bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical consequences of withholding versus administering renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system antagonists in the preoperative period
Authors: Rosenman David J. , McDonald Furman S. , Ebbert Jon O. , Erwin Patricia J. , LaBella Matthew , Montori Victor M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Hospitalists involved in perioperative care either stop or continue until the day of surgery renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system antagonists (either angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors [ACEI] or angiotensin II receptor subtype 1 antagonists [ARA]) in patients who use these agents chronically. This practice variation reflects uncertainty regarding the risks and benefits of either approach.PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical consequences of preoperatively continuing versus withholding ACEI/ARAs in patients treated chronically with these agents.DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION:We comprehensively searched 7 major electronic databases, considered references from selected reviews, hand‐searched journals, and communicated with experts. We included randomized trials and observational studies.DATA EXTRACTION:We evaluated the relative risk (RR) of hypotension requiring vasopressors and of myocardial infarction in patients who did or did not receive an immediate preoperative dose of ACEI or ARA.DATA SYNTHESIS:Random‐effects meta‐analysis from 5 studies totaling 434 patients suggested that patients receiving an immediate preoperative ACEI/ARA dose were more likely (RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.15‐1.96) to develop hypotension requiring vasopressors at or shortly after induction of anesthesia. Sufficient data were not available to assess other outcomes.CONCLUSIONS:Preoperative administration of ACEI/ARAs increases intraoperative hypotension. The long‐term clinical consequences of continuing versus withholding preoperative ACEI/ARAs are unknown. This uncertainty stems in part from the absence to date of randomized trials designed specifically to examine patient‐important consequences of this decision. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:319–325. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Stress adaptations in a Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacterium (PGPR) with increasing salinity in the coastal agricultural soils
Authors: Paul Diby , Nair Sudha 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe costs associated with soil salinity are potentially enormous and the effects of salinity may impact heavily on agriculture, biodiversity and the environment. As the saline areas under agriculture are increasing every year across the globe, it is of much public concern. Agricultural crops and soil microorganisms are affected with salinity. As Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been reported to be contributing to the plant health, the osmotolerance mechanisms of these PGPRs are of importance. Pseudomonas fluorescens MSP‐393 is a proven biocontrol agent for many of the crops grown in saline soils of coastal ecosystem. Studies revealed that the root colonization potential of the strain was not hampered with higher salinity in soil. As a means of salt tolerance, the strain de novo ‐synthesized, the osmolytes, Ala, Gly, Glu, Ser, Thr, and Asp in their cytosol. To understand the mechanism of salt tolerance, the proteome analysis of the bacteria was carried out employing 2D gel electrophoresis and MALDI‐TOF. Peptide mass fingerprinting and in silico investigation revealed the up regulation of many of salt regulated proteins. It could be ascertained that the osmotolerance mechanisms of MSP‐393 viz. de novo synthesis of osmolytes and over production of salt stress proteins effectively nullified the detrimental effects of high osmolarity. MSP‐393 could serve as a suitable bioinoculant for crops grown in saline soils. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Purification, characterization and crystallization of an extracellular alkaline protease from Aspergillus nidulans HA‐10
Authors: Charles P. , Devanathan V. , Anbu Periasamy , Ponnuswamy M. N. , Kalaichelvan P. T. , Hur Byung‐Ki 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAspergillus nidulans is a highly potent fungus used in the production of alkaline protease. Extracellular alkaline protease was purified from A. nidulans in a two‐step procedure involving ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography. The molecular mass of the enzyme was determined to be 42 kDa by SDS‐PAGE. The enzyme activity was also analyzed by zymogram with gelatin. The enzyme was more stable over a wide range of pH (6–10) and the temperatures up to 50 °C. It showed optimum enzyme activity at pH 8.0 and a temperature of 35 °C. The protease enzyme was completely inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor of phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF). The crystallization of the purified enzyme was performed by hanging drop vapour diffusion method using PEG 6000 as the precipitant. The micro crystals occurred in 40% of PEG 6000. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Work‐life balance is a cross‐generational concern—and a key to retaining high performers at Accenture
Authors: Klun Sharon 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMembers of Generations X and Y are even more insistent than baby boomers are about balancing their professional and personal lives—a potential retention issue exacerbated by the shrinking pool of skilled talent. Three case studies highlight Accenture's successful new work‐life program, Future Leave, which enables high performers to take extended time off for personal reasons without derailing promising or established careers with the company. The author also highlights some differences between the challenges that female and male professionals anticipate they will face over the next several years and cautions that global companies will need to become more adept at tailoring work‐life programs to meet a range of needs in their increasingly diverse global workforces. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of business strategies and HRM policies on organizational performance: The Greek experience
Authors: Katou Anastasia A. , Budhwar Pawan S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article investigates the relationship between simultaneity in decisions regarding business strategies and human resource management (HRM) policies and their impact on organizational performance. The research is based on a sample of 178 organizations operating in the Greek manufacturing sector. The results of this study support the hypothesis that when business strategies and HRM policies are developed simultaneously, they positively affect organizational performance. This is more valid for decisions taken simultaneously with respect to quality and employee development, innovation and employee rewards and relations, and cost and employee resourcing. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toxicological and nutraceutical assessments of peanut sprouts as daily supplements to feed Sprague‐Dawley rats for 18 weeks
Authors: Lin Bo‐Si , Lien Tu‐Fa , Chao Mao‐Rong , Lai Tzu‐Yuan , Chang Ju‐Chun , Chou Shieh‐Jen , Liao Hui‐Fen , Chiou Robin Y‐Y 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Peanut sprouts are occasionally consumed by peanut farmers. To investigate the possibility of introducing peanut sprouts as a functional vegetable to the public, an in vivo experiment involving toxicological and nutraceutical assessments was conducted.RESULTS: Sixty female Sprague‐Dawley rats (8 weeks old) were fed with peanut sprouts as a dietary supplement for 18 weeks. The rats were divided into five groups and fed with different daily supplements, namely 0 g (control), 16.5, 10 or 6 g of sprouts or 2.4 g of kernels. Aflatoxin contents of the sprouts (n = 24) were less than 1 µg kg−1. Body weights of all rats increased with feeding time, and final body weights differed insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). Weights of liver, kidney and spleen and organ/body weight ratios varied insignificantly among test groups (P > 0.05). All serum and blood cell determinations differed insignificantly (P > 0.05) among test groups, apart from the observation of a significant lowering of serum triacylglycerol (TG) level in the 10 g sprout group (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: In general, no obvious growth hazard or health toxicity was detected. For nutraceutical development, the lowering of serum TG level achieved by appropriate intake of peanut sprouts is noteworthy. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Dryland salinity and rainfall patterns: A preliminary investigation in central west New South Wales (Australia)
Authors: Dragovich D. , Dominis M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDryland salinity is an increasingly serious land degradation problem in many parts of the world. Bare salinised ground leads to accelerated rates of sheet, rill and gully erosion; decreasing plant productivity; and declining surface water quality. In a given geological, climatic and land use situation, rainfall patterns may influence the changing extent of dryland salinity. This possibility was investigated for an area in Australia with long‐term rainfall records. Changes in salinisation were recorded using nine sets of aerial photographs. Saline sites fluctuated in size between photo‐years but their number and extent increased between 1958 and 1996, with sites along wash lines being especially responsive to rainfall variations. Saline areas generally decreased in size and number during the wet period from 1958 to the early 1970s, extended during drought years in the early 1980s, then increased markedly to 1996 during a period of above average rainfall. Three saline sites showed a broad inverse relationship between salinity (bare ground) extent and rainfall in the pre‐drought period but post‐drought trends showed increasing rainfall associated with increasing salinisation. Short‐term variations in salinity were superimposed on longer‐term expansion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Secondary succession and resource use in tropical fallows: A case study from the Coromandel Coast of South India
Authors: Kinhal Vijayalaxmi , Parthasarathy N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAgricultural fallows, village commons and degraded forests, serve as important common community property resources throughout India, but due to their degraded status they are considered as ‘wastelands’, having little economic value and poor biodiversity. A study on secondary succession was conducted in agricultural fallows around Puducherry, India to review the negative image of ‘wastelands’. Chronosequences of four sites aged 2, 4, 10 and 50 years were used to investigate change in species composition and abundance, convergence with a nearby forest and to examine their economic use.A comparison of life‐forms, species richness and diversity indices showed that herbaceous species dominated up to 10th year sere, from which point in succession, woody species became more common. It was in the 50th year sere that shrubs and secondary tree species occurring in nucleated clumps became dominant. A cluster analysis based on Bray–Curtis similarity index shows a sequential development of vegetation through time, though 50th year plots showed no convergence with the Tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF), but the principal component analysis demonstrates a change in community structure from grasslands to shrub and secondary tree species' dominance. Presence of adults of five primary forest species found in the clumps indicates a fast rate of secondary succession, considering that grazing and resource removal occurred in the sites. The potential value of the ‘wastelands’ is evident from the fact that 64 per cent of recorded species have economic use, which underlines the need for their sustainable utilization for better management of bioresources rather than converting them into monocultures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating the rate and consequences of gully development, a case study of umbulo catchment in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Moges A. , Holden N. M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn southern Ethiopia wide and deep gullies are common features, significantly affecting farmers' livelihoods. Little action is being taken to address the problem despite farmers being knowledgeable about erosion and its control measures. A study was conduced to investigate the nature and rate of gully development in Umbulo catchment, southern Ethiopia, based on interviews with farmers and field measurements. The results indicated a rapid, down slope development of gullies over the last 30 years with average rate of soil loss from 11 to 30 t ha−1 y−1. The critical period of development of the gully system was estimated to be between 1974 and 1985, but since then the gully system has enlarged both in depth and width. Wide channels with deep, nearly vertical walls are typical. The trigger for gully initiation is believed to have been human, but the soil properties may have played an important role. Under the current situation agricultural production is unsustainable unless the gullies are controlled using integrated measures at the catchment scale. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Makroskopische Eigenspannungen in einem selektiv langfaserverstärkten Aluminiumbauteil
Authors: Sun S. , Dahmen C. , Lao B. , Bührig‐Polaczek A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAn selektiv langfaserverstärkten Aluminiumproben, mit unterschiedlichen Faservolumenanteilen, wurde die makroskopische Eigenspannung zwischen dem verstärkten und dem unverstärkten Bereich mit Hilfe der Bohrlochmethode experimentell gemessen und mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) numerisch simuliert. Beide Methoden weisen deutlich darauf hin, dass in den Proben sehr ungleichmäßig verteilte makroskopische Eigenspannungen im Grenzbereich zwischen dem verstärkten und dem unverstärkten Teil existieren. Die ermittelten Ergebnisse zur Eigenspannung stimmen mit beiden Methoden gut überein. An den meisten Stellen im untersuchten Bereich nehmen die makroskopischen Eigenspannungen keine schädlichen Ausmaße an. Jedoch findet sich sowohl im unverstärkten Bereich, parallel zu der Grenzfläche, als auch im verstärkten, quer zur Faserrichtung, ein Unterbereich mit hoher Zugeigenspannung. Diese hohen Eigenspannungszustände müssen bei der Konstruktion, Produktion und Weiterverarbeitung entsprechend berücksichtigt werden. Der Einfluss des Faservolumenanteils auf die makroskopische Eigenspannung im verstärkten Bereich, wurde durch einen Datenvergleich analysiert. Es ergibt sich, dass der Faservolumenanteil die grundsätzliche Eigenspannungsverteilung kaum beeinflusst, jedoch steigen die Eigenspannungsgrößen mit zunehmendem Faservolumenanteil in der Probe an.
The development of a shape factor instability index to guide severe weather forecasts for aviation safety
Authors: Walker Ira , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Elmahboub Widad 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAn instability index, called the shape factor (SF), for weather forecasting was proposed using temperature profiles from a NASA/LaRC‐hosted web‐page featuring NOAA Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) radiosonde data used for short‐term weather predictions. The index of instability was predicated on the sign and magnitude of the gradient of the equivalent potential temperature. A training data set of temperature profiles was obtained for both clear and severe weather conditions and the SF index was computed. The data showed marked differences in the magnitudes of the shape factors for the two weather conditions. Calculations of SF were compared with the several well‐established instability indices and there appeared marked agreement between the SF and these other metrics. It is being proposed that this new index could be used as a parameter for input to statistical weather forecasting models to enhance overall aviation safety and air traffic management efficiency. Of particular relevance is the fact that more comprehensive results can be garnered since the SF index is calculated from the entire temperature profile and not just from selected temperatures as is the case for other indices of instability. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
The multi‐integer set cover and the facility terminal cover problem
Authors: Hochbaum Dorit S. , Levin Asaf 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe facility terminal cover problem is a generalization of the vertex cover problem. The problem is to “cover” the edges of an undirected graphG= (V,E) where each edgeeis associated with a non‐negative demandde. An edgee=u,vis covered if at least one of its endpoint vertices is allocated capacity of at leastde. Each vertexvis associated with a non‐negative weightwv. The goal is to allocate capacitycv≥ 0 to each vertexvso that all edges are covered and the total allocation cost,$\sum\limits_{v\in V}w_{v}c_{v}$, is minimized. A recent paper by Xu et al. [Networks 50 (2007), 118‐126], studied this problem, and presented a 2e‐ approximation algorithm for this problem forethe base of the natural logarithm. We generalize here the facility terminal cover problem to the multi‐integer set cover, and relate that problem to the set cover problem, which it generalizes, and the multi‐cover problem. We present a Δ‐approximation algorithm for the multi‐integer set cover problem, for Δ the maximum coverage. This demonstrates that even though the multi‐integer set cover problem generalizes the set cover problem, the same approximation ratio holds. In the special case of the facility terminal cover problem this yields a 2‐approximation algorithm, and with run time dominated by the sorting of the edge demands. This approximation algorithm improves considerably on the result of Xu et al. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Circulating levels of MCP‐1 are increased in women with gestational diabetes
Authors: Klein Katharina , Satler Miriam , Elhenicky Marie , Brix Johanna , Krzyzanowska Katarzyna , Schernthaner Guntram , Husslein Peter W. , Schernthaner Gerit‐Holger 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated whether gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with monocyte‐chemoattractant‐protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), the functional relevant proteins in the inflammatory process.MethodsIn all 32 women with gestational diabetes mellitus, 18 women without gestational diabetes mellitus and 40 nonpregnant women were included. MCP‐1 and sCD40L were measured at the time of the oral glucose tolerance test (second trimester), in the third trimester and postpartum.ResultsMCP‐1 was higher in pregnant women (women with gestational diabetes mellitus and without) than in nonpregnant women (p < 0.001) in the third trimester, and also in the second trimester and postpartum. MCP‐1 was elevated in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus in the third trimester compared to healthy pregnant women (p = 0.007). In gestational diabetes mellitus, MCP‐1 increased from the second to the third trimester (p = 0.003). We found no association of sCD40L and gestational diabetes mellitus.ConclusionThe elevation of MCP‐1 in the third trimester in gestational diabetes mellitus suggests an association between inflammation and GDM. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utility of an exon 14 BslI polymorphism for improved genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A in Indian population
Authors: Mukundan Preethi , Shetty Shrimati , Kulkarni Bipin , Ghosh Kanjaksha 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundHemophilia A is a common X‐linked recessive bleeding disorder caused by deleterious mutations in the gene encoding factor VIII. Though direct mutation analysis is the common practice in most of the developed countries, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using common polymorphic markers of factor VIII gene is still the most practical and feasible method in developing countries like India.MethodWe investigated the utility of a BslI polymorphism (A3864C) in exon 14 of factor VIII gene for the genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A families by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by digestion with enzyme BslI.ResultsOut of 213 unrelated women examined for heterozygosity of this marker, 69 were found to be informative (32.4%), with frequencies of 0.32 and 0.68 for the ‘+ ’ and ‘− ’ alleles respectively. Subsequently 13 hemophilia A families, which were not informative with any of the common markers routinely used in genetic diagnosis of hemophilia and which were also negative for intron 1 and 22 inversions were analyzed. Three were found to be informative exclusively with this marker (23%).ConclusionHence it is a highly useful marker in the genetic diagnosis of hemophilia A families in India. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why is the use of clopidogrel increasing rapidly in Australia? An exploration of geographical location, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates as possible influences on clopidogrel use
Authors: Ostini R. , Hegney D. , Mackson J. M. , Williamson M. , Tett S. E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPurposeTo explore clopidogrel use within Australia, investigating geography, age, sex and cardiac stenting rates.MethodsData for clopidogrel supply (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS)) and cardiac stenting procedures (State Health Departments) were obtained for four different geographic regions (very remote/remote and major city in two Australian states). General linear modelling and correlation analyses were used to test for associations and χ2 analyses for proportions.ResultsClopidogrel supply increased rapidly in Australia since introduction, from 1.2 to 9.0 Defined Daily Doses (DDD)/1000 population/day. Among concessional and veteran populations use was much higher. Analysis of geographical area data confirmed an association between clopidogrel supply rates and cardiac stenting rates (r = 0.8–0.9 Spearman's rho, p < 0.01). Sex, age and geographical location were associated with both rates when considered together and when considered independently. Further modelling indicated that between 30 and 73% of clopidogrel supply could be accounted for by people receiving cardiac stents.ConclusionsThe supply of clopidogrel increases with age, male sex and living in a major city. These same demographic variables were important for cardiac stenting, an indication which is currently not approved for subsidy by the Australian government, but which modelling indicated could account for between one‐third and three quarters of clopidogrel use. A review may be required to ensure subsidised indications reflect current evidence and cost‐effective use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile synthesis and characterization of star‐shaped polystyrene: self‐condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization of N‐[4‐(α‐bromoisobutyryloxy)phenyl]maleimide and styrene
Authors: Cao Yun , Hong Yan , Zhai Guangqun , Zhang Dongliang , Song Yan , Yu Qiang , Ren Qiang , Jiang Bibiao 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Generation of stars around in situ formed cores provides a facile approach to star‐shaped polymers. Therefore the self‐condensing atom transfer radical copolymerization (SCATRCP) of N‐[4‐(α‐bromoisobutyryloxy)phenyl]maleimide (BiBPM) and a large excess of styrene (St) was investigated.RESULTS: BiBPM and St formed a charge transfer complex (CTC), which underwent the SCATRCP, leading to the branched core initiating the atom transfer radical polymerization of St, finally giving star‐shaped polystyrene (PS). Kinetic and structural study showed that a higher dosage of BiBPM resulted in an enhanced polymerization rate, a higher degree of branching and a larger number of short PS arms. Differential scanning calorimetry suggested that the glass transition temperature of the star‐shaped PS decreased with molecular weight. Melt rheometry showed that even a slightly branched architecture of the PS led to a significantly lower viscosity; both the melt flow index and the activation energy increased with the degree of branching.CONCLUSION: Due to the preferential consumption of BiBPM and formation of a CTC, even a very low dosage of BiBPM could lead to star‐shaped PS, which, in comparison with linear analogues, could possess much better melt fluidity. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry