bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty analysis of statistical downscaling methods using Canadian Global Climate Model predictors
Authors: Khan Mohammad Sajjad , Coulibaly Paulin , Dibike Yonas 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThree downscaling models, namely the Statistical Down‐Scaling Model (SDSM), the Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS‐WG) model and an artificial neural network (ANN) model, have been compared in terms of various uncertainty attributes exhibited in their downscaled results of daily precipitation, daily maximum and minimum temperature. The uncertainty attributes are described by the model errors and the 95% confidence intervals in the estimates of means and variances of downscaled data. The significance of those errors has been examined by suitable statistical tests at the 95% confidence level. The 95% confidence intervals in the estimates of means and variances of downscaled data have been estimated using the bootstrapping method and compared with the observed data. The study has been carried out using 40 years of observed and downscaled daily precipitation data and daily maximum and minimum temperature data, starting from 1961 to 2000. In all the downscaling experiments, the simulated predictors of the Canadian Global Climate Model (CGCM1) have been used. The uncertainty assessment results indicate that, in daily precipitation downscaling, the LARS‐WG model errors are significant at the 95% confidence level only in a very few months, the SDSM errors are significant in some months, and the ANN model errors are significant in almost all months of the year. In downscaling daily maximum and minimum temperature, the performance of all three models is similar in terms of model errors evaluation at the 95% confidence level. But, according to the evaluation of variability and uncertainty in the estimates of means and variances of downscaled precipitation and temperature, the performances of the LARS‐WG model and the SDSM are almost similar, whereas the ANN model performance is found to be poor in that consideration. Further assessment of those models, in terms of skewness and average dry‐spell length comparison between observed and downscaled daily precipitation, indicates that the downscaled daily precipitation skewness and average dry‐spell lengths of the LARS‐WG model and the SDSM are closer to the observed data, whereas the ANN model downscaled precipitation underestimated those statistics in all months. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A distributed monthly hydrological model for integrating spatial variations of basin topography and rainfall
Authors: Chen Xi , Chen Yongqin David , Xu Chong‐yu 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHydrological models at a monthly time‐scale are important tools for hydrological analysis, such as in impact assessment of climate change and regional water resources planning. Traditionally, monthly models adopt a conceptual, lumped‐parameter approach and cannot account for spatial variations of basin characteristics and climatic inputs. A large requirement for data often severely limits the utility of physically based, distributed‐parameter models. Based on the variable‐source‐area concept, we considered basin topography and rainfall to be two major factors whose spatial variations play a dominant role in runoff generation and developed a monthly model that is able to account for their influences in the spatial and temporal dynamics of water balance. As a hybrid of the Xinanjiang model and TOPMODEL, the new model is constructed by innovatively making use of the highly acclaimed simulation techniques in the two existing models. A major contribution of this model development study is to adopt the technique of implicit representation of soil moisture characteristics in the Xinanjiang model and use the TOPMODEL concept to integrate terrain variations into runoff simulation. Specifically, the TOPMODEL topographic index ln(a/tanβ) is converted into an index of relative difficulty in runoff generation (IRDG) and then the cumulative frequency distribution of IRDG is used to substitute the parabolic curve, which represents the spatial variation of soil storage capacity in the Xinanjiang model. Digital elevation model data play a key role in the modelling procedures on a geographical information system platform, including basin segmentation, estimation of rainfall for each sub‐basin and computation of terrain characteristics. Other monthly data for model calibration and validation are rainfall, pan evaporation and runoff. The new model has only three parameters to be estimated, i.e. watershed‐average field capacity WM, pan coefficient η and runoff generation coefficient α. Sensitivity analysis demonstrates that runoff is least sensitive to WM and, therefore, it can be determined by a prior estimation based on the climate and soil properties of the study basin. The other two parameters can be determined using optimization methods. Model testing was carried out in a number of nested sub‐basins of two watersheds (Yuanjiang River and Dongjiang River) in the humid region in central and southern China. Simulation results show that the model is capable of describing spatial and temporal variations of water balance components, including soil moisture content, evapotranspiration and runoff, over the watershed. With a minimal requirement for input data and parameterization, this terrain‐based distributed model is a valuable contribution to the ever‐advancing technology of hydrological modelling. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomechanical evaluation of the interfacial strength of a chemically modified sandblasted and acid‐etched titanium surface
Authors: Ferguson S.J. , Broggini N. , Wieland M. , de Wild M. , Rupp F. , Geis‐Gerstorfer J. , Cochran D.L. , Buser D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe functional capacity of osseointegrated dental implants to bear load is largely dependent on the quality of the interface between the bone and implant. Sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces have been previously shown to enhance bone apposition. In this study, the SLA has been compared with a chemically modified SLA (modSLA) surface. The increased wettability of the modSLA surface in a protein solution was verified by dynamic contact angle analysis. Using a well‐established animal model with a split‐mouth experimental design, implant removal torque testing was performed to determine the biomechanical properties of the bone–implant interface. All implants had an identical cylindrical shape with a standard thread configuration. Removal torque testing was performed after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of bone healing (n = 9 animals per healing period, three implants per surface type per animal) to evaluate the interfacial shear strength of each surface type. Results showed that the modSLA surface was more effective in enhancing the interfacial shear strength of implants in comparison with the conventional SLA surface during early stages of bone healing. Removal torque values of the modSLA‐surfaced implants were 8–21% higher than those of the SLA implants (p = 0.003). The mean removal torque values for the modSLA implants were 1.485 N m at 2 weeks, 1.709 N m at 4 weeks, and 1.345 N m at 8 weeks; and correspondingly, 1.231 N m, 1.585 N m, and 1.143 N m for the SLA implants. The bone–implant interfacial stiffness calculated from the torque–rotation curve was on average 9–14% higher for the modSLA implants when compared with the SLA implants (p = 0.038). It can be concluded that the modSLA surface achieves a better bone anchorage during early stages of bone healing than the SLA surface; chemical modification of the standard SLA surface likely enhances bone apposition and this has a beneficial effect on the interfacial shear strength. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2006
Effect of pH and temperature on the ion‐exchange isotherm of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on clinoptilolite
Authors: Berber‐Mendoza Maria Selene , Leyva‐Ramos Roberto , Alonso‐Davila Pedro , Mendoza‐Barron Jovita , Diaz‐Flores Paola Elizabeth 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe ion‐exchange equilibrium of Pb(II) and Cd(II) on clinoptilolite from different deposits was studied in this work. The Langmuir isotherm fitted the ion‐exchange equilibrium data of both ions better than the Freundlich isotherm. The capacity of the natural zeolite to exchange Cd(II) and Pb(II) increased, augmenting the solution pH. This behaviour was attributed to the interactions between the ions in solution and the surface charge of the zeolite. Moreover, the capacity of the natural zeolite to exchange Cd(II) and Pb(II) was increased when the temperature was raised from 15 to 35 °C. This tendency was explained by assuming that the ion exchange was an endothermic reaction. The selectivity of the zeolite for the metal cations decreased in the following order: Pb(II) > Cd(II). This order was not modified while reducing the solution pH, but the zeolite selectivity was increased. At pH 2 the selectivity of the zeolite for Pb(II) was nearly three times larger than at pH 4. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of the fracture behavior of polyethylene using measured cohesive curves. I: Effects of constraint and rate
Authors: Ting S.K.M. , Williams J.G. , Ivankovic A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe damage and failure mechanisms in polyethylene are investigated using a circumferentially notched tensile specimen subject to constant rate displacement conditions. The fracture process can be quantified, independent of the bulk deformation, using a local traction–separation relation. The study found that the mechanisms of deformation under quasi‐static test speeds depend on the degree of crack tip constraint in addition to rate. This dependency can lead to contrasting deformation‐failure behavior between different grades of polyethylene and hence the overall energy dissipation process. Based on this approach, both gross and subtle differences in the fracture behavior between the grades were readily detected and differentiated. In general, the damage mechanisms changed from a brittle mode under conditions of high constraint to a ductile mode as the level of constraint is reduced. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:763–777, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Polydiphenylsiloxane–polydimethylsiloxane–polydiphenylsiloxane triblock copolymers
Authors: Gädda Thomas M. , Weber William P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPolydiphenylsiloxane–polydimethylsiloxane–polydiphenylsiloxane triblock copolymers were prepared by two methods. The first approach was the sequential addition of the monomers. The anionic polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane initiated by dilithio diphenylsilanolate gave α,ω‐bis(lithio dimethylsilanolate)polydimethylsiloxane, which was added to hexaphenylcyclotrisiloxane at ∼120 °C to yield the desired triblock material. In the other, a convergent approach was used. Excess α‐vinyldimethylsiloxypolydiphenylsiloxane was coupled to α,ω‐bis(hydrido)polydimethylsiloxane by a Pt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction to give the triblock material. The formation of distinct blocks with regular microstructures in these materials was confirmed by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR spectroscopy as well as differential scanning calorimetry. The molecular weights were determined by gel permeation chromatography, and the thermal stabilities were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to confirm thermal transitions obtained by differential scanning calorimetry and to evaluate the mechanical properties of the materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3629–3639, 2006
Living free‐radical polymerization of sterically hindered monomers: Improving the understanding of 1,1‐disubstituted monomer systems
Authors: Szablan Zachary , Toy Andrew Ah , Terrenoire Alexandre , Davis Thomas P. , Stenzel Martina H. , Müller Axel H. E. , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe sterically hindered, 1,1‐disubstituted monomers di‐n‐butyl itaconate (DBI), dicyclohexyl itaconate (DCHI), and dimethyl itaconate (DMI) were polymerized with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) free‐radical polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Cumyl dithiobenzoate, cumyl phenyl dithioacetate, 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate, 4‐cyanopentanoic acid dithiobenzoate, and S‐methoxycarbonylphenylmethyl dithiobenzoate were employed as RAFT agents to mediate a series of polymerizations at 60 °C yielding polymers ranging in their number‐average molecular weight from 4500 to 60,000 g mol−1. The RAFT polymerizations of these hindered monomers displayed hybrid living behavior (between conventional and living free‐radical polymerization) of various degrees depending on the molecular structure of the initial RAFT agent. In addition, DCHI was polymerized via ATRP with a CuCl/methyl benzoate/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine/cyclohexanone system at 60 °C. Both the ATRP and RAFT polymerization of the hindered monomers displayed living characteristics; however, broader than expected molecular weight distributions were observed for the RAFT systems (polydispersity index = 1.15–3.35). To assess the cause of this broadness, chain‐transfer‐to‐monomer constants for DMI, DBI, and DCHI were determined (1.4 × 10−3, 1.3 × 10−3, and 1.0 × 10−3, respectively) at 60 °C. Simulations carried out with the PREDICI program package suggested that chain transfer to monomer contributed to the broadening process. In addition, the experimental results indicated that viscosity had a pronounced effect on the broadness of the molecular weight distributions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3692–3710, 2006
Deconvolution filters to enhance resolution of dense time‐of‐flight survey spectra in the time‐lag optimization range
Authors: Malyarenko Dariya I. , Cooke William E. , Tracy Eugene R. , Trosset Michael W. , Semmes O. John , Sasinowski Maciek , Manos Dennis M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBy applying time‐domain filters to time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry signals, we have simultaneously smoothed and narrowed spectra resulting in improved resolution and increased signal‐to‐noise ratios. This filtering procedure has an advantage over detailed curve fitting of spectra in the case of large dense spectra, when neither the location nor the number of mass peaks is known a priori. This time series method is directly applicable in the time lag optimization range, where point density per peak is constant. We present a systematic methodology to optimize the filters according to any desired figure of merit, illustrating the procedure by optimizing the signal‐to‐noise per unit bandwidth of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) data. We also introduce a nonlinear filter that reduces the spurious structure that often accompanies deconvolution filters. The net result of the application of these filters is that we can identify new structures in dense MALDI‐TOF data, clearly showing small adducts to heavy biomolecules. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring the dispersal of saproxylic insects: a key characteristic for their conservation
Authors: Ranius Thomas 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn the discipline of nature conservation it is important to understand under which circumstances populations can survive by compensating local extinctions with colonizations. Many saproxylic (= wood‐dwelling) insect species have declining populations and are regarded as threatened due to low habitat availability in managed forests. Several methods have been used to better understand the dispersal biology and colonization ability of saproxylic insects with declining populations. The present article summarizes and compares the results of such studies. When the same species have been studied using several methods, the results are consistent, but different aspects of dispersal biology are revealed with different methods. Capture‐recapture and telemetry are direct methods that can be used to quantify dispersal rate and range in the field. Studies of genetic structure and occupancy patterns are complementary, as they reveal the consequences of dispersals that have taken place over a larger spatial and temporal scale than is possible to study with direct methods. Because colonization, rather than dispersal, is important for population persistence, colonization experiments provide useful information. To obtain information relevant for conservation work, dispersal studies should be conducted on model species that are representative of threatened species. Colonization ability probability differs between common and rare species, and therefore it is important to also study the dispersal of rare species, even if it is more difficult.
Effect of Boswellia serrata on intestinal motility in rodents: inhibition of diarrhoea without constipation
Authors: Borrelli Francesca , Capasso Francesco , Capasso Raffaele , Ascione Valeria , Aviello Gabriella , Longo Rocco , Izzo Angelo A 
Published: April 2006

Clinical studies suggest that the Ayurvedic plant Boswellia serrata may be effective in reducing diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of a Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (BSE) on intestinal motility and diarrhoea in rodents.
BSE depressed electrically‐, acetylcholine‐, and barium chloride‐induced contractions in the isolated guinea‐pig ileum, being more potent in inhibiting the contractions induced by acetylcholine and barium chloride.
The inhibitory effect of BSE on acetylcholine‐induced contractions was reduced by the L‐type Ca2+ channel blockers verapamil and nifedipine, but not by the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid, by the phosphodiesterase type IV inhibitor rolipram or by the lipoxygenase inhibitor zileuton.
3‐acetyl‐11‐keto‐β‐boswellic acid, one of the main active ingredients of B. serrata, inhibited acetylcholine‐induced contractions.
BSE inhibited upper gastrointestinal transit in croton oil‐treated mice as well as castor oil‐induced diarrhoea. However, BSE did not affect intestinal motility in control mice, both in the small and in the large intestine.
It is concluded that BSE directly inhibits intestinal motility with a mechanism involving L‐type Ca2+ channels. BSE prevents diarrhoea and normalizes intestinal motility in pathophysiological states without slowing the rate of transit in control animals. These results could explain, at least in part, the clinical efficacy of this Ayurvedic remedy in reducing diarrhoea in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 553–560. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706740
Inhibition of stimulated meningeal blood flow by a calcitonin gene‐related peptide binding mirror‐image RNA oligonucleotide
Authors: Denekas Thomas , Tröltzsch Markus , Vater Axel , Klussmann Sven , Messlinger Karl 
Published: April 2006

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) released from trigeminal afferents is known to play an important role in the control of intracranial blood flow. In a rat preparation with exposed cranial dura mater, periods of electrical stimulation induce increases in meningeal blood flow. These responses are due to arterial vasodilatation mediated in part by the release of CGRP. In this preparation, the effect of a CGRP‐binding mirror‐image oligonucleotide (Spiegelmer NOX‐C89) was examined.
Spiegelmer NOX‐C89 applied topically at concentrations between 10−7and 10−5 M to the exposed dura mater led to a dose‐dependent inhibition of the electrically evoked blood flow increases. The highest dose reduced the mean increases in flow to 56% of the respective control levels. A nonfunctional control Spiegelmer (not binding to CGRP) was ineffective in changing blood flow increases. Intravenous injection of NOX‐C89 (5 mg kg−1) reduced the evoked blood flow increases to an average of 65.5% of the control. The basal blood flow was not changed by any of the applied substances.
In addition, an ex vivo preparation of the hemisected rat skull was used to determine CGRP release from the cranial dura mater caused by antidromic activation of meningeal afferents. In this model, 10−6 M of NOX‐C89 reduced the evoked CGRP release by about 50%.
We conclude that increases in meningeal blood flow due to afferent activation can be reduced by sequestering the released CGRP and thus preventing it from activating vascular CGRP receptors. Moreover, the Spiegelmer NOX‐C89 may inhibit CGRP release from meningeal afferents. Therefore, the approach to interfere with the CGRP/CGRP receptor system by binding the CGRP may open a new opportunity for the therapy of diseases that are linked to excessive CGRP release such as some forms of primary headaches.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 148, 536–543. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706742
Clinical relevance of cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis of acquired aplastic anaemia in adults
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Brooker Carol , Tooze Jennifer A. , Yi Qi‐long , Sage Deborah , Turner David , Kangasabapathy Pamela , Marsh Judith C. W. 
Published: April 2006

SummaryThe outcome of 81 adult aplastic anaemia patients who had successful cytogenetics at diagnosis and received immunosuppressive therapy was evaluated. Ten patients had an abnormal karyotype, six of which had a trisomy. Four of five evaluable patients with a trisomy responded. One patient with monosomy 7 achieved a complete response and later developed haemolytic paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria but no recurrence of monosomy 7. None of the patients with a non‐numerical karyotypic abnormality responded. No significant differences in survival or later clonal disorders were observed between patients with a normal karyotype and those with an abnormal karyotype.
Disorders of menstruation and their effect on the quality of life in women with congenital factor VII deficiency
Authors: KULKARNI A. , LEE C. A. , GRIFFEON A. , KADIR R. A. 
Published: April 2006

Summary. Aims and objectives To review menstrual problems in women with congenital FVII deficiency and to study their effect on the quality of life during menstruation in women with congenital FVII deficiency.Method 14 women with congenital factor VII deficiency registered with the Haemophilia Centre at the Royal Free Hospital were interviewed and their case notes reviewed. All women completed Pictorial Blood assessment Chart (PBAC) for assessment of menstrual blood loss and a quality of life questionnaire during menstruation. Similar questionnaire and PBAC was completed by an age matched healthy control group of 23 women.Results Median age of study group was 35 yrs and of control group 34 yrs. Median FVII level of the study group was 31.5 IU/dL Two women had severe FVII deficiency (FVII level < 10 IU/dL) and 12 women had mild‐moderate FVII deficiency. 57% women (8/14) from study group had menorrhagia (PBAC score > 100) compared with 17% (4/23) women from the control group. Six women (43%) from the study group were diagnosed with anaemia due to heavy periods, compared to two (9%) in the control group. The quality of life scores during menstruation were significantly worse in the women with FVII deficiency, compared to controls.Conclusion Women with factor VII deficiency exhibit a spectrum of bleeding symptoms, menorrhagia being one of the commonest symptoms. This has adverse effect on their quality of life.