involvement from organizations beyond the public sector. This paper explores an initiative by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, exemplifying the concept of ‘strategic philanthropy,’ to contribute their financial resources and strong institutional ties to respond to the current and future shortage of nurses in Florida. Through this intervention, the company and partnering organizations hope to benefit the health care sector, the public, and themselves from the outcomes associated with the generation of a greater supply of nurses.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Values motivation and concern for appearances: the effect of personality traits on responses to corporate social responsibility
Authors: Basil Debra Z. , Weber Deanne
Published: February 2006

The present research seeks to examine differences in support for corporate social responsibility based on certain personality traits. Secondary data from a nationally representative sample of 6065 respondents were examined. The results demonstrate that individuals motivated by a concern for appearances, an egoistic enhancement motivation, as well as individuals motivated by their values, make purchases in support of corporate philanthropy. However those concerned for appearances do not view CSR as a normative requirement, unlike those motivated by their values.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding sponsorship and sponsorship relationships—multiple frames and multiple perspectives
Authors: Daellenbach Kate , Davies John , Ashill Nicholas J.
Published: February 2006

It is widely recognized that many arts, sports and charitable organizations rely heavily on income from sponsorship. This paper selectively discusses the literature examining sponsorship, following the approach of Lynallet al.(2003) and the life cycle literature, following Quinn and Cameron (1983). The paper adopts a meta‐framework making use of multiple framing to develop complementary theoretic views and perspectives of the nature of sponsorship relationships in the non‐profit sector. Using a New Zealand arts sponsorship as an illustration, we suggest that insights about the nature of the sponsorship relationship can be better understood through the employment of multiple frames and the development of multiple theoretical perspectives. A future research agenda is also proposed.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate giving in the Netherlands 1995‐2003: exploring the amounts involved and the motivations for donating
Authors: Meijer May‐May , de Bakker Frank G.A. , Smit Johannes H. , Schuyt Theo
Published: February 2006

Corporate giving as an expression of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been researched less than the more general theme of CSR. In addition, much of the research in this area focuses on countries with an Anglo cultural tradition.

The study outlined in this paper offers a comprehensive longitudinal study of corporate giving in the Netherlands. An overview is provided of corporate giving in the Netherlands in the period from 1995 till 2003.

The data are gathered by means of a biennial survey of Dutch companies as part of the ‘Giving in the Netherlands’ project. Based on these findings, recent developments in corporate giving can be sketched out.

Moreover, literature on motives for corporate giving behavior is focused upon and applied in exploring Dutch managers' motivations for offering donations. Nonprofit organizations could use this knowledge to increase the efficiency of their fund raising.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer perceptions of compatibility in cause‐related marketing messages
Authors: Trimble Carrie S. , Rifon Nora J.
Published: February 2006

Consumers respond more positively to marketing efforts, like celebrity endorsements and sponsorships, when the image of the sponsoring company or brand is compatible with the celebrity or sponsored event.

The authors explore the concept of compatibility within a cause‐related marketing context. The results of an experiment confirm the role of sponsor/cause compatibility for the creation of positive consumer perceptions of the donor, and highlight the importance of individual characteristics that affect perceptions of the cause and its compatibility with a donor. Theoretical and strategic implications and future research directions are discussed.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nematic–isotropic phase behaviors of polydisperse polymer/liquid‐crystal systems: Chain‐length‐dependent interaction parameter
Authors: Choi Jung Jin , Bae Young Chan , Kim Jae Jun
Published: February 2006

Phase behaviors of polydisperse polystyrene (PS)/nematic liquid‐crystal systems [P‐ethoxy ‐ benzylidene ‐ p ‐ n‐butylaniline (EBBA)] are investigated with a thermo‐optical analysis technique. We also develop a thermodynamic framework to describe the phase behaviors of polydisperse PS/EBBA systems. The proposed model is based on a modified double‐lattice model to describe isotropic mixing and Maier–Saupe theory for anisotropic ordering. To correlate the polymer chain length and energy parameters in a nematic–isotropic biphasic region and to apply the primary interaction parameter in an isotropic–isotropic phase‐transition behaviors of polydisperse PS/EBBA systems. The proposed model shows remarkable agreement with experimental data for the model systems in comparison with an existing model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1031–1039, 2006
Use of soil solarization in weed management on soyabean under Indian conditions
Authors: Singh Rajbir
Published: February 2006

Soil solarization before sowing soyabean, using either transparent or black polyethylene film for 15 or 30 days, greatly reduced weed growth. Transparent polyethylene for 30 days had the best effect, and increased soyabean yield by 90%. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Yeast 14‐3‐3 proteins
Authors: van Heusden G. Paul H. , Yde Steensma H.
Published: February 2006

14‐3‐3 proteins form a family of highly conserved proteins which are present in all eukaryotic organisms investigated, often in multiple isoforms, up to 13 in some plants. They interact with more than 200 different, mostly phosphorylated proteins. The molecular consequences of 14‐3‐3 binding are diverse: this binding may result in stabilization of the active or inactive phosphorylated form of the protein, to a conformational alteration leading to activation or inhibition, to a different subcellular localization, to the interaction with other proteins or to shielding of binding sites. The binding partners, and hence the 14‐3‐3 proteins, are involved in almost every cellular process and 14‐3‐3 proteins have been linked to several diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, the neurological Miller–Dieker and spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 diseases and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The yeasts Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe both have two genes encoding 14‐3‐3 proteins, BMH1 and BMH2 and rad24 and rad25, respectively. In these yeasts, 14‐3‐3 proteins are essential in most laboratory strains. As in higher eukaryotes, yeast 14‐3‐3 proteins bind to numerous proteins involved in a variety of cellular processes. Recent genome‐wide studies on yeast strains with impaired 14‐3‐3 function support the participation of 14‐3‐3 proteins in numerous yeast cellular processes. Given the high evolutionary conservation of the 14‐3‐3 proteins, the experimental accessibility and relative simplicity of yeasts make them excellent model organisms for elucidating the function of the 14‐3‐3 protein family. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basic methods for fission yeast
Authors: Forsburg Susan L , Rhind Nicholas
Published: February 2006

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is a popular model system, and has been particularly influential in studies of the cell cycle and chromosome dynamics. Despite its differences from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the tools and methods for fission yeast are conceptually similar to those used in budding yeast. Here, we present basic methods sufficient for a beginner in this system to carry out most required manipulations for genetic analysis or molecular biology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell wall construction in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Klis Frans M. , Boorsma Andre , De Groot Piet W. J.
Published: February 2006

In this review, we discuss new insights in cell wall architecture and cell wall construction in the ascomycetous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Transcriptional profiling studies combined with biochemical work have provided ample evidence that the cell wall is a highly adaptable organelle. In particular, the protein population that is anchored to the stress‐bearing polysaccharides of the cell wall, and forms the interface with the outside world, is highly diverse. This diversity is believed to play an important role in adaptation of the cell to environmental conditions, in growth mode and in survival. Cell wall construction is tightly controlled and strictly coordinated with progression of the cell cycle. This is reflected in the usage of specific cell wall proteins during consecutive phases of the cell cycle and in the recent discovery of a cell wall integrity checkpoint. When the cell is challenged with stress conditions that affect the cell wall, a specific transcriptional response is observed that includes the general stress response, the cell wall integrity pathway and the calcineurin pathway. This salvage mechanism includes increased expression of putative cell wall assemblases and some potential cross‐linking cell wall proteins, and crucial changes in cell wall architecture. We discuss some more enzymes involved in cell wall construction and also potential inhibitors of these enzymes. Finally, we use both biochemical and genomic data to infer that the architectural principles used by S. cerevisiae to build its cell wall are also used by many other ascomycetous yeasts and also by some mycelial ascomycetous fungi. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolution of the genetic code in yeasts
Authors: Miranda Isabel , Silva Raquel , Santos Manuel A. S.
Published: February 2006

During the last 30 years, a number of genetic code alterations have been uncovered in bacteria and in the mitochondria and cytoplasm of various eukaryotes, invalidating the hypothesis that the genetic code is universal and frozen. In the mitochondria of most yeasts, the UGA stop codon is decoded as tryptophan and the four leucine codons of the CUN family (N = any nucleotide) are decoded as threonine. Recently, a unique genetic code change involving the decoding of the leucine CUG codon as serine was discovered in the cytoplasm ofCandidaandDebaryomycesspecies, indicating that the genetic code of yeasts may be under specific evolutionary pressures whose molecular nature is not yet fully understood. This genetic code alteration is mediated by a novel serine‐tRNA that acquired a leucine 5′‐CAG‐3′ anticodon (ser‐tRNACAG) through insertion of an adenosine in the intron of its gene. This event, which occurred 272 ± 25 million years ago, reprogrammed the identity of approximately 30 000 CUG codons existent in the ancestor of these yeasts and had a profound impact on the evolution of the genusCandidaand of other species. Here, we review the most recent results and concepts arising from the study of this genetic code change and highlight how its study is changing our views of the evolution of the genetic code. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.