bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Just don't eat chicken’: the challenge of engaging Australian adults in appropriate preventive behaviours for bird flu
Authors: Jones Sandra C. , Iverson Don , Waters Louise 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Leading medical experts have cautioned about the risk of inappropriate behavioural responses as a result of fear of avian influenza (bird flu) even before a pandemic emerges, and have emphasised the need for appropriate risk communication strategies. There is a paucity of in‐depth qualitative research into the general public's understanding of, and reactions to, such potential health crises. Four focus groups were conducted in April 2006 and a further eight focus groups in July 2006, to examine people's knowledge, beliefs and behaviours in relation to avian influenza, with the primary aim being to inform the development of future communication strategies. It was clear from the focus groups that avian influenza is not a disease the participants perceive they are likely to acquire; it was not simply that Australia was far from mind when thinking of avian influenza, but that they also saw Australia as a haven protected from avian influenza. We found that, in general, participants see avian influenza as yet another example of media sensationalism—not as a disease that poses any real risk to Australia—and are clearly unprepared for a potential outbreak. Governments and health authorities should conduct further research to understand consumer perceptions of avian (or other pandemic) influenza, and attitudes towards the recommended protective behaviours, in order to pro‐actively develop communication strategies to rapidly inform the public and encourage appropriate behavioural responses in the event that the potential risk is realised.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An exploration of reminiscence and post‐war European immigrants living in a multicultural aged‐care setting in Australia
Authors: Hodges Cherie , Schmidt Rachael 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis phenomenological study explores the experiences and perceptions of the telling of life stories of four post‐war immigrants living in a multicultural residential aged‐care setting in Australia. This study aims to shed light on what participants feel about life stories, and the prospect of involvement in the documentation of their life story in order to provide insight and understanding for optimum programme facilitation and better resident care.Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with the four participants. Data were audiotaped and transcribed. Phenomenological methods were used to explicate data.Three main themes emerged: diminution of guilt, social sharing – common bonds and, the urge to ‘feel’ the past to ‘fill’ the present. It is apparent that aged survivors of war, and displacement to a new country, feel residual guilt regarding the leaving of their homeland. The prospect of documenting their life stories offers an opportunity to provide an explanation for their decision.Immersion in life stories allows the re‐experiencing and sharing of past emotions and sensations. Engagement in occupational reminiscence enhances understanding a person's lived life experience, which adds meaning to one's life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory symptoms in young infancy: child, parent and physician related determinants of drug prescription in primary care
Authors: de Jong Brita M. , van der Ent Cornelis K. , van der Zalm Marieke M. , van Putte‐Katier Nienke , Verheij Theo J.M , Kimpen Jan L.L. , Uiterwaal Cuno S.P.M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPurposeRespiratory symptoms account for the majority of drug prescriptions in the first year of life. We investigated the influence of child, parent and physician factors on drug prescriptions for respiratory symptoms in primary care in infancy.MethodsInfants participated in the WHeezing Illnesses STudy LEidsche Rijn (WHISTLER), a prospective birth cohort on respiratory illnesses. Outcome was defined as having received a prescription of antibiotics or of anti‐asthma medication for respiratory symptoms by a physician.ResultsNearly 60% of all children ever visited a physician for respiratory symptoms during the first year of life, of which 40% received a prescription. Every extra day with symptoms during the month before consultation and each extra visit to a physician were associated with a higher chance for prescription (respectively odds ratios (OR) 1.07/2.63, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.02–1.12/1.83–3.76). Further, we found a higher chance for drug prescribing for boys (2.7, 2.0–3.7), children attending day care (1.17, 1.09–1.25), mothers with higher education (2.3, 1.2–4.6), working mothers (4.5, 0.9–22.0) and older mothers (years) (1.09, 1.02–1.16). Furthermore, physicians' years of experience was a determinant for receiving a prescription (2.5, 1.1–6.0). Accounting for symptoms and visits as strong predictors of prescribing, infant gender and day care attendance were still predictors. Furthermore, infant gender, day care attendance, family history of asthma and physicians' years of experience were independent determinants of the number of prescriptions besides symptoms and visits.ConclusionIn young infancy, besides the severity of symptoms there are child, physician and particularly maternal characteristics that influence the decision of general practitioners to prescribe drugs for respiratory symptoms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating ethnic differences in self‐reported new use of antidepressant medications: results from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , Oddson Bruce E. , McClelland Robyn L. , Psaty Bruce M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIntroductionThere is evidence that the utilization of antidepressant medications (ADM) may vary between different ethnic groups in the United States population.MethodsThe Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) is a population‐based prospective cohort study of 6814 US adults from 4 different ethnic groups. After excluding baseline users of ADM, we examined the relation between baseline depression and new use of ADM for 4 different ethnicities: African–Americans (n = 1822), Asians (n = 784) Caucasians (n = 2300), and Hispanics (n = 1405). Estimates of the association of ethnicity and ADM use were adjusted for age, study site, gender, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), alcohol use, smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, education, and exercise. Non‐random loss to follow‐up was present and estimates were adjusted using inverse probability of censoring weighting (IPCW).ResultsOf the four ethnicities, Caucasian participants had the highest rate of ADM use (12%) compared with African–American (4%), Asian (2%), and Hispanic (6%) participants. After adjustment, non‐Caucasian ethnicity was associated with reduced ADM use: African–American (HR: 0.42; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.31–0.58), Asian (HR: 0.14; 95%CI: 0.08–0.26), and Hispanic (HR: 0.47; 95%CI: 0.31–0.65). Applying IPCW to correct for non‐random loss to follow‐up among the study participants weakened but did not eliminate these associations: African–American (HR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.30–0.57), Asian (HR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.13–0.37), and Hispanic (HR: 0.58; 95%CI: 0.47–0.67).ConclusionNon‐Caucasian ethnicity is associated with lower rates of new ADM use. After IPCW adjustment, the observed ethnicity differences in ADM use are smaller although still statistically significant. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immediate‐ and delayed‐type allergic reactions to amide local anesthetics: clinical features and skin testing
Authors: Fuzier Régis , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Mertes Paul‐Michel , Nicolas Jean‐François , Benoit Yves , Didier Alain , Albert Natalie , Montastruc Jean‐Louis 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPurposeAmide type local anesthetic agents are among the most commonly used drugs in medicine. Several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been previously described with their use. Among them, allergic reactions are considered rare. The aim of this study was to describe the main characteristics of ADRs induced by amide type local anesthetic drugs.MethodsWe studied reports recorded in the French Pharmacovigilance database and the GERAP database over a 12‐year period (1995–2006). For each report, we detailed the clinical features and skin tests used. Delayed or immediate‐type allergic reactions and cross‐reactivity between amide type local anesthetics were also analyzed.ResultsWe identified 16 reports (seven from the Pharmacovigilance database and nine from the GERAP database). Local anesthetic allergic reactions occurred mostly in young females (F/M sex ratio = 14:2). An immediate‐type allergic reaction was encountered in 11/16 cases. Lidocaine was the local anesthetic most often involved (11/16). Prick test, intradermal reaction, and challenge tests were used to confirm the diagnosis. A cross‐reactivity between the different amide type local anesthetics was found in six cases (lidocaine–mepivacaine in all cases).ConclusionsThis is the largest series of immediate‐type local anesthetic allergic reactions reported in the literature. Cutaneous symptoms are the main features even though more serious symptoms may occur. Intradermal reaction and challenge tests are very helpful. Because cross‐reactivity is not scarce, skin tests should involve several local anesthetics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sliver solar cells for concentrator PV systems with concentration ratio below 50
Authors: Franklin Evan , Blakers Andrew , Everett Vernie 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper links together two different yet complimentary technologies: concentrator photovoltaics (CPVs) and Sliver technology. Recent research and development and commercialisation efforts in concentrator technologies have centred on high‐concentration systems, encouraged by the availability of high‐efficiency, multi‐junction III‐V cells. In contrast, little attention has been paid to the potential of systems with low‐to‐medium levels of concentration. Arguably, this is due to the absence of any suitable, low‐cost concentrator cells, readily available at a commercial scale. Sliver technology is a candidate for the supply of commercial low‐cost cells suitable for systems with concentration ratios in the range of 5–50. This can be achieved via judicious choice of cell design parameters and with only minor changes to the fabrication process suitable for 1‐sun Sliver cells. Device modelling is used to show that Sliver cells are suitable for illumination intensities up to 5 W/cm2, with unavoidable emitter resistance limiting performance for higher intensities. The best cells manufactured for operation at low and medium concentration had efficiencies of 18·8% at 9 suns (above 18·6% between 5 and 15 suns) and 18·4% at 37 suns (above 18·2% between 30 and 50 suns), respectively. Incorporation of sidewall texturing and SiN anti‐reflection coatings would yield efficiencies exceeding 20% for similar cells. Concentrator Sliver cells can be produced to almost any length and are perfectly bifacial, features which add significantly to their attractiveness to concentrator system designers. The availability of cheap concentrator Sliver cells could provide opportunities for new, low‐cost concentrator systems, which in turn has the potential to provide a pathway to low‐cost solar electricity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliable hot‐spot classification in 10 ms using ultra‐fast lock‐in thermography
Authors: Kasemann Martin , Walter Benjamin , Warta Wilhelm 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe propose and demonstrate a reliable and non‐destructive spatially resolved measurement technique for ultra‐fast hot‐spot classification of solar cells. The method can deliver quantitative images of the local heat dissipation in hot‐spots in measurement times below 10 ms. The high accuracy and sensitivity allow for reliable hot‐spot testing and provide the basis for a reliable classification of solar cells into different hot‐spot categories. The method can be applied to wafer‐based silicon solar cells and in principle also to thin‐film solar cells of all material compositions. This paper explains the measurement principle, gives a detailed step‐by‐step description of viable automated evaluation procedures, and assesses the sensitivity and accuracy of the method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RSLpred: an integrative system for predicting subcellular localization of rice proteins combining compositional and evolutionary information
Authors: Kaundal Rakesh , Raghava Gajendra P. S. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe attainment of complete map‐based sequence for rice (Oryza sativa) is clearly a major milestone for the research community. Identifying the localization of encoded proteins is the key to understanding their functional characteristics and facilitating their purification. Our proposed method, RSLpred, is an effort in this direction for genome‐scale subcellular prediction of encoded rice proteins. First, the support vector machine (SVM)‐based modules have been developed using traditional amino acid‐, dipeptide‐ (i+1) and four parts‐amino acid composition and achieved an overall accuracy of 81.43, 80.88 and 81.10%, respectively. Secondly, a similarity search‐based module has been developed using position‐specific iterated‐basic local alignment search tool and achieved 68.35% accuracy. Another module developed using evolutionary information of a protein sequence extracted from position‐specific scoring matrix achieved an accuracy of 87.10%. In this study, a large number of modules have been developed using various encoding schemes like higher‐order dipeptide composition, N‐ and C‐terminal, splitted amino acid composition and the hybrid information. In order to benchmark RSLpred, it was tested on an independent set of rice proteins where it outperformed widely used prediction methods such as TargetP, Wolf‐PSORT, PA‐SUB, Plant‐Ploc and ESLpred. To assist the plant research community, an online web tool ‘RSLpred’ has been developed for subcellular prediction of query rice proteins, which is freely accessible at http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/rslpred.
Mass spectrometry‐based absolute quantification of microsomal cytochrome P450 2D6 in human liver
Authors: Langenfeld Elmar , Zanger Ulrich M. , Jung Klaus , Meyer Helmut E. , Marcus Katrin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe describe the assay of the human cytochrome P450 2D6 in a set of 30 genotyped liver samples using the ‘absolute quantification’ (AQUA) technique. We found approximately 30 fmol CYP2D6 per μg of microsomal protein, with the values spanning from 0 to nearly 80 fmol/μg. This is greater by a factor of 5–10 from the compared to the currently accepted value, which was around 5 fmol/μg. Our results thus suggest that the amount of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in liver have to be reassessed. We used quantitative Western blotting, calibration standards and activity assays, to validate the results. Our results show, that using the AQUA technique a true assay of CYP2D6 in human liver was possible.
The secreted salivary proteome of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum characterised by mass spectrometry
Authors: Carolan James C. , Fitzroy Carol I. J. , Ashton Peter D. , Douglas Angela E. , Wilkinson Thomas L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNine proteins secreted in the saliva of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum were identified by a proteomics approach using GE‐LC‐MS/MS and LC‐MS/MS, with reference to EST and genomic sequence data for A. pisum. Four proteins were identified by their sequences: a homolog of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (an M2 metalloprotease), an M1 zinc‐dependant metalloprotease, a glucose‐methanol‐choline (GMC)‐oxidoreductase and a homolog to regucalcin (also known as senescence marker protein 30). The other five proteins are not homologous to any previously described sequence and included an abundant salivary protein (represented by ACYPI009881), with a predicted length of 1161 amino acids and high serine, tyrosine and cysteine content. A. pisum feeds on plant phloem sap and the metalloproteases and regucalcin (a putative calcium‐binding protein) are predicted determinants of sustained feeding, by inactivation of plant protein defences and inhibition of calcium‐mediated occlusion of phloem sieve elements, respectively. The amino acid composition of ACYPI009881 suggests a role in the aphid salivary sheath that protects the aphid mouthparts from plant defences, and the oxidoreductase may promote gelling of the sheath protein or mediate oxidative detoxification of plant allelochemicals. Further salivary proteins are expected to be identified as more sensitive MS technologies are developed.
Reactions of O‐aryl S‐aryl dithiocarbonates with pyridines in aqueous ethanol: kinetics and mechanism
Authors: Castro Enrique A. , Gazitúa Marcela , Santos José G. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe reactions of O‐(4‐methylphenyl) S‐(4‐nitrophenyl) dithiocarbonate (1), O‐(4‐chlorophenyl) S‐(4‐nitrophenyl) dithiocarbonate (2), and O‐(4‐chlorophenyl) S‐phenyl) dithiocarbonate (3) with a series of pyridines were subjected to a kinetic investigation in 44 wt% ethanol–water, at 25.0 °C and an ionic strength of 0.2 M. The reactions were followed spectrophotometrically. Under amine excess, pseudo‐first‐order rate coefficients (kobs) were determined. For the studied reactions, plots of kobs versus free pyridine concentration at constant pH were linear, with the slope (kN) independent of pH. The Brønsted‐type plots for (1) and (2) were biphasic, suggesting a stepwise mechanism with a change in the rate‐determining step, from breakdown to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate (T±), as the basicity of the pyridines increases. For the reactions of (3), at the pKa range of the pyridines studied, only the breakdown to products of T± was observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometry of the group Diff(S1) of diffeomorphisms of the circle. Vector fields with divergence zero on the group of diffeomorphisms of the two dimensional torus
Authors: Airault H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAfter summarizing some results on the group of diffeomorphisms of the circle Diff(S1), we consider the group of diffeomorphisms of the two dimensional torus Diff(S1 × S1). We give an expression for the bracket of vector fields on this group. With the trigonometric functions sin and cos, we define a Hilbert transform on vector fields with vanishing divergence.
Targeted molecular dynamics reveals overall common conformational changes upon hybrid domain swing‐out in β3 integrins
Authors: Provasi Davide , Murcia Marta , Coller Barry S. , Filizola Marta 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe β3 integrin family members αIIβ3 and αVβ3 signal bidirectionally through long‐range allosteric changes, including a transition from a bent unliganded‐closed low‐affinity state to an extended liganded‐open high‐affinity state. To obtain an atomic‐level description of this transition in an explicit solvent, we carried out targeted molecular dynamics simulations of the headpieces of αIIβ3 and αVβ3 integrins. Although minor differences were observed between these receptors, our results suggest a common transition pathway in which the hybrid domain swing‐out is accompanied by conformational changes within the β3 βA (I‐like) domain that propagate through the α7 helix C‐terminus, and are followed by the α7 helix downward motion and the opening of the β6‐α7 loop. Breaking of contact interactions between the β6‐α7 loop and the α1 helix N‐terminus results in helix straightening, internal rearrangements of the specificity determining loop (SDL), movement of the β1‐α1 loop toward the metal ion dependent adhesion site (MIDAS), and final changes at the interfaces between the β3 βA (I‐like) domain and either the hybrid or the α β‐propeller domains. Taken together, our results suggest novel testable hypotheses of intradomain and interdomain interactions responsible for β3 integrin activation. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of NusG N‐terminal (NGN) domain from Methanocaldococcus jannaschii and its interaction with rpoE″
Authors: Zhou Huihao , Liu Qi , Gao Yongxiang , Teng Maikun , Niu Liwen 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTranscription in archaea employs a eukaryotic‐type transcription apparatus but uses bacterial‐type transcription factors. NusG is one of the few archaeal transcription factors whose orthologs are essential in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Archaeal NusG is composed of only an NusG N‐terminal (NGN) domain and a KOW domain, which is similar to bacterial NusG but not to the eukaryotic ortholog, Spt5. However, archaeal NusG was confirmed recently to form a complex with rpoE″ that was similar to the Spt5‐Spt4 complex. Thus, archaeal NusG presents hybrid features of Spt5 and bacterial NusG. Here we report the crystal structure of NGN from the archaea Methanocaldococcus jannaschii (MjNGN). MjNGN folds to an α‐β‐α sandwich without the appendant domain of bacterial NGNs, and forms a unique homodimer in crystal and solution. MjNGN alone was found to be sufficient for rpoE″ binding and an MjNGN‐rpoE″ model has been constructed by rigid docking. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the origin of the catalytic power of carboxypeptidase A and other metalloenzymes
Authors: Kilshtain Alexandra Vardi , Warshel Arieh 
Published: April 2009

AbstractZinc metalloenzymes play a major role in key biological processes and carboxypeptidase‐A (CPA) is a major prototype of such enzymes. The present work quantifies the energetics of the catalytic reaction of CPA and its mutants using the empirical valence bond (EVB) approach. The simulations allow us to quantify the origin of the catalytic power of this enzyme and to examine different mechanistic alternatives. The first step of the analysis used experimental information to determine the activation energy of each assumed mechanism of the reference reaction without the enzyme. The next step of the analysis involved EVB simulations of the reference reaction and then a calibration of the simulations by forcing them to reproduce the energetics of the reference reaction, in each assumed mechanism. The calibrated EVB was then used in systematic simulations of the catalytic reaction in the protein environment, without changing any parameter. The simulations reproduced the observed rate enhancement in two feasible general acid‐general base mechanisms (GAGB‐1 and GAGB‐2), although the calculations with the GAGB‐2 mechanism underestimated the catalytic effect in some treatments. We also reproduced the catalytic effect in the R127A mutant. The mutation calculations indicate that the GAGB‐2 mechanism is significantly less likely than the GAGB‐1 mechanism. It is also found, that the enzyme loses all its catalytic effect without the metal. This and earlier studies show that the catalytic effect of the metal is not some constant electrostatic effect, that can be assessed from gas phase studies, but a reflection of the dielectric effect of the specific environment. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.