bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snow disappearance in Eastern Siberia and its relationship to atmospheric influences
Authors: Iijima Yoshihiro , Masuda Kooiti , Ohata Tetsuo
Published: July 2006

In the present study, we examine the climatological features and interannual variations in snow disappearance within the Lena River Basin, Eastern Siberia, during a recent 15‐year period (1986–2000), and the relationship of snow disappearance to atmospheric conditions. According to the climatology of the day of the year on which snow disappears, the boundary of snow disappearance within the Lena River Basin migrates rapidly northward from mid‐April until early June, with minimum interannual variation occurring in the middle part of the basin. In addition, the preceding snow disappearance is apparent in the central Lena River Basin. Melting of snow within the Lena River Basin commonly occurs within 30 days of complete snow disappearance under certain atmospheric conditions: daily mean air temperature in excess of − 10 °C, greater than 2 hPa of water vapor pressure, and, hence, more than 170 W m−2 of downward longwave radiation under clear sky conditions. Composite analysis using a reanalysis dataset demonstrates that the increase in air temperature and water vapor that accompanies snow melting is due to wet (and warm) air advection in conjunction with enhanced water vapor convergence over the central Lena River Basin during the 30‐day period prior to snow disappearance. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society.
Compositional variability of ice‐rafted debris in Heinrich layers 1 and 2 on the northwest European continental slope identified by environmental magnetic analyses
Authors: Walden John , Wadsworth Emilie , Austin William E. N. , Peters Clare , Scourse James D. , Hall Ian R.
Published: July 2006

The composition of ice‐rafted debris (IRD) within a sediment core from the European continental slope (core OMEX‐2K; 49° 5′ N, 13° 26′ W) has been examined using environmental magnetic analyses. The data demonstrate compositional variability of the IRD within Heinrich layers 2 (H2) and 1 (H1) and these differences are most readily explained by changes in the contribution of different IRD sources to the core site. Some IRD within the main Heinrich layers show magnetic signatures that are similar to IRD derived from the Laurentide ice sheet found in cores from within the main North Atlantic IRD‐belt. In contrast, other IRD‐rich layers, both prior to and within the main Heinrich layers, demonstrate different magnetic behaviour, suggesting a contribution from a non‐Laurentide sourced IRD, most likely derived from ice streams discharging from northeast Atlantic ice sheets such as the British and Fennoscandian ice sheets. These data are consistent with published compositional data from the same core and, given the rapid, highly sensitive and non‐destructive nature of the method, suggest that environmental magnetic analysis has considerable potential for characterising IRD materials within Heinrich layers for the purposes of defining provenance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychosocial Aspects of Pediatric Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Kroencke Sylvia , Wilms Christian , Broering Dieter , Rogiers Xavier , Schulz Karl-Heinz
Published: July 2006

While the medical aspects of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) have been investigated to a comparatively large degree, only in recent years have psychosocial aspects like donors' quality of life and attitude towards living donation been dealt with. In the course of a retrospective study, we examined 36 pediatric living liver donors at an average of 4.5 ± 2.8 years postoperatively. The donation's impact on the family was considered “very high,” “high,” or “average” by 48% of the donors. The physical impact of the donation was regarded as being higher than the emotional impact. Subjective full recovery was achieved at an average of 4.5 months postoperatively. All patients stated that they would donate again. Donors' quality of life, as assessed with the 36-Item Short-Form Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), was significantly higher than the German normative sample. Anxiety and depression, assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–German version, were significantly lower compared to healthy controls. However, 14 patients (39%) described persistent, mostly physical, symptoms more than 1 yr postoperatively. In conclusion, the study's findings may enable clinicians to achieve a better understanding of living donors' situations, both pre- and postoperatively, and may help to assess the psychosocial risk of LDLT. Knowledge of possible ongoing problems may facilitate intervention at an early stage and should be included among the information given to potential living liver donors. Prospective studies using more specific instruments with an emphasis on the long-term psychosocial outcome of LDLT are needed for future research.
Liver Transpl, 2006.

© 2006 AASLD.
Synthesis of 3‐ and 4‐ Arm Star‐Block Copolypeptides using Multifunctional Amino Initiators and High Vacuum Techniques
Authors: Aliferis Thrasyvoulos , Iatrou Hermis , Hadjichristidis Nikos , Messman Jamie , Mays Jimmy
Published: July 2006

Three‐ and four‐arm star‐block copolypeptides, (BL‐b‐G)3 and (G‐b‐BL)4, of poly(ε‐butyloxycarbonyl‐L‐lysine) (BL) and poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate) (G), were synthesized under high vacuum conditions, using three different multifunctional amino‐initiators for the ring opening polymerization of the corresponding α‐aminoacid N‐carboxyanhydrides. When the initiator contained only primary amine groups {2(aminomethyl)‐2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediamine, AMPDA}, well‐defined star‐block copolypeptides with monomodal molecular weight distribution were produced. However, if the multifunctional initiator contained both primary and tertiary amine groups {polypropylenimine tetraamine dendrimer, generation 1.0 (DAB); amidoethylethanolamine dendrimer, 1,4‐diaminobutane core, generation 0.0 (PAMAM)}, bimodal high polydispersed copolypeptides were formed. The different behaviors are due to the participation of both the primary and tertiary amino groups, each following different polymerization kinetics.
Successive Synthesis of Regular and Asymmetric Star‐Branched Polymers by Iterative Methodology Based on Living Anionic Polymerization Using Functionalized 1,1‐Diphenylethylene Derivatives
Authors: Hirao Akira , Inoue Kyoichi , Higashihara Tomoya
Published: July 2006

In order to achieve the successive synthesis of star‐branched polymers, we have developed a new iterative methodology which involves only three sets of the reactions in each iterative process: (a) a coupling reaction of a living anionic polymer with 1,1‐bis(3‐chloromethylphenyl)ethylene to prepare a DPE‐chain‐functionalized polymer, (b) an addition reaction of sec‐BuLi to the DPE‐chain‐functionalized polymer, followed by treatment with 1‐(4‐(4‐bromobutyl)phenyl)‐1‐phenylethylene to prepare a new DPE‐chain‐functionalized polymer whose DPE is separated by four methylene units from the main chain, and (c) a coupling reaction of 1,1‐bis(3‐chloromethylphenyl)ethylene with the polymer anion derived from the newly prepared DPE‐chain‐functionalized polymer and sec‐BuLi. With this methodology, a series of well‐defined 4‐arm, 8‐arm, and 16‐arm regular star‐branched polystyrenes as well as 4‐arm A2B2, 8‐arm A4B4, and 16‐arm A8B8 asymmetric star‐branched polymers comprising polystyrene and poly(α‐methylstyrene) segments have been successively synthesized.
Progress in Polymerization of Cyclic Esters: Mechanisms and Synthetic Applications
Authors: Biela Tadeusz , Kowalski Adam , Libiszowski Jan , Duda Andrzej , Penczek Stanisław
Published: July 2006

Recent advances in the controlled ring‐opening polymerization of aliphatic cyclic esters are briefly reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the high molecular weight linear, branched, and star‐shaped poly(lactide)s and poly(ε‐caprolactone) synthesis. It is concluded that despite the plethora of initiating and/or catalytic systems applied for this purpose the best results so far were achieved with Al‐ and Sn(II) derivatives. Analytical methods employed for aliphatic polyesters of various architectures characterization, including SEC‐MALLS, LC‐CC, and fluorescence spectroscopy, are also discussed.
Anionic Copolymerization of ε‐Caprolactam with ω‐Laurolactam
Authors: Budín Jan , Roda Jan , Brožek Jiří , Kříř Jaroslav
Published: July 2006

Polyamide 6/12 copolymers were prepared by employing two different initiation systems containing activator N‐benzoyl‐ε‐caprolactam (BzCL) and initiator either sodium salt of ε‐caprolactam (CLNa) or ε‐caprolactam magnesium bromide (CLMgBr). Materials prepared by initiation with CLNa show one melting endotherm and are random copolymers. Materials prepared by initiation with CLMgBr show two melting endotherms and are probably composed from random copolymer and block copolymer containing blocks of random copolymer and blocks of copolymer with ε‐caprolactam rich segments. The character of copolymers and fractionalized materials was evaluated by means of DSC and NMR.
Self‐Nucleation Behavior of the Polyethylene Block as Function of the Confinement Degree in Polyethylene‐Block‐Polystyrene Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Müller A. J. , Lorenzo A. T. , Arnal M. L. , de Fierro A. Boschetti , Abetz V.
Published: July 2006

A series of well defined polyethylene‐b‐polystyrene diblock copolymers (ExSyz, where x and y represent the composition in weight % and z the molecular weight in Kg/mol) has been synthesized in a wide composition range by sequential anionic polymerization. The molecular weight of the PE block was kept constant. A fractionated crystallization behavior was observed for the PE block within E26S74105(PE cylinders) and E11S89244(PE spheres). When the PE blocks form a continuous or percolated phase (PE, E79S2141and E53S4751), a “classic” self‐nucleation behavior (where the usual three self‐nucleation domains are obtained) was observed. When the PE block is located within isolated microphases (having dimensions on the nanometer scale) and a fractionated crystallization was detected (E26S74105and E11S89244), the fraction of crystals formed at higher temperatures exhibits a “classic” self‐nucleation behavior, while those crystals that crystallized at the largest supercooling (lower exotherms) can only be self‐nucleated at lower temperatures where annealing of unmolten material has already started. An unusual fractionated crystallization behavior for isolated, spherical PE microphases (E11S89244) is reported.
Siloxane‐containing Bifunctional Epoxide Together with Multi‐functional Acrylates to Improve the Performance of Holographic Gratings
Authors: Kawakami Yusuke , Cho Yeong Hee
Published: July 2006

Well‐defined transmission holographic gratings with high diffraction efficiency were fabricated by irradiating a mixture of dipentaerythritol penta‐/hexa‐functional acrylates, 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and 1,3‐bis(3‐glycidoxypropyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane or 1,3‐bis[2‐(1,2‐epoxycyclohex‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane in the absence (photo‐polymer systems, 30 : 10 : 60 in weight ratio; 80 or 55% efficiency) or presence (holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal systems: 45 : 9 : 36 : 10 in weight ratio; 83 or 67% efficiency) of commercial liquid crystalline compound E7 with diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate and 3,3′‐carbonylbis(7‐diethylaminocoumarin) photo‐initiating system by Nd:YAG laser (λ = 532 nm). When the ratio of dipentaerythritol penta‐/hexaacrylate and 1,3‐bis(3‐glycidoxypropyl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane was changed to 50 : 40 in photo‐polymer system, the diffraction efficiency increased to 84%. They had smooth surface morphologies with regulated spacing. In polymer dispersed liquid crystal system, the same ratio of dipentaerythritol penta‐/hexaacrylate and siloxane‐containing epoxides gave the best results. 1,5‐Bis(3‐glycidoxypropyl)‐1,1,3,3,5,5‐hexamethyltrisiloxane and 1,5‐bis[2‐(1,2‐epoxycyclohex‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,1,3,3,5,5‐hexamethyltrisiloxane gave high diffraction efficiency with 10% E7 (97% and 75%). The trisiloxane derivatives gave gratings with considerably or moderately reduced angular deviation (0.83, 0.66 degree for trisiloxane from 1.2, 0.7 degree for disiloxane derivatives, respectively for signal beam, and 0.76, 0.70 degree from 1.1, 1.0 degree for the reference beam at 32 degree of external incident angle) from Bragg profile, namely 5.2 and 4.5% volume shrinkage for trisiloxane, and 7.5, 5.6% for disiloxane derivatives, respectively. Gratings with diffraction efficiency over 95% with the narrowest angular selectivity of 4.0 degree was obtained when trimethylolpropane triacrylate was used together with 1,5‐bis[2‐(1,2‐epoxycyclohex‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,1,3,3,5,5‐hexamethyltri‐siloxane (50 : 40) and 5% E7. These gratings were actually used to store real images.
The Effect of Alkyl Side Chain and Additives on the Anionic Polymerization of Isocyanates with Carbamate Group
Authors: Shin Yeong‐Deuk , Rahman M. Shahinur , Samal Shashadhar , Lee Jae‐Suk
Published: July 2006

The synthesis of new isocyanate monomers and their polymerization by anionic route is reported. Reaction of 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane with aliphatic alcohols such as methanol, n‐propanol and n‐pentanol in 1:0.5 molar ratios was carried out in the presence of pyridine such that one NCO group remained unreacted. The anionic polymerization of n‐alkoxycarbonylaminohexyl isocyanates was carried out using sodium napthalenide (Na‐Naph) initiator in the presence of 15‐crown‐5 (15C5) and sodium tetraphenylborate as the additives. While polymerization of n‐propyloxycarbonylaminohexyl isocyanate (PAHI) and n‐pentanoxycarbonylaminohexyl isocyanate (PEAHI) was feasible that of methoxycarbonylaminohexyl isocyanate (MAHI) led to an insoluble material. The polymers were isolated in high yields with NaBPh4 as the additive.
Improvement of Synthetic Vectors for Gene Therapy Using Ring‐Opening Cationic Polymerization
Authors: Cheradame H. , Brissault B. , Guis C. , Guégan P. , Pomel C. , Kichler A. , Gau J. , Auvray L.
Published: July 2006

For efficirent gene transfer, DNA has to be associated with a carrier which can be either of biological (i.e. recombinant viruses) or synthetic origin. In the domain of polymeric synthetic vectors two general types can be envisaged, namely positive polyelectrolytes or neutral amphiphilic block copolymers. Both types can be synthesized by ring‐opening cationic polymerization. Several examples show that the versatility of this polymerization technique can be used for the design of structures which after transfection studies, either in vitro or in vivo, can allow conclusions on the most important parameters which govern transfection efficacy. The present study allowed to conclude on the importance of physico‐chemical characteristics of these vectors, i.e. the linear macrostructure for the positive polyelectrolytes, and the amphiphilic nature for the neutral block copolymers.
Diphenyldiselenide As Novel Non–salt Photoinitiator for Photosensitized Cationic Polymerization of N‐Vinyl Carbazole
Authors: Gupta Mukesh Kumar , Singh Raj Pal
Published: July 2006

Photoinitiated cationic polymerization of N‐vinyl carbazole (NVC) with diphenyldiselenide (DPDS) as an initiator and aromatic nitriles such as dicyanonaphthalene (DCN) and dicyanoanthracene (DCA) as sensitizer was studied at λ > 290 nm in CH2Cl2 solvent using single electron transfer (SET) reactions in this investigation. Aromatic nitriles were found to be effective photosensitizer in initiating polymerization at wavelength λ > 290 nm where DPDS (λmax = 246 nm) do not absorb. However, the DPDS works well as an initiator with both DCN and DCA. An initiation mechanism is also proposed that involves the formation of selenium radical cation as actual initiating species. Upon photoirradiation, these radical cations are formed by single electron transfer between the excited singlet state sensitizer and the ground state of DPDS.
New Segmented Copolymers by Combination of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Ring Opening Polymerization
Authors: Jakubowski Wojciech , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof
Published: July 2006

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) were combined to synthesize various polymers with various structures and composition. Poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(n‐octadecyl methacrylate), PCL‐PODMA, was prepared using both sequential and simultaneous polymerization methods. Kinetic studies on the simultaneous process were performed to adjust the rate of both polymerizations. The influence of tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate on ATRP was investigated, which led to development of new initiation methods for ATRP, i.e., activators (re)generated by electron transfer (AGET and ARGET). Additionally, block copolymers with two crystalizable blocks, poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐poly(n‐octadecyl methacrylate), PCL‐PBA‐PODMA, block copolymers for potential surfactant applications poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(n‐octadecyl methacrylate‐co‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), PCL‐P(ODMA‐co‐DMAEMA), and a macromolecular brush, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐graft‐poly(ε‐caprolactone), PHEMA‐graft‐PCL, were prepared using combination of ATRP and ROP.
Controlled Radical Polymerization of Furfuryl Methacrylate
Authors: Kavitha Amalin A. , Choudhury Anusuya , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: July 2006

Atom transfer radical polymerization provides a new method of controlled radical polymerization. The most important advantage of ATRP is that it is tolerant to the different functional groups present in the initiator as well as in the monomer. Furfuryl Methacrylate (FMA) is a specialty monomer, which has applications in coatings, adhesives and in biomedicals. Conventional radical polymerization of FMA leads to excessive gel formation, which limits its applications. In this investigation homo and co‐polymerization of FMA has been carried out via ATRP. ATRP of FMA was carried out using CuBr as catalyst and 1, 1, 4, 7, 10, 10 hexamethyltriethylenetetramine (HMTETA) as ligand. There was no gel formation during the polymerization. ATRP of FMA was well controlled with a linear increase of molecular weight (Mn) with monomer conversion. The polymers were characterized by using 1HNMR, FT‐IR and GPC analysis. Interestingly, it was observed that the furfuryl ring was not affected during polymerization.
Copper Catalyzed ATRP of Methyl Methacrylate Using Aliphatic α‐Bromo Ketone Initiator
Authors: Mittal Anuj , Baskaran Durairaj , Sivaram Swaminathan
Published: July 2006

The atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of MMA was examined using 3‐bromo‐3‐methyl‐butanone‐2 (MBB) as an initiator in the presence of CuBr as catalyst and 2,6‐bis[1‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenylimino)ethyl]pyridine (BPIEP) as a tridentate N‐donor ligand. The effect of various other N‐donor ligands including a bisoxazoline ligand, namely, 2,6‐bis(4,4‐dimethyl‐2‐oxazolin‐2‐yl) pyridine (dmPYBOX) was studied in ATRP and reverse ATRP of MMA. The ATRP of MMA in toluene at 90 °C using MBB as initiator was relatively slow in the case of bidentate and faster in the case of tridentate N‐donor ligands. The apparent rate constant, kapp, with MBB as initiator and BPIEP as ligand in toluene (50%, v/v) at 90 °C was found to be 7.15 × 10−5 s−1. In addition, reverse ATRP of MMA in diphenylether at 70 °C using BPIEP/CuBr2 as catalyst system was very effective in reducing the reaction time from several hours to 24 h for polymerization of MMA.
Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) of Ethyl Acrylate: Its Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Datta Haimanti , Bhowmick Anil K. , Singha Nikhil K.
Published: July 2006

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of ethyl acrylate was carried out in bulk using ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate as initiator, CuBr as well as CuCl as catalyst in combination with different ligands e.g., 2,2′ bipyridine (bpy)andN,N, N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA). In most of the cases very high conversion (72–98%) was achieved. The polymerization was well controlled with a linear increase of molecular weight (MnSEC) with conversion and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (polydispersity index 1.2–1.3). Use of PMDETA as the ligand resulted in faster polymerization rate (98% conversion in 1 h) than those using bipyridine (72% conversion in 5 h). The MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis of poly (ethyl acrylate) (PEA) prepared by using bpy as ligand showed the presence of halogen as the end group. On the contrary, when PMDETA was used as the ligand, the mass analysis showed no trace of this end group.
Effects of voltage‐gated calcium channel subunit genes on calcium influx in cultured C. elegans mechanosensory neurons
Authors: Frøkjær‐Jensen Christian , Kindt Katie S. , Kerr Rex A. , Suzuki Hiroshi , Melnik‐Martinez Katya , Gerstbreih Beate , Driscol Monica , Schafer William R.
Published: July 2006

Voltage‐gated calcium channels (VGCCs) serve as a critical link between electrical signaling and diverse cellular processes in neurons. We have exploited recent advances in genetically encoded calcium sensors and in culture techniques to investigate how the VGCC α1 subunit EGL‐19 and α2/δ subunit UNC‐36 affect the functional properties of C. elegans mechanosensory neurons. Using the protein‐based optical indicator cameleon, we recorded calcium transients from cultured mechanosensory neurons in response to transient depolarization. We observed that in these cultured cells, calcium transients induced by extracellular potassium were significantly reduced by a reduction‐of‐function mutation in egl‐19 and significantly reduced by L‐type calcium channel inhibitors; thus, a main source of touch neuron calcium transients appeared to be influx of extracellular calcium through L‐type channels. Transients did not depend directly on intracellular calcium stores, although a store‐independent 2‐APB and gadolinium‐sensitive calcium flux was detected. The transients were also significantly reduced by mutations in unc‐36, which encodes the main neuronal α2/δ subunit in C. elegans. Interestingly, while egl‐19 mutations resulted in similar reductions in calcium influx at all stimulus strengths, unc‐36 mutations preferentially affected responses to smaller depolarizations. These experiments suggest a central role for EGL‐19 and UNC‐36 in excitability and functional activity of the mechanosensory neurons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Physiological requirement for the glutamate transporter dEAAT1 at the adult Drosophila neuromuscular junction
Authors: Rival Thomas , Soustelle Laurent , Cattaert Daniel , Strambi Colette , Iché Magali , Birman Serge
Published: July 2006

L‐Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. Specific proteins, the Na+/K+‐dependent high affinity excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), are involved in the extracellular clearance and recycling of this amino acid. Type I synapses of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) similarly use L‐glutamate as an excitatory transmitter. However, the localization and function of the only high‐affinity glutamate reuptake transporter in Drosophila, dEAAT1, at the NMJ was unknown. Using a specific antibody and transgenic strains, we observed that dEAAT1 is present at the adult, but surprisingly not at embryonic and larval NMJ, suggesting a physiological maturation of the junction during metamorphosis. We found that dEAAT1 is not localized in motor neurons but in glial extensions that closely follow motor axons to the adult NMJ. Inactivation of the dEAAT1 gene by RNA interference generated viable adult flies that were able to walk but were flight‐defective. Electrophysiological recordings of the thoracic dorso‐lateral NMJ were performed in adult dEAAT1‐deficient flies. The lack of dEAAT1 prolonged the duration of the individual responses to motor nerve stimulation and this effect was progressively increased during physiological trains of stimulations. Therefore, glutamate reuptake by glial cells is required to ensure normal activity of the Drosophila NMJ, but only in adult flies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Regulation of FGF10 by POU transcription factor Brn3a in the developing trigeminal ganglion
Authors: Cox Eric , Lanier Jason , Quina Lely , Eng S. Raisa , Turner Eric E.
Published: July 2006

The POU‐domain transcription factor Brn3a is expressed in specific neurons of the caudal CNS and peripheral sensory nervous system. The sensory neurons of mice lacking Brn3a exhibit marked defects in axon growth and extensive apoptosis in lategestation. Here we show that expression of thedevelopmental regulator FGF10 is approximately 35‐fold increased in the developing trigeminal ganglia of Brn3a‐null mice. In order to determine whether FGF10 regulates other changes in gene expression observed in Brn3a knock‐out ganglia, we have used a sensory‐specific enhancer to over‐express FGF10 in transgenic mice. Microarray analysis of trigeminal ganglia from individual transgenic founders effectivelyexcludes the cell‐autonomous activity of FGF10 as a mechanism for mediating the downstream effects of the loss of Brn3a, probably because developing sensory neurons lack the appropriate type of FGF receptor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Transplantation of embryonic neuroectodermal progenitor cells into the site of a photochemical lesion: Immunohistochemical and electrophysiological analysis
Authors: Anděrová Miroslava , Kubinová Šárka , Jelitai Marti , Neprašová Helena , Glogarová Kateřina , Prajerová Iva , Urdzíková Lucie , Chvátal Alexandr , Syková Eva
Published: July 2006

GFP labeled/NE‐4C neural progenitor cells cloned from primary neuroectodermal cultures of p53− mouse embryos give rise to neurons when exposed to retinoic acid in vitro. To study their survival and differentiation in vivo, cells were transplanted into the cortex of 6‐week‐old rats, 1 week after the induction of a photochemical lesion or into noninjured cortex. The electrophysiological properties of GFP/NE‐4C cells were studied in vitro (8–10 days after differentiation induction) and 4weeks after transplantation using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique, and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out. After transplantation into a photochemical lesion, a large number of cells survived, some of which expressed the astrocytic marker GFAP. GFP/GFAP‐positive cells, with an average resting membrane potential (Vrest) of −71.9 mV, displayed passive time‐ and voltage‐independent K+ currents and, additionally, voltage‐dependent A‐type K+ currents (KA) and/or delayed outwardly rectifying K+ currents (KDR). Numerous GFP‐positive cells expressed NeuN, βIII‐tubulin, or 68 kD neurofilaments. GFP/βIII‐tubulin‐positive cells, with an average Vrest of −61.6 mV, were characterized by the expression of KA and KDR currents and tetrodotoxin‐sensitive Na+ currents. GFP/NE‐4C cells also gave rise to oligodendrocytes, based on the detection of oligodendrocyte‐specific markers. Our results indicate that GFP/NE‐4C neural progenitors transplanted into the site of a photochemical lesion give rise to neurons and astrocytes with membrane properties comparable to those transplanted into noninjured cortex. Therefore, GFP/NE‐4C cells provide a suitable model for studying neuro‐ and gliogenesis in vivo. Further, our results suggest that embryonic neuroectodermal progenitor cells may hold considerable promise for the repair of ischemic brain lesions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Refinement of innervation accuracy following initial targeting of peripheral gustatory fibers
Authors: Lopez Grace F. , Krimm Robin F.
Published: July 2006

During development, axons of the chorda tympani nerve navigate to fungiform papillae where they penetrate the lingual epithelium, forming a neural bud. It is not known whether or not all chorda tympani axons initially innervate fungiform papillae correctly or if mistakes are made. Using a novel approach, we quantified the accuracy with which gustatory fibers successfully innervate fungiform papillae. Immediately following initial targeting (E14.5), innervation was found to be incredibly accurate: specifically, 94% of the fungiform papillae on the tongue are innervated. A mean of five papillae per tongue were uninnervated at E14.5, and the lingual tongue surface was innervated in 17 places that lack fungiform papillae. To determine if these initial errors in papillae innervation were later refined, innervation accuracy was quantified at E16.5 and E18.5. By E16.5 only two papillae per tongue remained uninnervated. Innervation to inappropriate regions was also removed, but not until later, between E16.5 and E18.5 of development. Therefore, even though gustatory fibers initially innervate fungiform papillae accurately, some errors in targeting do occur that are then refined during later embryonic periods. It is likely that trophic interactions between gustatory neurons and developing taste epithelium allow appropriate connections to be maintained and inappropriate ones to be eliminated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
SCG10, a microtubule destabilizing factor, stimulates the neurite outgrowth by modulating microtubule dynamics in rat hippocampal primary cultured neurons
Authors: Morii Hiroshi , Shiraishi‐Yamaguchi Yoko , Mori Nozomu
Published: July 2006

Microtubule dynamics, one of the key elements in neurite outgrowth, is regulated by various regulatory factors to determine the behavior of the neuronal growth cone and to form the specialized neuronal shape. SCG10 is a neuron‐specific stathmin protein with a potent microtubule destabilizing factor and is enriched in the growth cones of the developing neurons. We investigated the functional role of SCG10 in neurite outgrowth using rat hippocampal primary cultured neurons. Genetic manipulation of SCG10 using a short‐interfering RNA duplex markedly decreased the SCG10 expression level and significantly suppressed neurite outgrowth. This result was confirmed by immunodepletion experiments. On the other hand, the protein transduction of SCG10 using a polyarginine tag stimulated neurite outgrowth. Such manipulation of the SCG10 expression level affected microtubule morphology within the growth cones. A decrease in the SCG10 level converted the morphology to a more stable state, while an increase converted the morphology to a more dynamic state. However, an excess of SCG10 induced neurite retraction due to an excess of microtubule disassembly. These results suggest that SCG10 serves as an important regulatory factor of growth cone motility by enhancing microtubule dynamics, possibly through increasing the catastrophe frequency. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
The charity shop: purpose and change
Authors: Horne Suzanne
Published: July 2006

This paper attempts to provide a theoretical framework in which to explore and highlight elements of charity retail change and purpose. It uses first the Wheel of Retailing model as an heuristic device for identifying features of charity shop retail change, and secondly a continuum of usage with which to identify charity shop purpose. By matching the two models it identifies patterns of retail change and purpose at each stage of the cycle and the continuum. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications
Charity shops as second‐hand markets
Authors: Chattoe Edmund
Published: July 2006

This paper considers several implications of the fact that charity shops are part of the wider class of second‐hand markets. This approach attempts to complement research on other features of charity shops like the distinctive nature of voluntary work and the identities of charity shop consumers. It is argued that the functioning of second‐hand markets highlights some limitations in traditional models of consumer behaviour. This gives charity shops (and second‐hand markets in general) an important role in developing more effective theories of consumption. At the same time, there are more practical reasons for being aware of the limitations of existing theories. In particular, marketing for charity shops will be ineffective if their functions are misunderstood. The paper also illustrates how these theoretical insights have practical implications. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications
Results of the first survey of independent trust grantmaking: who is setting the agenda?
Authors: Pharoah Cathy
Published: July 2006

Based on an analysis of 2,300 grants made by a representative sample of independent trusts and foundations, ‘Patterns of Independent Grantmaking in the UK’ is the first national survey identifying where independent trusts allocate their funds. The results show that, as in mainstream central and local government expenditure, social care was a clear priority for independent grantmakers, not only attracting the highest proportion of grants overall, but also the single largest proportion of funding, £233m. This figure equals just over one‐third of local authority support for social services in the voluntary sector and indicates that the collective impact of independent funding to the sector is significant. Social care funding consisted mainly of a large number of small to medium‐sized grants. Health was the second largest area, followed by education and the arts. There was a considerable regional imbalance in funding. Given this fairly conservative pattern of funding, the question arises whether funders are led by applicants or vice versa? What is needed to introduce more change and risk into trust funding? Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
Brand orientation in charity organisations: qualitative research into key charity sectors
Authors: Hankinson Philippa
Published: July 2006

The study explores, through qualitative research, levels of brand orientation in large, medium and small‐sized charity organisations where brand orientation refers to the extent to which the organisation regards itself as a brand. The results indicate that charity managers are largely endorsing the conversion from charity organisation to charity brand. Brand status was seen to offer a shorthand communication of what the charity organisation did, its cause, and what it represented, its values. Significantly, it was also seen to fulfil organisational objectives such as raising awareness, building trust, fundraising and parliamentary lobbying, with a more focused and more consistent communication of what the organisation stood for. Strategically, however, charity organisations were not making the best use of their brands. It was suggested, for instance, that more sophisticated targeting of key donor segments with research‐based, tailored messages, might help reverse the trend of declining donor numbers. Overall, however, the study provides much evidence of brand orientation in the charity sector with most charity managers clearly wedded to the concept of putting the brand at the heart of the organisation. The charities that enjoyed a full commitment to the branding process from all their stakeholders were best placed to reap the benefits of charity brand status. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
Deciding to recruit only donors with high lifetime values
Authors: Masters Tony
Published: July 2006

This paper argues that it is important to choose the right donors to recruit, in order to boost average lifetime donation values. This choice needs to be made by making decisions, before donor recruitment, based on data that are available in the market. A case history is shown, based on a group of charities asking for cash donations, to demonstrate how such decisions may be reached. Finally, there is a discussion about implications for direct mail, other recruitment media, and for charities' fundraising organisations.Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
The economics of consumers' gifts and legacies to charitable organisations
Authors: Wunderink Sophia R.
Published: July 2006

Charity organisations in The Netherlands receive over 50 per cent of their total income from private fundraising; only a small part of this, 20 per cent, originates from legacies. The paper introduces some economic models of consumer behaviour in the neo‐classical tradition that harmonise with altruistic behaviour. Some models for analysing donations and bequests to charitable organisations are introduced and the hypotheses that follow from these theories are compared with Dutch data from 500 respondents. Most respondents had donated something to a charity during the last six months, but only a few had even thought about naming a charity in their will. Restrictions are felt by individuals due to their limited resources. More important, however, seem to be the restrictions on behaviour due to having children, or other close relatives; individuals feel obliged to leave everything to their children or other close relatives. Although the respondents have a reasonably positive opinion about the work and trustworthiness of the charity organisations, charities are not yet considered as ‘a close friend’. Around 40 per cent of respondents are not particularly happy with the information they receive from charity organisations. Communication about legacy donating is considered acceptable by most respondents, as long as the approach is not too personal. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
Re‐activating lapsed donors: a case study
Authors: Aldrich Tobin
Published: July 2006

This paper discusses Sight Savers International's experience of using the telephone to re‐activate lapsed donors. The paper identifies that lapsed re‐activation should be an important part of any donor recruitment and development strategy. It compares the success of telemarketing to lapsed and active supporters, in the process raising questions about the validity of such distinctions as far as the donors themselves are concerned. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
Market orientation – a case study of three UK opera companies
Authors: Jones Leighton
Published: July 2006

This paper is based on a recent marketing study conducted as part of an MBA programme. It considers the applicability of marketing orientation in a nonprofit context and takes the case of three opera companies in order to investigate and explore the potential benefits and issues associated with attempting to achieve a market orientation in this environment.

A key issue identified is the tension apparent between the need to remain financially stable and the artistic desire to preserve the operatic heritage by performing less popular works. A model is also introduced to explore these two dimensions in more detail. Copyright © 2000 Henry Stewart Publications.
Creative partnerships: fundraising for short film projects
Authors: Kelly Andrew
Published: July 2006

Although exhibition opportunities for short films are expanding in the digital age, problems of obtaining financial and marketing support remain. However, a number of creative initiatives, involving partnerships between companies, funding bodies and filmmakers, show that fundraising is possible even for projects that are difficult to sponsor. One of these is Brief Encounters, the Bristol Short Film Festival, which, over the past six years, has created long‐term partnerships with a range of companies and funders, and built a new and successful festival. These creative partnerships are explored in this paper. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Would the payment of market rates for non‐executive directors strengthen charity governance?
Authors: Wise David
Published: July 2006

This paper considers the academic literature suggesting that the governance and management of charities is far from perfect, a problem that is frequently attributed to the difficulty charities have in recruiting suitable people to act as trustees. The paper raises the question of whether charity governance has a value — and a price worth paying for.

The paper describes research carried out to test the attitude of a section of potentially suitable managers to charity trusteeship and to remuneration for such responsibilities. It concludes that there are substantial numbers of able trustees willing to serve on a voluntary basis; the perceived shortage is more likely to arise from charities' own recruitment failings than from a shortage of supply. But it also concludes that the supply of suitable trustees could be doubled if reasonable remuneration were offered, and there is some evidence that existing trustees might give higher priority to their duties if they were paid.

Results are based on a sample of just over 100 responses, but a further survey is in progress. Initial results broadly confirm the results reported here. Further research to explore the desirability and practicality of paying charity trustees is indicated. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Nonprofit marketing: the key to marketing's ‘mid‐life crisis’?
Authors: Clarke Peter , Mount Peter
Published: July 2006

This paper examines the use of marketing exchange theory in the nonprofit sector and argues that current mainstream marketing theory is ill equipped for such use. It is argued that this is due to its continued reliance on neoclassically derived assumptions of human behaviour, resulting ina dominant instrumentalist exchange paradigm. As the basis of this is individual rather than socially determined utility maximisation, achieved exclusively through the medium of exchange, it can be seen as inappropriate for application to this sector. Finally, the paper proposes that emergent, alternative nonexchange behaviours such as one‐way transfer and expressive behaviour, sit more naturally within a post‐Keynesian paradigm. It is suggested that this could be adopted by nonprofit marketing. In this sense nonprofit marketing could start to drive theory development in mainstream marketing rather than, as is too often the case, the other way round. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
The importance of values research for nonprofit organisations: the motivation‐based values of museum visitors
Authors: Thyne Maree
Published: July 2006

Marketing is very important to nonprofit organisations, and museums, being nonprofits, need to consider different market segments when designing and implementing their strategic and marketing plans. Marketing has traditionally been linked to concepts of profitability and providing a competitive edge, however with nonprofit organisations, marketing needs to focus on customer service. To achieve the best customer service, the organisation needs to know what the customer wants. Therefore this paper advocates that research on museums move away from demographic segmentation and factual recall, to psychographic segmentation and values.

This paper discusses exploratory research undertaken on the Otago Museum, New Zealand, which looks at the motivation‐based values of the museum patrons. The most important finding in this study is the prevalence of socially oriented values (being with friends and family), whereas traditionally a museum visit has been linked to more individualistic values, such as education and knowledge. These findings have important implications for museum managers (and other nonprofit organisations) in that they show the value of psychographic segmentation. A museum, and other arts organisations, can decide if they will target one particular segment, for example, families, or if they will design their museum with quite different sections that will appeal to different target markets. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
ARCHSECRET: a multi‐item scale to measure service quality within the voluntary sector
Authors: Vaughan Liz , Shiu Edward
Published: July 2006

This paper provides an overview of the application of SERVQUAL reflecting the theoretical criticisms concerning disconfirmation model, process orientation, role of expectations and portability. The original SERVQUAL framework was found to be inappropriate for services that had no close analogue with the private sector. A qualitative research study was undertaken to establish the sector‐specific criteria used by customers to evaluate service quality. The study identified 40 potentially unique features of the service as perceived by service recipients. These features were developed into a pilot survey instrument that comprised 40 questions, covering expectations, perceptions and importance. A pilot study was undertaken to test the instrument among disabled customers and their carers across the main centres of a national voluntary organisation. Analyses of the pilot survey data resulted in a set of 27 distinct statements across ten hypothesised service quality dimensions. These are Access, Responsiveness, Communication, Humaneness, Security, Enabling/Empowerment, Competence, Reliability, Equity, and Tangibles, giving rise to the acronym ARCHSECRET. The ARCHSECRET instrument is potentially a powerful diagnostic tool for managers in their pursuit of continuous quality improvement within voluntary sector organisations. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Business support approaches for charities and other nonprofits
Authors: Bednall David H. B. , Walker Ian , Curl David , LeRoy Heather
Published: July 2006

This study investigated three kinds of business support for nonprofit organisations—donations, sponsorship and coalignment deals (a commercial venture between the two partners), among a sample of major Australian corporates. Most businesses were more likely to donate to a charity if their competitors were known to do so. A similar finding was observed for the sponsorship of charities, cultural and sports organisations. Businesses expected charities to be genuine in their concern about social issues, but businesslike in their dealings with their supporter organisations. Pressures for the increased commercialisation of the relationship were observed, leading to dilemmas for the nonprofits. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
New value partnerships: the lessons of Denny's/Save the Children partnership for building high‐yielding cross‐sector alliances
Authors: Sagawa Shirley
Published: July 2006

While business and nonprofit organisations have long used alliances within their own sectors to address specific needs, increasingly they are turning to cross‐sector partnerships that benefit both parties while they serve the common good. In the last decade, marketing alliances between businesses and social sector organisations have become increasingly common as ways for companies to achieve business objectives and for social sector organisations to raise their visibility and attract new resources. The alliance between Denny's and Save the Children provides an example of a noteworthy marketing partnership that shows how a cross‐sector alliance can assist a company with a damaged public image to build a new public identity while enabling an international nonprofit organisation to create an ambitious programme for US children. As a new value partnership, a long‐term, high yielding alliance between businesses and social sector organisations, this relationship is characterised by several elements: communication, opportunity, mutuality, multiple levels, open‐endedness, and new value, forming the acronym COMMON. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications
Software packages for everything
Authors: Flory Peter
Published: July 2006

This paper details the way in which voluntary sector organisations can benefit from software packages designed for the commercial sector. Administrative activities of nonprofit and voluntary sector managers revolve around money and the paper demonstrates how the areas of income generation, administration and service provision can be more efficiently managed by the use of existing software. Off‐the‐shelf systems can be adapted simply by slightly changing the terminology. The paper concludes that, although the costs are high, they are more than offset by the potential benefits. Copyright © 2001 Henry Stewart Publications