bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of local adverse events by gender following cardiac catheterization
Authors: Tavris Dale R. , Gallauresi Beverly Albrecht , Dey Syamal , Brindis Ralph , Mitchel Kristi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurposeTo assess the reason for the relative high risk of local complications for women following cardiac catheterization by evaluating the associations between gender, sheath size, and local adverse outcomes following cardiac catheterization.MethodsThe data used in this study were obtained from a portion of the American College of Cardiology‐National Cardiovascular Data Registry™ (ACC‐NCDR™), which included 13 878 patients who underwent cardiac catheterization at one of 59 participating cardiac catheterization institutions throughout the United States during late 2003. Rates of serious local vascular adverse events were calculated by gender following cardiac catheterization, by type of vascular hemostasis used, stratified by arterial sheath size.ResultsSerious local vascular events were reported in 3.54% of patients, most commonly hematoma (2.00%). The relative risk for women of any vascular complication was 1.40 [95%CI = 1.17, 1.67, p = 0.0002]. A statistically significant relative risk for woman was evident when collagen plug devices or manual compression alone were used as the first method for hemostasis. The rate of vascular complications increased progressively with increasing sheath size, more so in women than in men.ConclusionsHigh relative risk for women of local vascular complications following cardiac catheterization was demonstrated with use of manual compression, as well as with collagen plug devices to control femoral artery bleeding. Large sheath size is associated with both a relatively high absolute risk and a high relative risk for women. Knowledge of this information should be considered by interventional cardiologists in making decisions on how to achieve hemostasis following cardiac catheterization. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanostructured thermoset epoxy resin templated by an amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) diblock copolymer
Authors: Guo Qipeng , Chen Fei , Wang Ke , Chen Ling 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAn amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PEO–PDMS) diblock copolymer was used to template a bisphenol A type epoxy resin (ER); nanostructured thermoset blends of ER and PEO–PDMS were prepared with 4,4′‐methylenedianiline (MDA) as the curing agent. The phase behavior, crystallization, hydrogen‐bonding interactions, and nanoscale structures were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The uncured ER was miscible with the poly(ethylene oxide) block of PEO–PDMS, and the uncured blends were not macroscopically phase‐separated. Macroscopic phase separation took place in the MDA‐cured ER/PEO–PDMS blends containing 60–80 wt % PEO–PDMS diblock copolymer. However, the composition‐dependent nanostructures were formed in the cured blends with 10–50 wt % PEO–PDMS, which did not show macroscopic phase separation. The poly(dimethylsiloxane) microdomains with sizes of 10–20 nm were dispersed in a continuous ER‐rich phase; the average distance between the neighboring microdomains was in the range of 20–50 nm. The miscibility between the cured ER and the poly(ethylene oxide) block of PEO–PDMS was ascribed to the favorable hydrogen‐bonding interaction. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3042–3052, 2006
Structural investigations of poly(amido amine) dendrimers in methanol using molecular dynamics
Authors: Opitz Armin W. , Wagner Norman J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe molecular structure of poly(amido amine) dendrimers is investigated with molecular dynamics simulations using the Amber 7 modeling package. A method for defining residues for complex molecules is developed, and it enables the study of the effects of protonation of the primary and tertiary amines. The effects of implicit solvents versus explicit solvents as well as the pH of the solution on the molecular structure are calculated. Good agreement with experimental results for the radius of gyration measured in methanol by X‐ray scattering is observed for simulations with an explicit solvent and protonation of the primary amines. Calculations of the intramolecular atomistic pair correlation function show a dense core, as well as the presence of voids filled with the solvent inside the molecule. The primary amines (end groups) are shown to access the molecular interior by backfolding. Comparisons with experiments and other reported simulation results highlight the advantages of the approach developed here. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 3062–3077, 2006
Influence of Portland cement amendment on soil pH and residual soil termiticide performance
Authors: Richman Dina L , Tucker Cynthia L , Koehler Philip G 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSoil adjacent to new brick veneer work is likely to have a higher pH owing to the mixture of cement with the soil. In the Gainesville, FL, area, soil samples taken from such locations had a range of pH values from 9.0 to 10.1; similar soils used in bioassays had a pH of 5.6 before the addition of cement. Addition of 15 mg of Portland cement to 33 g of soil increased the pH to 6, and addition of 291 mg of Portland cement increased the pH to 9. The pH of soil amended with cement was stable for the first 5 months. After 10 months, soil pH values decreased from alkaline to near neutral in all cases. Eastern subterranean termite workers, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), were exposed to the treated soil at pH 6–9 for 24 h, and percentage mortality was recorded at 5 days, 5 months and 10 months. Termite mortality significantly decreased at higher soil pHs for bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, fipronil and imidacloprid treatments at 5 months and similarly for bifenthrin, permethrin, chlorpyrifos, fipronil and imidacloprid treatments at 10 months. There was an inverse linear relationship between soil pH and mortality. Increased soil pH diminished residual activity of termiticide in the following order: imidacloprid > fipronil > chlorpyrifos = bifenthrin > permethrin > cypermethrin. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of novel inhibitors of Helicoverpa aminopeptidases as anti‐insect agents
Authors: Duncan Ann‐Maree , Ren Hua , Bound Fleur , Tully Jon , Chandler David S , Sandeman R Mark 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHelicoverpa species present problems worldwide as pests on a variety of agricultural crops. In Australia, the costs of controlling H. armigera (Hübn.) and H. punctigera (Wall.) are a major burden on the cotton industry, and novel mechanisms are continually sought to combat these pests. Potential new targets for insecticides are the digestive proteases of the insect, including the aminopeptidases (APs). A variety of compounds, designed to be similar in structure to known AP inhibitors, were synthesized and screened for activity in inhibiting H. armigera larval growth and AP activity. The most effective compounds in both assays proved to be hydroxamic acids and methylphosphonic acids. Compounds that incorporated both of these groups were also found to have significant potential as control agents. The most inhibitory compounds included valine methylphosphonic acid and a leucine methylphosphonic acid/hydroxamic acid derivative. The valine methylphosphonic acid compound was tested further in vitro, with the aim of producing a new active capable of restricting the viability of Helicoverpa populations on commercial crops. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel α‐conotoxins identified by gene sequencing from cone snails native to Hainan, and their sequence diversity
Authors: Luo Sulan , Zhangsun Dongting , Zhang Ben , Quan Yaru , Wu Yong 
Published: September 2006

AbstractConotoxins (CTX) from the venom of marine cone snails (genus Conus) represent large families of proteins, which show a similar precursor organization with surprisingly conserved signal sequence of the precursor peptides, but highly diverse pharmacological activities. By using the conserved sequences found within the genes that encode the α‐conotoxin precursors, a technique based on RT‐PCR was used to identify, respectively, two novel peptides (LiC22, LeD2) from the two worm‐hunting Conus species Conus lividus, and Conus litteratus, and one novel peptide (TeA21) from the snail‐hunting Conus species Conus textile, all native to Hainan in China. The three peptides share an α4/7 subfamily α‐conotoxins common cysteine pattern (CCX4CX7C, two disulfide bonds), which are competitive antagonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChRs). The cDNA of LiC22N encodes a precursor of 40 residues, including a propeptide of 19 residues and a mature peptide of 21 residues. The cDNA of LeD2N encodes a precursor of 41 residues, including a propeptide of 21 residues and a mature peptide of 16 residues with three additional Gly residues. The cDNA of TeA21N encodes a precursor of 38 residues, including a propeptide of 20 residues and a mature peptide of 17 residues with an additional residue Gly. The additional residue Gly of LeD2N and TeA21N is a prerequisite for the amidation of the preceding C‐terminal Cys. All three sequences are processed at the common signal site ‐X‐Arg‐ immediately before the mature peptide sequences. The properties of the α4/7 conotoxins known so far were discussed in detail. Phylogenetic analysis of the new conotoxins in the present study and the published homologue of α4/7 conotoxins from the other Conus species were performed systematically. Patterns of sequence divergence for the three regions of signal, proregion, and mature peptides, both nucleotide acids and residue substitutions in DNA and peptide levels, as well as Cys codon usage were analyzed, which suggest how these separate branches originated. Percent identities of the DNA and amino acid sequences of the signal region exhibited high conservation, whereas the sequences of the mature peptides ranged from almost identical to highly divergent between inter‐ and intra‐species. Notably, the diversity of the proregion was also high, with an intermediate percentage of divergence between that observed in the signal and in the toxin regions. The data presented are new and are of importance, and should attract the interest of researchers in this field. The elucidated cDNAs of these toxins will facilitate a better understanding of the relationship of their structure and function, as well as the process of their evolutionary relationships. Copyright © 2006 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Limit laws for embedded trees: Applications to the integrated superBrownian excursion
Authors: Bousquet‐Mélou Mireille 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe study three families of labeled plane trees. In all these trees, the root is labeled 0 and the labels of two adjacent nodes differ by 0,1, or −1.One part of the paper is devoted to enumerative results. For each family, and for all j ∈ ℕ, we obtain closed form expressions for the following three generating functions: the generating function of trees having no label larger than j; the (bivariate) generating function of trees, counted by the number of edges and the number of nodes labeled j; and finally the (bivariate) generating function of trees, counted by the number of edges and the number of nodes labeled at least, j. Strangely enough, all these series turn out to be algebraic, but we have no combinatorial intuition for this algebraicity.The other part of the paper is devoted to deriving limit laws from these enumerative results. In each of our families of trees, we endow the trees of size n with the uniform distribution and study the following random variables: Mn, the largest label occurring in a (random) tree; Xn(j), the number of nodes labeled j; and X(j), the number of nodes labeled j or more. We obtain limit laws for scaled versions of these random variables.Finally, we translate the above limit results into statements dealing with the integrated superBrownian excursion. In particular, we describe the law of the supremum of its support (thus recovering some earlier results obtained by Delmas) and the law of its distribution function at a given point. We also conjecture the law of its density (at a given point). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Covariates missing by design: comparison of the efficient score to other weighted methods
Authors: D'Angelo Gina , Weissfeld Lisa 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper addresses the modelling of missing covariate data with the logistic regression model. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the properties of an efficient score for logistic regression in a two‐phase design. Simulation studies show that the efficient score is more efficient than two other pseudo‐likelihood methods when the correlation between the missing covariate and its surrogate is high or the sampling proportion is small. These methods are illustrated with data from the National Wilms Tumor Study Group. Results from the example confirm the simulation study findings with the exception that the pseudo‐likelihood approach produces more reliable estimates than the weighted pseudo‐likelihood approach. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of optimal dynamic anticoagulation regimes from observational data: a regret‐based approach
Authors: Rosthøj Susanne , Fullwood Catherine , Henderson Robin , Stewart Syd 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA complication of long‐term anticoagulation is that the optimal dose level varies not only between patients but over time within patients, in response to short‐term changes in lifestyle. Consequently, doseage needs to be adaptive but there are as yet no accepted decision rules. Since anticoagulant use is increasing worldwide there is a need for more objective and routine procedures. In this paper, we describe an analysis of observational longitudinal anticoagulant data, aimed at determining an optimal reactive dose‐changing strategy. We use the regret parameterization approach advocated by Murphy (J. R. Stat. Soc. Ser. B 2003; 65:331–366). Practical problems encountered in the implementation of the approach are discussed and illustrated. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of CdS Nanoparticle Necklaces with Functionalized Dendronized Polymers
Authors: Zhang Yanhong , Chen Yongming , Niu Haijun , Gao Mingyuan 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA one‐dimensional assembly of cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles was prepared by using functionalized polymers with pendant Fréchet‐type dendritic wedges of different generation. The novel dendronized polymers acted as both nanoreactors for the formation of CdS nanoparticles and a template to arrange the nanoparticles into a necklace. The polymers of different dendron generation were applied to stabilize CdS particles and the effect of dendron size was observed. CdS nanoparticle necklaces were obtained successfully when polymers bearing second‐generation dendrons were applied.
Synthesis and Characterization of Highly Ordered Cobalt–Magnetite Nanocable Arrays
Authors: Daly Brian , Arnold Donna C. , Kulkarni Jaideep S. , Kazakova Olga , Shaw Matthew T. , Nikitenko Sergey , Erts Donats , Morris Michael A. , Holmes Justin D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMagnetically tunable, high‐density arrays of coaxial nanocables within anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes have been synthesized. The nanocables consist of magnetite nanowires surrounded by cobalt nanotube sheaths and cobalt nanowires surrounded by magnetite nanotube sheaths. These materials are a combination of separate hard (Co) and soft (Fe3O4) magnetic materials in a single nanocable structure. The combination of two or more magnetic materials in such a radial structure is seen as a very powerful tool for the future fabrication of magnetoresistive, spin‐valve and ultrafast spin‐injection devices with nonplanar geometries. The nanocable arrays were prepared using a supercritical‐fluid inclusion process, whereby the nanotube was first deposited onto the pore walls of the nanoporous membranes and subsequently filled with core material to form coaxial nanocables. In essence, this paper describes a technique for placing novel magnetic technologies into well‐defined building blocks that may ultimately lead to new multifunctional devices, such as spin valves and high‐density magnetic storage devices.
Lessons learned from unsuccessful modelling interventions
Authors: Eskinasi Martijn , Fokkema Eppie 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper reports several related failures of modelling interventions. Atrivé, an organizational consulting company, set out to adapt a canonical housing association model named ITS to the specific circumstances of its clients. The ITS adaptation process, however, demonstrated rather annoying dynamics and finally had to be terminated due to negative business results. This paper provides a background on the relevance of failure case studies and ventures into the symptoms and warning signs. We reflect on a systems thinking intervention within Atrivé to learn from these experiences and improve business strategy. The problems encountered correspond to several archetypes. We end this paper by summarizing several known and one possibly new factor in explaining failure of modelling projects and pose several questions for further research. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causation and constitution in system dynamics: modelling a socially constituted world
Authors: van der Smagt Ton 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThis paper discusses the claim that System Dynamics models are unable to represent constitutional change. They do represent state transitions, but not constitutional transitions. Because the latter kind of transitions is the rule rather than the exception in the study of social phenomena, this inability has serious consequences. First of all, it leads to a neglect of constitutional issues; causal models blind us for constitutional change. Secondly, and even more seriously, it implies a direct threat to the validity of the causal models, themselves. These consequences are discussed and illustrated by referring to two case studies. Finally, the question is discussed of whether Group Model Building handles constitutional issues any better than System Dynamics does. Although Group Model Building does contribute important epistemological insights, it fails, just as is the case in System Dynamics, to deal with constitutional change. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concomitant administration of Moringa oleifera seed powder in the remediation of arsenic‐induced oxidative stress in mouse
Authors: Gupta Richa , Dubey D.K. , Kannan G.M. , Flora S.J.S. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractContamination of ground water by arsenic has become a cause of global public health concern. In West Bengal, India, almost 6 million people are endemically exposed to inorganic arsenic by drinking heavily contaminated groundwater through hand‐pumped tube wells. No safe, effective and specific preventive or therapeutic measures for treating arsenic poisoning are available. We recently reported that some of the herbal extracts possess properties effective in reducing arsenic concentration and in restoring some of the toxic effects of arsenic in animal models. Moringa oleifera Lamarack (English: Horseradish‐tree, Drumstick‐tree, Hindi: Saijan, Sanskrit: Shigru) belongs to the Moringaceae family, is generally known in the developing world as a vegetable, a medicinal plant and a source of vegetable oil.The objective of the present study was to determine whether Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) seed powder could restore arsenic induced oxidative stress and reduce body arsenic burden. Exposure to arsenic (2.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 6 weeks) led to a significant increase in the levels of tissue reactive oxygen species (ROS), metallothionein (MT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) which were accompanied by a decrease in the activities in the antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in mice. Arsenic exposed mice also exhibited liver injury as reflected by reduced acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and altered heme synthesis pathway as shown by inhibited blood δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ‐ALAD) activity.Co‐administration of M. oleifera seed powder (250 and 500 mg/kg, orally) with arsenic significantly increased the activities of SOD, catalase, GPx with elevation in reduced GSH level in tissues (liver, kidney and brain). These changes were accompanied by approximately 57%, 64% and 17% decrease in blood ROS, liver metallothionein (MT) and lipid peroxidation respectively in animal co‐administered with M. oleifera and arsenic. Another interesting observation has been the reduced uptake of arsenic in soft tissues (55% in blood, 65% in liver, 54% in kidneys and 34% in brain) following administration of M. oleifera seed powder (particularly at the dose of 500 mg/kg). It can thus be concluded from the present study that concomitant administration of M. oleifera seed powder with arsenic could significantly protect animals from oxidative stress and in reducing tissue arsenic concentration. Administration of M. oleifera seed powder thus could also be beneficial during chelation therapy with a thiol chelator.
Emotional and Domestic Territories: The Positionality of Women as Reflected in the Landscape of the Home in Contemporary South Asian Women's Writings
Authors: LAU LISA 
Published: September 2006

The division of domestic space within South Asian households is indicative, and even reflective, of the social status of South Asian women. This article argues the dependence of South Asian women's positionality upon their position within the confines of the home, making a case for the correlation between women's domestic roles and their (self and social) identities.Through an analysis of the contemporary literature written by South Asian women, this article will analyse the joint family system, with its particular gendered spaces and hierarchies of power, exploring how these dictate and limit the interaction of its members, and pattern the relationships formed within them.The positionality of second wives will also be investigated, to trace exactly how the newcomers establish themselves in relatively hostile environments. The body language of the women will be paid particularly close attention, as much of what is being investigated is often not directly verbalised.This article also examines how the private spaces of home can be both sanctuary and prison for South Asian women. It will be seen that for South Asian women, not only their identities, but their survival, may be dependent on their successful staking out of positions within their domestic territories.