bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accurate prediction of autologous stem cell apheresis yields using a double variable‐dependent method assures systematic efficiency control of continuous flow collection procedures
Authors: Pierelli L. , Maresca M. , Piccirillo N. , Pupella S. , Gozzer M. , Foddai M. L. , Vacca M. , Adorno G. , Coppetelli U. , Paladini U. 
Published: May 2006

Background and Objectives  Stem cell collection is a standard procedure for the procurement of autologous grafts to rescue myelosuppression induced by high‐dose treatments. Accurate prediction of collection yields may contribute to optimize planning and quality control of collection.Materials and Methods  Data of 313 autologous haematopoietic stem cell (AHSC) evaluable collections performed in 208 patients with haematologic and non‐haematologic neoplasms from seven centres were prospectively analysed to test the accuracy of yield predictions generated by a formula that required the input of peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cell precount and desired PB volume to be processed. Data were matched in a standard linear regression, in a zero‐point regression analysis and tested for prediction accuracy. Further 165 AHSC collections were analysed on a single‐centre basis, using yield predictions as reference standards.Results  Analysis showed high levels of correlation between measured collection yields (my) and predictions (py) (R = 0·85; P = 0·000000) as well as high degree of prediction accuracy (my vs. py at paired t‐test: P = 0·114781; median my/py ratio = 1·23). Analysis of additional 165 AHSC collections on a single‐centre basis showed that the analysed centres had 70% or more measured yields comprising the 0·6–1·8 interval of the my/py ratio. The observance of the ‘efficiency’ my/py interval assured collection quality control in these centres confirming the reliability of the method.Conclusions  This prediction method generates accurate and immediate yield predictions allowing collection planning and rapid efficiency control. As a consequence of our study, four centres out of seven use the described method to plan both leukapheresis number and single‐procedure blood processing volume while the remaining three centres plan leukapheresis number on the basis of our predictions, maintaining a fixed single‐procedure 200 ml/kg blood volume processing, according to their centre AHSC collection policy.
Grain‐scale permeabilities of faceted polycrystalline aggregates
Authors: PRICE J. D. , WARK D. A. , WATSON E. B. , SMITH A. M. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractPorous synthetic quartzites and amphibolites, each with faceted pore walls, were synthesized and evaluated to examine the permeability of pore networks similar to those of the lower crust and mantle. Quartzite with a fluid in equilibrium with an Mg–clinopyroxene contained connected networks of pores with a dihedral angle of 30° bounded by walls that were 10–50% faceted. The relationship of their permeability (k) to porosity (φ) is approximated by the previously determined relationship for relatively nonfaceted synthetic quartzite
image
Amphibolite with an HF fluid contained fluorotremolite and a connected network of pores bounded by walls exhibiting 78–90% faceting. These materials showed much lower k for a given φ, with an apparent permeability threshold at φc = 0.04. A curve fit to these data yields
image
The results suggest that moderate faceting has little effect on the transmission of fluids through rocks, but extensive faceting significantly alters permeability. This difference is most likely produced through isolation of the fluid to the grain corners at low φ with extensive faceting. Rocks with pores that tend toward faceting may impede the flow of fluids and melt.
Habitat requirements of the long‐tailed ground squirrel (Spermophilus undulatus) in the southern Altai
Authors: Ricankova V. , Fric Z. , Chlachula J. , Stastna P. , Faltynkova A. , Zemek F. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractThe long‐tailed ground squirrels Spermophilus undulatus represent the most abundant burrowing herbivorous species in the southern Altai grasslands and are suggested to play an important role in the maintenance of this mountain ecosystem. The aim of this study was to identify the key features that influence their habitat use in the southern part of the Altai Republic (south‐west Siberia, Russia). The research area represents a complete sequence of altitudinal vegetation zones from steppe, forest‐steppe, forest, sub‐alpine and alpine tundra. Our results suggest that S. undulatus prefers short‐grass steppes, near the water source and with a thin layer of a chernozem soil containing a large amount of coarse clastics. The species strictly avoids forests and tolerates only a low density of bush cover. Altitude and exposure to sun do not represent significant factors in the habitat choice of S. undulatus. Neither the presence of pikas nor the presence of marmots influences habitat selection of the ground squirrels. Strong preferences for habitats near a water source may limit the distribution of the species to mountain areas. Degree of human disturbance was not a significant factor affecting distribution and the species even displays slight preferences for heavily grazed habitat near human settlements and roads. Intensive grazing prevents shrubs and forest invasion, keeps vegetation low and thus provides appropriate conditions for the ground squirrels, favouring an open habitat where predators can be easily detected by sight. Our results suggest that the habitat selection of ground squirrels may be determined rather by a protection from predators and burrowing conditions than by food availability.
Monitoring Ethanol Exposure in a Clinical Setting by Analysis of Blood, Breath, Saliva, and Urine
Authors: Bendtsen P. , Hultberg J. , Carlsson M. , Jones A. W. 
Published: May 2006

Background: Several new technologies have been developed for estimating blood alcohol concentration (BAC), among others, by the analysis of alcohol in saliva specimens. The Q.E.D.™ is a new quantitative test designed for measuring ethanol in saliva and promising results have been obtained in various experimental settings.Methods: In the present study, venous BAC was determined in 28 patients on arrival and when they were discharged from a detoxification unit. The results were compared with breath, saliva, and urine alcohol concentrations. Headspace gas chromatography was used for analysis of ethanol in blood and urine, and breath alcohol was determined with an Alcolmeter S‐D2 instrument.Results: The concentration of alcohol in urine was always higher than the BAC (mean difference, 0.62 mg/ml) and individual values were highly correlated (n= 42; r= 0.92). The handheld breath‐alcohol instrument (Alcolmeter S‐D2) showed good agreement with venous BAC (n= 52; r= 0.97; mean difference, 0.04 mg/ml). The saliva‐alcohol test failed to perform well in our tests (n= 36; r= 0.75; mean difference, 0.55 mg/ml) mainly because of problems encountered in obtaining a sufficient sample for analysis in highly intoxicated patients.Conclusions: Because of the relatively low cost of the Q.E.D. TMsaliva test, in comparison with a breath alcohol analyzer, the saliva test could be a cost‐effective alternative in public health settings where mildly to moderately intoxicated persons are encountered.
Factor Structure and Predictive Validity of the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale
Authors: Roberts James S. , Anton Raymond F. , Latham Patricia K. , Moak Darlene H. 
Published: May 2006

Background: The Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) is a 14‐item, self‐report instrument developed to measure obsessive thoughts about alcohol use and compulsive behaviors toward drinking. The objective of this study was to ascertain the factor structure underlying responses to the OCDS, and to further assess whether subscale scores derived from this structure were distinctive, internally consistent, predictive of future drinking, and able to differentiate between patients receiving naltrexone versus placebo in a controlled alcoholism treatment trial.Methods: OCDS data were collected from a total of 132 alcohol‐dependent subjects at up to 15 assessment points during the study. Interitem correlations were pooled across assessment periods, and an iterated principal axis factor analysis with oblique promax rotation was performed. The factor analysis suggested that three primary factors could parsimoniously account for the common variance in item responses. Subscale scores were formed by summing responses to the most salient items on each factor.Results: The three common factors were interpreted as “resistance/control impairment,”“obsession,” and “interference.” The subscale scores corresponding to these three factors were internally consistent, and their correlation with other baseline measures of alcohol use and severity suggested that they were distinct. Scores on each subscale reliably distinguished between subjects who remained abstinent, exhibited “slip” drinking, or relapsed to heavy drinking during the 12 weeks of active treatment. Additionally, scores on the resistance/control impairment subscale distinguished between those patients receiving treatment with naltrexone or placebo. Scores from each subscale also were able to predict the hazard for heavy drinking in the following week of treatment.Conclusions: The three OCDS factors are easily estimated with the summated scoring approach, and the resulting subscales appear to be internally consistent and distinctive. Moreover, the group differentiation capability and predictive utility of the subscale scores suggest that they might be useful as either predictor or outcome variables in alcoholism treatment trials. The duration of time for which a given OCDS assessment maintains its predictive utility awaits further confirmation.
Alcohol‐Related Problems and Intimate Partner Violence Among White, Black, and Hispanic Couples in the U.S.
Authors: Cunradi Carol B. , Caetano Raul , Clark Catherine L. , Schafer John 
Published: May 2006

Objectives: This study analyzes gender and ethnic/racial differences in the prevalence of alcohol‐related problems among white, black and Hispanic couples in the United States, and assesses their contribution to the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV).Methods: Our study population consisted of 1440 white, black, and Hispanic couples obtained through a multistage area household probability sample from the 1995 National Alcohol Survey. Alcohol‐related problems (i.e., drinking consequences and alcohol dependence symptoms in the last 12 months) were assessed among respondents and their partners. Male‐to‐female and female‐to‐male partner violence (MFPV, FMPV) were measured separately using the Conflict Tactics Scale.Results and Conclusions: Alcohol‐related problems were more prevalent among men than women. Our bivariate analysis demonstrated a significant positive association between male alcohol‐related problems and IPV across racial/ethnic groups, and a similar association between female alcohol‐related problems and IPV for white and black couples. In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, however, many of these associations were attenuated. After controlling for sociodemographic and psychosocial covariates, male alcohol‐related problems were no longer significantly associated with an increased risk of MFPV among white or Hispanic couples. Female alcohol‐related problems predicted FMPV, but not MFPV, among white couples. Among black couples, however, male and female alcohol‐related problems remained strong predictors of intimate partner violence.Significance: Alcohol‐related problems are important predictors of intimate partner violence, and the exact association between problems and violence seems to be ethnic‐specific. Alcohol‐related problems, rather than level of alcohol consumption, may be the more relevant factor to consider in the alcohol‐partner violence association. Future research is needed to explore the temporal relationships between the development of alcohol‐related problems and the occurrence of partner violence.
ACOUSTIC EMISSION, FRACTURE BEHAVIOR AND MORPHOLOGY OF DRY CRISPY FOODS: A DISCUSSION ARTICLE
Authors: LUYTEN HANNEMIEKE , VLIET TON VAN 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT This article describes sound properties that are special for crispy foods and relates them to general knowledge on the acoustic emission and mechanical properties of fracturing materials. From properties like the occurrence of sound, the sound energy, the duration of single sound waves, the time interval between the sound pulses and from the force drops involved, it was possible to calculate the morphological constraints for dry, crispy cellular foods. We present data for the minimum and maximum sizes of the pores and of the sizes of the solid material element surrounding them. The loss of crispness in foods caused by aging under deteriorating circumstances was found not to be caused by changes in the type of elements that fracture.
EFFECT OF ADDITIVES ON RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND QUALITY OF WHEAT FLOUR PAROTTA
Authors: INDRANI D. , VENKATESWARA RAO G. 
Published: May 2006

ABSTRACT Effects of oxidizing agents (potassium bromate [20 and 40 ppm], ascorbic acid [100 and 200 ppm] and potassium iodate [20 and 40 ppm]), reducing agents (potassium metabisulphite [100 and 200 ppm] and cysteine hydrochloride [50 and 100 ppm]), enzymes (fungalα‐amylase [10 and 20 ppm] and protease [10 and 20 ppm]) and dry gluten powder (1, 2 and 3%) on rheological characteristics of dough and quality of parotta were studied. Addition of oxidizing agents and dry glutenincreased values for farinograph stability, extensograph and mixograph areas, apparent biaxial extensional viscosity, compressive stress, hardness and cohesiveness, while reducing agents and enzymes decreased the aforementioned characteristics and increased force decay parameter and adhesiveness of the dough. Among the different additives studied, incorporation of 100‐ppm potassium metabisulphite, 50‐ppm cysteine hydrochloride and 10‐ppm protease increased the overall quality score of parotta.
Natural
Convection Measurements for a Concentric Spherical
Enclosure
Authors: Teertstra Peter
M. , Yovanovich M.
Michael , Culham J. Richard 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
An experimental test program is described for the measurement of natural convection for an isothermal, heated sphere centrally located in an isothermal, cooled spherical enclosure. A transient test method is used in a reduced pressure environment to provide data for a wide range of Rayleigh number, from the limiting case of laminar boundary layer convection to the diffusive limit. Tests are performed using a fixed outer diameter for four different inner sphere diameters, resulting in diameter ratios in the range 1.5⩽do∕di⩽4.8. The data are in excellent agreement with the exact solution for the conductive limit and are shown to be bounded by a model for the isolated, isothermal sphere.
A review of randomized controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of hand held computers with paper methods for data collection
Authors: Lane Shannon J , Heddle Nancy M , Arnold Emmy , Walker Irwin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Handheld computers are increasingly favoured over paper and pencil methods to capture data in clinical research.

Methods
This study systematically identified and reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the two methods for self-recording and reporting data, and where at least one of the following outcomes was assessed: data accuracy; timeliness of data capture; and adherence to protocols for data collection.

Results
A comprehensive key word search of NLM Gateway's database yielded 9 studies fitting the criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was performed and checked by two of the authors. None of the studies included all outcomes. The results overall, favor handheld computers over paper and pencil for data collection among study participants but the data are not uniform for the different outcomes. Handheld computers appear superior in timeliness of receipt and data handling (four of four studies) and are preferred by most subjects (three of four studies). On the other hand, only one of the trials adequately compared adherence to instructions for recording and submission of data (handheld computers were superior), and comparisons of accuracy were inconsistent between five studies.

Conclusion
Handhelds are an effective alternative to paper and pencil modes of data collection; they are faster and were preferred by most users.
The Potential Role of Roflumilast: The New Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor
Authors: Karish Sarah B , Gagnon James M 
Published: May 2006

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of roflumilast in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Data Sources:Studies, review articles, and meeting abstracts evaluating roflumilast were obtained from MEDLINE (1966–May 16, 2006), EMBASE (1980–May 16, 2006), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–May 16, 2006) databases. Key terms used in all of the database searches were roflumilast, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and COPD. Company Web sites were reviewed, and bibliographies of selected articles were evaluated for pertinent articles.Study Selection and Data Extraction:In vitro, in vivo, and animal studies were selected, as were published human studies on the efficacy and safety of roflumilast. Due to limited published data on its safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and drug interactions, meeting abstracts were also selected. Data retrieved from abstracts only is indicated in the references.Data Synthesis:Roflumilast is a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor which, due to its selective inhibition of the PDE 4 isoenzyme, has potential antiinflammatory and antimodulatory effects in the pulmonary system. It has been studied as an oral tablet in doses of 250 or 500 μg/day. Animal data and clinical trials have demonstrated roflumilast's efficacy and safety as an antiinflammatory and antimodulatory agent for use in asthma and COPD, with no documented drug interactions and a favorable adverse effect profile.Conclusions:Roflumilast may be an additional option in the treatment of asthma and COPD due to its ease of administration and a seemingly favorable adverse event profile. However, more research is needed to solidify roflumilast's place in therapy.
Effect of Graves’ Disease and Methimazole on Warfarin Anticoagulation
Authors: Busenbark Laura A , Cushnie Sally A 
Published: May 2006

Objective: To describe a case of Graves’ disease treated with methimazole and examine the influence of thyroid hormone alteration on warfarin anticoagulation. Case Summary: A 54-year-old man presented to the emergency department with palpitations, fatigue, weight loss, and anxiety attacks. He was taking no medications at that time. An electrocardiogram showed new onset atrial fibrillation. His thyroid profile was consistent with hyperthyroidism. The patient was admitted to the intensive care unit and started on methimazole 30 mg/day, metoprolol, enoxaparin, and warfarin 5 mg/day. Postdischarge doses of warfarin and methimazole were adjusted over the next several months based on thyroid panel results indicative of hypothyroidism. Postdischarge changes in methimazole dose caused alterations in thyroid function and intensity of anticoagulation as measured by international normalized ratio. Discussion: Interactions between warfarin and drugs that alter thyroid hormone concentrations have been reported; however, the extent and significance of the interaction between methimazole and warfarin have been inadequately described. Thyroid hormone concentrations influence the metabolic rates of proteins and, thus, can alter the amount of vitamin K–dependent clotting factors, which in turn can alter the extent of inhibition by warfarin. This may lead to changes in the intensity of anticoagulation and thereby increase the risk of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events. Conclusions: Changes in thyroid hormone concentrations have the potential to significantly alter the extent of warfarin-induced anticoagulation. Clinicians must be aware of the need for close anticoagulation monitoring and dosage adjustment in patients receiving concomitant warfarin and methimazole. The full extent of this interaction may be delayed following a change in methimazole dose.
Relationship Among Gender, Race, Age, Gingival Width, and Probing Depth in Primary Teeth
Authors: Gomes‐Filho Isaac Suzart , Miranda Dario Augusto Oliveira , Trindade Soraya Castro , de Souza Teles Santos Carlos Antônio , de Freitas Camila Oliveira Teixeira , da Cruz Simone Seixas , de Macêdo Taíze Cássia Nascimento , de Santana Passos Johelle 
Published: May 2006

Background: Limited information is available regarding the attached keratinized tissue, probing depth, and sociodemographic characteristics of primary teeth. This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship among age, gender, race, gingival width, and probing depth in each primary tooth type.Methods: The study population consisted of 300 children, aged 4 to 6 years, with clinically healthy gingiva, who were enrolled in an oral health program. Gingival width and probing depth were measured with a standard Williams periodontal probe in the middle of the keratinized gingiva and at six gingival sites (mesio‐buccal, mid‐buccal, disto‐buccal, mesio‐lingual, mid‐lingual, and disto‐lingual), respectively. Schiller's solution was used to establish the limits of keratinized gingiva.Results: The gingival width (mean ± SD) on the buccal surfaces decreased from anterior to posterior positions in both arches; in the lower lingual surfaces, the inverse was observed. The gingival width (mean ± SD) ranged from 2.95 ± 0.15 mm to 6.16 ± 0.20 mm and the probing depth from 1.03 ± 0.91 mm to 2.08 ± 0.07 mm. There was a tendency toward increased probing depth as age increased from 4 to 6 years. There was also an increase in the probing depth from anterior to posterior teeth.Conclusions: In the majority of observations, it was concluded that there was a relationship among age, gingival width, and probing depth, but generally not among race and gender and these measurements, respectively. Furthermore, there is no relation between gender and gingival width and race and probing depth.
Conjugates of polyhedral boron compounds with carbohydrates. 4. hydrolytic stability of carborane–lactose conjugates depends on the structure of a spacer between the carborane cage and sugar moiety
Authors: Orlova A. V. , Kononov L. O. , Kimel B. G. , Sivaev I. B. , Bregadze V. I. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA novel 1,2‐dicarba‐closo‐dodecaborane–lactose conjugate (4a) with an N‐glycosidic linkage was synthesized. This conjugate was found to be much more stable against hydrolytic deboronation (closo to nido tranformation of the carborane cage) under neutral conditions than a related carborane–lactose conjugate (1a) with an O‐glycosidic linkage. This result demonstrates that the hydrolytic stability of carborane–carbohydrate conjugates in neutral aqueous solutions may depend dramatically on the chemical nature of the spacer that links the carbohydrate moiety with the boron cage, the rate of hydrolysis varying by orders of magnitude. We relate a significant decrease in the deboronation rate to the formation of more strongly bound supramolecular aggregates, in which the boron cage is less accessible to nucleophilic attack by solvent molecules, in the solution of the carborane–N‐lactoside conjugate 4a. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.