bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Structure, Reactions, and Photoelectron Spectra of New Mixed Sulfur‐, Selenium‐ or Tellurium and Silicon‐ or Tin‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Block Eric , Glass Richard S. , Dikarev Evgeny V. , Gruhn Nadine E. , Jin Jin , Li Bo , Lorance Edward , Zakai Uzma I. , Zhang Shao‐Zhong
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Thiosilanes in Sulfur Chemistry: A General Approach to Silyl Thiaheterocycles and Their Use in Stereoselective Synthesis
Authors: Capperucci Antonella , Degl'Innocenti Alessandro , Pollicino Salvatore , Acciai Miriam , Castagnoli Giulio , Malesci Irene , Tiberi Caterina
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chiral Sulfur‐Containing Structures: Selected Synthetic and Structural Aspects
Authors: Drabowicz Jozef , et al. et al.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Stereocontrolled Reactions Mediated by Remote Sulfoxides: Formation and Reactivity of Enantiomerically Pure Benzylic Centers
Authors: Garcia Ruano Jose Luis Garcia Ruano Jose Luis , Martin Castro Ana M.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
New Applications of Dithiocarbamates in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Grainger Richard S. , Innocenti Paolo
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Development of Odorless Organosulfur Reagents and Asymmetric Reaction Using Odorless Thiols
Authors: Node Manabu , Kajimoto Tetsuya
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Novel Cyclooxygenase‐Catalyzed Bioactive Prostaglandin F2α: From Physiology to New Principles in Inflammation
Authors: Basu Samar
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Cysteinyl‐Leukotrienes and Their Receptors in Asthma and Other Inflammatory Diseases: Critical Update and Emerging Trends
Authors: Capra Valerie , Thompson Miles D. , Sala Angelo , Cole David E. , Folco Giancarlo , Rovati G. Enrico
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Matrix Metalloproteinase 11 (MMP‐11; Stromelysin‐3) and Synthetic Inhibitors
Authors: Matziari Magdalini , Dive Vincent , Yiotakis Athanasios
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chemical Modification of Therapeutic Drugs or Drug Vector Systems to Achieve Targeted Therapy: Looking for the Grail
Authors: Juillerat‐Jeanneret L. , Schmitt F.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Targeting Cytochrome P450 Enzymes: A New Approach in Anticancer Drug Development
Authors: Bruno Robert D. , Njar Vincent C. O.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Lewis and Broensted Acid Catalyzed Allylboration of Carbonyl Compounds: From Discovery to Mechanism and Applications
Authors: Hall Dennis G.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
New Sequences, Constituents, and Producers of Peptaibiotics: An Update Review
Authors: Degenkolb Thomas , Kirschbaum Jochen , Brueckner Hans
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Progress in Supramolecular Chemistry of Gases
Authors: Rudkevich Dmitry M.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Safety Evaluation of Tissue Engineered Medical Devices Using Normal Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Sawada Rumi , Ito Tomomi , Tsuchiya Toshie
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Neutral—Neutral Gas‐Phase Reactions in Extraterrestrial Environments: Laboratory Investigations by Crossed Molecular Beams
Authors: Balucani Nadia , Casavecchia Piergiorgio
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Mechanisms of the Gas‐Phase Reactions of Aromatic Hydrocarbons and PAHS with OH and NO3 Radicals
Authors: Atkinson Roger , Arey Janet
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Semiclassical and Quantum Polarons in Crystalline Acetanilide
Authors: Hamm Peter , Tsironis G. P.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Dillon K. B.
Published: September 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chirality sensing of fullerenes using cyclic hosts having a chiral N‐substituted porphyrin: A remote substituent effect
Authors: Shoji Yoshiaki , Tashiro Kentaro , Aida Takuzo
Published: September 2007

Cyclic host molecules 12H and 22H, having a chiral N‐methylporphyrin unit, include C76 in their asymmetrically distorted π‐electronic cavity and are capable of spectral discrimination of the enantiomers of C76 by means of 1H NMR. Although the only structural difference between 12H and 22H is in the para‐substituents R on their meso‐phenyl groups, the association constant of C76 with 12H is more than twice as large as that with 22H. The ΔH values for the association of C76 with these hosts are hardly different from one another, but a rather big difference exists in their ΔS values (12H, −17.7 ± 0.7 J mol−1; 22H, −26.3 ± 1.0 J mol−1). The difference in ΔS is most likely due to a steric effect of the substituents on the conformational freedom of the hexamethylene linkers. Although the R groups are topologically remote from the binding site, they also affect the resolution of the diastereoisomerically split N‐Me signals in the 1H NMR spectra of the hosts upon inclusion of C76. Chirality, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intraluminal Filling Defects on Coronary Angiography: More than Meets the Eye
Authors: Jaffe Ronen , Irfan Affan , Hong Tony , Chisholm Robert J. , Cheema Asim N.
Published: September 2007

Intraluminal filling defects are occasionally encountered on coronary angiography and often related with coronary thrombi. However, other conditions affecting the coronary arteries may present with similar angiographic findings causing diagnostic uncertainty. Accurate characterization of the angiographic filling defect is critical, particularly in patients planned for a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), as diagnosis of a coronary thrombus not only increases the risk of post procedural adverse events but also requires a specific therapeutic approach. In this paper, we report three patients in whom coronary angiography revealed intraluminal filling defects mimicking coronary thrombi. When further investigated with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) as a part of the planned PCI, the thrombus was excluded and alternate etiology of the filling defect was confirmed in all patients. The angiographic “pseudothrombi” were produced by coronary dissection in one and by heavy calcification within the atherosclerotic plaque in two patients. The use of IVUS allowed accurate characterization of the angiographic filling defect and provided important information to guide management and optimize therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Computerized Acoustic Cardiographic Insights into the Pericardial Knock in Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Michaels Andrew D. , Viswanathan Mohan N. , Jordan Mark V. , Chatterjee Kanu
Published: September 2007

Background

One of the clinical hallmarks of constrictive pericarditis is the pericardial knock, a high‐pitched early diastolic heart sound. Making the clinical diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is challenging, as is accurate auscultation of the pericardial knock.

Hypothesis

We sought to assess the utility of a computerized acoustic cardiographic device in the assessment of the pericardial knock in patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Methods

We report a case series in which computerized acoustic cardiography (Audicor, Inovise Medical Inc., Portland, OR) is performed in patients with constrictive pericarditis.

Results

Three patients with constrictive pericarditis underwent computerized acoustic cardiographic recordings at the time of cardiac catheterization. In each case, initial physical examination by the internist and referring cardiologist did not appreciate a pericardial knock. Acoustic cardiography demonstrated a high‐pitched early diastolic sound in each case. Time‐frequency representation analyses showed the high‐frequency components of the pericardial knock sound. Repeat acoustic cardiography demonstrated resolution of the pericardial knock after pericardiectomy in two patients.

Conclusions

Non‐invasive computerized acoustic cardiography can demonstrate the high‐pitched pericardial knock in patients with constrictive pericarditis. This may aid the bedside assessment of patients with diastolic heart failure, improving the clinician's ability to appreciate the ausculatory findings in constrictive pericarditis. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Atorvastatin on Coronary Flow Reserve in Patients with Slow Coronary Flow
Authors: Caliskan Mustafa , Erdogan Dogan , Gullu Hakan , Topcu Semra , Ciftci Ozgur , Yildirir Aylin , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: September 2007

Background

Statins improve endothelial functioning in patients with coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia, while substantially little is known about induced changes in myocardial microcirculation. However, although previous studies have suggested that microvascular abnormalities and endothelial dysfunction is responsible for slow coronary flow (SCF), there is no study investigating possible effects of statins on coronary microvascular function in patients with SCF.

Hypothesis

We prospectively investigated the effects of short‐term lipid‐lowering therapy with atorvastatin on coronary flow reserve (CFR) reflecting coronary microvascular function in patients with SCF assessed by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography (TTDE).

Methods

In an open clinical trial, CFR was studied in 20 subjects with SCF. TTDE was used to assess CFR at baseline as well as after 8 weeks of atorvastatin therapy. Coronary flow was quantified according to TIMI frame count (TFC). Coronary diastolic peak flow velocities were measured at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion. CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline diastolic peak velocities.

Results

CFR was independently correlated with TFC. After 8 weeks of atorvastatin therapy, CFR values increased significantly (1.95 ± 0.38 vs. 2.54 ± 0.56, (p < 0.001). No change in hemodynamic parameters was noted during the entire study. The improvement in CFR was not correlated to the amount of lipid‐lowering effect of atorvastatin.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that short‐term lipid‐lowering therapy with atorvastatin improved CFR, which reflects coronary microvascular functioning in patients with SCF. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glomerular Filtration Rate and Coronary Artery Disease Burden in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Nunes José Pedro L. , Faria Maria do Sameiro , Garcia J. M. Mota , Gonçalves Francisco Rocha
Published: September 2007

Background

Mild renal dysfunction may be associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Methods

The relation between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as calculated from plasma creatinine at admission, and coronary artery disease burden (CADB), was studied in a cohort of 110 patients with acute coronary syndrome and coronary atherosclerosis.

Results

A relatively weak but significant negative correlation was found between eGFR and CADB as measured by angiography (coefficient correlation of − 0.26, probability value of 0.006); a similar association was seen in multiple regression analysis, taking CADB as dependent variable, and eGFR, age, plasma calcium and plasma phosphorus as independent variables. After dividing the 110 patients into eGFR tertiles (with mean values of 102.9 ± 22.8, n = 37, 75.7 + or − 5.6, n = 36, and 53.1 ± 13.4, n = 37, all in mL/min per 1.73 m2), mean CADB values of the lower and higher eGFR tertiles were found to be significantly different (270.6 ± 176.4 and 192.9 ± 78.5, respectively). Similar mean values for CADB and for eGFR were noted when patients with elevated ST segment/new left bundle branch block and patients with nonelevated ST segment acute coronary syndrome were compared.

Conclusions

We conclude that renal function of patients with acute coronary syndromes and coronary atherosclerosis, as estimated at admission, is negatively correlated with coronary artery disease burden. It is unknown whether renal dysfunction acts as a cause for accelerated coronary artery disease or if it merely acts as a surrogate marker for the overall systemic vascular system status. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Aspirin Resistance in the Treatment of Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Lancaster Gilead I. , Jain Hitender , Zarich Stuart W.
Published: September 2007

The TIMI Risk Score recognizes prior aspirin use as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in subjects presenting with an acute coronary syndrome. The etiology of this increased risk awaits clarification, but prior aspirin use may be associated with altered thrombus composition which is more resistant to current treatment modalities as compared to thrombus formation in subjects without prior aspirin use. Post hoc analysis of acute coronary syndrome trials has shown that prior aspirin users treated with unfractionated heparin are at particularly high risk. The addition of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor to unfractionated heparin or substitution of low‐molecular‐weight heparin significantly improves outcomes in prior aspirin users. The prognostic significance of prior aspirin use in acute coronary syndromes has important implications not only in clinical practice, but also in the design and interpretation of clinical trials. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overcoming the Inadequacies or Limitations of Experimental Structures as Drug Targets by Using Computational Modeling Tools and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Marco Esther , Gago Federico
Published: September 2007

X‐ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and cryoelectron microscopy stand out as powerful tools that enable us to obtain atomic detail about biomolecules that can be potentially targeted by drugs. This knowledge is essential if virtual screening or structure‐based ligand‐design methods are going to be used in drug discovery. However, the macromolecule of interest is not always amenable to these types of experiment or, as is often the case, the conformation found experimentally cannot be used directly for docking studies because of significant changes between apo and bound forms. Furthermore, sometimes the desired insight into the binding mechanism cannot be gained because the structure of the ligand–receptor complex, not having been time‐resolved, represents the endpoint of the binding process and therefore retains little or no information about the intermediate stages that led to its creation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are routinely applied these days to the study of biomolecular systems with the aims of sampling configuration space more efficiently and getting a better understanding of the factors that determine structural stability and relevant biophysical and biochemical processes such as protein folding, ligand binding, and enzymatic reactions. This field has matured significantly in recent years, and strategies have been devised (for example activated, steered, or targeted MD) that allow the calculated trajectories to be biased in attempts to properly shape a ligand binding pocket or simulate large‐scale motions involving one or more protein domains. On the other hand, low‐frequency motions can be simulated quite inexpensively by calculation of normal modes which allow the investigation of alternative receptor conformations. Selected examples in which these methods have been applied to several medicinal chemistry and in silico pharmacology endeavors are presented.
Quality of Sleep in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tel Havva , Tel Hatice , Esmek Mehtap
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis patients frequently experience problems sleeping. The purpose of this study was to determine sleep quality in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 150 patients under treatment with ongoing hemodialysis in a university hospital dialysis unit were included in the study. Data were collected with a personal information form and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

RESULTS

A total score greater than 5 on the PSQI indicates poor quality of sleep. It was determined that: all the hemodialysis patients complained of sleep problems; most (78.7%) reported poor sleep quality; as the patients' age and time on dialysis increased, their sleep quality decreased; there was a statistically significant difference in sleep quality according to sex and occupation (p < 0.05); patients who were female and housewives had worse sleep quality than the other patients; and sleep quality did not significantly differ by marital status or educational level (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It was determined that all the hemodialysis patients complained of sleep problems and that most had poor quality of sleep. Interventions directed at eliminating hemodialysis patients' sleep problems will have a part in improving their quality of life.
Reversible Binding of Dihydrogen in Multimetallic Complexes
Authors: Weller Andrew S. , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: September 2007

The interaction of hydrogen with metal surfaces is one of the most important and fundamental processes in the chemical industry. Hydrogen is also strongly tipped to play a central role in new challenges that are emerging in terms of climate change and energy supply, and the reversible binding of H2 to suitable materials will play a keystone role in the realisation of the hydrogen economy. The reversible interaction of hydrogen with multimetallic centres is also an important theme in biological processes; the role of hydrogenases in the metabolism of H2 is an example. Thus the reversible interaction of H2 with multimetallic metal complexes is an area that spans considerable breadth. This review is concerned with the reversible interaction of H2 with soluble multimetallic complexes, defined broadly as clusters, in which there are no other ligands lost or gained in the process. The review is organised under the subheadings: equilibrium reversible (H2 is lost upon removal of the H2 atmosphere), thermally reversible or reversible when placed under vacuum, photochemically reversible and electrochemically reversible interactions; a brief outline of reversible H2 binding in systems of biological interest; giant metal clusters that display reversible H2 binding. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Light‐emitting diode‐compatible probes for indirect detection of anions in CE
Authors: Balding Peter , Boyce Mary C. , Breadmore Michael C. , Macka Mirek
Published: September 2007

A range of compounds were evaluated as probes for the indirect detection of inorganic ions using CE and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source. Emphasis was placed on examining probes likely to absorb strongly in the UV–Vis region near 350–430 nm as compounds, which absorb at longer wavelengths tend to be bulkier and adsorb onto the capillary wall. These probes should act as a replacement for the very effective but carcinogenic probe chromate. Two probes were identified and evaluated: p‐nitrophenol and 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoic acid. The former showed the most potential with low‐mobility anions, while the later had a moderate electrophoretic mobility and was more suitable for a wider mobility range of analytes. However, neither could match the efficiencies and LOD of chromate for the separation of the fast inorganic ions such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate. Nevertheless, application of the 4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dinitrobenzoic acid system to the determination of oxalate in Bayer liquors showed excellent sensitivity and selectivity.
An evaluation of the experimental approaches to detection of small ions in CE
Authors: Coufal Pavel , Pacáková Věra , Štulík Karel
Published: September 2007

This review points out some important trends in the development of the detection techniques for small ions in CE. On the basis of selected literature references it briefly discusses some general requirements on detection techniques in CE. Various optical measurements, mass spectrometric approaches and electrochemical detection techniques are dealt with. Some specific features of microchip CE separation and detection are pointed out and possibilities of dual detection are mentioned. The principal parameters of the above detection techniques are then briefly compared.
Determination of organic acids by CE and CEC methods
Authors: Klampfl Christian W.
Published: September 2007

A comprehensive overview of the analysis of low‐molecular‐mass organic acids employing electromigration methods in the capillary format is given. This review includes papers published since 2003 and can be seen as an update of the review paper published by Galli et al. in 2003 [1]. Tables included in this review contain application papers describing the determination of organic acids from a variety of fields like the analysis of food and beverages, environmental samples, samples from clinical origin, and from natural products.
Simultaneous enantioseparation and sensitivity enhancement of basic drugs using large‐volume sample stacking
Authors: Deñola Nerissa L. , Quiming Noel S. , Saito Yoshihiro , Jinno Kiyokatsu
Published: September 2007

Simultaneous enantioseparation with sensitive detection of four basic drugs, namely methoxamine, metaproterenol, terbutaline and carvedilol, using a 20‐μm ID capillary with native β‐CD as the chiral selector was demonstrated by the large‐volume sample stacking method. The procedure included conventional sample loading either hydrodynamically or electrokinetically at longer injection times without polarity switching and EOF manipulation. In comparison to conventional injections, depending on the analyte, about several hundred‐ and a thousand‐fold sensitivity enhancement was achieved with the hydrodynamic and the electrokinetic injections, respectively. The simple method developed was applied to the analysis of racemic analytes in serum samples and better recovery was achieved using hydrodynamic injection than electrokinetic injection.
Systematic planning for using an online survey
Authors: Ritter Lois A. , Sue Valerie M.
Published: September 2007

This chapter describes the overall planning process for using online surveys in your evaluation and how to choose survey software or a Web host for your evaluation project.
Selecting a sample
Authors: Ritter Lois A. , Sue Valerie M.
Published: September 2007

In this chapter, we begin our discussion about data collection with the focus on selecting a sample. Sample types are explained, and concerns related to sampling in using online surveys are discussed.
Case studies
Authors: Ritter Lois A. , Sue Valerie M.
Published: September 2007

This chapter presents two case studies using online surveys for evaluation: a university needs assessment survey and the follow‐up survey; and a four‐year, multimillion‐dollar statewide evaluation project.
Fitting observed and theoretical choices – women's choices about prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome
Authors: Seror Valerie
Published: September 2007

Choices regarding prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome – the most frequent chromosomal defect – are particularly relevant to decision analysis, since women's decisions are based on the assessment of their risk of carrying a child with Down syndrome, and involve tradeoffs (giving birth to an affected child vs procedure‐related miscarriage). The aim of this study, based on face‐to‐face interviews with 78 women aged 25–35 with prior experience of pregnancy, was to compare the women' expressed choices towards prenatal diagnosis with those derived from theoretical models of choice (expected utility theory, rank‐dependent theory, and cumulative prospect theory). The main finding obtained in this study was that the cumulative prospect model fitted the observed choices best: both subjective transformation of probabilities and loss aversion, which are basic features of the cumulative prospect model, have to be taken into account to make the observed choices consistent with the theoretical ones. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On future non‐medical costs in economic evaluations
Authors: Liljas Bengt , Karlsson Göran S. , Stålhammar Nils‐Olov
Published: September 2007

Economic evaluation in health care is still an evolving discipline. One of the current controversies in cost‐effectiveness analysis regards the inclusion or exclusion of future non‐medical costs (i.e. consumption net of production) due to increased survival. This paper examines the implications of a symmetry rule stating that there should be consistency between costs included in the numerator and utility aspects included in the denominator. While the observation that no quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) instruments explicitly include consumption and leisure seems to give support to the notion that future non‐medical costs should be excluded when QALYs are used as the outcome measure, a better understanding of what respondents actually consider when reporting QALY weights is required. However, the more fundamental question is whether QALYs can be interpreted as utilities. Or more precisely, what are the assumptions needed for a general utility model also including consumption and leisure to be consistent with QALYs? Once those assumptions are identified, they need to be experimentally tested to see whether they are at least approximately valid. Until we have answers to these areas for future research, it seems premature to include future non‐medical costs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Home bias and purchasing power parity: evidence from the G‐7 countries
Authors: Mylonidis Nikolaos , Sideris Dimitrios
Published: September 2007

Recent studies in the international economics literature emphasize the role of home bias in explaining a number of empirical puzzles. In the present study, we test for the following hypotheses: (i) that a home bias effect, which is nevertheless falling over time as traded goods markets become more integrated and consumption preferences become more similar across developed countries, influences the relationship among nominal exchange rates, domestic and foreign prices, and (ii) that incorporation of the home bias effect in the empirical specification of PPP enhances the robustness of the theory. We perform a panel data analysis using quarterly observations for the G‐7 economies in the post‐Bretton Woods era. The results confirm our hypotheses. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to exit from fixed exchange rate regimes?
Authors: AŞici Ahmet Atil , Ivanova Nadezhda , Wyplosz Charles
Published: September 2007

This paper improves upon the recently developed literature on exits from fixed exchange rate regimes in three ways: (1) It allows for two indicators for post‐exit macroeconomic conditions, the change in the exchange rate and the change in the output gap; (2) it tests whether the distinction between orderly and disorderly exit is statistically justified, and concludes that it is not; (3) it deals with the sample selection problem. The results, subject to extensive sensitivity analysis, suggest that post‐exits are better when depegging occurs in good macroeconomic conditions — an unnatural move for most policymakers — when world interest rates decline and in the presence of capital controls. Importantly, ‘good’ macroeconomic policies do not seem to help with post‐exit performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European monetary policy surprises: the aggregate and sectoral stock market response
Authors: Bredin Don , Hyde Stuart , Nitzsche Dirk , O'Reilly Gerard
Published: September 2007

In this paper we investigate the stock market response to international monetary policy changes in the UK and Germany. Specifically, we analyse the impact of (un)expected changes in the UK and German/Euro area policy rates on the UK and German aggregate and sectoral equity returns in an event study. The decomposition of (un)expected changes in policy rates is based on futures markets. Overall, our results suggest that, the UK monetary policy surprises have a significant negative influence on both aggregate and industry level returns in both countries. The influence of German/Euro area monetary policy shocks appears insignificant for both Germany and the UK. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Policy words and policy deeds: the ECB and the euro
Authors: Siklos Pierre L. , Bohl Martin T.
Published: September 2007

This paper examines the role of the European Central Bank (ECB) communication activities on daily eurodollar exchange rate and interest rates. We estimate the relationship between monetary policy and the exchange rate using a technique that explicitly recognizes the joint determination of both the levels and volatilities of these variables. We also consider more traditional estimation strategies as a test of the robustness of our main results. We introduce a new indicator of ECB communication policies that focuses on what the ECB says about the future economic outlook for the euro area along five different economic dimensions. The impact of the ECB communication policies is more apparent in the time‐series framework than in the heteroskedasticity estimator approach. Time‐series estimates reveal that interest rate changes generally have a much larger impact on exchange rate movements, and their volatility, than do ECB verbal pronouncements. Previous studies that conclude that news effects are significant at the daily frequency may have reached such a conclusion because the measurement of news was too highly aggregated. The endogeneity of the exchange rate–interest rate relationship is more apparent when the proxy for monetary policy is the euro area–US differential than when any other proxy for monetary policy is employed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐varying correlations and optimal allocation in emerging market equities for the US investors
Authors: Cha Heung‐Joo , Jithendranathan Thadavillil
Published: September 2007

Low correlations between asset returns increase the portfolio diversification benefits and for US investors emerging market equities are one such class of assets. Several studies indicate that the correlations between asset returns are time varying and using unconditional estimates of correlation in a portfolio optimization model can result in misallocation of assets. To overcome this problem we use multivariate Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) models to estimate the time‐varying correlations and use the same in portfolio optimization models. Ex‐post return calculations show that unrestricted portfolios created with emerging stock indices and S&P 500 index outperform the S&P 500 index by itself. Since investors exhibit strong home bias in their portfolio choice, restricted optimization models are tested. Results indicate that if the total investment in emerging markets is restricted, a minimum investment of 20% in emerging markets is required to obtain significant diversification benefit. With investments in each of the emerging market restricted to less than 3%, there was no significant diversification benefit. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and ornidazole release in vitro of a novel composite film prepared with chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/alginate
Authors: Pei Hong Na , Chen Xi Guang , Li Yan , Zhou Hui Yun
Published: September 2007

To create a moist environment for rapid wound healing, a new C‐P‐A film with sustained antibacterial capacity had been developed by the casting/solvent evaporation method. This new type of C‐P‐A film consists of a chitosan top layer and sodium alginate sublayer separated by an ornidazole‐incorporated poly(vinyl alcohol) layer, exhibited perfect binding characteristics among the three layers. Physical characterization of the C‐P‐A film showed that the triple‐layerd film had excellent light transmittance, control of water vapor transmission rate, and fluid drainage ability promotion, compared with the single‐layer film. From the in vitro release studies, about 90% of OD was released from the composite films within 60 min, and no significant difference was observed in cumulative release percentage with increases in the drug content. The composite film at low concentration of OD (1.0 mg/cm2) showed effective antimicrobial activity in the cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in agar plates. The results obtained in this work indicated that the new type of C‐P‐A composite film incorporated with ornidazole has the potential for wound dressing application. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Effect of controlled release of fibroblast growth factor‐2 from chitosan/fucoidan micro complex‐hydrogel on in vitro and in vivo vascularization
Authors: Nakamura Shingo , Nambu Masaki , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Hattori Hidemi , Kanatani Yasuhiro , Takase Bonpei , Kishimoto Satoko , Amano Yoshiko , Aoki Hiroshi , Kiyosawa Tomoharu , Ishihara Masayuki , Maehara Tadaaki
Published: September 2007

We produced a chitosan/fucoidan micro complex‐hydrogel as a carrier for controlled release of heparin binding growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐2. Material consisting of a soluble chitosan (CH‐LA) mixed with fucoidan yielded a water‐insoluble and injectable hydrogel with filamentous particles. In this study, we examined the ability of the chitosan/fucoidan complex‐hydrogel to immobilize FGF‐2 and to protect its activity, as well as the controlled release of FGF‐2 molecules. The chitosan/fucoidan complex‐hydrogel has high affinity for FGF‐2 (Kd = 5.4 × 10−9M). The interaction of FGF‐2 with chitosan/fucoidan complex‐hydrogel substantially prolonged the biological half‐life time of FGF‐2. It also protected FGF‐2 from inactivation, for example by heat and proteolysis, and enhance FGF‐2 activity. When FGF‐2‐containing complex‐hydrogel was subcutaneously injected into the back of mice, significant neovascularization and fibrous tissue formation were induced near the site of injection at 1 week, and the complex‐hydrogel was biodegraded and disappeared by 4 weeks. These findings indicate that controlled release of biologically active FGF‐2 molecules is caused by both slow diffusion and biodegradation of the complex‐hydrogel, and that subsequent induction of vascularization occurs. FGF‐2‐containing chitosan/fucoidan micro complex‐hydrogel is thus useful and convenient for treatment of ischemic disease. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Effect of chondroitin sulphate on material properties and bone remodelling around hydroxyapatite/collagen composites
Authors: Schneiders Wolfgang , Reinstorf Antje , Ruhnow Michael , Rehberg Sebastian , Heineck Jan , Hinterseher Irene , Biewener Achim , Zwipp Hans , Rammelt Stefan
Published: September 2007

Chondroitin sulphate (CS) has an anti‐inflammatory effect and increases the regeneration ability of injured bone. The goal of this study was to characterize the material properties and osteoconductive potency of calcium phosphate bone cements modified with CS. The early interface reaction of cancellous bone to a nanokristalline hydroxyapatite cement containing type I collagen (HA/Coll) without and with CS (HA/Coll/CS) in a rat tibia model was evaluated. Cylindrical implants were inserted press‐fit into defect of the tibial head. Six specimens per group were analyzed at 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days. HA/Coll/CS composite cylinders showed a 15% increase in compressive strength and by investigations with powder X‐ray diffraction more nontransformed cement precursor was found. The microstructures of both types of implants were similar. A significantly higher average number of TRAP positive osteoclasts and ED1 positive mononuclear cells were observed in the interface around HA/Coll/CS implants on day 4 and 7 (p < 0.05). At 28 days the direct bone contact and the percentage of newly formed bone were significantly higher around HA/Coll/CS implants (p < 0.05). The addition of CS appears to enhance bone remodelling and new bone formation around HA/Coll composites in the early stages of bone healing. Possible mechanisms are discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Evolution of fibrinogen‐coated collagen patch for use as a topical hemostatic agent
Authors: Erdogan Deha , van Gulik Thomas M.
Published: September 2007

Human fibrinogen and thrombin have been combined and coated onto a collagen patch for use as a topical hemostatic agent. These agents have now been used for many years to induce rapid hemostasis and tissue sealing after various indications including thoracic‐, plastic‐, pediatric‐, liver‐, and minimally invasive surgery. The only ready‐to‐use fibrinogen‐coated collagen patch at this moment, the third‐generation surgical patch (SP‐3), contains no bovine aprotinin (antifibrinolytic protein) in contrast to its precursor SP‐2, and is thus devoid of bovine‐derived components. In vitro studies have shown equal bioequivalence between SP‐2 and SP‐3. Various experiments in animal models under normal, stressful, and hyperfibrinolytic conditions showed that SP‐3 has comparable tissue sealing properties and also outperformed fibrin sealants alone in some studies. The results from these pre‐clinical bridging studies showed that aprotinin is not essential for the therapeutic efficacy of SP‐3. In conclusion, SP‐3 has evolved into a rapid, ready‐to‐use adjunct to primary measures for tissue sealing and hemostasis, suitable in cardiovascular‐, thoracic‐, neuro‐, spleen‐, kidney‐, and liver‐surgery. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Surface damage analysis of retrieved highly crosslinked polyethylene tibial components after short‐term implantation
Authors: Willie B. M. , Foot L. J. , Prall M. W. , Bloebaum R. D.
Published: September 2007

The use of highly crosslinked polyethylene (PE) in the knee remains controversial, because of reduced fatigue fracture properties of the material. The current study investigated postmelt surface damage as well as potential contributors to this damage in retrieved highly crosslinked PE tibial components, after short‐term in vivo durations. Retrieved conventional PE tibial components were examined for comparison, as well as unused time zero highly crosslinked and conventional PE tibial components for inherent manufacturing surface characterization. Predominant surface damage modes on highly crosslinked PE components were machine mark loss and abrasion, while conventional PE components primarily had machine mark loss, abrasion, and delamination. In vivo duration, PE thickness, and conformity of the design were significant predictors of surface damage on retrieved conventional PE components. Donor weight and the conformity of the design were significant predictors of surface damage on retrieved highly crosslinked PE components. This retrieval data on highly crosslinked PE tibial components suggest that in vivo wear occurred, observed as postmelt surface damage. The highly crosslinked Durasul material examined in this retrieval study appeared to outperform the conventional PE components made from 4150 resin, ram‐extruded and γ‐sterilized in air, but not the conventional components made from 1020 resin, compression molding and γ sterilization in nitrogen. Early retrieval data of highly crosslinked PE tibial components are important to serve as a benchmark to be compared with future longer‐term retrieval studies investigating whether surface damage translates to clinically relevant particulate wear debris generation and PE clinical performance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Light‐activation of resin cement through ceramic: Relationship between irradiance intensity and bond strength to dentin
Authors: Moraes Rafael R. , Correr‐Sobrinho Lourenço , Sinhoreti Mário A. C. , Puppin‐Rontani Regina M. , Ogliari Fabrício A. , Piva Evandro
Published: September 2007

This study investigated the relationship between the irradiance transmitted through ceramic and the bond strength of a resin cement to dentin. After application of an adhesive system, elastomer molds with cylindrical orifices (1.2 mm in diameter) were placed onto bovine dentin surfaces and filled with a photoactivated luting agent (Enforce; Dentsply Caulk). Light‐activation was performed through a 0.6‐mm‐thick ceramic disc using different intensities: 250, 400, 550, 700, or 850 mW/cm2. Control specimens were irradiated without ceramic (1050 mW/cm2). The radiant exposure was kept at 30 J/cm2. Light spectral distribution was analyzed with a spectrometer. Microshear test was conducted and modes of failure were classified under SEM. Bond strength data were analyzed with ANOVA and Student–Newman–Keuls' test (α ≤ 0.05), and failure scores with the Kruskal–Wallis test (α ≤ 0.05). A linear regression model assessed the relationship between irradiance and bond strength. Groups light‐cured at 250 and 400 mW/cm2 presented lower bond strengths than groups activated at 850 and 1050 mW/cm2. The linear regression showed that a decrease in light irradiance predicts a decrease in bond strength (r2 = 0.955; p = 0.004). A predominance of mixed failures was observed. No significant alteration in the spectral wavelengths was observed. Despite the constant energy dose, the bond strength was dependent upon the irradiance level. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Dynamic mechanical properties of a biomimetic hydroxyapatite/polyamide 6,9 nanocomposite
Authors: Sender C. , Dantras E. , Dantras‐Laffont L. , Lacoste M. H. , Dandurand J. , Mauzac M. , Lacout J.‐L. , Lavergne C. , Demont Ph. , Bernès A. , Lacabanne C.
Published: September 2007

A biomimetic composite of nanohydroxyapatite (nHap) and semicrystalline polyamide 6,9 (PA 6,9) was synthesized by thermally induced phase separation. The nHap powder was dispersed in a polymer matrix with a low ratio ranging 1–10 wt %. The mean size of the nHap, determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was ∼100–200 nm (length), 40–60 nm (width). Physicochemical analyses were performed in order to characterize the PA 6,9 and nHap separately on the one hand, and the PA 6,9/nHap composites on the other hand. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) have pointed out an optimization of the composite physical properties as a function of nHap content till a limit value of 5 wt %. Above this value, the mechanical properties decreased. Four main parameters have been found to influence the composite physical properties improvement: the fillers content, the physical structure of the polymeric matrix, the particles dispersion and the physical interaction strength between organic and inorganic phases. The dynamic mechanical properties of this biomimetic nanocomposite were compared with human cortical bone. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
A PP2A active site mutant impedes growth and causes misregulation of native catalytic subunit expression
Authors: Lizotte Donna L. , Blakeslee Joshua J. , Siryaporn Albert , Heath Jeffrey T. , DeLong Alison
Published: September 2007

Activity of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is tightly regulated and performs a diverse repertoire of cellular functions. Previously we isolated a dominant‐negative active site mutant of the PP2A catalytic (C) subunit using a yeast complementation assay. We have established stable fibroblastic cell lines expressing epitope‐tagged versions of the wild‐type and H118N mutant C subunits and have used these cells to investigate mechanisms that regulate PP2A activity. Cells expressing the mutant C subunit exhibit a decreased growth rate and a prolonged G1 cell cycle phase. The mutant protein is enzymatically inactive, but extracts made from cells expressing the H118N C subunit show normal levels of total PP2A activity in vitro. The H118N mutant shows reduced binding to the regulatory A subunit, but binds normally to the α4 protein, a non‐canonical regulator of PP2A. Expression of the H118N mutant interferes with the normal control of C subunit abundance, causing accumulation of the endogenous wild‐type protein as well as the mutant transgene product. Our results indicate that the H118N mutant isoform retards C subunit turnover and suggest that PP2A C subunit turnover may be important for normal cell cycle progression. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 1309–1325, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.