bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPA3 receptor mediates chemotaxis of immature murine dendritic cells to unsaturated lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)
Authors: Chan Liana C , Peters Wendy , Xu Yan , Chun Jerold , Farese Robert V , Cases Sylvaine
Published: August 2007

Increasing evidence supports roles for lipids in the biology of immune cells. In particular, bioactive lipids such as sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) bind to cognate G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and modulate leukocyte trafficking and homeostasis. Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) represents a family of bioactive lipids, which differ in the length and degree of saturation of the fatty acyl chain. LPA is structurally related to S1P and exerts cellular effects by binding to five known GPCRs (LPA1–5). Its function in the immune system is less clear, although it was shown to induce chemotaxis of human dendritic cells (DCs) and activated T cells. In this study, we show that LPA can induce chemotaxis of immature but not mature mouse DCs and that only unsaturated and not saturated LPA species are efficient chemoattractants. However, both LPA species do not alter DC maturation or chemotaxis to other chemokines. The loss of DC migration capability correlated with the down-regulation of expression of the receptors LPA3 and LPA5, and expression of LPA1, LPA2, and LPA4 did not change. A LPA3 antagonist reduced immature DC migration to LPA by 70%, suggesting that LPA3 mediates immature DC chemotaxis to unsaturated species of LPA. Furthermore, isolated, immature DCs from mice lacking LPA3 exhibited a 50% reduction in migration to LPA. In summary, our results indicate that immature mouse DCs migrate preferentially in response to unsaturated LPA and that LPA3 is important in this response.
Apoptosis triggered by phagocytosis-related oxidative stress through FLIPS down-regulation and JNK activation
Authors: Kanayama Atsuhiro , Miyamoto Yusei
Published: August 2007

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-activated neutrophils phagocytose and eliminate bacteria by using such oxidants as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hypochlorous acid (HOCl), which is produced from H2O2 by myeloperoxidase (MPO). Thereafter, neutrophils eventually undergo apoptosis to prevent excessive inflammation. However, it is unclear how this process is regulated. Here, we show that cotreatment of TNF-α-resistant neutrophilic HL-60 cells with taurine chloramine (TauCl), a detoxified form of HOCl, and TNF-α renders them susceptible to apoptosis, mostly by preventing nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Of several NF-κB target genes tested, FLICE inhibitory protein short form (FLIPS) was specifically down-regulated by TauCl. TNF-α/TauCl cotreatment-induced apoptosis was largely blocked by stable expression of FLIPS. Cotreatment with TNF-α and H2O2 promoted apoptotic signaling via MPO activation and subsequent attenuation of FLIPS expression. TNF-α priming with H2O2 or bacteria caused MPO-dependent apoptosis in human neutrophils. However, FLIPS knock-down by siRNA did not affect the viability of cells treated with TNF-α, implying that TauCl may affect another pathway in TNF-α-driven apoptosis. Indeed, oxidization of thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) by TauCl induced the activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) and cJun N-terminal kinase (JNK), thereby triggering TNF-α-mediated apoptosis. Taken together, these results indicate that the antiapoptotic signaling induced by TNF-α via NF-κB activation can be altered to promote apoptosis via H2O2-MPO-mediated FLIPS down-regulation and JNK activation.
Novel interferon-β-induced gene expression in peripheral blood cells
Authors: Rani M R Sandhya , Shrock Jennifer , Appachi Swathi , Rudick Richard A , Williams Bryan R G , Ransohoff Richard M
Published: August 2007

Type I IFNs are used for treating viral, neoplastic, and inflammatory disorders. The protein products encoded by IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) likely mediate clinical effects of IFN in patients. Macroarray assays, used for studying ISG induction in IFN-treated patients, comprise genes identified predominantly through analysis of long-term cell lines. To discover genes induced selectively by IFN-β in PBMC, we exposed whole blood to physiological concentrations of IFN-β. PBMC were prepared, and RNA was extracted, reverse-transcribed, and hybridized to cDNA microarrays, and microarray analysis identified 39 ISGs and 20 IFN-repressed genes (IRGs). Thirty-three ISGs were known previously, and six ISGs were novel. New ISGs included GTP cyclohydrolase 1; hypothetical protein LOC129607; hypothetical protein FLJ38348; leucine aminopeptidase 3; squalene epoxidase; and GTP-binding protein overexpressed in skeletal muscle. Twenty IRGs included IL-1β and CXCL8, which had been identified earlier. CXCL1 was a novel IRG identified in the current study. PCR analysis demonstrated the regulation of six novel ISGs and CXCL1 as an IRG in PBMC and astrocytoma cells. Results were validated using RNA obtained ex vivo from blood of patients after injection with IFN-β. Identification of new ISGs and IRGs in primary PBMC will enhance macroarray assays for monitoring IFN responsiveness.
Chemokine and cytokine processing by matrix metalloproteinases and its effect on leukocyte migration and inflammation
Authors: Van Lint Philippe , Libert Claude
Published: August 2007

The action of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) was originally believed to be restricted to degradation of the extracellular matrix; however, in recent years, it has become evident that these proteases can modify many nonmatrix substrates, such as cytokines and chemokines. The use of MMP-deficient animals has revealed that these proteases can indeed influence the progression of various inflammatory processes. This review aims to provide the reader with a concise overview of these novel MMP functions in relation to leukocyte migration.
Treatment-Related Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in Patients Treated With Ibritumomab Tiuxetan Radioimmunotherapy
Authors: Czuczman Myron S. , Emmanouilides Christos , Darif Mohamed , Witzig Thomas E. , Gordon Leo I. , Revell Stephen , Vo Katie , Molina Arturo
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) and treatment-related acute myelogenous leukemia (t-AML) after treatment with ibritumomab tiuxetan radioimmunotherapy.

Patients and Methods

Analysis of the incidence of t-MDS and t-AML in 746 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) treated with the ibritumomab tiuxetan regimen in registration and compassionate-use trials between 1996 and 2002.

Results

Nineteen patients (2.5%) developed t-MDS or t-AML at a median follow-up of 4.4 years (range, 0 to 9.3). These malignancies were diagnosed at a median of 5.6 years (range, 1.4 to 13.9) after the diagnosis of NHL and 1.9 years (range, 0.4 to 6.3) after radioimmunotherapy. The annualized rates were 0.3% per year after the diagnosis of NHL and 0.7% per year after treatment. Most patients with t-MDS or t-AML had multiple cytogenetic aberrations, commonly on chromosomes 5 and 7, suggesting an association with previous exposure to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Analysis of data from patients in registration and compassionate-use trials suggests that the annualized incidences of t-MDS and t-AML are consistent with that expected in patients with NHL who have had extensive previous chemotherapy treatment and do not appear to be increased after treatment with the ibritumomab tiuxetan regimen. Cytogenetic testing before treatment with radioimmunotherapy may identify existing chromosomal abnormalities in previously treated patients, particularly those who have been treated with alkylating agents and purine nucleoside analogs and would be at higher risk for t-MDS or t-AML.
Phase II Trial of Proteasome Inhibitor Bortezomib in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zinzani Pier Luigi , Musuraca Gerardo , Tani Monica , Stefoni Vittorio , Marchi Enrica , Fina Mariapaola , Pellegrini Cinzia , Alinari Lapo , Derenzini Enrico , de Vivo Antonio , Sabattini Elena , Pileri Stefano , Baccarani Michele
Published: August 2007

Purpose

To determine the antitumor activity of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) or peripheral T-cell lymphoma unspecified (PTCLU) with isolated skin involvement.

Patients and Methods

From May 2005 to June 2006 at our institute, we treated patients with previously pretreated CTCL or PTCLU using bortezomib as a single agent, at a dose of 1.3 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1, 4, 8, and 11, every 21 days for a total of six cycles.

Results

Fifteen patients were registered, of whom 12 (10 CTCL, all mycosis fungoides, and two PTCLU with isolated skin involvement) were assessable. The overall response rate was 67%, with two (17%) complete remissions and six (50%) partial remissions. The remaining four patients had disease progression. Histologically, the responder patients were seven with CTCL and one with PTCLU with isolated skin involvement. All responses were durable, lasting from 7 to 14 or more months. Overall, the drug was well tolerated, with no grade 4 toxicity. The most common grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia (n = 2), thrombocytopenia (n = 2), and sensory neuropathy (n = 2).

Conclusion

This study suggests that bortezomib was well tolerated and has significant single-agent activity in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Baby boomer pharmacists: ageing and projections of retirement
Authors: Schofield D J , Fletcher S L , Johnston N
Published: August 2007

Objective

To identify ageing and retirement patterns of the pharmacy workforce since 1986 and the implications of those changes for future workforce planning.

Method

Australian Bureau of Statistics census data from 1986 to 2001 were used to examine ageing of the pharmacy workforce and attrition of pharmacists aged 50 years and over. The number of pharmacists to retire was projected over the next 20 years.

Key findings

The Australian pharmacy workforce has aged significantly since 1986 (P < 0.01). Forty-one per cent of pharmacists practising in 2001 are predicted to retire by 2026. Baby boomer pharmacists were more likely to work long hours (49+ per week) in 2001 than in 1986, and than generation X pharmacists in 2001. The proportion of women in pharmacy has increased from 39% in 1986 to over 50% in 2001. Women are still more likely to work part-time than males, although they are less likely to do so than they were in 1986. Conversely, the proportion of male pharmacists working part-time is rising.

Conclusions

With baby boomer and older cohorts currently making up 65% of the pharmacy workforce, their retirement will place increased pressure on a profession already facing severe shortages. The growing proportion of female pharmacists and their generally lower workforce participation mean the potential for continued pharmacy shortages.
Professional practices and experiences with complementary medicines: a cross-sectional study involving community pharmacists in England
Authors: Barnes Joanne , Abbot Neil C
Published: August 2007

Objective

As retailers of complementary medicines (CMs), pharmacists are well placed to advise consumers on the safe and effective use of these products; where CMs are available in pharmacies, pharmacists should be well informed about such products. This study explored the extent to which CMs are available in community pharmacies in England, and examined pharmacists' experiences, professional practices and training with regard to these products.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving a structured questionnaire posted to community pharmacists. Coded follow-up mailings were sent to non-responders after 2 and 4 months, and a reminder telephone call made after 3 months.

Setting

All community pharmacists in six areas (Devon, Cornwall, Bradford, Leeds, Manchester, Stockport) of England (total n = 1337).

Key findings

The response rate was 66.5%. Overall, 92% of respondents reported that CMs (excluding vitamins/minerals) are sold in the pharmacy in which they practise, 81% had received requests from patients/consumers for specific CMs in the previous year, and 58% had recommended CMs. Around 70% of respondents rarely/never asks about CMs use when counter-prescribing conventional medicines or when receiving reports of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with conventional medicines.

In total, 40% of respondents had undertaken training in complementary/alternative medicine (CAM). Pharmacists who had undertaken training were more likely to ask patients/consumers specifically about use of CMs when counter-prescribing conventional over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (37.0% versus 23.4%, respectively; χ2 = 17.4; P = 0.0003) and when receiving reports from patients/customers of suspected ADRs associated with conventional (prescribed or OTC) medicines (35.6% versus 23.8%, respectively; χ2 = 13.0; P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

CMs are widely available in pharmacies in England, and pharmacists interact with users of these products. An opportunity exists for pharmacists to embrace a professional role as expert advisors on CMs. However, pharmacists' training, professional practices and competence with respect to CMs first need to improve.
Enhanced pharmacy services, barriers and facilitators in Australia's community pharmacies: Australia's National Pharmacy Database Project
Authors: Berbatis Constantine G , Sunderland V Bruce , Joyce Andrew , Bulsara Max , Mills Christina
Published: August 2007

Objective

To report the frequency of 27 enhanced pharmacy services (EPS) provided in Australia's community pharmacies and to analyse barriers and facilitators for providing priority services. Setting A large representative sample of community pharmacies in Australia in 2002.

Method

Questionnaires were mailed to owners or managers of a stratified, representative sample of Australia's community pharmacies; 1131of 1391 consenting pharmacies responded (81.3%). Specifically trained staff, fees charged, structural and other components and plan to introduce EPS were analysed. The barriers and facilitators for all EPS were rated by a Likert scale. Logistic regression models tested for predictors for providing one or more EPS and those related to Australia's National Health Priorities.

Key findings

Eighty-eight per cent of Australia's community pharmacies offered ≥1 EPS. More than 40% offered EPS for asthma, diabetes, methadone, herbal medicines, hypertension and wound care. Pharmacies with higher turnover (odds ratio (OR), 1.90; 99% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–3.42) and younger owners (OR for age, 0.69; 99% CI = 0.48–0.99) were predictors for providing ≥1 EPS. Higher turnover was a predictor for diabetes care. Enclosed counselling area was a predictor for hypertension care. Owners and managers committed to continuing education was a predictor for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia services. Significant barriers perceived were lack of confidence for diabetes care and not being regarded as ‘part of the job’ for asthma, diabetes, hypertension and weight-management services.

Conclusion

The percentages of pharmacies in Australia that provided equivalent EPS were similar or higher than the UK, New Zealand and USA. The frequency of existing and planned EPS appeared disproportionately low to satisfy national health priorities. Significant barriers and facilitators and pharmacy characteristics for providing EPS were identified. The results assist national bodies to increase the uptake of EPS by pharmacies.
Cognitive pharmaceutical services and the community pharmacist: are South African patients receiving them and are they willing to pay?
Authors: Hill Peter , Dowse Ros
Published: August 2007

Objective

The objectives of this study were to ascertain the opinions of randomly selected South African medical aid members regarding the provision by community pharmacists of patient counselling and information; member satisfaction with pharmacist services; their rating of pharmacist accessibility; and if pharmacists should be reimbursed for providing cognitive pharmaceutical services.

Setting

A South African private healthcare insurance company.

Method

A 39-item web-based survey instrument was used to telephonically interrogate randomly selected insured participants to determine their use of prescription medicines, if they received medication counselling and disease-related information, their satisfaction with the advice provided, how they rated their relationships with pharmacists, if they believed that pharmacists should be reimbursed for providing professional services and their rating of pharmacist accessibility. A total of 628 randomly selected insured patients were telephonically surveyed and their responses included.

Key findings

Of the 507 participants, 60% received prescription medicine for their own use from pharmacists at least once during the six-month period under review, 26% from dispensing doctors and 14% from both pharmacists and doctors. Seventy-nine per cent reported receiving medication counselling and 77% received health-related information from pharmacists. This contrasted with those participants who received medicines from doctors where 98% reported being counselled on medicine use and 99% received health-related information. Almost 90% of those who consulted pharmacists believed that they were provided with good advice. Just over two-thirds of participants (68%) rated their relationships with pharmacists as good, 62% considered doctors more accessible than pharmacists and 46% said that they were willing to pay pharmacists for providing professional cognitive services.

Conclusion

Although pharmacists were significantly more likely to provide participants with their prescription medicines, they compared unfavourably with doctors in terms of healthcare provider accessibility and in providing patients with health-related information and medication counselling. While the majority of participants surveyed classified their relationships with their pharmacists as good, just under half were willing to pay pharmacists for providing professional pharmacy services.
How do patients use medicine information leaflets in the UK?
Authors: Raynor D K , Silcock J , Knapp P , Edmondson H
Published: August 2007

Objective

To determine how patients use patient information leaflets (PILs) for prescription medicines. Setting Community pharmacies and patients' homes in the North of England.

Method

Patients were recruited as they collected their prescriptions, and telephoned about 7 days later. A structured telephone interview was administered with questions about how the PIL had been used (either this time or from previous prescriptions).

Key findings

Structured telephone interviews were completed for 456 patients (81% of those who consented), with a mean age of 54 years. Almost all patients (97%) were aware of the leaflet, a significant improvement on previous studies. Thirty-five per cent said they had read at least some of the leaflet with this supply. However, this figure was 71% for first-time users, and 87% of repeat users said they had read the leaflet at some time in the past. Of repeat users, nearly 60% said they had never or rarely looked at the leaflet after the first time. The side-effects section was most commonly read, and the information in this section was the most common specific reason given for reading the PIL. Eleven per cent of first-time users and 15% of repeat users said they had at some time taken action as a result of reading the PIL.

Conclusions

Almost all patients surveyed were aware of the PIL, showing that 8 years after becoming mandatory, the presence of the leaflets is now being felt. It is encouraging that most read the leaflet with the first supply, although the same cannot be assumed for very old individuals, who were under-represented. The fact that a majority taking a medicine long term did not read the leaflet again, after the first time, is a concern. Much will have been forgotten and some information may have changed. Pharmacists continue to have a role in encouraging the use of PILs.
Unused medicines with potential for misuse or abuse in primary care
Authors: Mackridge Adam J , Marriott John F , Langley Christopher A
Published: August 2007

Objective

To assess the quantity and nature of prescribed medicines with potential for misuse returned to community pharmacies and general practice surgeries.

Setting

Community pharmacies (n = 51, 85% total) and general practice surgeries (n = 42, 69%) within the boundaries of Eastern Birmingham Primary Care Trust, UK.

Method

Medicines returned spontaneously by patients to participating sites were collected over eight weeks in May and June 2003. Data were recorded for each medicinal item including: patient sex, recommended International Non-proprietary Name (rINN), strength, form, legal classification, quantity and number of doses per day. Medicines were categorised into BNF therapeutic groups. A ‘medicinal item’ was defined as the total number of dose units of a medicine of the same form, strength and date of issue, returned for a given patient.

Key findings

Medicines were returned from 910 patients comprising 3765 medicinal items (2782 (73.9%) prescription-only medicines and 356 (9.5%) controlled drugs). Substantial amounts of unused, prescribed medicines with potential to cause harm or for misuse were returned, with analgesics, psychoactive and antiepileptic agents comprising 19.4% of returned medicinal items. Medicines of note that were returned included paracetamol-containing medicines (16 630 tablets), morphine (56 g), diamorphine (4.3 g), tramadol (2840 tablets and capsules), benzodiazepines (677 tablets) and tricyclic antidepressants (2831 tablets).

Conclusions

Substantial quantities of prescribed medicines with potential to cause harm or be misused are routinely present in the community. The management of these unused medicines, and in particular controlled drugs, is currently inadequate and further work is required to identify the legislative and patient-centred processes required to minimise the potential for these medicines to be misused or cause harm.
Introducing a mandatory continuing professional development system: an evaluation of pharmacists' attitudes and experiences in Northern Ireland
Authors: Haughey Sharon L , Hughes Carmel M , Adair Colin G , Bell Heather M
Published: August 2007

Objective

To determine the extent of pharmacists' understanding of continuing professional development (CPD) prior to the implementation of a mandatory CPD system and the level of implementation of CPD, and to gain insight into pharmacists' attitudes towards the concept and the introduction of a mandatory CPD system.

Setting

Northern Ireland.

Method

A pre-piloted, self-administered, postal questionnaire was distributed to all registered pharmacists in Northern Ireland (n = 1821) in September 2004. A second mailing was carried out four weeks after the initial mailing. The questionnaire was divided into three sections to determine pharmacists' attitudes towards CPD, their understanding and experience of CPD and their attitudes towards sanctions and portfolio review.

Key findings

A response rate of 41% was achieved after two mailings. The majority of respondents supported the concept of CPD, with over 84% of respondents agreeing that it was essential for all practising pharmacists to engage in CPD. Over half of respondents (56%) reported regularly identifying their learning needs, but only a quarter (25%) maintained a CPD portfolio. Female pharmacists were more likely to maintain a CPD portfolio. Less than half of respondents (42%) indicated that sanctions should be in place for pharmacists who do not engage in CPD.

Conclusion

Overall, there was support for the concept of CPD but considerable variation was observed in the level of participation. A support system to encourage participation was favoured over sanctions for those pharmacists who did not engage in CPD.
The birth of new exons: Mechanisms and evolutionary consequences
Authors: Sorek Rotem
Published: August 2007

A significant amount of literature was dedicated to hypotheses concerning the origin of ancient introns and exons, but accumulating evidence indicates that new exons are also constantly being added to evolving genomes. Several mechanisms contribute to the creation of novel exons in metazoan genomes, including whole gene and single exon duplications, but perhaps the most intriguing are events of exonization, where intronic sequences become exons de novo. Exonizations of intronic sequences, particularly those originating from repetitive elements, are now widely documented in many genomes including human, mouse, dog, and fish. Such de novo appearance of exons is very frequently associated with alternative splicing, with the new exon-containing variant typically being the rare one. This allows the new variant to be evolutionarily tested without compromising the original one, and provides an evolutionary strategy for generation of novel functions with minimum damage to the existing functional repertoire. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms leading to exonization, its extent in vertebrate genomes, and its evolutionary implications.
The Price of Anarchy in Supply Chains: Quantifying the Efficiency of Price-Only Contracts
Authors: Perakis Georgia , Roels Guillaume
Published: August 2007

In this paper, we quantify the efficiency of decentralized supply chains that use price-only contracts. With a price-only contract, a buyer and a seller agree only on a constant transaction price, without specifying the amount that will be transferred. It is well known that these contracts do not provide incentives to the parties to coordinate their inventory/capacity decisions. We measure efficiency with the price of anarchy (PoA), defined as the largest ratio of profits between the integrated supply chain (that is, fully coordinated) and the decentralized supply chain. We characterize the efficiency of various supply chain configurations: push or pull inventory positioning, two or more stages, serial or assembly systems, single or multiple competing suppliers, and single or multiple competing retailers.
Industry Level Supplier-Driven IT Spillovers
Authors: Cheng Zhuo (June) , Nault Barrie R.
Published: August 2007

We model and estimate the effects to downstream productivity from information technology (IT) investments made upstream. Specifically, we examine how an industry’s productivity is affected by the IT capital stock of its suppliers. These supplier-driven IT spillovers occur because, due to competition in the supplying industry, quality benefits from suppliers’ IT investments can pass downstream. If the output deflators of supplying industries (consequently the intermediate input deflator of the using industries) do not capture the quality improvement from IT, then the output productivity of the supplying industries is mismeasured or misassigned. We develop and empirically test a model capturing these supplier-driven effects using data on 85 manufacturing industries at the three-digit SIC code level. We find that for a 10.5% increase in suppliers’ IT capital, the suppliers’ output increases by 0.63%–0.70%, which is more than covering the cost of the increase in suppliers’ IT capital. In addition, this increase in suppliers’ IT capital increases the average downstream industry’s output by $66–$72 million, thereby confirming substantial supplier-driven IT spillovers downstream. We also infer the magnitude of the measurement error of the price deflator of the intermediate input resulting from the failure to account for IT-related quality improvement, finding that the measured price deflator overestimates the true deflator by approximately 30% at the mean level of IT capital.
Effects of Information-Revelation Policies Under Market-Structure Uncertainty
Authors: Arora Ashish , Greenwald Amy , Kannan Karthik , Krishnan Ramayya
Published: August 2007

Geographically dispersed sellers in electronic reverse marketplaces such as those hosted by market-makers like Ariba are uncertain about the number of competitors they face in any given market session. We refer to this uncertainty about the number of competitors as market-structure uncertainty. Over the course of several market sessions sellers learn about the competitive nature of the marketplace. How they learn to reduce the market-structure uncertainty depends on the market-transparency scheme, or the revelation policy adopted. A revelation policy determines the extent to which information—the number of sellers in a session, their bidding patterns, etc.—is revealed to sellers. Because these policies control what sellers learn and how they bid in future sessions, they determine buyer surplus. Possibly because market-structure uncertainty is more prevalent in information technology-enabled marketplaces than traditional ones, prior work has not addressed the impact of revelation policies on this type of uncertainty. Currently, there is little guidance available to buyers in choosing the appropriate revelation policy.

To address this information-technology-enabled problem, we use game theory to compare the buyer surplus generated under a set of revelation policies commonly used in electronic reverse marketplaces. We demonstrate that the policy that generates the least amount of market-structure uncertainty for the sellers always maximizes buyer surplus. We further investigate to provide intuition regarding how bidders’ reactions to overcome uncertainty differs with the nature of uncertainty, and how those reactions impact buyer surplus.
The Impact of Prior Decisions on Subsequent Valuations in a Costly Contemplation Model
Authors: Ofek Elie , Yildiz Muhamet , Haruvy Ernan
Published: August 2007

This paper develops and tests a model of how recall of information from past decisions affects subsequent related decisions. A boundedly rational individual has to determine her willingness to pay for a good that she previously considered purchasing at a given price, or provide valuations for a set of goods that she previously ranked in order of preference. The individual is ex ante uncertain about her utility from consumption of the goods and can exert costly cognitive effort to reduce this uncertainty. We show that incorporating information from a prior decision has three primary effects: (a) Valuations are expected to exhibit higher variance—in particular, the spread of valuations between the most and least preferred alternatives increases; (b) decision makers will, in expectation, exert more effort during the valuation phase; and (c) the relative impact of prior decisions on valuation spread increases, the more each attribute contributes to overall utility. The model predictions are then tested in a series of controlled lab experiments.
A Market-Based Optimization Algorithm for Distributed Systems
Authors: Guo Zhiling , Koehler Gary J. , Whinston Andrew B.
Published: August 2007

In this paper, a market-based decomposition method for decomposable linear systems is developed. The solution process iterates between a master problem that solves the market-matching problem, and subproblems that solve the agents’ bundle-determination problems. Starting from any initial price and feasible allocation, system optimality can be achieved under a dynamic market-trading algorithm in a finite number of trades. The final market-clearing prices are discovered by this market trading and an efficient allocation is achieved by direct, wealth-improving resource exchanges among self-interested agents. Certain types of strategic behavior by the agents and a dealer in the marketplace are studied as well. Our proposed market mechanism addresses price dynamics, incentive issues, and economic transactions of real-world, distributed decision-making situations more realistically than traditional decomposition approaches. In addition, it can be operated in both synchronous and asynchronous environments. We provide a market-based paradigm for decentralized problem solving and information processing that can be easily implemented to support real-time optimization of distributed systems.
Does Transaction Misalignment Matter for Firm Survival at All Stages of the Industry Life Cycle?
Authors: Argyres Nicholas , Bigelow Lyda
Published: August 2007

Research on industry life cycles suggests that competitive pressures are more severe during the shakeout stage, which could be associated with the emergence of a dominant design, than at other stages. Transaction-cost theory, on the other hand, assumes generally competitive markets and does not address the industry life cycle. It therefore implies that transaction-cost economizing is a superior firm strategy regardless of the stage of the life cycle. This paper seeks to reconcile these two streams of research by investigating whether aligning transactions with governance modes in accordance with transaction-cost prescriptions has a differential effect on firm survival in preshakeout versus shakeout stages of the industry life cycle. Analyzing data from the early U.S. auto industry (1917–1933), we find that while transaction misalignment did not have a significant impact on firm survival during the preshakeout stage or during the period as a whole, it did have a significantly larger negative impact on survival during the shakeout stage than during the preshakeout stage. We also find that the negative effects of misalignment on survival were significantly weaker for larger firms during the shakeout stage. This suggests that applications of transaction-cost theory which assume uniformly severe selection pressures across the industry life cycle and uniform effects of misalignment across firms of different sizes could be misleading. It also suggests that theories of the industry life cycle could usefully take transaction costs into account along with production costs in their analyses of competition over the life cycle.
Women and Opioid Dependence Treatment
Authors: Jones Emlyn S. , Fiellin David A.
Published: August 2007

Women are under-represented in opioid dependency treatment, yet national statistics indicate that, as the non-medical use of prescription pain relievers rises, more women will require this treatment. Important considerations for the treatment of opioid-dependency in women include high rates of psychiatric illness, concerns regarding substance abuse and treatment in pregnancy, high rates of history of trauma, relationship dynamics that put women at risk for sexually transmitted diseases, and social factors such as lower economic status and responsibilities as care givers. Traditional approaches to opioid-dependency treatment, such as methadone maintenance programs (MMPs), have not consistently addressed these needs and do not provide flexible care and anonymity. Recent data suggest that, in comparison to MMPs, a greater percentage of women are entering office-based treatment. Yet it is unclear whether physicians’ offices will be equipped to adequately handle women's treatment needs. Nonetheless office-based treatment may provide a solution for women concerned about anonymity, stigma, and the requirement of daily visits to a MMP.
The Effects of Preventive Intervention for Betel Nut Chewing in School
Authors: Wang Su-Chen , Tsai Chi-Cheng , Huang Shun-Te , Hong Yu-Jue
Published: August 2007

Purpose:

This study was to explore the effect of preventive health education intervention in the knowledge, attitude, practice of betel nut chewing, and self-efficacy of anti-betel nut chewing for adolescent students.

Methods

One hundred eighty-six indigenous samples were recruited, and divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent fourteen-week classes regarding the prevention of betel nut chewing. Both groups took post-tests immediately after intervention in order to evaluate the instant effect of the teaching program. The follow-up (post-post-test) evaluated the instant improvement at the 28th week (14 weeks after the end of the class).

Results

There was no difference in knowledge of the hazards of betel nut chewing among pre-tests, post-tests, and post-post-test in the experimental group. The attitude, practice of betel nut chewing and self-efficacy of anti-betel nut chewing aspects was significantly different among pre-tests, post-tests, and post-post-test after intervention. There was a significantly immediate and instant improvement after health education intervention.

Conclusion

Health education enables students to better resist the use of betel nuts. This study confirmed the importance of health education programs in dealing with the health risks of betel nut chewing for the risk group Students.
The Effects of Media Exposure on Alcohol Consumption Patterns in African American Males
Authors: Miller Vanessa , Lykens Kristine , Quinn James
Published: August 2007

Objectives

The study examined the role of media exposure, ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors and religion on alcohol consumption patterns.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the General Social Survey (GSS), 1972-2002 cumulative data file was used to provide quantitative estimates of the relationship between media exposure, ethnicity, mood/affect, socio-demographic factors and religion. The sample consisted of (n = 13,742) White subjects and (n = 2,192) African American subjects.

Results

Watching television and reading the newspaper were significant predictors of alcohol use. Watching television had a positive significant effect on alcohol use and abuse; but only in the absence of religiosity. Race did not have a significant effect on alcohol use or abuse. The survey year had significant effects on media use.

Conclusion

This research has significant policy implications in explaining predictors of alcohol use and abuse as well as protective factors for this behavior.
An Overview of Outpatient Treatment of Adolescent Substance Abuse
Authors: Galanter Marc , Glickman Linda , Singer David
Published: August 2007

This paper reviews the literature on ambulatory substance abuse treatment for adolescents, including brief intervention, Twelve-Step-based outpatient treatment, family-based treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacologic treatment. An overview of socially and culturally specific strategies is also included. The diversity of settings and approaches and combinations of approaches in the treatment of adolescents is emphasized as are adaptations of Twelve-Step and other group based interventions. Family-based and multisystem therapy, adapted for substance using adolescents, is highlighted as a promising future direction of effective treatment.
Cultural differences in personal identity in post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Jobson Laura. , O'Kearney Richard.
Published: August 2007

Objectives

This study investigated cultural differences in goals, self‐defining memories, and self‐cognitions in those with and without post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Method

Trauma survivors with and without PTSD, from independent and interdependent cultures (N= 106) provided major personal goals, self‐defining memories, and self‐cognitions.

Results

Trauma survivors with PTSD from independent cultures reported more goals, self‐defining memories, and self‐cognitions that were trauma‐related than non‐PTSD trauma survivors from independent cultures. In contrast, for those from interdependent cultures, there was no difference between trauma survivors with and without PTSD in terms of trauma‐centred goals, self‐defining memories, and self‐cognitions.

Conclusions

The results suggest cultural variability in the impact of trauma on memory and identity, and highlight the need for contemporary models of PTSD to more explicitly consider culture in their accounts of PTSD. Clinical implications of these findings, such as cultural considerations in assessment and treating trauma relevant self‐schema in cognitive therapy for PTSD, are discussed.
Quantification of Diphtheria Toxin–Mediated ADP-Ribosylation in a Solid-Phase Assay
Authors: Bachran Christopher , Sutherland Mark , Bachran Diana , Fuchs Hendrik
Published: August 2007

Background: Because of reduced vaccination programs, the number of diphtheria infections has increased in the last decade. Diphtheria toxin (DT) is expressed by Corynebacterium diphtheriae and is responsible for the lethality of diphtheria. DT inhibits cellular protein synthesis by ADP-ribosylation of the eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). No in vitro system for the quantification of DT enzymatic activity exists. We developed a solid-phase assay for the specific detection of ADP-ribosylation by DT.

Methods: Solid phase–bound his-tag eEF2 is ADP-ribosylated by toxins using biotinylated NAD+ as substrate, and the transferred biotinylated ADP-ribose is detected by streptavidin-peroxidase. DT enzymatic activity correlated with absorbance. We measured the amount of ADP-ribosylated eEF2 after precipitation with streptavidin-Sepharose. Quantification was done after Western blotting and detection with anti–his-tag antibody using an LAS-1000 System.

Results: The assay detected enzymatically active DT at 30 ng/L, equivalent to 5 mU/L ADP-ribosylating activity. Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) activity was also detected at 100 ng/L. We verified the assay with chimeric toxins composed of the catalytic domain of DT or PE and a tumor-specific ligand. These chimeric toxins revealed increased signals at 1000 ng/L. Heat-inactivated DT and cholera toxin that ADP-ribosylates G-proteins did not show any signal increase.

Conclusions: The assay may be the basis for the development of a routine diagnostic assay for the detection of DT activity and highly specific inhibitors of DT.
A Novel Method to Capture Methylated Human DNA from Stool: Implications for Colorectal Cancer Screening
Authors: Zou Hongzhi , Harrington Jonathan , Rego Rafaela L , Ahlquist David A
Published: August 2007

Background: Assay of methylated DNA markers in stool is a promising approach for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. A method to capture hypermethylated CpG islands from stool would enrich target analyte and allow optimal assay sensitivity.

Methods: Methyl-binding domain (MBD) protein was produced using a pET6HMBD plasmid with MBD DNA sequence cloned from rat MeCP2 gene and bound to a column of nickel-agarose resin. We first established the feasibility of using the MBD column to extract methylated human DNA in a high background of fecal bacterial DNA. To explore the impact of MBD enrichment on detection sensitivity, the tumor-associated methylated vimentin gene was assayed with methylation-specific PCR from stools to which low amounts of cancer cell DNA (0–50 ng) were added and from stools from CRC patients and healthy individuals. Stools from cancer patients were selected with low amounts of human DNA (median 7 ng, range 0.5–832 ng).

Results: With MBD enrichment, methylated vimentin was detected in stools enriched with ≥10 ng of cancer cell DNA and in CRC stool with a range of native human DNA amounts from 4 to 832 ng. Without MBD enrichment, methylated vimentin was not detected in the enriched stools and was detected in only 1 cancer stool with high human DNA (832 ng). In stools from healthy individuals methylated vimentin was not detected, with or without MBD enrichment.

Conclusions: MBD capture increases assay sensitivity for detecting methylated DNA markers in stool. Applied clinical studies for stool cancer screening are indicated.
HPLC Method for Plasma Vitamin K1: Effect of Plasma Triglyceride and Acute-Phase Response on Circulating Concentrations
Authors: Azharuddin Mohammed K , O’Reilly Denis St J , Gray Andrew , Talwar Dinesh
Published: August 2007

Background: The plasma concentration of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is the most reliable index for assessing vitamin K status. Our aim was to analytically validate an HPLC method for quantifying phylloquinone in plasma and to examine the effect of plasma triglyceride concentration on the phylloquinone reference interval. We also examined the effect of acute-phase response on phylloquinone concentration in plasma.

Methods: Phylloquinone was extracted from fasting plasma samples by deproteinization and C18 solid-phase extraction, separated by reversed-phase HPLC, and detected fluorometrically after postcolumn reduction with a platinum catalyst. We synthesized a novel internal calibrator, docosyl naphthoate.

Results: The recovery of phylloquinone was >90%. Between-run imprecision was 8.7%–9.0%, and within-run imprecision was 3.8%–7.0%. The linearity was up to 44.8 nmol/L, limit of detection 0.08 nmol/L, and limit of quantification 0.14 nmol/L. The correlation between plasma phylloquinone and triglyceride concentrations was r = 0.7 in the reference population. The 95% reference interval for the phylloquinone:triglyceride ratio was 0.20 to 2.20 nmol/mmol. Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein were significantly increased, whereas triglyceride and phylloquinone but not the phylloquinone:triglyceride ratio were transiently decreased >50% after surgery.

Conclusion: Phylloquinone population reference intervals should be expressed as a ratio of the triglyceride concentration. Phylloquinone concentrations in plasma are decreased in acute-phase response and, unless corrected for plasma triglyceride concentration, are unlikely to be a reliable index of vitamin K status.
Plasma Free Metanephrine Measurement Using Automated Online Solid-Phase Extraction HPLC–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: de Jong Wilhelmina HA , Graham Kendon S , van der Molen Jan C , Links Thera P , Morris Michael R , Ross H Alec , de Vries Elisabeth GE , Kema Ido P
Published: August 2007

Background: Quantification of plasma free metanephrine (MN) and normetanephrine (NMN) is considered to be the most accurate test for the clinical chemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and follow-up of pheochromocytoma patients. Current methods involve laborious, time-consuming, offline sample preparation, coupled with relatively nonspecific detection. Our aim was to develop a rapid, sensitive, and highly selective automated method for plasma free MNs in the nanomole per liter range.

Methods: We used online solid-phase extraction coupled with HPLC-tandem mass spectrometric detection (XLC-MS/MS). Fifty microliters plasma equivalent was prepurified by automated online solid-phase extraction, using weak cation exchange cartridges. Chromatographic separation of the analytes and deuterated analogs was achieved by hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using a quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode.

Results: Total run-time including sample cleanup was 8 min. Intra- and interassay analytical variation (CV) varied from 2.0% to 4.7% and 1.6% to 13.5%, respectively, whereas biological intra- and interday variation ranged from 9.4% to 45.0% and 8.4% to 23.2%. Linearity in the 0 to 20 nmol/L calibration range was excellent (R2 > 0.99). For all compounds, recoveries ranged from 74.5% to 99.6%, and detection limits were <0.10 nmol/L. Reference intervals for 120 healthy adults were 0.07 to 0.33 nmol/L (MN), 0.23 to 1.07 nmol/L (NMN), and <0.17 nmol/L (3-methoxytyramine).

Conclusions: This automated high-throughput XLC-MS/MS method for the measurement of plasma free MNs is precise and linear, with short analysis time and low variable costs. The method is attractive for routine diagnosis of pheochromocytoma because of its high analytical sensitivity, the analytical power of MS/MS, and the high diagnostic accuracy of free MNs.