bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forcing highly connected subgraphs
Authors: Stein Maya Jakobine 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA theorem of Mader states that highly connected subgraphs can be forced in finite graphs by assuming a high minimum degree. We extend this result to infinite graphs. Here, it is necessary to require not only high degree for the vertices but also high vertex‐degree (or multiplicity) for the ends of the graph, that is, a large number of disjoint rays in each end. We give a lower bound on the degree of vertices and the vertex‐degree of the ends which is quadratic in k, the connectedness of the desired subgraph. In fact, this is not far from best possible: we exhibit a family of graphs with a degree of order 2k at the vertices and a vertex‐degree of order k log k at the ends which have no k‐connected subgraphs.Furthermore, if in addition to the high degrees at the vertices, we only require high edge‐degree for the ends (which is defined as the maximum number of edge‐disjoint rays in an end), Mader's theorem does not extend to infinite graphs, not even to locally finite ones. We give a counterexample in this respect. But, assuming a lower bound of at least 2k for the edge‐degree at the ends and the degree at the vertices does suffice to ensure the existence (k + 1)‐edge‐connected subgraphs in arbitrary graphs. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 54: 331–349, 2007
3D‐T1ρ quantitation of patellar cartilage at 3.0T
Authors: Pakin S. Kubilay , Schweitzer Mark E. , Regatte Ravinder R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractPurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of three‐dimensional (3D) T1ρ‐weighted imaging of human knee joint at 3.0T without exceeding the specific absorption rate (SAR) limits and the measurement of the baseline T1ρ values of patellar cartilage and several muscles at the knee joint.Materials and Methods3D gradient‐echo sequence with a self‐compensating spin‐lock pulse cluster of 250 Hz power was used to acquire 3D‐T1ρ‐weighted images of the knee joint of five healthy subjects. Global and regional analysis of patellar cartilage T1ρ were performed. Furthermore, T1ρ of several periarticular muscles were analyzed.ResultsThe global average T1ρ value of the patellar cartilage varied from 39 to 43 msec. The regional average T1ρ values varied from 38 to 42 msec, and from 42 to 44 msec for medial and lateral facets, respectively. In vivo reproducibility of average T1ρ of patellar cartilage was found to be 5% (coefficient of variation). Similarly, the global average T1ρ values for biceps femoris, lateral gastrocnemius, medial gastrocnemius, and sartorius varied between 31–46, 29–49, 35–48, and 32–50 msec, respectively.ConclusionWe demonstrated the feasibility of 3D‐T1ρ‐weighted imaging of the knee joint at 3.0T without exceeding SAR limits. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ultrasonography of the tibial nerve in vasculitic neuropathy
Authors: Ito Takao , Kijima Masanori , Watanabe Takashi , Sakuta Manabu , Nishiyama Kazutoshi 
Published: October 2006

AbstractUltrasonography is a new imaging method for visualizing peripheral nerves. In vasculitic neuropathy, pain or axonopathy often can prevent the lesion from being localized during electrophysiological examinations, but the ability of ultrasonography to evaluate it morphologically is unknown. Our aim was to determine whether ultrasonography could be used to detect abnormalities in tibial vasculitic neuropathy at the medial ankle. We evaluated 11 tibial nerves in 8 patients with tibial vasculitic neuropathy, and 35 tibial nerves in 35 control subjects. In the controls, the tibial nerve was successfully visualized as a hyperechoic nodule with multiple round hypoechoic areas transversely; in the patients, the tibial nerve appeared enlarged and hypoechoic. The affected nerve area was significantly larger (13.5 ± 3.7 mm2) than in controls (7.2 ± 1.5 mm2). Our results suggest that ultrasonography is a useful neuroimaging method for evaluation of tibial vasculitic neuropathy, especially when nerve conduction study findings are inconclusive. Muscle Nerve, 2006
Developmental regulation of sensory axon regeneration in the absence of growth cones
Authors: Jones Steven L. , Selzer Michael E. , Gallo Gianluca 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe actin filament (F‐actin) cytoskeleton is thought to be required for normal axon extension during embryonic development. Whether this is true of axon regeneration in the mature nervous system is not known, but a progressive simplification of growth cones during development has been described and where specifically investigated, mature spinal cord axons appear to regenerate without growth cones. We have studied the cytoskeletal mechanisms of axon regeneration in developmentally early and late chicken sensory neurons, at embryonic day (E) 7 and 14 respectively. Depletion of F‐actin blocked the regeneration of E7 but not E14 sensory axons in vitro. The differential sensitivity of axon regeneration to the loss of F‐actin and growth cones correlated with endogenous levels of F‐actin and growth cone morphology. The growth cones of E7 axons contained more F‐actin and were more elaborate than those of E14 axons. The ability of E14 axons to regenerate in the absence of F‐actin and growth cones was dependent on microtubule tip polymerization. Importantly, while the regeneration of E7 axons was strictly dependent on F‐actin, regeneration of E14 axons was more dependent on microtubule tip polymerization. Furthermore, E14 axons exhibited altered microtubule polymerization relative to E7, as determined by imaging of microtubule tip polymerization in living neurons. These data indicate that the mechanism of axon regeneration undergoes a developmental switch between E7 and E14 from strict dependence on F‐actin to a greater dependence on microtubule polymerization. Collectively, these experiments indicate that microtubule polymerization may be a therapeutic target for promoting regeneration of mature neurons. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol, 2006
Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of transition metal chelated thiourea‐formaldehyde resin
Authors: Ahamad Tansir , Kumar Vikrant , Nishat Nahid 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA polymeric ligand (thiourea‐formaldehyde resin ‐ TUFR) bearing nitrogen and sulfur donor groups was synthesized by the polycondensation of thiourea and formaldehyde in acidic medium and its polychelates were prepared in alcoholic solution of metal ions such as Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). The TUFR polymeric ligand and its TUFR‐M(II) polychelates were characterized with micro‐analytical analysis and spectral studies. The FTIR spectra of polychelates indicated that the metal ions were coordinated through the sulfur of the thionyl (CS) groups and formed a covalent bond with the nitrogen of the NH groups. Electronic spectra, electronic spin resonance (ESR) spectra and magnetic moments revealed that the polychelates of Mn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) were octahedral; however, Cu(II) and Zn(II) polychelates were square‐planar and tetrahedral, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that the polychelates were more stable than the corresponding ligand. The antimicrobial activities of all the compounds against several bacteria and fungi were also investigated by using the agar well diffusion method. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and characterization of poly(fluorene‐co‐alt‐phenylene) containing 1,3,4‐oxadiazole dendritic pendants
Authors: Wu Chung‐Wen , Sung Hsiao‐Hsien , Lin Hong‐Cheu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA series of poly(fluorene‐co‐alt‐phenylene)s containing various generations of dendritic oxadiazole (OXD) pendent wedges were synthesized by the Suzuki polycondensation of OXD‐functionalized 1,4‐dibromophenylene with 9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diboronic ester. The obtained polymers possessed excellent solubility in common solvents and good thermal stability. Photophysical studies showed that the dendronized polymers appended with higher generations of OXD dendrons exhibited enhanced photoluminescence efficiencies and narrower values of the full width at half‐maximum. This was attributed to the shielding effect induced by the bulky dendritic OXD side chains, which prevented self‐quenching and suppressed the formation of aggregates/excimers. The energy transfer from the OXD dendrons to the polymer backbones was very efficient when excitation of the peripheral OXD dendrons resulted mainly in the polymer backbone emission alone. In particular, the photoluminescence emission intensities by the sensitized excitations of OXD dendrons in solid films of the polymers were all stronger than those by the direct excitations of their polymer conjugated backbones. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6765–6774, 2006
Synthesis of graft copolymer by ATRP of MMA from poly(phenylacetylene)
Authors: Miura Yozo , Okada Machiko 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe present report describes the synthesis of a densely grafted copolymer consisting of a rigid main chain and flexible side chains by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from an ATRP initiator‐bearing poly(phenylacetylene) [poly(BrPA)]. Poly(BrPA) was obtained by the polymerization of 4‐ethynylbenzyl‐2‐bromoisobutyrate using [Rh(NBD)Cl]2 in the presence of Et3N. The 1H NMR spectrum showed that poly(BrPA) was in the cis‐transoid form. Upon heating at 30 °C for 24 h the cis‐transoid form was maintained. ATRP of MMA from the poly(BrPA) was carried out at 30 °C using CuX (X = Br, Cl) as the catalyst and N,N,N′,N′,N′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as the ligand, and the resulting graft copolymers were investigated with 1H NMR and SEC. To analyze the graft structure in more detail, the graft copolymers were hydrolyzed with KOH and the resultant poly(MMA) part was investigated with 1H NMR and SEC. The polydispersity indexes of 1.25–1.45 indicated that the graft copolymers have well‐controlled side chains. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 6697–6707, 2006
Cytoreductive Surgery Combined with Intraperitoneal Chemohyperthermia for the Treatment of Advanced Colon Cancer
Authors: Zanon Claudio , Bortolini Massimiliano , Chiappino Isabella , Simone Paolo , Bruno Francesco , Gaglia Piero , Airoldi Mario , DeRiu Leonorda , Mashiah Alon 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundChemohyperthermic peritoneal perfusion (CHPP) after extensive cytoreductive surgery is a possible choice as a regional treatment for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). The multicentric France EVOCAPE 1 study demonstrated that the median overall survival of patients with colon peritoneal carcinomatosis subjected to conventional surgical and/or chemotherapeutic treatment was 5.2 months. Historically, mitomycin C is the drug of choice in the treatment of intraperitoneal carcinomatosis from colon cancer.MethodsTwenty‐five patients affected by stage IV colon cancer with only peritoneal involvement and a prior completion of at least a partial first cycle of systemic chemotherapeutic and/or surgical treatment (24 patients) were enrolled. Immediately following extensive cytoreductive surgery, early postoperative closed abdomen CHPP was performed.ResultsComplete surgical cytoreduction (CC0–CC1) was obtained in 22 patients. Postoperative mortality was 1 out of 25 (4%). Major postoperative morbidity was 6 out of 25 (24%). Median overall survival estimated by Kaplan–Meier curve was 30.3 months. Locoregional progression‐free survival was 17.3 months. Of all the patients 64% and 40% were alive after 1 and 2 years respectively.ConclusionsIn referral centers CHPP after optimal surgical debulking is a safe procedure for peritoneal carcinomatosis from colonic cancer. Locoregional control was obtained in the majority of the pretreated patients and 1‐year survival was statistically improved. A closed abdomen CHPP procedure lasting 1 hour and standard mitomycin C at a dosage of 15 mg/m2 is probably as efficacious as other hyperthermic procedures, using higher mitomycin C dosages, with a comparable or lower number of cases of side effects. These results, as in other published phase II studies, justify future randomized trials to assess definitively the role of CHPP in the treatment of locally advanced colon neoplasms in western countries.
Outcomes Following Laparoscopic Versus Open Repair of Incisional Hernia
Authors: Sains Parvinder S. , Tilney Henry S. , Purkayastha Sanjay , Darzi Ara W. , Athanasiou Thanos , Tekkis Paris P. , Heriot Alexander G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes for patients undergoing laparoscopic or open surgery for incisional hernia repair using meta‐analytical techniques.MethodsA literature search was performed to identify comparative studies reporting outcomes on laparoscopic versus open surgery for incisional hernia repair. A random‐effect meta‐analytical model was used and subgroup analysis performed on high‐quality studies, those reporting on more than 30 patients, and those published since 2000.ResultsFive studies, with a total of 351 patients, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Laparoscopic surgery was attempted in 148 (42.2%) patients. Overall, in the laparoscopic group, operative time was significantly longer—by 12.0 minutes (P = 0.03) and length of stay reduced by 3.3 days (P < 0.003) although this finding was associated with significant heterogeneity between studies (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the short‐term adverse events between the groups, but there were fewer wound infections for laparoscopic patients in high‐quality studies [odds ratio (OR) = 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05, 0.85, P = 0.03] and those reporting on more than 30 patients (OR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.84, P = 0.03). No difference in hernia recurrence was shown in the overall or subgroup analysis.ConclusionsLaparoscopic incisional hernia repair was associated with a reduced length of stay and lower wound infection rate. The impact on post‐operative quality of life and financial implications needs further prospective, validated evaluation.
Drug injecting and syringe use in the HIV risk environment of Russian penitentiary institutions: qualitative study
Authors: Sarang Anya , Rhodes Tim , Platt Lucy , Kirzhanova Valentina , Shelkovnikova Olga , Volnov Venyamin , Blagovo Dmitri , Rylkov Andrei 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTBackground  Evidence highlights the prison as a high risk environment in relation to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmsission associated with injecting drug use.Methods  We undertook qualitative studies among 209 injecting drug users (IDUs) in three Russian cities: Moscow (n = 56), Volgograd (n = 83) and Barnaul in western Siberia (n = 70).Results  Over three‐quarters (77%) reported experience of police arrest related to their drug use, and 35% (55% of men) a history of imprisonment or detention. Findings emphasize the critical role that penitentiary institutions may play as a structural factor in the diffusion of HIV associated with drug injection in the Russian Federation. While drugs were perceived to be generally available in penitentiary institutions, sterile injection equipment was scarce and as a consequence routinely shared, including within large groups. Attempts to clean borrowed needles or syringes were inadequate, and risk reduction was severely constrained by a combination of lack of injecting equipment availability and punishment for its possession. Perceptions of relative safety were also found to be associated with assumptions of HIV negativity, resulting from a perception that all prisoners are HIV tested upon entry with those found HIV positive segregated.Conclusion  This study shows an urgent need for HIV prevention interventions in the Russian penitentiary system.
Using cervical mucus and other easily observed biomarkers to identify ovulation in prospective pregnancy trials
Authors: Zinaman Michael J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryTo help fulfil the objectives of prospective studies of pregnancy and human development, such as the National Children’s Study, there is a need to pinpoint ovulation and conception in a cohort of women. This paper discusses the suitability of using natural and easily observed markers of ovulation for detection of the most likely day of ovulation and conception. Of the biomarkers supported by clinical data, the use of cervical mucus is emphasised as it appears most promising. A considerable amount of data suggests that observation of changes in vaginal discharge from cervical mucus can closely approximate the day of ovulation, is easy to learn and suitable for a large group of women. While this approach could also be cost‐effective, a significant drawback may be the learning phase which may take 2–3 instructional sessions for women to fully identify recurring changes across the menstrual cycle.
Workshop recommendations for the preconception cohort of the National Children’s Study
Authors: Selevan Sherry G. , Stanford Joseph B. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThis paper summarises discussions on incorporating preconception recruitment in the National Chidren’s Study (NCS); these were part of the workshop on Expanding Methodologies for Capturing Day‐Specific Probabilities of Conception. Four key issues were discussed in relation to the NCS: (1) differences between pregnancy ‘planners’ and ‘non‐planners’; (2) a tiered approach to preconception data collection; (3) data gaps in preconception studies; and (4) assessment of early pregnancy in subsequent pregnancies for women with a child already in the study. Practical recommendations were developed for each theme, which have relevance for other prospective studies of conception, pregnancy and human development.
Lack of galectin‐3 involvement in murine intestinal nematode and schistosome infection
Authors: BICKLE Q. , HELMBY H. 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY Many parasitic helminths produce large quantities of glycosylated proteins, some if which are believed to be involved in the skewing towards the dominant Th2 response observed during helminth infection. Galectin‐3 is a member of a family of lectin‐binding proteins produced by many different types of immune cells, including macrophages. Galectin‐3 recognizes the GalNAcβ1‐4GlcNAc (LDN) epitope present on many helminth antigens, including those of the schistosome eggs. Here we show that galectin‐3 is not involved in the development of the Th2 response nor in schistosome granuloma formation. Galectin‐3‐deficient mice were able to expel the gastrointestinal nematode Trichuris muris at the same speed as wild‐type mice. Expulsion of T. muris is known to be dependent on a Th2 immune response and galectin‐3‐deficient mice showed no defect in their ability to produce Th2 cytokines or in their antibody responses, compared to wild‐type mice. Furthermore, galectin‐3‐deficient mice were also able to mount a Th2 response to Schistosoma mansoni infection and they exhibited normal hepatic granuloma formation. The data presented here demonstrate that galectin‐3 is not a critical component in the development of Th2 responses during helminth infection in vivo, nor is it essential for schistosome egg granuloma formation.
Community response to intermittent preventive treatment delivered to infants (IPTi) through the EPI system in Manhiça, Mozambique
Authors: Pool Robert , Munguambe Khatia , Macete Eusebio , Aide Pedro , Juma Geraldina , Alonso Pedro , Menendez Clara 
Published: October 2006

SummaryObjective  To describe attitudes to the expanded programme on immunization (EPI) and intermittent preventive treatment in infants (IPTi), and perceptions of the relationship between them. In particular, whether the introduction of IPTi negatively affects community attitudes to, or use of, EPI; or, conversely, whether and if so how, the concurrent delivery of IPTi and immunization influences perceptions of IPTi.Methods  Anthropological study carried out in the context of a trial of IPTi with sulphadoxine–pyrimethamine delivered alongside routine EPI vaccinations. We used open in‐depth interviews, semi‐structured interviews and participant observation, conducted in both community and clinic settings.Results  IPTi was generally acceptable, in spite of initial resistance. Perceived negative aspects of IPTi did not affect perceptions of EPI, and IPTi was not misinterpreted as immunization against malaria, leading to a reduction of other preventive measures or delay in treatment seeking. Initial resistance was related more to the trial than to IPTi per se, but both rejection and acceptance were embedded in a complex constellation of local and wider contextual factors.Conclusions  IPTi delivered together with EPI was generally accepted after initial rejection. The factors that led to this rejection were largely local and trial related, but they did resonate with much wider cultural themes (rumours about research and health interventions, gender inequality and health‐related decision making). The prior acceptance and routine administration of EPI played a key role in the acceptance of IPTi in this community. However, more studies, in different social and cultural settings and using different drugs and regimens, are needed before generalizations can be made. Although trial settings are different from actual implementation, it is necessary to study acceptability before implementation in order to anticipate problems and design information campaigns to ensure maximum community acceptance.Keywords  malaria , Mozambique , IPTi , EPI , acceptability , rumours
Impact of repeated mass treatment on human Oesophagostomum and hookworm infections in northern Ghana
Authors: Ziem Juventus B. , Magnussen Pascal , Olsen Annette , Horton John , Asigri Von L. L. , Polderman Anton M. 
Published: October 2006

Summary Oesophagostomum bifurcum is a common parasite of humans causing disease in parts of northern Ghana and northern Togo. The impact of repeated mass treatment with albendazole on infection with O. bifurcum and hookworm is analysed and the results compared with those in a control area where no treatment was given. At baseline, O. bifurcum and hookworm prevalences were 53.0% and 86.9%, respectively (n = 1011). After 12 months, following two rounds of albendazole treatment, prevalences decreased significantly to 5.4% for O. bifurcum and 36.8% for hookworm (n = 535). Twenty‐four months after the baseline survey and following a total of four rounds of treatment, prevalences were further reduced to 0.8% and 23.4% for O. bifurcum and hookworm, respectively (n = 478). Overall, there was a significant decrease in the larval counts, measured as geometric mean larval count per 4 g of stool of O. bifurcum from 3.0 to 0.1 and of hookworm from 47.2 to 1.8. The fourth mass treatment was carried out in April 2003 by the Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme. Overall, compliance to treatment varied from 70% to 80%. In the control area, Oesophagostomum prevalence increased from 18.5% to 37.0% and the intensity from 0.4 to 1.4. For hookworm, both prevalence (86.1–91.3%) and intensity (54.8–74.3) increased but not to a significant level. The prospects of eliminating human oesophagostomiasis from the intervention area, while simultaneously achieving an important reduction of hookworm prevalences by albendazole mass treatment, are discussed.