bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Properties of 2,3‐Dialkynyl‐1,4‐benzoquinones
Authors: Hammershøj Peter , Reenberg Theis K. , Pittelkow Michael , Nielsen Christian B. , Hammerich Ole , Christensen Jørn B. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAlkynyl substituents can be used to tune the acceptor properties of benzoquinones due to their slight electron‐withdrawing abilities. Applications of new acceptors rely on efficient and practical synthetic procedures. Herein we describe a general and convenient approach for the synthesis of 2,3‐dialkynyl‐1,4‐benzoquinones using a combination of regiospecific aromatic substitution, Sonogashira cross‐couplings and mild CAN oxidation chemistry. The regiochemical outcome of the synthetic protocol was verified by X‐ray crystallography of two compounds. Cyclic voltammetry, UV/Vis and DFT calculations on three derivatives show that the symmetrical dialkynyl‐substituted benzoquinones are attractive acceptors.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
An Efficient Route to Stable Room‐Temperature Liquid‐Crystalline Triphenylenes
Authors: Bock Harald , Rajaoarivelo Mbolotiana , Clavaguera Simon , Grelet Éric 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFourfold 2,3,6,10‐alkoxycarbonyl‐substituted triphenylenes are synthesised in five concise steps from 4‐methylcyclohexanone by selective monoformylation of 2,6,10‐trimethyltriphenylene, followed by oxidation in aqueous dichromate solution. Their low symmetry leads to mesogenic self assembly in a columnar liquid‐crystalline state at or near room temperature, depending on the choice of alkyl group. These materials unite several properties that are desirable in charge‐transporting thin films for organic optoelectronics: room‐temperature self assembly into structures of good charge mobility and high viscosity, low electron density in the aromatic core, smooth synthetic access, and optical transparency. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006)
Statistical aspects of rainfall fields in Southern Italy during a rain enhancement experiment
Authors: Orasi A. , Lasinio G. Jona 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn this paper, attention is focused on data quality control and exploratory analysis of a large data set built for the evaluation of a rain enhancement project. The properties and characteristics of the rainfall process are studied from a statistical perspective. Data come from a high‐density pluviometric network and this provided a large data set allowing detailed examination of the spatial and temporal structure of rainfall on several scales. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Markov chain models for extreme wind speeds
Authors: Fawcett Lee , Walshaw David 
Published: April 2006

AbstractUnderstanding and quantifying the behaviour of extreme wind speeds has important applications for design in civil engineering. As in the extremal analysis of any environmental process, estimates are often required of the probability of events that are rarer than those already recorded. Consequently, research has focused on the development of techniques that make optimal use of the available data. One such approach lies inthreshold methods, which, unlike the more traditional annual maxima approach to the modelling of extremes, takes into considerationallextreme events, extreme in the sense that they exceed some high threshold. However, the implications of using all extremes in an analysis include problems of temporal dependence and non‐stationarity. Several pragmatic ways of circumventing the problem of temporal dependence have been developed, though these often include the deletion of many extreme observations, for example, filter out a set of independent extremes. This paper looks at another approach to inference—one which explicitlymodelsthe temporal dependence of the process and so can use information onallextremes—and investigates the appropriateness of assumptions of short‐term temporal dependence for wind speeds. We also examine the success of such methods at estimating some extreme events commonly studied for wind‐speed data. Throughout this paper extreme wind speeds are analysed within a Bayesian framework, which can be argued to be particularly advantageous for extreme value analyses. For example, the objective of an extreme value analysis is usually an estimate of the probability of future events reaching extreme levels—something which is handled quite naturally in a Bayesian analysis throughpredictive distributions. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of a new homozygous deletion in the tumor suppressor region at 3p12.3 reveals two novel intronic noncoding RNA genes
Authors: Angeloni Debora , ter Elst Arja , Wei Ming Hui , van der Veen Anneke Y. , Braga Eleonora A. , Klimov Eugene A. , Timmer Tineke , Korobeinikova Luba , Lerman Michael I. , Buys Charles H.C.M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractHomozygous deletions or loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at human chromosome band 3p12 are consistent features of lung and other malignancies, suggesting the presence of a tumor suppressor gene(s) (TSG) at this location. Only one gene has been cloned thus far from the overlapping region deleted in lung and breast cancer cell lines U2020, NCI H2198, and HCC38. It is DUTT1 (Deleted in U Twenty Twenty), also known as ROBO1, FLJ21882, and SAX3, according to HUGO. DUTT1, the human ortholog of the fly gene ROBO, has homology with NCAM proteins. Extensive analyses of DUTT1 in lung cancer have not revealed any mutations, suggesting that another gene(s) at this location could be of importance in lung cancer initiation and progression. Here, we report the discovery of a new, small, homozygous deletion in the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cell line GLC20, nested in the overlapping, critical region. The deletion was delineated using several polymorphic markers and three overlapping P1 phage clones. Fiber‐FISH experiments revealed the deletion was approximately 130 kb. Comparative genomic sequence analysis uncovered short sequence elements highly conserved among mammalian genomes and the chicken genome. The discovery of two EST clusters within the deleted region led to the isolation of two noncoding RNA (ncRNA) genes. These were subsequently found differentially expressed in various tumors when compared to their normal tissues. The ncRNA and other highly conserved sequence elements in the deleted region may represent miRNA targets of importance in cancer initiation or progression. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improving the power of association tests for quantitative traits in family studies
Authors: Diao G. , Lin D.Y. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAssociation mapping based on family studies can identify genes that influence complex human traits while providing protection against population stratification. Because no gene is likely to have a very large effect on a complex trait, most family studies have limited power. Among the commonly used family‐based tests of association for quantitative traits, the quantitative transmission‐disequilibrium tests (QTDT) based on the variance‐components model is the most flexible and most powerful. This method assumes that the trait values are normally distributed. Departures from normality can inflate the type I error and reduce the power. Although the family‐based association tests (FBAT) and pedigree disequilibrium tests (PDT) do not require normal traits, nonnormality can also result in loss of power. In many cases, approximate normality can be achieved by transforming the trait values. However, the true transformation is unknown, and incorrect transformations may compromise the type I error and power. We propose a novel class of association tests for arbitrarily distributed quantitative traits by allowing the true transformation function to be completely unspecified and empirically estimated from the data. Extensive simulation studies showed that the new methods provide accurate control of the type I error and can be substantially more powerful than the existing methods. We applied the new methods to the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism and discovered significant association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) tsc0022400 on chromosome 7 with the quantitative electrophysiological phenotype TTTH1, which was not detected by any existing methods. We have implemented the new methods in a freely available computer program. Genet. Epidemiol. 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thymosin β4 promotes matrix metalloproteinase expression during wound repair
Authors: Philp Deborah , Scheremeta Brooke , Sibliss Kedesha , Zhou Min , Fine Esther L. , Nguyen Mychi , Wahl Larry , Hoffman Matthew P. , Kleinman Hynda K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractImmobilized patients, diabetics, and the elderly suffer from impaired wound healing. The 43‐amino acid angiogenic peptide thymosin β4 (Tβ4) has previously been found to accelerate dermal wound repair in rats, aged mice, and db/db diabetic mice. It also promotes corneal repair in both normal rats and mice. Because proteinases are important in wound repair, we hypothesized that Tβ4 may regulate matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in cells that are involved in wound repair. Analysis by RT‐PCR of whole excised mouse dermal wounds on days 1, 2, and 3 after wounding showed that Tβ4 increased several metalloproteinases, including MMP‐2 and ‐9 expression by several‐fold over control on day 2 after wounding. We further analyzed the metalloproteinases secreted in response to exogenous Tβ4 by cells normally present in the wound. Western blot analysis of cultured keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts that were treated with increasing concentrations of Tβ4 showed increases in the levels of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐9 in a cell‐specific manner. Tβ4 also enhanced the secretion of MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 by activated monocytes. The central actin‐binding domain, amino acids 17–23, had all of the activity for metalloproteinase induction. We conclude that part of the wound healing activity of Tβ4 resides in its ability to increase proteinase activity via its central actin‐binding domain. Thus, Tβ4 may play a pivotal role in extracellular matrix remodeling during wound repair. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term benefits of membership in microfinance programmes
Authors: Menon Nidhiya 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study studies the benefits of membership in microfinance programmes, and examines whether membership in these programmes is an effective instrument in smoothing inter‐seasonal consumption. We hypothesise that the benefits to participation accrue differentially over time, as more experienced participants are better equipped on their own to minimise per capita consumption fluctuations. Using an Euler equation approach, we show that consumption differentials across seasons are inversely related to length of membership. Estimates from the gender‐stratified model suggest that for a female participant, 1 year of membership reduces the percentage change in per capita consumption, caused by a unit shock, by 6 per cent. We present simulation results confirming that as length of membership increases, the ‘certainty equivalent’ of the participant decreases. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct simultaneous determination of eight sweeteners in foods by capillary isotachophoresis
Authors: Herrmannová Michaela , Křivánková Ludmila , Bartoš Martin , Vytřas Karel 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA method for isotachophoretic determination of sweeteners of different character in candies and chewing gums was developed. A capillary of 0.8 mm ID and 90 mm effective length made of fluorinated ethylene‐propylene copolymer is filled with an electrolyte system consisting of 10 mM HCl + 14 mM Tris, pH 7.7 (leading electrolyte) and 5 mM L‐histidine + 5 mM Tris, pH 8.3 (terminating electrolyte). The analysis is performed at a driving current of 200 μA and for detection current is decreased to 100 μA. Boric acid is added to the aqueous sample solution to form borate complexes with substances of polyhydroxyl nature and make them migrate isotachophoretically. Using conductivity detection, the calibration curves in the tested concentration range up to 2.5 mM were linear for all components of interest: acesulfame K, saccharine, aspartame, cyclamate, sorbitol, mannitol, lactitol, and xylitol. The concentration detection limits ranged between 0.024 and 0.081 mM. Good precision of the ITP method is evidenced by favorable RSD values ranging from 0.8 to 2.8% obtained at the analyte concentration of 1.0 mM (n = 6). The analysis time was about 20 min. Simplicity, accuracy, and low cost of analyses make ITP an alternative procedure to methods used so far for the determination of ionizable sweeteners.
Branched Polyethylenes by Cationic Benzyl Zirconium Heteroscorpionate Complexes: Role of the Borate Anion
Authors: Cuomo Cinzia , Milione Stefano , Grassi Alfonso 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSummary: A comparative study of the performances of (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2) activated with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C][B(C6F5)4] in ethylene polymerisation pointed out that the steric properties of the metal complex and the boron activator affect the productivity of the catalyst and, more remarkably, the microstructure of the polyethylenes produced. A polymerisation mechanism accounting for these results has been proposed.Structure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).magnified imageStructure of two heteroscorpionate zirconium complexes (bpzmp)ZrBz3 (1) and (hppzm)ZrBz3 (2).
AGET ATRP in the Presence of Air in Miniemulsion and in Bulk
Authors: Min Ke , Jakubowski Wojciech , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSummary: The recently developed initiation system, activators generated by electron transfer (AGET), is used in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in the presence of a limited amount of air. Ascorbic acid and tin(II) 2‐ethylhexanoate are used as reducing agents in miniemulsion and bulk, respectively. An excess of reducing agent consumes the oxygen present in the system and, therefore, provides a deoxygenated environment for ATRP. ATRP of butyl acrylate is successfully carried out in miniemulsion and in the presence of air. During polymerization the radical concentration remains constant. The polymerization reaches over 60% monomer conversion after 6 h, which results in polymers with a predetermined molecular weight $\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 14 000 g · mol−1 and a low polydispersity ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.23). AGET ATRP of styrene is also successful in bulk in the presence of air, as evidenced by linear semi‐logarithmic kinetics, which leads to polystyrene with an $\overline M _{\rm n}$ of 13 400 g · mol−1 and a low polydispersity index ($\overline M _{\rm w} /\overline M _{\rm n}$ = 1.14).Appearance of miniemulsion before and after the reducing agent ascorbic acid was added (left); and GPC traces representing molecular weights during the AGET ATRP of BA in miniemulsion in the presence of air (right).magnified imageAppearance of miniemulsion before and after the reducing agent ascorbic acid was added (left); and GPC traces representing molecular weights during the AGET ATRP of BA in miniemulsion in the presence of air (right).
The Morphology and Dynamics of Substrate Effects on Spinodal Decomposition in Binary Mixtures with Short‐Range Potential
Authors: Yan Li‐Tang , Xie Xu‐Ming 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSummary: The SDSD of binary mixture with short‐range potential is numerically simulated in 3D by cell dynamic system (CDSs), focusing on the phase morphology and dynamics in the parallel cross‐sections. The formation mechanism and growth law of the wetting layer are analyzed taking thermal noise effects into account. The simulated results show that the phase inversion in the parallel cross‐sections can be observed near the substrate interface. Without thermal noise, the growth law of the wetting layer is simply logarithmic. However, when the strength of thermal noise is large enough, the LS growth law can be found for a short‐range surface field. The results demonstrate that thermal noise can increase the extent of phase separation and lead to a transformation between partial and complete wetting for the substrate interface. The evolution of the phase in the parallel cross‐sections obeys the LS growth law and is self‐similar regardless of the effects of thermal noise.Simulated pattern evolution at different values of z at τ = 1 000 with G = 0.magnified imageSimulated pattern evolution at different values of z at τ = 1 000 with G = 0.
Vertically restrictive pricing in supply chains with price‐dependent demand
Authors: Liu Yong , Fry Michael J. , Raturi Amitabh S. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe examine the behavior of a manufacturer and a retailer in a decentralized supply chain under price‐dependent, stochastic demand. We model a retail fixed markup (RFM) policy, which can arise as a form of vertically restrictive pricing in a supply chain, and we examine its effect on supply chain performance. We prove the existence of the optimal pricing and replenishment policies when demand has a linear additive form and the distribution of the uncertainty component has a nondecreasing failure rate. We numerically compare the relative performance of RFM to a price‐only contract and we find that RFM results in greater profit for the supply chain than the price‐only contract in a variety of scenarios. We find that RFM can lead to Pareto‐improving solutions where both the supplier and the retailer earn more profit than under a price‐only contract. Finally, we compare RFM to a buyback contract and explore the implications of allowing the fixed markup parameter to be endogenous to the model. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006.
Hands‐on or hands‐off? Anti‐corruption agencies in action, donor expectations, and a good enough reality
Authors: Doig Alan , Watt David , Williams Robert 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe article reviews a number of reports and articles on both the roles and purpose of Anti‐Corruption Agencies or Commissions (ACC) to set the context for its empirical research. The research draws on field visits to two African countries (Ghana and Uganda) in 1999, and visits to these and three further African countries (Tanzania, Malawi and Zambia) in 20041 to study agencies whose remit includes anti‐corruption work—to consider the relevance and reality of the issues and themes raised in the review. The visits to Ghana and Uganda offer, for the first time, longitudinal perspectives on the development of ACCs and donor involvement.While the research generally confirms issues raised in the review, this perspective provides the basis for the development of three hypotheses new to the study of ACCs. These are: is there, paradoxically, an adverse impact on the development of ACCs as a consequence of mounting pressure from donors for anti‐corruption results; whether the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) is the most relevant ACC model; and whether better results may be achieved with sequenced or less donor involvement using ACCs and other organisations? This clearly has practitioner and policy relevance for the future role and development of existing ACCs within current circumstances and for decisions on the creation of new ACCs.

The agencies visited in 2004 were those with a responsibility for addressing corruption: the Anti‐Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Malawi; the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Uganda; the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (GHRAJ) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Ghana; the Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCB), Tanzania; the Anti‐Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia. The agencies in Ghana and Uganda were previously visited in 1999.
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of spiritual retreats in higher education: the necessity for, and difficulties with, reflection on lasting values in a new public management context
Authors: Lips‐Wiersma Marjolein 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis article describes the results of an in depth grounded theory (GT) study on the role of retreats in a higher education organisation. The research objective is to study the impact of 2‐day spiritual retreats, offered to employees, on the individual and the organisation. It was found that there is significant value in an organisation providing employees with structured reflection time. The retreats enable employees to become (re) acquainted with self and prioritise deeper values, make conscious choices based on such values and re‐assess balance between different roles and priorities. The benefit to the organisation is an appreciation for, and understanding of, fellow workers as well as enhanced loyalty. Furthermore, directors reported that employees became pro‐active in taking steps to align work and values. This study empirically substantiates the importance of an organisation taking responsibility for employees reconnecting with their values, particularly in a New Public Management context. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public good or private good? The paradox of public and private ethics in the context of developing countries
Authors: Hellsten Sirkku , Larbi George A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis article questions the view that corruption is part of the features of collectivist cultures. Whilst acknowledging that there are cultural differences in ethical and social norms, it argues that corruption is more likely due to social and economic realities and the disconnection between societal values and the values of formal public institutions. Also the failing of public trust leads into communitarian solidarity‐networks within a state, which strive for the common good of particular social collectives rather than the national public good. In designing strategies to improve ethics and control corruption in the public sector we need to understand the social and economic conditions under which public duty and the ethical standards required from them tend to compete with the private moral commitments and social obligations of officials. The article suggests using civic education to diffuse the values of public service, and the rights and obligations of citizenship more widely in society. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABCD survey of self‐awareness of cardiovascular risk amongst consultant diabetologists in the UK
Authors: Winocour PH 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe objective of this survey was to examine self‐reported measures of cardiovascular health amongst consultant diabetologists in the United Kingdom.An anonymised postal questionnaire was sent to all 598 identified consultant diabetologists in the United Kingdom: 185 responses (31% response rate) were available for data analyses.The results showed that smoking was reported by only 4%, but higher than recommended alcohol intake was reported by 23% of males, and by 8% of females. Over 70% reported regular moderate exercise, but a minority consumed at least five daily portions of fruit and vegetables (17%), and at least four weekly portions of red meat (24%). At least twice‐weekly fish intake was consumed by over half (52%), but salt was routinely added to food by over 30%. Only 30% were aware of their estimated 10‐year risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and less than 60% were aware of their blood glucose or cholesterol level. Those considered to be at greater CVD risk (older age, men, overweight–obese, adverse family history, non‐Europid origin) were no more likely to follow a healthy lifestyle and in some instances appeared to have more adverse measures or behaviour (e.g. more frequent excess red meat intake amongst older or overweight individuals).It was concluded that consultant diabetologists in the UK do not practise what they preach. In particular, those likely to have higher CVD risk often have a more adverse lifestyle and are no more aware of measures of CVD risk. This may be important not only for their individual health, but might be reflected in attitudes to CVD prevention and readiness to utilise cardioprotective therapies in regular clinical care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.