bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambiguous connections: entitlements and responsibilities of global networking
Authors: Mansell Robin
Published: July 2006

This article examines efforts to provide low‐cost Internet access devices for the poor in the light of debates about the appropriate role of information and communication technologies in development and the priority that should be given to enabling the poor to become connected to global networks. A critical analysis of recent private sector initiatives to design low‐cost laptop computers is offered in the wider context of the need to consider the politics of technology and the insights that can be drawn from ongoing debates about ICT4D and the need for public dialogue and evaluation of investment priorities in forums that enable the participation of the poor. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Should teachers stay at home? The impact of international teacher mobility
Authors: Appleton Simon , Morgan W. John , Sives Amanda
Published: July 2006

This article assesses the impact of international teacher migration on developing countries, based on a project covering Botswana, England, Jamaica and South Africa. It draws upon fieldwork conducted in 2003, including surveys of schools, migrant teachers and trainee teachers. The article estimates the extent of the movements and argues that they are largely transitional. The salary gains from migration are reported, along with estimates of the costs to sending countries in terms of training subsidies. International recruitment is not found to lead to harmful shortages of teachers in Jamaica and South Africa, but may ‘cream off’ the more effective teachers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sahelian action spaces: an examination of livelihood configurations in a rural Hausa community
Authors: Manvell Adam
Published: July 2006

The premise of this article is that understanding how people are connected in time and space can provide important insights for policies that seek to improve the livelihoods of the poor. The concept of action space is presented as means of situating the individual within their unique set of temporal and spatial connections. Data from a rural Hausa community in Niger are examined regarding three inter‐related factors connecting individuals: marriage, personal communities and migration. The article concludes with a discussion of how the mobile telephone throws into focus the fundamental problems of managing these connections. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women migrant workers in the UK: social capital, well‐being and integration
Authors: Giusta Marina Della , Kambhampati Uma
Published: July 2006

This paper addresses the role of social connections in helping women migrants to settle in the UK. We focus on micro‐ and macro‐social capital with the former including local social networks and organisation (comprising immediate family, other immigrants, neighbours, churches) and the latter including experience with local government supporting institutions. In this context, we present results from a pilot study based on data collected amongst women immigrant workers in the care sector in the UK. A majority of respondents in our sample come from Africa and Asia and 62 per cent arrived without family. Our results indicate that while education decreases the extent to which women in our sample feel settled, contact with the local community as well as living within an immigrant community helped the women to feel settled. Finally, their experience with services like housing and immigration proved very significant. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient two step purification and molecular characterization of β‐galactosidases from Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Todorova‐Balvay Daniela , Stoilova Ivanka , Gargova Stoyanka , Vijayalakshmi Mookambeswaran A.
Published: July 2006

β‐Galactosidases (β‐D‐galactoside‐galactohydrolases (EC 3.2.1.23), lactases) are important industrial enzymes used for the hydrolysis of lactose from milk and milk whey. These enzymes are produced by different organisms and purified by multi‐step procedures. The multi‐step purification schemes are cost and time ineffective which can also lead to poor yield, denaturation and loss of enzymatic activity. In our study, extracellular β‐galactosidase from mutant strain Aspergillus oryzaeH26‐10‐7 was purified by a two step procedure, Metal‐ion Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) followed by size‐exclusion separation. Purified enzyme was characterized by sodium dodecyl Sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and zymographic analysis. This fungal β‐galactosidase was characterized as a protein corresponding to 113 kDa. Enzyme from mutant strain was found to have five times higher catalytic activity on the synthetic substrate o‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (ONPG) compared to the wild type enzyme. Moreover, the mutant enzyme was more thermo resistant compared to the wild type. This highly important technological characteristic can be exploited in food industry. Moreover, based on the IMAC patterns of wild type and mutant enzymes, similarities in their His topography were supposed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
pSTAT1, pSTAT3, and T‐bet expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis patients correlates with disease activity
Authors: Frisullo Giovanni , Angelucci Francesco , Caggiula Marcella , Nociti Viviana , Iorio Raffaele , Patanella Agata Katia , Sancricca Cristina , Mirabella Massimiliano , Tonali Pietro Attilio , Batocchi Anna Paola
Published: July 2006

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, and it is considered to be a T helper 1 (Th1) cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. T‐bet has been identified as a key transcription factor for the development of Th1 cells and the induction of interferon (IFN)‐γ production. T‐bet is induced during T‐cell activation by the IFN‐γ signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)‐1 signalling pathway. In this study we found an up‐regulation of T‐bet and pSTAT1 in peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and monocytes from relapsing‐remitting MS patients in relapse compared with patients in remission and with healthy subjects. The increased expression of pSTAT1 strongly correlated with T‐bet expression in CD4+ and CD8+ cells and monocytes from patients in relapse and was associated with an increased production of IFN‐γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). pSTAT3 was also up‐regulated in CD4+ and CD8+ cells and monocytes from patients in relapse and was associated with an increased production of interleukin (IL)‐10 but not of IL‐6. pSTAT1, pSTAT3, and T‐bet expression strongly correlated with Gd‐DTPA‐enhanced lesions on brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging. Our data show for the first time that there is an up‐regulation of type 1 immunity‐correlated transcription factors such as STAT1 and T‐bet in peripheral blood subpopulations of MS patients in the active phase of disease. The evaluation of T‐bet and pSTAT1 expression in peripheral blood CD4+, CD8+ T cells and monocytes could be used as a marker of disease activity in relapsing‐remitting MS. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A gap 1 cardinal transfer theorem
Authors: Villegas‐Silva Luis M.
Published: July 2006

We extend the gap 1 cardinal transfer theorem (κ +, κ ) → (λ +, λ ) to any language of cardinality ≤λ, where λ is a regular cardinal. This transfer theorem has been proved by Chang under GCH for countable languages and by Silver in some cases for bigger languages (also under GCH). We assume the existence of a coarse (λ, 1)‐morass instead of GCH. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Kolmogorov complexity and set theoretical representations of integers
Authors: Ferbus‐Zanda Marie , Grigorieff Serge
Published: July 2006

We reconsider some classical natural semantics of integers (namely iterators of functions, cardinals of sets, index of equivalence relations) in the perspective of Kolmogorov complexity. To each such semantics one can attach a simple representation of integers that we suitably effectivize in order to develop an associated Kolmogorov theory. Such effectivizations are particular instances of a general notion of “self‐enumerated system” that we introduce in this paper. Our main result asserts that, with such effectivizations, Kolmogorov theory allows to quantitatively distinguish the underlying semantics. We characterize the families obtained by such effectivizations and prove that the associated Kolmogorov complexities constitute a hierarchy which coincides with that of Kolmogorov complexities defined via jump oracles and/or infinite computations (cf. [6]). This contrasts with the well‐known fact that usual Kolmogorov complexity does not depend (up to a constant) on the chosen arithmetic representation of integers, let it be in any base n ≥ 2 or in unary. Also, in a conceptual point of view, our result can be seen as a mean to measure the degree of abstraction of these diverse semantics. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
n‐linear weakly Heyting algebras
Authors: Celani Sergio A.
Published: July 2006

The present paper introduces and studies the variety 𝒲ℋ︁n of n‐linear weakly Heyting algebras. It corresponds to the algebraic semantic of the strict implication fragment of the normal modal logic K with a generalization of the axiom that defines the linear intuitionistic logic or Dummett logic. Special attention is given to the variety 𝒲ℋ︁2 that generalizes the linear Heyting algebras studied in [10] and [12], and the linear Basic algebras introduced in [2]. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The covering number and the uniformity of the ideal ℐf
Authors: Osuga Noboru
Published: July 2006

Let f, g ∈ ω ω . We will denote by g ≫ f that for every k < ω, f (n k ) ≤ g (n ) except for finitely many n . The ideal ℐf on ω 2 is the collection of sets X such that, for some g ≫ f and τ ∈ ∏n <ω g (n )2, every x ∈ X satisfies τ (n ) ⊂ x for infinitely many n . In the present paper, we will prove the consistency of cov(ℐf ) < 𝔠 and non(ℐf ) < 𝔠. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On hyper‐torre isols
Authors: Barback Joseph
Published: July 2006

In this paper we present a contribution to a classical result of E. Ellentuck in the theory of regressive isols. E. Ellentuck introduced the concept of a hyper‐torre isol, established their existence for regressive isols, and then proved that associated with these isols a special kind of semi‐ring of isols is a model of the true universal‐recursive statements of arithmetic. This result took on an added significance when it was later shown that for regressive isols, the property of being hyper‐torre is equivalent to being hereditarily odd‐even. In this paper we present a simplification to the original proof for establishing that equivalence. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Novel One‐Step Route for Preparing Amphiphilic Block Copolymers of Styrene and N‐Isopropylacrylamide in a Microemulsion
Authors: Zheng Cheng , He Wei‐Dong , Liu Wei‐Jun , Li Jian , Li Jun‐Fang
Published: July 2006

Summary: Copolymerizations of St and NIPAM have been carried out through interfacial‐initiated microemulsion polymerization in a frozen state. FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopies confirm the occurrence of copolymerization between the two monomers. DSC analysis shows the existence of two glass transition temperatures of the resultant copolymers. The micellization of the copolymers is investigated by DLS and the temperature‐responsive behavior of the resultant micelles is observed. DSC and DLS results reveal the block feature of the obtained copolymers. Thus amphiphilic poly(styrene‐block‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) is prepared by a one‐step interfacial‐initiated microemulsion polymerization.

Hydrodynamic radius of the micellar particles formed by (left), and a typical DSC trace of (right), the poly(styrene‐block‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) prepared here.

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Hydrodynamic radius of the micellar particles formed by (left), and a typical DSC trace of (right), the poly(styrene‐block‐N‐isopropylacrylamide) prepared here.
Catch and Release of DNA in Coacervate‐Dispersed Gels
Authors: Ohsugi Asami , Furukawa Hidemitsu , Kakugo Akira , Osada Yoshihito , Gong Jian Ping
Published: July 2006

Summary: We have synthesized novel coacervate‐droplet gels, which were applied to controlling the transportation of DNA in electrophoresis. Coacervate droplets are colloidal particles and they are usually composed of positive and negative polyelectrolytes. However, the polyzwitterion (polyampholyte) PDMAPS can form coacervate droplets in water by itself, since PDMAPS has both positive and negative charges in each side group of main chain. Coacervate droplets have a unique nature and can catch charged macromolecules such as DNA. In order to utilize the nature of the PDMAPS coacervate droplets for the catch and release of DNA, we stabilized PDMAPS droplets in gels. The droplets catch the DNA in electrophoresis and the release of DNA can be controlled by temperature and salt addition.

Electrophoresis of DNA, using coacervate‐dispersed PAAm gels, prepared at various PDMAPS concentrations. The circles indicate the PAAm gels embedded in agarose gels.

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Electrophoresis of DNA, using coacervate‐dispersed PAAm gels, prepared at various PDMAPS concentrations. The circles indicate the PAAm gels embedded in agarose gels.
A New Approach to Prepare Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/Silica Nanocomposites with Increased Molecular Weight and Fully Adjustable Branching or Crosslinking by SSP
Authors: Bikiaris Dimitris , Karavelidis Vassilis , Karayannidis George
Published: July 2006

Summary: In the present study, it has been unexpectedly found that solid‐state polycondensation (SSP) can act as a facile method to prepare poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica (PET/SiO2) nanocomposites with high molecular weight and an adjustable degree of branching or crosslinking. Fumed silica, with its surface silanol groups, seems to participate in some kind of reaction, probably esterification with the hydroxy end‐groups of PET, during SSP, to act as a multifunctional chain extender. Differential scanning calorimetry and FT‐IR spectroscopy reveal this ability of the silanol groups. The molecular weight increase depends on the used temperatures of SSP as well as on the amount of SiO2 added. As the amount of silica increases the rate of increase of the intrinsic viscosity slows because of the higher extent of branching. At 5 wt.‐% SiO2 the extensive branching produces a crosslinked polymeric material. Such polyesters with increased molecular weight and low silica content could be suitable for blown bottle production, while the high SiO2 content and adjustable branching or crosslinking could make them ideal high‐melt‐strength resins suitable for the preparation of low‐density closed‐shell foams.

Schematic representation of PET/SiO2 crosslinked macromolecules.

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Schematic representation of PET/SiO2 crosslinked macromolecules.
Polyacetylene and Polynorbornene Derivatives Carrying TEMPO. Synthesis and Properties as Organic Radical Battery Materials
Authors: Katsumata Toru , Satoh Masaharu , Wada Jun , Shiotsuki Masashi , Sanda Fumio , Masuda Toshio
Published: July 2006

Summary: 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐containing N‐propargylamide HCCCH2NHCO‐4‐TEMPO (1), propargyl ester HCCCH2OCO‐4‐TEMPO (2), phenylacetylene derivative HCCC6H3‐3,4‐(CO2‐4‐TEMPO)2 (3), and norbornene diester monomers, NB‐2,3‐exo,exo‐(CH2OCO‐4‐TEMPO)2 (4), NB‐2,3‐endo,exo‐(COO‐4‐TEMPO)2 (5a), NB‐2,3‐endo,endo‐(COO‐4‐TEMPO)2 (5b) (NB = norbornene, TEMPO = 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxyl) were synthesized and polymerized with rhodium and ruthenium catalysts. Monomers 2, 5a, and 5b gave polymers with number‐average molecular weights of 47 000–185 000 in 59–100% yields, while 1, 3, and 4 gave polymers insoluble in common organic solvents in 88–100% yields. The capacities of cells fabricated with poly(1), poly(2), and poly(3) were 67, 82, and 23 Ah · kg−1 based on the weight, respectively. The capacity of poly(5a)‐based cell reached the theoretical value (109 Ah · kg−1) of the polymer.

Charge–discharge curves of poly(5a) at a current density of 0.13 mA · cm−2 (100 mA · g−1‐cathode active material) in the voltage range of 2.5–4.2 V.

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Charge–discharge curves of poly(5a) at a current density of 0.13 mA · cm−2 (100 mA · g−1‐cathode active material) in the voltage range of 2.5–4.2 V.
Front Cover: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 14/2006
Authors: Preis Eduard , Scherf Ullrich
Published: July 2006

Front Cover: Poly(diindenonaphthalene) PDIN, a novel “low bandgap”, conjugated polymer shows an intense absorption band in the VIS region peaking at ca. 724 nm (Eg: ca. 1.45 eV). PDIN and related cross‐conjugated polymers are promising candidates as the donor component of bulk heterojunction‐type organic solar cells. Further details can be found in the article by E. Preis and U. Scherf* on page 1105.
Back Cover: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 14/2006
Authors: Nagarathinam Mangayarkarasi , Vittal Jagadese J.
Published: July 2006

Back Cover: The cover picture illustrates the transformation of a linear coordination polymer to a ladder‐like structure in the solid‐state by the removal of solvents. The formation of the ladder structure is confirmed by photochemical [2+2] cycloaddition reactions between the CC double bonds of the bridging ligands across the ladder. Further details can be found in the article by M. Nagarathinam and J. J. Vittal* on page 1091.
Differential expression of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐5 in pancreatic adenocarcinomas: Identification using DNA microarray
Authors: Johnson Sarah K. , Dennis Richard A. , Barone Gary W. , Lamps Laura W. , Haun Randy S.
Published: July 2006

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by its aggressiveness and resistance to both radiation and chemotherapeutic treatment. To better understand the molecular pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, DNA array technology was employed to identify genes differentially expressed in pancreatic tumors when compared to non‐malignant pancreatic tissues. RNA isolated from 11 PDACs and 14 non‐malignant bulk pancreatic duct specimens was used to probe Affymetrix U95A DNA arrays. Genes that displayed at least a fourfold differential expression were identified and real‐time quantitative PCR was used to verify the differential expression of selected upregulated genes. Interrogation of the DNA array revealed that 73 genes were upregulated in PDACs and 77 genes were downregulated. The majority of the 150 genes identified have not been previously reported to be differentially expressed in pancreatic tumors, although a number of the upregulated transcripts have been reported previously. Immunohistochemistry was used to correlate calponin and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐5 (IGFBP‐5) RNA levels with protein expression in PDACs and revealed peritumoral calponin staining in the reactive stroma and intense focal staining of islets cells expressing IGFBP‐5 at the edge of tumors; thus implicating the interplay of various cell types to promote neoplastic cell growth within pancreatic carcinomas. As a potential modulator of cell proliferation, the overexpression of IGFBP‐5 may, therefore, play a significant role in the malignant transformation of normal pancreatic epithelial cells. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes XPD and XRCC1 and p53 mutations in lung carcinomas of never‐smokers
Authors: Gao Wei‐Min , Romkes Marjorie , Siegfried Jill M. , Luketich James D. , Keohavong Phouthone
Published: July 2006

The etiology of lung cancer in population with little or no tobacco exposure is not well understood. Individual genetic susceptibility factors have been suggested to contribute to lung cancer risk in this population. Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are implicated in the development of lung cancer as they are frequently found in lung tumors from both smokers and never‐smokers. In order to determine whether genetic polymorphisms affecting DNA repair capacity modulate p53 mutations in lung tumors from never‐smokers, we compared p53 mutations with genotypes of XPD 312, XPD 751, and XRCC1 399 in lung tumors from 43 lifetime never‐smokers. p53 mutations were identified in 10 (23%) cases and consisted mostly of G/C to A/T transitions. No statistically significant association was found between p53 mutations and genotypes of XPD 312 or XPD 751. However, patients with the XRCC1 399 Gln allele, that results in a lower base excision repair capacity, were more likely to have p53 mutations, compared with patients the wild‐type Arg allele (P = 0.03). In addition, the p53 mutation frequency increased with an increasing number of combined genotypes associated with a lower DNA repair capacity of XPD 312, XPD 751, and XRCC1 399 (P = 0.02). These results suggest that individuals who never smoked and had XRCC1 399 Gln allele may be at a greater risk of p53 mutations, especially if combined with the genotypes of XPD 312 and XPD 751 that may result in a lower DNA repair capacity. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amelogenin cross‐amplification in the family Bovidae and its application for sex determination
Authors: Weikard Rosemarie , Pitra Christian , Kühn Christa
Published: July 2006

Sex‐specific sequence variability of the amelogenin gene had been observed in a variety of mammalian species. In our study, the suitability of the amelogenin gene for sex determination in different species of the family Bovidae was examined. Based on a sequence insertion/deletion characteristic for X‐ and Y‐specific amelogenin (AMELX and AMELY), PCR amplification on male and female genomic DNA from domestic and wild bovine species, sheep and goat, consistently displayed a sex‐specific pattern. Thus, the amelogenin amplification by PCR proved to be a reliable method for sex determination not only in domestic and wild species of the tribe Bovini, but also in the related species sheep and goat. Sex determination using the amelogenin‐based assay can be performed with at least 40 pg of genomic DNA. The assay enables the investigation of small amounts of DNA from meat, hair, bones, and embryo biopsies to identify species and sex for a number of applications in animal production, forensics, population research, and monitoring within the family Bovidae. Sequence comparison of the amplified amelogenin gene region specific for male and female animals from domestic and wild bovide species revealed further sequence variations within and between sexes as well as between species. Sequence variations in the AMELX gene can be applied to discriminate Bos and Bison individuals from other bovine species, and also from sheep and goat. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of dibutyryl cAMP on the cAMP content, meiotic progression, and developmental potential of in vitro matured pre‐pubertal and adult pig oocytes
Authors: Bagg Melanie A. , Nottle Mark B. , Grupen Christopher G. , Armstrong David T.
Published: July 2006

Pre‐pubertal pig oocytes display reduced developmental competence compared with adult oocytes following in vitro maturation (IVM). Exposure to dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (dbcAMP) for the first 20 hr IVM improves development of pre‐pubertal oocytes, suggesting that their cAMP content may be inadequate. This study examined the effect of 1 mM dbcAMP treatment for the first 22 hr of IVM on the cAMP content, meiotic progression, and embryo development of pre‐pubertal and adult oocytes. In control groups, a two‐fold increase in cAMP was observed in adult oocytes after 22 hr IVM, with no change in pre‐pubertal oocyte cAMP content. At 22 hr IVM, dbcAMP treatment resulted in two‐ and five‐fold increases in pre‐pubertal and adult oocyte cAMP, respectively. After 22 hr control IVM, a greater proportion of pre‐pubertal oocytes occupied metaphase I (MI) compared with adult oocytes (69% vs. 49%). dbcAMP treatment reduced the proportion of pre‐pubertal and adult oocytes in MI stage at 22 hr. Despite dbcAMP treatment, the proportion of pre‐pubertal oocytes in the MI stage at 22 hr remained higher than that of adult oocytes. In control groups, adult oocytes displayed a greater ability to form blastocysts compared with pre‐pubertal oocytes following either parthenogenetic activation (59% vs. 25%) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) (47% vs. 19%). dbcAMP treatment increased subsequent blastocyst formation rates of pre‐pubertal oocytes, whereas blastocyst formation rates of adult oocytes remained unchanged. Our results suggest that the reduced developmental capacity of pre‐pubertal oocytes may be a consequence of their reduced ability to accumulate cAMP during IVM. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increasing deaths from opioid analgesics in the United States
Authors: Paulozzi Leonard J. , Budnitz Daniel S. , Xi Yongli
Published: July 2006

Purpose

Since 1990, numerous jurisdictions in the United States (US) have reported increases in drug poisoning mortality. During the same time period, the use of opioid analgesics has increased markedly as part of more aggressive pain management. This study documented a dramatic increase in poisoning mortality rates and compared it to sales of opioid analgesics nationwide.

Methods

Trend analysis of drug poisoning deaths using underlying cause of death and multiple cause of death mortality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and opioid analgesic sales data from the US Drug Enforcement Administration.

Results

Unintentional drug poisoning mortality rates increased on average 5.3% per year from 1979 to 1990 and 18.1% per year from 1990 to 2002. The rapid increase during the 1990s reflects the rising number of deaths attributed to narcotics and unspecified drugs. Between 1999 and 2002, the number of opioid analgesic poisonings on death certificates increased 91.2%, while heroin and cocaine poisonings increased 12.4% and 22.8%, respectively. By 2002, opioid analgesic poisoning was listed in 5528 deaths—more than either heroin or cocaine. The increase in deaths generally matched the increase in sales for each type of opioid. The increase in deaths involving methadone tracked the increase in methadone used as an analgesic rather than methadone used in narcotics treatment programs.

Conclusions

A national epidemic of drug poisoning deaths began in the 1990s. Prescriptions for opioid analgesics also increased in this time frame and may have inadvertently contributed to the increases in drug poisoning deaths. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concordance between discharge prescriptions and insurance claims in post‐myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Paterson J. Michael , Naglie Gary
Published: July 2006

Purpose

To assess the degree of concordance between the information (drug quantity, days' supply, and daily dose) recorded on hospital discharge prescriptions and what appears in a public drug insurance electronic claims database.

Methods

A retrospective chart audit of hospital discharge prescriptions with linkage to a prescription claims database was conducted. Three hundred and forty‐five post‐myocardial infarction patients discharged from an Ontario university‐affiliated teaching hospital were included. The percentage of linkable records with perfect agreement between the written prescription and the insurance claim was our measure of concordance.

Results

Seventy‐seven per cent and 82% of discharge prescriptions were filled within 7 days, and 120 days post‐discharge, respectively. Of those dispensed and that contained adequate information, concordance was perfect for days' supply, quantity, and daily dose for 70.7% (95%CI 67.9–73.4%), 65.9% (95%CI 63.2–68.7%), and 75.9% (95%CI 73.2–78.6%) of prescriptions, respectively. For cardiac drugs, which comprised the majority of filled prescriptions, concordance was greater for daily dose and days' supply than for quantity (75.7% [95%CI 72.7–78.6%] and 75.5% [95%CI 72.6–78.4%] vs. 65.3% [95%CI 62.3–68.4%]). Concordance varied by medication type.

Conclusion

Most hospital discharge prescriptions were filled within 1 week. Among the data elements studied, concordance between written prescriptions and insurance claims was greatest for daily dose. Concordance was greater for scheduled cardiac medications than for other medications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of two insect growth regulators against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) and Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and their impact on population densities of arthropod predators in cotton in Pakistan
Authors: Gogi Muhammad D , Sarfraz Rana M , Dosdall Lloyd M , Arif Muhammad J , Keddie Andrew B , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: July 2006

Field efficacies of two insect growth regulators (IGRs) at two recommended application rates, buprofezin at 370 and 555 g AI ha−1 and lufenuron at 37 and 49 g AI ha−1, were determined against the sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner), in experimental plots of cotton at the Directorate of Cotton Research, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Adverse effects of the IGRs on populations of associated arthropod predators, namely geocorids, chrysopids, coccinellids, formicids and arachnids, were also assessed. Both IGRs significantly reduced populations of B. tabaci at each application rate 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment, and higher doses were more effective than lower doses. Buprofezin was not effective against H. armigera at any tested dose for any time of treatment in any spray. Lufenuron applied at 37 and 49 g AI ha−1 effectively suppressed H. armigera populations, resulting in significant reductions in crop damage. At lower doses, both IGRs appeared safe to predator populations, which did not differ significantly in IGR‐treated versus untreated control plots. Population densities of formicids and coccinellids were significantly lower at high concentrations of both IGRs in treatment plots, possibly as a result of reduced prey availability. The potential role of buprofezin and lufenuron for control of B. tabaci and H. armigera in a spray programme and the likelihood of direct toxic effects of IGRs on predatory fauna of cotton are discussed. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Double skin composite construction
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Ling , Han Lin‐Hai
Published: July 2006

There are several types of composite construction such as reinforced concrete (RC) sections, concrete‐filled tubes (CFT), composite beams, floors and frames, steel–concrete–steel sandwich (SCSS) double skin panels and concrete‐filled double skin tubes (CFDST). This paper focuses on CFDST. It gives the background, advantages and challenges of CFDST. The behaviour of such members subjected to static and dynamic loads are described. Future research in this area is pointed out.
QSAR Model for Prediction Capacity Factor of Molecular Imprinting Polymer Based on Gene Expression Programming
Authors: Si H. Z. , Zhang K. J. , Hu Z. D. , Fan B. T.
Published: July 2006

The Gene Expression Programming (GEP), as a novel type of learning machine, for the first time, has been in this study used to develop a quantitative structure–activity relationship model of 39 compounds of molecular imprinting polymer based on calculated chemical parameters. The comparison with heuristic method and support vector machines approaches reveals a good prediction of GEP.
Integrated Computational Methods for Prediction of the Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level of Food‐Borne Molecules
Authors: Tilaoui Leila , Schilter Benoît , Tran Liên‐Anh , Mazzatorta Paolo , Grigorov Martin
Published: July 2006

In this work we present an integrated system partly based on the commercially available software TOPKAT, which predicts chronic toxicity through provision of a computational estimation of Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) values. We found evidence that the LOAEL correlated with a specific class of molecular descriptors, known as 2D autocorrelation descriptors. The system developed is found to be helpful in supporting – with reasonable confidence – the prioritisation of issues in chemical food research, by establishing levels of safety concern in the absence of sufficient experimental toxicological data.
Hopping kinetics on a finite 1D chain: An exact analysis
Authors: McEwen J.‐S. , Payne S. H. , Kreuzer H. J. , Bracher C.
Published: July 2006

In the present study, we develop a kinetic lattice gas model for hopping in an inhomogeneous one‐dimensional adsorbate system with nearest‐neighbor interactions and periodic boundary conditions. From the matrices of the associated equations of motion, we can calculate adsorbate correlation functions in momentum space exactly on all time and length scales. The corresponding eigenvalues and eigenvectors in the long‐time, long‐wavelength limit yield the diffusion coefficient. We analyze its dependence on coverage and temperature and compare our results with earlier analytic work for this model. Our approach is readily extendable to two‐dimensional systems. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2006
Development and validation of a liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of sertraline in human plasma
Authors: Chen Xiaoyan , Duan Xiaotao , Dai Xiaojian , Zhong Dafang
Published: July 2006

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric method was developed and validated for the determination of sertraline in human plasma. The analyte and internal standard (IS, diphenhydramine) were extracted with 3 mL of diethyl ether/dichloromethane (2:1, v/v) from 0.25 mL plasma, then separated on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB C18 column using methanol/water/formic acid (75:25:0.1, v/v/v) as the mobile phase. The triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was applied via an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source for detection. The fragmentation pattern of the protonated sertraline was elucidated with the aid of product mass spectra of isotopologous peaks. Quantification was performed using selected reaction monitoring of the transitions of m/z 306 → 159 for sertraline and m/z 256 → 167 for the IS. The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.10–100 ng/mL. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions, expressed by relative standard deviation, were both less than 6.7%. Assay accuracies were within ±6.9% as terms of relative error. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was identifiable and reproducible at 0.10 ng/mL with a precision of 8.3% and an accuracy of 9.6%. The validated method has been successfully applied for the pharmacokinetic study and bioequivalence evaluation of sertraline in 18 healthy volunteers after a single oral administration of 50 mg sertraline hydrochloride tablets. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mycosporine‐glutamicol‐glucoside: a natural UV‐absorbing secondary metabolite of rock‐inhabiting microcolonial fungi
Authors: Volkmann Marc , Whitehead Kenia , Rütters Heike , Rullkötter Jürgen , Gorbushina Anna A.
Published: July 2006

The original article to which this Erratum refers was published in Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2003; 17: 897–902
Structural determination of the novel fragmentation routes of morphine opiate receptor antagonists using electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Joly Nicolas , Aneed Anas El , Martin Patrick , Cecchelli Roméo , Banoub Joseph
Published: July 2006

The original article to which this Addendum refers was published in Rapid Commun. Mass Spectrom. 2005; 19: 3119–3130.
Method to determine 4‐oxo‐retinoic acids, retinoic acids and retinol in serum and cell extracts by liquid chromatography/diode‐array detection atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rühl Ralph
Published: July 2006

Retinoic acid isomers, 4‐oxo‐retinoic acid isomers and retinol are present in the serum of mammals. In this study a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation, sample preparation and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) method was established for quick and easy sample preparation and sensitive determination of retinoids such as all‐trans‐4‐oxo‐retinoic acid, 13‐cis‐4‐oxo‐retinoic acid, 13‐cis‐retinoic acid, 9‐cis‐retinoic acid, all‐trans‐retinoic acid and retinol in serum and cell extracts. Serum samples were simply treated with three times the volume of isopropanol, dried under vacuum, taken up in the HPLC solvent and immediately put into the autosampler for an automated single‐run HPLC analysis. With this MS/MS method we were able to detect 7 pg and quantify 20 pg of all‐trans‐retinoic acid, 4‐oxo‐all‐trans‐retinoic acid and retinol directly on‐column and were able to determine a concentration as low as 0.2 ng/mL in ethanolic standards and in biological samples. This method allows ultra‐sensitive detection, excellent selectivity and a very simple sample preparation to determine retinoic acids, 4‐oxo‐retinoic acids and retinol in serum and cell extracts for the study of endogenous retinoids. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable‐hydrogen isotope heterogeneity in keratinous materials: mass spectrometry and migratory wildlife tissue subsampling strategies
Authors: Wassenaar Leonard I. , Hobson Keith A.
Published: July 2006

Stable‐hydrogen isotope measurements (δD) of biological tissues have gained widespread acceptance in wildlife and forensic studies, especially in tracking geographical movements of birds and other species. Continuous‐flow isotope‐ratio mass spectrometry enables high‐throughput δD analyses to be conducted on tissue samples as small as 0.15 mg, compared with conventional offline analyses that require 7–10 mg. This reduction in sample size has raised concerns regarding intra‐sample hydrogen isotopic variance due to potential biological heterogeneities that could exceed interpretations of geospatial origin. To help resolve this, feathers were obtained from captive birds to examine isotopic variance expected due to sample size, location, and heterogeneity factors, and from selected wild birds to examine isotopic variance due to these and to additional dietary or location changes during feather growth. Captive bird feathers were sub‐sampled along the vane on either side of a single feather at masses of 0.25, 0.35, 0.45, 0.6, 1.0 and 2.0 mg, and along the rachis. The results showed consistency of feather δD measurements across a wide range of sample masses. Within‐feather δD isotopic variance for captive and some wild birds was as low as ±3‰ for vane material, which corresponds to a geospatial resolution of about 1 degree of latitude in central North America. Intra‐sample variance for the rachis was ±5‰, with lower δD values for both wild and captive birds. However, given the extraordinary intra‐feather δD variance observed in some wild species, we recommend researchers first carefully assess the degree of intra‐ and inter‐sample hydrogen isotopic variation in the selected tissue growth period for the species of interest before geospatial interpretations of origin are attempted. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How college science students engage in note‐taking strategies
Authors: Bonner Janice M. , Holliday William G.
Published: July 2006

A composite theory of college science student note‐taking strategies was derived from a periodic series of five interviews with 23 students and with other variables, including original and final versions of notes analyzed during a semester‐long genetics course. This evolving composite theory was later compared with Van Meter, Yokoi, and Pressley's (Journal of Educational Psychology, 86, 323–338, 1994) corresponding composite “college students' theory of note‐taking.” Students' notes in this long‐term study were also compared with a standard of “adequate” note‐taking established by experts. Analyses detected many similarities between the two composite theories. Analyses also provided evidence of inadequate note‐taking strategies, inconsistencies between what students claimed and evidently did with their notes, and weak self‐regulating learning strategies. Recommendations included prompting students during class on how to take notes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 786–818, 2006
Prediction of delivery date by sonography in the first and second trimesters
Authors: Olesen A. W. , Thomsen S. G.
Published: July 2006

Objective

To compare the dates of delivery predicted by last menstrual period (LMP), crown–rump length (CRL) and biparietal diameter (BPD) with the actual date of delivery in a population of pregnant women divided into those with certain and those with uncertain LMP.

Methods

Healthy women were enrolled at the first visit during their pregnancy to a general practitioner in Odense, Denmark, and underwent ultrasound examinations in the first and second trimesters. Data from a study of 798 women who gave birth in the period August 2001 to April 2003 are presented, although only the 657 spontaneous deliveries were used for analysis (n = 339 and 318 in the certain and uncertain LMP groups, respectively). Data on pregnancy and delivery were collected from the medical records. Wilcoxon's signed rank test was used to test the hypothesis of no difference in prediction error (predicted − actual date of delivery) between the three methods.

Results

The median prediction errors estimated by sonography in the first and second trimesters and by corrected LMP according to cycle length were 2.32, 0.16, and 3.00 days, respectively, in women with certain LMP, and 1.71, 0.00, and 3.00 days, respectively, in women with uncertain LMP. The median gestational age at delivery estimated by sonography in the first and second trimesters and by corrected LMP according to cycle length was 282, 280, and 283 days, respectively, in both groups.

Conclusion

An ultrasound examination in the second trimester (17–22 completed weeks) is the best predictor of the date of delivery at the individual level, followed by an ultrasound examination in the first trimester. Having an uncertain LMP does not affect the sonographic prediction of date of delivery. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dilemmas in the management of twins discordant for anencephaly diagnosed at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Vandecruys H. , Avgidou K. , Surerus E. , Flack N. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: July 2006

Objective

To help develop an evidence‐based approach to the best management of twin pregnancies discordant for anencephaly.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the management and outcome of 18 pregnancies discordant for anencephaly diagnosed at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in our center. We combined these data with those from other publications. In total, there were 44 dichorionic pregnancies that were managed expectantly (n = 35) or by selective feticide (n = 9) and 19 monochorionic pregnancies that were managed expectantly. We also reviewed the literature to ascertain the outcome of monochorionic twin pregnancies undergoing cord occlusion.

Results

In the 35 dichorionic pregnancies that were managed expectantly, 20 (57.1%) developed polyhydramnios at 25–31 weeks; 13 were managed expectantly, five had amniodrainage and two had selective feticide. In 34 of the 35 cases the non‐anencephalic twin was liveborn at a median gestation of 36 (range, 28–39) weeks and in six (17.6%) of these it was born before 33 weeks. In the dichorionic pregnancies that had selective feticide, there was one miscarriage and eight (88.9%) live births at a median gestation of 37 (range, 30–40) weeks and in one (12.5%) of these it was born before 33 weeks. In the monochorionic pregnancies, four (21.1%) anencephalic fetuses died at 20–32 weeks and in three of these the normal co‐twin also died. In the 16 (84.2%) cases resulting in the live birth of the normal twin, delivery occurred at a median gestation of 33 (range, 27–39) weeks and in six (37.5%) of these it was before 33 weeks. Ultrasound‐guided bipolar cord coagulation in 92 pregnancies, mostly complicated by twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence or severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome, was associated with a survival rate of 77.2% and early preterm delivery rate of 31.0%.

Conclusion

Dichorionic twins discordant for anencephaly are best managed with serial ultrasound examinations for early diagnosis of polyhydramnios, which can then be treated either by amniodrainage or selective feticide. In monochorionic twins it is uncertain whether the best management is expectant or by cord occlusion. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DhARO4, an amino acid biosynthetic gene, is stimulated by high salinity in Debaryomyces hansenii
Authors: Calderón‐Torres Marissa , Peña Antonio , Thomé Patricia E.
Published: July 2006

The highly halotolerant yeast Debaryomyces hansenii when grown in the presence of 2M NaCl, increased the expression of ARO4 which is involved in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids. The function of the isolated gene was verified by complementation of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae null mutant, aro4Δ, restoring the specific activity of the enzyme (a 3‐deoxy‐D‐arabino‐heptulosonate‐7‐phosphate synthase) to wild‐type levels. DhARO4 transcript expression under high salinity was stimulated at the beginning of the exponential growth phase. As the DhARO4 promoter region presents putative GCRE and CRE sequences, its expression was evaluated under conditions of NaCl stress and amino acid starvation, showing similar expression levels for either condition. The combined effect of both stressors resulted in a further increase in transcript levels over the singly added stressors, indicating independent stimulatory events. Our results support the hypothesis that high salinity and amino acid availability are physiologically interconnected. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inorganic polyphosphate and exopolyphosphatase in the nuclei of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: dependence on the growth phase and inactivation of the PPX1 and PPN1 genes
Authors: Lichko Lidiya P. , Kulakovskaya Tatyana V. , Kulaev Igor S.
Published: July 2006

Nuclei of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae possess inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) with chain lengths of ca. 10–200 phosphate residues. Subfractionation of the nuclei reveals that the most part of polyP is not associated with DNA. Transition of the yeast cells from stationary phase to active growth at orthophosphate (Pi) excess in the medium is followed by the synthesis of the shortest polyP (<15 phosphate residues) and hydrolysis of the high‐molecular polyP (>45 phosphate residues) in the nuclei. Nuclear exopolyphosphatase (exopolyPase) activity does not depend on the growth phase. The PPX1 gene encoding the major cytosolic exopolyPase does not encode the nuclear one and its inactivation has no effect on polyP metabolism in this compartment. Under inactivation of the PPN1 gene encoding another yeast exopolyPase, elimination of the nuclear exopolyPase is observed. The effect of PPN1 inactivation on the polyP level in the nuclei is insignificant in the stationary phase, while in the exponential phase this level increases 2.3‐fold as compared with the parent strain of S. cerevisiae. In the active growth phase, no hydrolysis of high‐molecular polyP is detected while the synthesis of short‐chain polyP is retained. The data obtained indicate substantial changes in polyP metabolism in nuclei under the renewal of active growth, which only partially depends on the genes of polyP metabolism known to date. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.