bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cancer, Medicaid enrollment, and survival disparities
Authors: Bradley Cathy J. , Gardiner Joseph , Given Charles W. , Roberts Caralee
Published: March 2005

BACKGROUND

The current article examined survival for adults < 65 years old diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or lung carcinoma who were either Medicaid insured at the time of diagnosis, Medicaid insured after diagnosis, or non‐Medicaid insured.

METHODS

The authors hypothesized that subjects enrolling in Medicaid after they were diagnosed with cancer would explain disparate survival outcomes between Medicaid and non–Medicaid‐insured subjects. The authors used the Michigan Tumor Registry, a population‐based cancer registry covering the State of Michigan, to identify subjects who were diagnosed with the cancer sites of interest (n = 13,740). The primary outcome was all cause mortality over an 8‐year time period.

RESULTS

Subjects who enrolled in Medicaid after diagnosis with cancer had much lower 8‐year survival rates relative to Medicaid‐enrolled and non‐Medicaid subjects. These reductions in survival were partly due to a high proportion of lung carcinoma and late‐stage cancers within the sample of subjects who enrolled in Medicaid after diagnosis. The likelihood of death was two to three times greater for subjects enrolled in Medicaid relative to subjects who were not enrolled in Medicaid once the analysis was stratified by cancer site and stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities in cancer survival were apparent between subjects enrolled in Medicaid and subjects not enrolled in Medicaid. From a policy perspective, cancer survival in the Medicaid population cannot be improved as long as 40% of the population enrolls in Medicaid after diagnosis with late‐stage disease. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society.
Calculation of critical buckling loads for finite length externally constrained thin circular cylinders
Authors: Hexiang Lu , Jinhua Hou , Williams F. W.
Published: March 2005

The problem of the buckling of finite length externally constrained thin circular cylinders is solved to yield a generalized eigenvalue problem with constraint conditions. The solution is based on an inverse iteration procedure in which the non‐linear complementary equation is solved by a non‐smooth version of Newton's method that saves computer time and space when compared to a linear complementary algorithm. The numerical results show that the method proposed is effective and that the critical buckling load of the constrained cylinder is almost independent of the length of the cylinder, unlike the critical load of free (unconstrained) thin cylinders. In the direction of its axis, the shell is discretized by finite strips which circumferentially use straight bar and beam displacement functions. It is proved that when the widths of the strips approach zero, the geometrical relationships used in this paper approach those of Koiter–Sanders cylindrical shell theory. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel steroidogenic factor‐1 homolog (ff1d) is coexpressed with anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) in zebrafish
Authors: von Hofsten J. , Larsson A. , Olsson P.E.
Published: March 2005

ff1d is a novel zebrafish FTZ‐F1 gene with sequence characteristics indicating similar basic regulatory mechanisms as the previously characterized ff1 based on the presence of an FTZ‐F1 box in the DNA binding domain and an interactive domain (I‐Box) and an AF‐2 in the ligand binding domain. The highest sequence similarity was found between ff1d and ff1b (NR5A4), a gene previously shown to be a functional homolog to the steroidogenic factor 1 (SF‐1). The expression pattern of ff1d was comparable to ff1b both in brain and gonads in adults and in the pituitary and interrenal cells in embryos. SF‐1 is crucial in mammalian steroidogenesis and in sex determination by regulating the anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH). In fish, AMH has not been described previously. In this study, we cloned a partial zebrafish AMH. AMH was detected in growing oocytes, the ovarian follicular layer and testicular Sertoli cells, similar to the mammalian pattern, suggesting a conserved role between zebrafish and mammalian AMH. Teleosts lack a gene homolog to SRY, which constitute the universal testis‐determining factor in mammalian sex determination. Comparison of sequences and expression patterns indicate that ff1d is a new candidate for sex determination and differentiation in a way similar to SF‐1, possibly involving AMH. Developmental Dynamics 233:595–604, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chiral Auxiliaries as Docking/Protecting Groups in Biohydroxylation:(S)‐Specific Hydroxylation of Enantiopure tert‐Butyl‐Substituted Spirooxazolidines Derived From Cyclopentanone
Authors: Münzer Dieter F. , Griengl Herfried , Moumtzi Alexandra , Saf Robert , Terzani Tullio , de Raadt Anna
Published: March 2005

An enantiopure tert‐butyl‐substituted derivative of cyclopentanone, which is a vital member of the chiral docking/protecting group series, is employed, for the first time, to stereoselectively (90 % de) introduce an (S)‐configured hydroxyl group onto an unactivated carbon atom present in the cyclopentane ring using the fungus Beauveria bassiana ATCC 7159. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
2‐(Benzylsulfanyl)‐6‐chloro‐9‐isopropylpurine, a Valuable Intermediate in the Synthesis of Diaminopurine Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Taddei David , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Woollins J. Derek
Published: March 2005

The synthetic potential of a novel precursor of 2,6‐diaminopurine CDK inhibitors, 2‐(benzylsulfanyl)‐6‐chloro‐9‐isopropylpurine, is described. The Traube purine synthesis was chosen to prepare the required 2‐(benzylsulfanyl)hypoxanthine intermediate. Attempts to prepare its purin‐6‐yl methanesulfonic ester analogue failed. Conversion to the 6‐chloropurine derivative enabled the introduction of arylamines in the presence of catalytic amounts of acid. Further chemical variety was introduced on the purine through a regioselective Mitsunobu N‐9 alkylation. Oxidative cleavage of the 2‐(benzylsulfanyl) leaving group with an aliphatic amine was implemented as previously reported. Purvalanol A, a potent CDK inhibitor, was synthesised using this methodology. The template and intermediates were fully characterised by modern spectroscopic techniques and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Sulfonium Triflate Mediated Glycosidations of Aryl 2‐Azido‐2‐deoxy‐1‐thio‐D‐mannosides
Authors: Litjens Remy E. J. N. , van den Bos Leendert J. , Codée Jeroen D. C. , van den Berg Richard J. B. H. N. , Overkleeft Herman S. , van der Marel Gijsbert A.
Published: March 2005

The effectiveness in terms of yield and stereoselectivity of (phenylsulfinyl)piperidine (BSP) 1b/ trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (Tf2O) and diphenyl sulfoxide (DPS) 1c/Tf2O‐mediated glycosidations of 2‐azido‐3‐O‐benzyl‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene‐2‐deoxy‐D‐thiomannosides 2a/b is described. Application of the BSP/Tf2O activator led to productive condensations using p‐methoxyphenyl 2‐azido‐3‐O‐benzyl‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene‐2‐deoxy‐D‐thiomannoside (2b) as a donor, while the more powerful DPS/Tf2O combination gave similar results using both p‐methoxyphenyl and phenyl 2‐azido‐3‐O‐benzyl‐4,6‐O‐benzylidene‐2‐deoxy‐D‐thiomannosides 2a/b. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Cover Picture: Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Highly Fluorinated Sulfimides and Sulfoximides as Functional Building Blocks for Materials Science (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 5/2005)
Authors: Kirsch Peer , Lenges Marc , Kühne Daniel , Wanczek Karl‐Peter
Published: March 2005

The cover picture illustrates the conformational equilibrium of highly fluorinated sulfoximides. The conformation of this polar group critically influences the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystals derived therefrom. The crystal structure of heterostilbene‐like fluoroaromatic sulfoximides is dominated by stacking interactions of orthogonal aromatic substructures. Details are discussed in the article by P. Kirsch et al. on p. 797 ff.
A second look at the role of the fast Fourier transform as an elliptic solver
Authors: Avital E. J.
Published: March 2005

A fast cosine transform (FCT) is coupled with a tridiagonal solver for the purpose of solving the Poisson equation on irregular and non‐uniform rectangular staggered grids. This kind of solution is required for the pressure field during the simulation of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations when using the projection method. A new technique using the FCT–tridiagonal solver is derived for the cases where the boundaries of the flow regime do not coincide with the boundaries of the computational domain and for non‐uniform grids. The technique is based on an iterative procedure where a defect equation is solved in every iteration, followed by a relaxation procedure. The method is investigated analytically and numerically to show that the solution converges as a geometric series. The method is further investigated for the effects of the relative size of the rigid body, the grid stretching, size and aspect ratio. The new solver is incorporated with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) and large eddy simulation (LES) techniques to simulate the flows around a backward‐facing step and a 3D rectangular obstacle, yielding results that qualitatively compare well with known results. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term runoff forecasting by combining hydrological models and meteorological records
Authors: Yang Tao‐Chang , Yu Pao‐Shan , Chen Chiang‐Chi
Published: March 2005

Reservoir operation is generally based on the inflows of the upstream catchment of the reservoir. If the arriving inflows can be forecasted, that can benefit reservoir operation and management. This study attempts to construct a long‐term inflow‐forecasting model by combining a continuous rainfall–runoff model with the long‐term weather outlook from the Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan. The analytical results demonstrate that the continuous rainfall–runoff model has good inflow simulation performance by using 10‐day meteorological and inflow records over a 33‐year period for model calibration and verification. The long‐term inflow forecasting during the dry season was further conducted by combining the continuous rainfall–runoff model and the long‐term weather outlook, which was found to have good performance. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the TOPKAPI non‐linear reservoir cascade approximation by means of a characteristic lines solution
Authors: Liu Zhiyu , Todini Ezio
Published: March 2005

TOPKAPI is a physically based distributed rainfall–runoff model derived upon the assumption that the horizontal flow at a point in the soil, over the slopes and in the channel network can be approximated by means of a kinematic wave model. The TOPKAPI model combines this kinematic approach with a digital elevation model (DEM)‐based description of a basin. Similarly to what is done in the finite element approach, the basic model equations are derived by integrating in space the point process equations up to a finite dimension, the pixel, thus converting the original kinematic partial differential equations into a cascade of finite dimension non‐linear reservoir ordinary differential equations. These new equations are ‘structurally similar’ for all the processes (flow in the soil, over the slopes and in the channel network) and are shown to be representative of the original equations at the new finite pixel scale. With a view to assessing the quality of the approximation, the paper presents a comparison study in which a quasi‐analytical approach based upon the characteristic kinematic wave solution of the original equations is compared to the solution provided by the non‐linear reservoir finite scale approximation. The test is first applied to a simplified theoretical case in order to show the quality of the approximation at small scales. Successively it is applied to two real‐word cases: the Upper Reno catchment based on 400 × 400 m2 pixels and the Sieve River catchment using 1 × 1 km2 pixels.

All the results show that the cascade of non‐linear reservoirs is a good finite dimension approximation of the subsurface flow in the soil, the flow over the slopes and the flow in the channel network, which allows us to properly retain the physical properties of the original equations at finite scales that range from a few metres up to 1 km. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudosynovial fluid from loosened total hip prosthesis induces osteoclast formation
Authors: Mandelin Jami , Liljeström Mikko , Li Tian‐Fang , Ainola Mari , Hukkanen Mika , Salo Jari , Santavirta Seppo , Konttinen Yrjö T.
Published: March 2005

Interface tissue between the bone and loosening total hip implant is acidic and highly osteolytic. It is characterized by the formation of cathepsin K positive foreign body giant cells. Similar structures to those found in the normal joint surround the artificial hip joint. Cells in synovial membrane of the artificial hip generate synovial fluid that is called pseudosynovial fluid. Interface tissue fibroblasts are able to produce receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), which can induce osteoclastogenesis during the loosening process. Western blot analysis indicated that RANKL is present in the pseudosynovial fluid. Pseudosynovial fluid induced cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells to form multinuclear TRAP positive giant cells. In the presence of osteoprotegerin, the soluble RANKL decoy receptor, the number of TRAP positive multinuclear cells was reduced to half (p < 0.05). The multinuclear cells induced with pseudosynovial fluid contained active cathepsin K protein and were capable of bone matrix resorption in vitro. The cells were shown to express osteoclast phenotype markers, such as mRNA for cathepsin K, TRAP, and calcitonin receptor. It is therefore apparent that pseudosynovial fluid from patients with aseptic loosening of total hip prosthesis contains a potent osteoclastogenic factor RANKL that further suggests a favorable environment for osteoclast formation in the peri‐implant tissues. It is thus concluded that suppression of RANKL activity may be beneficial in terms of increasing the lifetime of total hip prostheses. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater
Electrochemical oxidation of textile dye indigo
Authors: Doǧan Doǧan , Türkdemir Haluk
Published: March 2005

Electrochemical methods are being used increasingly as an alternative treatment process for the remediation of textile wastewaters. This study focused mainly on the colour removal and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction of vat textile dye (CI Vat Blue 1: indigo) from its aqueous solution by electrochemical oxidation. The process was carried out in a batch‐type divided electrolytic cell under constant potential using a Pt cage as anode and Pt foil as cathode. Operating variables such as supporting electrolyte, pH, ultrasonification and treatment time were investigated to probe their effects on the efficiency of the electrochemical treatment. Colour removal was estimated by monitoring the disappearance of the absorbance peak at 681.5 nm. It was found that in acidic conditions the electrolysis was more efficient. At pH 1, an NaCl concentration of 0.24 mol dm−3, a dyeing solution concentration of 0.1% (w/v) and a period of 90 min of electrolysis, there was almost 100% colour removal and 60% reduction in COD. Voltammetric and IR investigations demonstrated that partial degradation of dye was achieved. The experimental results indicate that this electrochemical method could effectively be used as a pretreatment stage before conventional treatment. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface‐Imprinted Polyurethane Having Affinity Sites for Ampicillin
Authors: Sreenivasan Kunnatheeri
Published: March 2005

Summary: Affinity sites for an antibacterial drug, ampicillin, were created on the surface of polyurethane using the technique of non‐covalent molecular imprinting. This was achieved by polymerizing aminophenylboronic acid in the presence of the ampicillin as a template. The extent of adsorption of the drug by the imprinted surface is nearly five times higher than the non‐imprinted surface. The in vitro release studies have shown that the drug is retained for a prolonged period on the imprinted surface while it is rapidly released from the non‐imprinted surface. These modified materials were subjected to interactions with two bacterial strains, E. Coli and S. aureus. These species could not adhere to the imprinted surface, further showing the ability of the surface to retain the drug for a prolonged period of time. The non‐imprinted surface retained the bacterial strains, reflecting the lack of the drug on the surface. This novel approach seems to be useful for creating surfaces capable of retaining components of interest through non‐covalent interactions to impart specific features, such as improved blood compatibility and antibacterial properties.

Adsorption of ampicillin by the imprinted and non‐imprinted polymers.

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Adsorption of ampicillin by the imprinted and non‐imprinted polymers.
Biocompatibility of Poly(carbonate urethane)s with Various Degrees of Nanophase Separation
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Kao Yu‐Chih
Published: March 2005

Summary: Nanophase separation has been suggested to influence the biological performance of polyurethane. In a previous work (Macromol. Biosci. 2004, 4, 891), six different 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI)‐based poly(carbonate urethane)s (PCUs) that exhibited various degrees of nanophase separation were synthesized and characterized. In the present work, these PCUs were used as a model system to study the effect of nanometric structures on the biocompatibility of polyurethane. Human blood platelet activation, monocyte activation, protein adsorption, and bacterial adhesion on PCU were investigated in vitro. It was found that human blood platelets as well as monocytes were less activated on the PCU surfaces with a greater degree of nanophase separation in general. This phenomenon was closely associated with the lower ratio of human fibrinogen/albumin competitively adsorbed on these surfaces. Bacterial adhesion was also inhibited in some nanophase‐separated PCUs.

The morphology of a platelet on a PCU studied here.

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The morphology of a platelet on a PCU studied here.
Microwave‐Assisted Single‐Step Synthesis of Poly(alkylene hydrogen phosphonate)s by Transesterification of Dimethyl Hydrogen Phosphonate with Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Bezdushna Ella , Ritter Helmut , Troev Kolio
Published: March 2005

Summary: Poly(alkylene hydrogen phosphonate)s with a number‐average molecular weight of about 3 000 Da were obtained by a transesterification of dimethyl hydrogen phosphonate with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400) under microwave irradiation with a very short reaction time (55 min) relative to that of classical thermal heating (9 h). The structure of the resulting polymer was confirmed by 1H, 31P, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The molecular weight was determined by 1H, 31P{H} NMR spectroscopy, MALDI‐TOF, and GPC.

The transesterification of dimethyl hydrogen phosphonate with poly(ethylene glycol).

image

The transesterification of dimethyl hydrogen phosphonate with poly(ethylene glycol).
Crystal Transition of Nylon‐12,12 under Drawing and Annealing
Authors: Song Jianbin , Zhang Huiliang , Ren Minqiao , Chen Qingyong , Sun Xiaohong , Wang Shuyun , Zhang Hongfang , Mo Zhishen
Published: March 2005

Summary: Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) was used to investigate the crystal transition of nylon‐12,12 under annealing and drawing. The triclinic α‐form could be obtained by crystallizing from a melted state or by annealing the γ‐form at high temperature (above 150 °C). The crystal structure of the α‐form annealed at 90 °C didn't change with time except for the perfection of crystals and an increase in the degree of crystallinity. The pseudo‐hexagonal γ‐form could be produced by crystallizing from the melted state at low temperature (90 °C) or by drawing at 90 and 160 °C. This is the first time a Brill transition has been observed under drawing conditions, instead of under the traditional conditions of continuous heating and cooling. Experimental results also confirm that drawing inducement is preferable to produce the γ‐form and plays an important role in determining the crystal structure; there is a competition between drawing inducement and thermal inducement.

The WAXD patterns of the nylon‐12,12 α‐form drawn different drawing ratios at 90 °C.

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The WAXD patterns of the nylon‐12,12 α‐form drawn different drawing ratios at 90 °C.
New Developments in Multidimensional Chromatography of Complex Polymers
Authors: Pasch Harald , Adler Martina , Rittig Frank , Becker Stefan
Published: March 2005

Summary: Complex polymers are distributed in more than one direction of molecular heterogeneity. In addition to the molar mass distribution, they are frequently distributed with respect to chemical composition, functionality, and molecular heterogeneity. One approach for the analysis of the heterogeneity of complex polymers is their chromatographic separation by combining different separation mechanisms. A typical experimental protocol includes the separation of the sample according to composition to yield fractions that are chemically homogeneous. These fractions are transferred to a size‐selective separation method and analyzed with respect to molar mass. As a result of this two‐dimensional (2D) separation, information on both types of molecular heterogeneity is obtained. So far, 2D chromatography has been applied mostly to polymers that are soluble in organic solvents. There are several problems related to the use of aqueous mobile phases in polymer chromatography. These problems relate to the very polar or ionic character of the polymers and the experimental conditions, including the use of salt‐containing eluents. The present paper addresses the different parameters that influence the chromatographic experiments. For a model polymer system resulting from the grafting of methacrylic acid (MAA) onto poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), i.e., PEG‐g‐PMAA, it will be shown that different chromatographic techniques including SEC, LC‐CC, and 2D chromatography, as well as coupled LC‐CC/FT‐IR can be used to analyze the molecular complexity of the copolymers.

LC‐CC/FT‐IR spectra of a PEG‐g‐PMAA sample as function of the elution volume.

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LC‐CC/FT‐IR spectra of a PEG‐g‐PMAA sample as function of the elution volume.
Thermal regime of ice‐wedge cracking in Adventdalen, Svalbard
Authors: Christiansen Hanne H.
Published: March 2005

One year of monitoring (2002–2003) at a low‐centred ice‐wedge polygon site on Svalbard is described. Ground temperatures were recorded hourly from the top of an ice wedge through the active layer to the ground surface in the central part of a trough and in the adjacent rampart. Daily data on snow‐cover depth were collected by automatic digital photography. Cracks were mapped in February, April and July. The results show that cracking occurred after ground temperatures at the centre of the ice‐wedge top decreased to below −15°C. Ground cooling in mid‐winter occurred mainly through the snow‐free ramparts because the ice‐wedge troughs were filled by snow to depths of up to 30 cm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions of platinum(II) complexes with sulfur‐containing peptides studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Miao Ren , Yang Gaosheng , Miao Yi , Mei Yuhua , Hong Jin , Zhao Chunmei , Zhu Longgen
Published: March 2005

Reactions of two platinum(II) complexes, cis‐[Pt(NH3)2(H2O)2]2+ (Pt1) and cis‐[Pt(en)(H2O)2]2+ (Pt2), with several sulfur‐containing peptides, have been investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The species produced in the reactions were detected with ESI‐MS, and MS/MS analysis was performed to probe structural information. Collision‐induced dissociation revealed different dissociation pathways for the main reaction products of the two platinum(II) complexes with the same peptides. The major difference is the prominent loss of ammonia ligand for complexes of Pt1 due to the strong trans effect of sulfur, whereas the loss of ethylenediamine (en) ligand from Pt2 complexes is less favored, reflecting the chelating effect of the bidentate ligand. Despite the differences in dissociation patterns, Pt1 and Pt2, in general, form structurally similar complexes with the same peptides. In the reactions with Met‐Arg‐Phe‐Ala they both produce a N,S‐chelate ring through the N‐terminal NH2 and sulfur of the Met residue, and in the reactions with Ac‐Met‐Ala‐Ser they bind to the sulfur of Met and deprotonate an amide nitrogen upstream from the anchor site. Both of them are able to promote hydrolysis of the peptides. In reactions with glutathione they both form four‐membered Pt2S2 rings and Pt‐S‐Pt bonding through the bridging thiolate ligand, although the reaction rate is much slower for Pt2 due to steric hindrance of the en ligand. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finite difference analyses of Schumann resonance and reconstruction of lightning distribution
Authors: Ando Yoshiaki , Hayakawa Masashi , Shvets Alexander V. , Nickolaenko Alexander P.
Published: March 2005

This paper deals with the computation of extremely low frequency propagation associated with the Schumann resonance phenomena and the reconstruction algorithm for source lightning location on the basis of measured Schumann resonance data. The finite difference equations are derived in terms of discretized magnetic fields in the spherical coordinates, introducing the azimuthal symmetry for simplicity. The most reliable electron and neutral density models in the atmosphere and the ionosphere can be used to describe extremely low frequency wave propagation. A linear inverse problem for the reconstruction is formulated using the computed spectra as a set of basis functions to identify lightning distributions with respect to the distances from any observatories to the global thunderstorm centers. Numerical experiments allow us to evaluate properties and precision of the solution in the absence or in the presence of noise in the initial spectral data. The inverse problem is applied to the experimental data collected at a field site in Japan, and distribution of global lightning activity is reconstructed for the data covering the period from March to December 1999. The reconstructed data show a reasonable set of distances from the observatory to well‐known global thunderstorm centers, and they indicate the seasonal drift of lightning activity. The problems that were involved in solving the inverse problem are also discussed.
The mechanism by which ethanol inhibits rat P2X4 receptors is altered by mutation of histidine 241
Authors: Xiong Keming , Hu Xiang‐Qun , Stewart Randall R , Weight Forrest F , Li Chaoying
Published: March 2005

We investigated ethanol inhibition of the rat P2X4 receptor and the contribution of the three histidine residues in the extracellular loop of this receptor to ethanol inhibition of receptor function, using site‐directed mutagenesis and electrophysiological characterization of recombinant receptors.

In the wild‐type receptor, 50, 200 and 500 mM ethanol increasingly shifted the ATP concentration–response curve to the right in a parallel manner, increasing the EC50 value without affecting Emax. However, 750 or 900 mM ethanol did not produce a further increase in the EC50 value of the ATP concentration–response curve, suggesting that this inhibition is not competitive.

The P2X4 receptor mutations H140A and H286A did not significantly alter ethanol inhibition of ATP‐activated current. By contrast, the mutation H241A changed the mechanism by which ethanol inhibits receptor function; viz., ethanol inhibition was not associated with an increased EC50 value of the ATP concentration–response curve, instead, ethanol decreased the maximal response to ATP without affecting the EC50 value of the ATP concentration–response curve.

Ethanol inhibition of the H241A mutant was voltage independent between −60 and +20 mV and ethanol did not alter the reversal potential of ATP‐activated current. In addition, ethanol decreased the desensitization rate of the H241A‐mediated current.

The purinoceptor antagonists, suramin and pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid (PPADS), did not alter the magnitude of ethanol inhibition of ATP‐activated current in the H241A mutant.

The results suggest that ethanol inhibits the wild‐type rat P2X4 receptor by an allosteric action to increase the EC50 value of the ATP concentration–response curve, the P2X4 receptor mutation H241A alters the mechanism by which ethanol inhibits P2X4 receptor function, and ethanol and PPADS or suramin appear to inhibit H241A‐mutated receptors at independent sites.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2005) 145, 576–586. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706192
Enumerative tropical algebraic geometry in ℝ²
Authors: Mikhalkin Grigory
Published: March 2005

The paper establishes a formula for enumeration of curves of arbitrary genus in toric surfaces. It turns out that such curves can be counted by means of certain lattice paths in the Newton polygon. The formula was announced earlier in Counting curves via lattice paths in polygons, C. R. Math. Acad. Sci. Paris 336 (2003), no. 8, 629–634. The result is established with the help of the so-called tropical algebraic geometry. This geometry allows one to replace complex toric varieties with the real space

R

n

\mathbb {R}^n

and holomorphic curves with certain piecewise-linear graphs there.
Set in Stone
Authors: DeCaroli Robert
Published: March 2005

Images of popular demigods and minor deities are shown to dominate the decoration of early Buddhist sites to the exclusion of almost any other subject matter. In particular, an iconographic study of the remains of the monastery from Bharhut reveals a process of superimposition wherein the spirit‐deities have been moved to the periphery of the sacred space and the center is reserved for the Buddhist relic alone. When this information is coupled with new evidence demonstrating that these monasteries were largely built over locations (like cemeteries and hills) that were understood as being the abodes of specific minor deities, it becomes clear that the Buddhist community is making a potent statement of religious authority though its architecture. Significantly, this hierarchy expressed in sculpture parallels the claims of authority made in the legendary literature.
Passage from India
Authors: DeCaroli Robert
Published: March 2005

Ultimately, I identify Buddhism's co‐opting and absorption of local spirit‐religions as a crucial component of Buddhist expansion both within and outside of India. The case of Buddhist expansion into Burma (Myanmar) is particularly revealing. Despite significant differences between the forms of spirit‐religion practiced in Burma and India the Buddhists utilized a similar process of interacting with popular beliefs in both locations. The relationship between the Buddhist community and the local gods (nats) played a crucial role in Buddhism's widespread acceptance during the Pagan era.
Introduction
Authors: Van Praag Bernard
Published: March 2005

This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the measurement of satisfaction. It defines satisfaction questions, the income-evaluation question, domain satisfactions and general satisfaction. These are followed by an overview of the chapters included in the book and their findings.
The Aggregation Of Satisfactions: General Satisfaction As An Aggregate
Authors: Van Praag Bernard
Published: March 2005

This chapter focuses on the development of the satisfaction aggregation model. Satisfaction with life as a whole or general satisfaction is analysed as a weighted aggregate of the domain satisfactions. It is shown that various domain levels can be distinguished, leading to a two- or three-layer model. The model is applied to job satisfaction for the British data set; the job is broken down into sub-domains such as salary, safety, permanence, etc. The employee then evaluates his/her job based on these. It is argued that various satisfactions can be dealt with as observed numerical variables, which can be used in econometric one- and multiple-equation(s) models.
Subjective Income Inequalities
Authors: Van Praag Bernard
Published: March 2005

This chapter presents a concept of subjective income inequality based on an extension of the objective income concept. Income satisfaction inequality differs from established measures of inequality using individual perceptions as the basis for making incomes comparable. Traditional measures of inequality introduce subjectivism via intuition by for instance, imposing family equivalence scales or by introspection in choosing concrete welfare function specification. The introduction of income satisfaction does not imply that the objective measurement should be replaced by subjective concepts, but only that each measure has a different role to play.
Epilogue
Authors: Van Praag Bernard
Published: March 2005

This chapter synthesises the findings presented in the book. It highlights the success in developing a methodology that can analyse satisfaction along the lines similar to those used by econometricians to analyse ‘objective’ variables. Future research should focus on developing methods that can estimate decision-utility functions for other domains, the relevance of the neoclassical equilibrium assumption, and the importance of collaborating with sister disciplines.
Gender Justice, Human Rights, and Neo‐Liberal Economic Policies
Authors: Elson Diane
Published: March 2005

This chapter analyses the links between neo-liberal economic policies and women’s substantive enjoyment of human rights. It examines the association between two different discourses: human rights and economic efficiency, and the experience of women, particularly poor women in the era of neo-liberal economic policies. Alternative approaches to economic policy that would promote social justice for poor women are considered.
Engendering the New Social Citizenship In Chile: NGOs and Social Provisioning Under Neo‐Liberalism
Authors: Schild Verónica
Published: March 2005

This chapter analyses NGO participation in social provisioning in Chile for the advancement of gender equality. It presents an overview of the social development strategy of the two Concertación governments since 1990, focusing on the social programmes involving partnerships between NGOs and government agencies. The gendered impact of global economic integration on people’s working lives and communities are discussed. It then outlines the implications of a gender equity agenda, which aims to integrate women as subjects of rights into the development process but does so by relying on the volunteer-like work of women, and which targets only the poorest of the poor.
Engendering Education: Prospects For a Rights‐Based Approach To Female Education Deprivation In India
Authors: Subrahmanian Ramya
Published: March 2005

This chapter examines two challenges to promoting the right of education in India: economic and education policies, and the gender perspective used to justify a focus on women’s education. The capabilities framework is used to distinguish rights-based approaches to social development from the more conventional policy debates in the education sector. The application of the capabilities approach to arguments for the right to education is discussed.
Introduction
Authors: Laird Martin
Published: March 2005

Sketches early Christian initiatives to present faith as a privileged means of contact with God. Discusses the fourth-century religious climate of late Neoplatonism and suggests a much less hostile attitude to faith and revelation. In both Christian and non-Christian Neoplatonic circles, the exaltation of faith was part of the spirit of the age.
2 The Flow of the Mind
Authors: Laird Martin
Published: March 2005

As a backdrop for considering Gregory’s understanding of faith, we discuss how Gregory views the mind itself. How the mind is affected by the passions.Discusses the dispersed mind, the grasping mind, the mind and the intelligible, the mind’s ascent, the mind, and grace.
3 The Grasp of Faith
Authors: Laird Martin
Published: March 2005

Argues that in the context of an apophatic ascent, faith is a technical term for the faculty of aphophatic union with God. Discussion of Mühlenburg’s thesis that Gregory does not allow for the possibility of union with God. The relationship of faith to knowledge. Faith and epistemology are exegetically grounded.
Income Inequality in the UK: Extent and Trends
Authors: Hills John
Published: March 2005

Describes the distribution of income and trends in it over time. Sets out what proportions of the population have incomes at different levels, and which groups are found towards its top and bottom. Describes how income inequality has changed in recent decades, and how these trends contrast with those in other comparable countries, most of which have not experienced as sharp an increase as Britain. Also gives information about the distribution of wealth, and the way it has also become more unequally distributed in the most recent years. Finally, looks at public views of inequality in the UK, and at how these match or contrast with those in other countries.
Health, Shocks, and Poverty Persistence
Authors: Dercon Stefan , Hoddinott John
Published: March 2005

The impact of shocks on child and adult health is investigated using data from recent studies in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Health status, measured by height and body mass, is affected by shocks. Young pre-schoolers are more adversely affected than older children. Adult women are often more adversely affected than men.
Measuring Vulnerability to Poverty
Authors: Kamanou Gisele , Morduch Jonathan
Published: March 2005

A method based on Monte Carlo bootstrap estimations of consumption changes was developed to measure vulnerability to poverty. The method was applied to data on Cote d’Ivoire in 1985-86. It revealed potential difficulties faced by households, which were obscured when historical records were used to determine the extent of vulnerabilities.
Why is there Not More Financial Intermediation in Developing Countries?
Authors: Conning Jonathan , Kevane Michael
Published: March 2005

Certain factors can slow down financial integration in developing countries. These include problems of information asymmetry, lack of intermediary capital, and crowding-out. Individuals already involved in existing financial networks may have few incentives to deal with an intermediary. Village norms against cooperation and outsiders may also be strong.
Can Food-for-Work Programmes Reduce Vulnerability?
Authors: Barrett Christopher B. , Holden Stein , Clay Daniel C.
Published: March 2005

This chapter examines the efficacy of food-for-work (FFW) programmes, drawing on empirical evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa. FFW programmes perform effectively under a set of conditions: when these are carefully planned and implemented, when they provide short-term insurance against shocks, and when private market demand for labour fails to provide a vent for surplus labour released by those who suffer shocks. FFW is also effective in reaching vulnerable persons in areas with low rates of chronic illness or injury.
A comparison of 20 laryngoscope blades using an intubating manikin: visual analogue scores and forces exerted during laryngoscopy*
Authors: Rassam S. , Wilkes A. R. , Hall J. E. , Mecklenburgh J. S.
Published: March 2005

Fifty anaesthetists were recruited to use 20 different laryngoscope blades (one metal re‐usable blade, five metal single‐use blades and 14 plastic single‐use blades, of which eight were bulb‐type and 12 were fibreoptic‐type) in a manikin to achieve a grade I Cormack and Lehane view. The anaesthetists were asked to provide visual analogue scores (VAS) for: ease of attachment of the blade to the handle; illumination; view of the larynx; and satisfaction for clinical use. The peak force applied and time to achieve the grade I Cormack and Lehane view were also measured. A cluster analysis method was used to group together blades with similar scores or measures.

Ease of attachment, illumination, view, clinical use, force and duration were all significantly affected by the blade used (p < 0.0001 for all six). The mean peak force applied and mean duration for the 20 blades were 32–39 N and 4.4–9.5 s, respectively. All five metal single‐use and four plastic single‐use blades were always placed in the ‘best’ group in the cluster analysis. Two plastic blades provided a poor view and increased the duration of laryngoscopy.
Cardiopulmonary bypass temperature and brain function
Authors: Shaaban Ali M. , Harmer M. , Kirkham F.
Published: March 2005

A debate has emerged in recently published studies about the optimum cardiopulmonary bypass temperature for good neurological outcome – warm vs. cold, i.e. normothermic vs. hypothermic. Although many comparative studies have been performed, the results of these studies are inconclusive and are difficult to interpret. Brain function has been studied in terms of neurological and neuropsychological outcome, protein S100β levels as a marker of brain damage, and cerebral oxygenation using jugular bulb oximetry and near‐infrared spectroscopy. The studies produce no conclusive proof of the superiority of warm or cold cardiopulmonary bypass. However, it appears that any degree of bypass hypothermia (< 35 °C) may protect the brain. On the other hand, even a slight increase in bypass temperature to > 37 °C may cause marked brain injury.
Randomised, crossover comparison of the single‐use SoftSeal™ and the LMA Unique™ laryngeal mask airways
Authors: Paech M. J. , Tweedie O. , Stannard K. , Hepp M. , Dodd P. , Daly H. , Bennett E.‐J. , Millard A. , Doherty D. A.
Published: March 2005

We performed a randomised, crossover, single‐blind trial among 168 patients, to compare the single‐use SoftSeal™ and LMA Unique™ laryngeal mask airways in spontaneously breathing adults. Size‐3 and ‐4 laryngeal mask airways, inserted by experienced anaesthetists, performed equivalently for successful first‐time placement (148 (91%) vs 155 (96%) for the SoftSeal™ and LMA Unique™, respectively). The SoftSeal™ was more often rated as difficult to insert (27 (17%) vs 4 (3%); p < 0.001) and was more likely to show evidence of mucosal trauma after the first insertion (14 (10%) vs 5 (4%); OR 1.3 (95% CI 1.3–11.3); p < 0.05). The fibreoptic view of the larynx was better through the SoftSeal™ (vocal cords not visible in 27 (17%) vs 44 (27%); p < 0.05) and it more frequently provided a ventilation seal at 20 cmH2O (93 (59%) vs 62 (39%); OR 2.15 (CI 1.44–3.21); p < 0.001). In contrast to the LMA Unique™, its cuff pressure did not increase during nitrous oxide anaesthesia (median (IQR [range]) decrease 3 (− 20–23 [‐40–94]) cmH2O vs increase of 16 (−2–39 [−54–112]) cmH2O; p < 0.01). Both devices were equivalent for the success of first‐time insertion and performed satisfactorily clinically. There were some performance differences, but either appears suitable for airway management in spontaneously breathing patients.
Read, Think, Do!: a method for fitting research evidence into practice
Authors: Winch Sarah , Henderson Amanda , Creedy Debra
Published: March 2005

Aim.  This paper discusses a process for research utilization that overcomes well‐known barriers in order to influence clinical decision‐making and practice change. Read, Think, Do! is a problem‐solving approach to research utilization and practice development which has the potential to overcome barriers to research utilization.

Background.  Any process for research utilization at the practice level needs to overcome numerous barriers in order to influence clinical decision‐making and practice change. Access to research‐based knowledge is an obvious first step in the evidence‐based approach to care delivery, but is clearly inadequate alone in influencing the improvement of practice.

Discussion.  Read, Think, Do! acknowledges the complexity of problem‐solving processes from the outset by looking for (1) the evidence, (2) assessing the value to practice, and (3) addressing the social and cultural milieu of the practice setting to ascertain the best strategies for initiating and sustaining practice change. This approach draws distal forms of empirical knowledge that have the capacity to improve patient outcomes into the proximal knowledge base of the clinical nurse. This is achieved by collaboration, planning and evaluation involving all levels of staff and a specialist facilitator, the Clinical Nurse Consultant in evidence‐based practice.

Conclusion.  Read, Think, Do! is a method of research utilization and practice development that has the potential to overcome barriers to research utilization and avoid the ‘misplaced concreteness’ that can occur when trying to fit empiricism into practice. By addressing the breadth and diversity of issues surrounding research utilization in a systematic manner it presents a sustainable method for practice change informed by evidence.
Effects of an adaptation training programme for patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Tsay Shiow‐Luan , Lee Yuh‐Chain , Lee Yueh‐Ching
Published: March 2005

Aims.  This paper reports a study investigating the effectiveness of an adaptation training programme (ATP) to help patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) to cope with illness‐related stresses and, thus, to alleviate depression and improve quality of life.

Background.  Patients with ESRD who receive dialysis must confront the burdens of long‐term illness and numerous treatment‐associated stressors. The ability of these patients to cope with and adapt to these stresses, whether related to their medical regimen or to the demands of daily life, has an important influence on physical and psychological well‐being.

Methods.  The study was a randomized controlled trial using a convenience sample of 57 eligible, fully informed and consenting patients with ESRD who were assigned to experimental (ATP plus usual care) or control (usual care) groups. Participants in the ATP took part in weekly small group sessions over an 8‐week period and monthly follow‐up to help them to cope with stressors. A clinical nurse specialist and an experienced psychotherapist led them in three small groups (8–10 per group). Participants in the usual care group received routine care. Instruments comprised the Haemodialysis Stressor Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Medical Outcomes Study SF‐36. Data were collected at baseline and at three months following the intervention.

Results.  The major stressors for these patients were limitations on time and place related to employment, limitations on fluid intake, transport difficulties, loss of bodily function, length of dialysis treatment, and limitation of physical activities. The ATP had a beneficial effect on perceived stress (P = 0·005), depression (P = 0·001) and quality of life (P = 0·02) 3 months after the intervention.

Conclusions.  This study supports the effectiveness of an ATP to decrease stress and depression levels, and to improve the quality of life of ATP patients receiving haemodialysis.