bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water solvent and local anesthetics: A computational study
Authors: Bernardi R. C. , Gomes D. E. B. , Pascutti P. G. , Ito A. S. , Taft C. A. , Ota A. T. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThere are various experimental studies regarding the toxicity and the time of action of local anesthetics, which contain general insights about their pharmacological and physicochemical properties. Although a detailed microscopic analysis of the local anesthetics would contribute to understanding these properties, there are relatively few theoretical studies about these molecules. In this article, we present the results from calculations performed for three local anesthetics: tetracaine, procaine, and lidocaine, both in their charged and uncharged forms, in aqueous environment. We have used the density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations to study the structural characteristics of these compounds. The radial distribution function g(r) was used to examine the structure of water molecules surrounding different regions of the local anesthetics. We demonstrated the nonhomogeneous character of the anesthetics with respect to their affinity to water solvent molecules as well as the modifications in their affinity to water caused by changes in their charge state. We also observed that the biological potency of the anesthetics is more related to the behavior of specific groups within the molecule, which are responsible for the interaction with the lipid phase of membranes, rather than the general properties of the molecule as a whole. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Non‐smooth structured control design with application to PID loop‐shaping of a process
Authors: Apkarian Pierre , Bompart Vincent , Noll Dominikus 
Published: February 2007

AbstractFeedback controllers with specific structure arise frequently in applications because they are easily apprehended by design engineers and facilitate on‐board implementations and re‐tuning. This work is dedicated toH∞synthesis with structured controllers. In this context, straightforward application of traditional synthesis techniques fails, which explains why only a fewad hocmethods have been developed over the years. In response, we propose a more systematic way to designH∞optimal controllers with fixed structure using local optimization techniques. Our approach addresses in principle all those controller structures which can be built into mathematical programming constraints. We apply non‐smooth optimization techniques to compute locally optimal solutions, and provide practical tests for descent and optimality. In the experimental part we apply our technique toH∞loop‐shaping proportional integral derivative (PID) controllers for MIMO systems and demonstrate its use for PID control of a chemical process. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demonstrating the utility of system dynamics for public policy analysis in New Zealand: the case of excise tax policy on tobacco
Authors: Cavana Robert Y. , Clifford Leslie V. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper summarises a system dynamics pilot study analysing the relationship of New Zealand Customs Service (NZCS) outputs to desired government outcomes, in relation to the collection of tobacco excise duties and cigarette smoking in New Zealand. The study was done to demonstrate the utility of system dynamics in answering some questions of a type common in the New Zealand public sector during policy development and review. Group model‐building workshops addressed the organising question: “How does price influence the use and consequences of tobacco in New Zealand?” A prototype system dynamics simulation model using the ithink dynamic simulation software was developed, consisting of seven sectors: NZCS air and marine sector; duty‐paid cigarette imports; duty‐free cigarettes; New Zealand tobacco manufacturing sector; NZCS duty collection (from air passengers); New Zealand tobacco products market; and a health sector. The model simulates values of the model variables on an annual basis from 2000 to 2010. Policy experiments with the model include examining the effects of changes in excise duties. The model can be further developed to examine tobacco‐related public policy issues in New Zealand and complement modelling done in other countries. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is counter‐productive policy creating serious consequences? The case of highway maintenance
Authors: Friedman Sheldon 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWhile regional development is seen by some as necessary for the growth of a town or city, the impact of such development may not have been carefully considered. The effect on local infrastructure, and in particular roadway conditions, can have varying economic impacts on a region. This same regional development has unintended consequences for small towns, creating damage to the infrastructure, increased pressure on existing budgets and, in some cases, vehicular accidents, which could have been avoided. The model, extracted from a larger study, is used to evaluate the effect of road conditions on accident development. A review of the literature revealed possible errors in some of the research upon which road maintenance policy is based. Specifically, where accidents are concerned, conflicting studies have made the development of policy difficult. A system dynamics model was developed to evaluate alternative views and their consequence on policy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variable selection for proportional odds model
Authors: Lu Wenbin , Zhang Hao H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this paper we study the problem of variable selection for the proportional odds model, which is a useful alternative to the proportional hazards model and might be appropriate when the proportional hazards assumption is not satisfied. We propose to fit the proportional odds model by maximizing the marginal likelihood subject to a shrinkage‐type penalty, which encourages sparse solutions and hence facilitates the process of variable selection. Two types of shrinkage penalties are considered: the LASSO and the adaptive‐LASSO (ALASSO) penalty. In the ALASSO penalty, different weights are imposed on different coefficients such that important variables are more protectively retained in the final model while unimportant ones are more likely to be shrunk to zeros. We further provide an efficient computation algorithm to implement the proposed methods, and demonstrate their performance through simulation studies and an application to real data. Numerical results indicate that both methods can produce accurate and interpretable models, and the ALASSO tends to work better than the usual LASSO. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal transduction by the Epstein‐Barr virus oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1)
Authors: Kieser Arnd 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) of Epstein‐Barr virus is a viral oncogene with the potential to antagonize apoptosis and senescence as well as to promote cellular survival and proliferation. LMP1 acts like a constitutively active receptor recruiting signalling molecules typically employed by the cellular tumour necrosis factor‐receptor (TNF‐R) and Toll‐like/interleukin‐1‐receptor (TIR) families. LMP1 activates the classical and alternative NF‐κB pathways, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), the JAK/STAT and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathways. In this article, interactions of LMP1 with host cell signal transduction pathways and their role in LMP1‐induced cell transformation are reviewed.
Partnerships from cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st‐century business
Authors: Elkington John 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEditor's Note: John Elkington's new book, Cannibals with Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st‐Century Business, has been hailed as “practical, compassionate and deeply informed, a brilliant synthesis of his genius for cutting through the thicket of tough issues–in the world of business and sustainability–and producing elegant solutions that can be applied today” (Paul Hawken). We are pleased to have the opportunity to publish a selection from this award‐winning book. In this discussion of partnerships, Elkington explores how effective, long‐term partnerships will be crucial for companies making the transition to sustainability and offers approaches and examples of keen interest. Special thanks to Capstone Publishers, U.K., for their gracious cooperation.
The use of 3D rendering, VCI‐C, 3D power Doppler and B‐flow in the evaluation of interstitial pregnancy with arteriovenous malformation treated by selective uterine artery embolization
Authors: Valsky D. V. , Hamani Y. , Verstandig A. , Yagel S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCornual pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. We describe a case of cornual pregnancy suspected by two‐dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) and confirmed by three‐dimensional volume contrast imaging in the C‐plane. Three‐dimensional power Doppler showed a particularly rich blood supply and two‐dimensional color Doppler mapping demonstrated arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The feeding vessel originating from the right uterine artery and AVM were demonstrated with B‐flow spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) modality. Conservative management was chosen to preserve the uterus. Angiography confirmed the diagnosis of AVM; embolization with polyvinyl alcohol particles and embolization coils was performed through the right uterine artery until occlusion of the AVM and feeding vessels had occurred. Postprocedure color Doppler mapping and B‐flow STIC modalities demonstrated absence of flow in the AVM. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels gradually fell to non‐pregnant levels during the ensuing 5 weeks. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of cornual pregnancy with AVM. We demonstrate here the value of new three‐dimensional ultrasound modalities in the diagnosis of cornual pregnancy and the use of embolization as an effective therapeutic option when conservative treatment with uterine preservation is desired. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of reproductive modes and environmental heterogeneity in the population dynamics of a geographically widespread clonal desert cactus
Authors: Mandujano María C. , Golubov Jordan , Huenneke Laura F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe dynamics of plant populations in arid environments are largely affected by the unpredictable environmental conditions and are fine‐tuned by biotic factors, such as modes of recruitment. A single species must cope with both spatial and temporal heterogeneity that trigger pulses of sexual and clonal establishment throughout its distributional range. We studied two populations of the clonal, purple prickly pear cactus, Opuntia macrocentra, in order to contrast the factors responsible for the population dynamics of a common, widely distributed species. The study sites were located in protected areas that correspond to extreme latitudinal locations for this species within the Chihuahuan Desert. We studied both populations for four consecutive years and determined the demographic consequences of environmental variability and the mode of reproduction using matrix population models, life table response experiments (LTREs), and loop and perturbation analyses. Although both populations seemed fairly stable (population growth rate, λ∼1), different demographic parameters and different life cycle routes were responsible for this stability in each population. In the southernmost population (MBR) LTRE and loop and elasticity analyses showed that stasis is the demographic process with the highest contributions to λ, followed by sexual reproduction, and clonal propagation contributed the least. The northern population (CR) had both higher elasticities and larger contributions of stasis, followed by clonal propagation and sexual recruitment. Loop analysis also showed that individuals in CR have more paths to complete a life cycle than those in MBR. As a consequence, each population differed in life history traits (e.g., size class structure, size at sexual maturity, and reproductive value). Numerical perturbation analyses showed a small effect of the seed bank on the λ of both populations, while the transition from seeds to seedlings had an important effect mainly in the northern population. Clonal propagation (higher survival and higher contributions to vital rates) seems to be more important for maintaining populations over long time periods than sexual reproduction.
Preparation, surface‐active and antielectrostatic properties of multiple quaternary ammonium salts
Authors: Wçgrzyńska Joanna , Chlebicki Jan 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA series of new cationic surfactants, bis‐quaternary ammonium salts and tris‐ammonium salts, were prepared from N,N‐dimethyldodecylamine and a product of the reaction of epichlorohydrin with ethyl‐, propyl‐, butyl‐, pentyl‐, hexyl‐, and octylamine (in the xase of bis‐ammonium salts) or the hydrochloride of diethyl‐, dipropyl‐, dibutyl‐, or dihexylamine (in the case of tris‐ammonium salts). The obtained multiple salts were examined with respect to their surface‐active properties: Critical micelle concentrations (CMC), effectiveness of surface tension reductions (γCMC), and adsorption efficiencies (pC20) were measured. All these surfactants showed good water solubility and low CMC of more than one order of magnitude lower than those of corresponding monoalkylammonium salts. They also showed good foaming properties, but worse wetting capability. The obtained multiple salts showed excellent antielectrostatic properties.
Primary aerobic biodegradation of linear and oxo alcohol alkylpolyglucosides (APG)
Authors: Qin Yong , Zhang Gaoyong , Zhang Jian , Zhao Yumei , Zhao Jianliang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlkylpolyglucosides (APG) prepared on the basis of renewable raw materials have been proven ultimately readily biodegradable. They are completely green surfactants. With the development of the petrochemical industry, APG prepared by oxo alcohol have been widely used recently. They have equal physicochemical properties with those prepared with renewable raw materials, but there is little information about their environmental compatibility. Primary aerobic biodegradability of linear alcohol and oxo alcohol APG was compared in this study. The results showed that oxo APG had similar good blodegradability with linear alcohol APG. In a shaking‐flask test, more than 87% APG could be degraded after 21 d and are therefore completely green surfactants. The relationship between structure and biodegradability was studied. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups affected their biodegradation. Biodegradability deteriorated with increasing chain length and size of head groups. Branching did not affect their biodegradation. The degradation rate decreased with increasing head group size. Monoglucoside degraded faster than diglucosides, and diglucosides degraded faster than polyglucosides. Accordingly, a potential degradation pathway was proposed. APG were hydrolyzed to alcohol and polysaccharide in the first step, then the alcohol was oxidized to CO2 and H2O by β or α oxidation. The polysaccharide was hydrolyzed to glucose, and then the glucose was degraded by a glucose metabolism mechanism. This pathway provided a good explanation of the experiment results.
Synthesis and characterization of antimicrobial cationic surfactants: Aminopyridinium salts
Authors: Zhao Tao , Sun Gang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThree antimicrobial 4‐aminopyridinium salts were synthesized using two different processes in an effort to develop antimicrobial surface treatment agents for wool fibers. The structures of the salts were fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and 13C NMR analysis. In addition, their thermal stability was determined using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds was evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration as an indicator. All of the synthesized aminopyridinium salts showed antimicrobial activity against gram‐negative bacteria, but in different levels depending on their structures. The salts possessing longer alkyl chains demonstrated better antimicrobial function. The melting points of the salts decreases as the alkyl chain length increases.
Phase diagram, viscosity and conductivity of α‐sulfonate methyl esters derived from palm stearin/1‐butanol/alkane/water systems
Authors: Lim Wen Huei 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPhase diagrams of sodium salt α‐sulfonate methyl esters derived from palm stearin (α‐SMEPS)/1‐butanol/alkane/water systems were constructed at 30.0±0.1°C. The presence and changes in the isotropic region of the quaternary mixtures of surfactant, co‐surfactant, alkane (oil) and water were mapped with different oil compound (different hydrocarbon chain lengths). An attempt to elucidate the self‐association behavior of α‐SMEPS in the presence of butanol as co‐surfactant and the effect of different alkane chain lengths was conducted by studying the viscosity and electrical conductivity behavior. Preliminary investigation suggested that the formation of oil‐in‐water (o/w) microemulsion, bicontinuous structure and water‐in‐oil microemulsion were based on the composition of mixtures in the isotropic region.
Surface activity of mixtures of dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide with sodium perfluorooctanoate and sodium octanoate
Authors: Acosta Edgar J. , Mesbah Ahmed , Tsui Tony 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIn this study, the surface tension of mixtures of cationic surfactant dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and anionic surfactant sodium perfluorooctanoate (SPFO) was evaluated as a function of DTAB‐SPFO composition and total surfactant concentration, with and without added electrolyte. It was found that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of these mixtures was reduced by more than two orders of magnitude when compared to the CMC of SPFO and DTAB alone. The surface tension, after CMC, of the mixtures was close to that of SPFO with added electrolyte and even lower than that of SPFO without added electrolyte. Using the appropriate, combination of SPFO and DTAB, surface tensions near 18 mJ/m2 were obtained using a concentration 1/500 of that required for SPFO alone. When these results were compared to those obtained for DTAB‐sodium octanoate (SOCT) mixtures, it was evident that the DTAB‐SPFO system shows a larger degree of synergism than the DTAB‐SOCT system. Contact angle measurements on Teflon® surfaces corroborates that the lower surface tension of DTAB‐SPFO mixtures improves wetting on these hydrophobic surfaces. Using the regular solution theory to interpret the data of CMC and C45mJ/m2 (monolayer formation) versus DTAB‐SPFO composition, it was concluded that even when small concentrations of SPFO are introduced in the mixture, the composition of the micelles (at the CMC) and monolayer adsorbed at the air‐water interface tends to be equimolar in SPFO and DTAB.
Systemic corticosteroids for allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis: A comparative study
Authors: Landsberg Roee , Segev Yoram , DeRowe Ari , Landau Tali , Khafif Avi , Fliss Dan M. 
Published: February 2007

ObjectivesTo compare the effect of preoperative high‐dose systemic corticosteroids on the radiographic and endoscopic appearance of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP).Study Design and SettingEight AFRS and 10 CRSwNP patients underwent computed tomographic (CT) scans and then received preoperative 1 mg/kg prednisone for 10 days. CT scans were repeated 1 day before surgery and compared with pretreatment scans (Lund‐MacKay radiologic scoring system). The endoscopic appearance was recorded intraoperatively.ResultsThe score dropped from 16 (66.4%) to 4.75 in the AFRS group and from 18.4 (23%) to 14.1 in the CRSwNP group (P = 0.0064). Intraoperatively, most sinus mucosal surfaces appeared normal in the AFRS patients but were markedly edematous in the CRSwNP patients.ConclusionRadiographic response of AFRS to systemic corticosteroids is significantly greater compared with CRSwNP. This finding is supported by endoscopic observation.
Clinical significance of SNAP somnography test acoustic recording
Authors: Galer Chad , Yonkers Anthony , Duff Wallace , Heywood Barbara 
Published: February 2007

ObjectiveTo examine the clinical significance of acoustic data recorded by the SNAP home polysomnography system (SNAP Laboratories, Glenview, IL).Study Design and SettingRetrospective analysis of SNAP data from 59 patients undergoing evaluation for sleep apnea at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and an associated private practice in Omaha, NE.ResultsSnoring did not correlate with anthropometric variables such as body mass index and neck circumference. Statistical analysis showed no correlation between respiratory disturbance index and the maximum or average loudness of snoring. Average loudness was predictive of the presence of sleep apnea. Spectral analysis of snoring sonography found that the proportion of snoring events associated with a palatal source correlated strongly with the loudness of snoring.ConclusionThese data suggest that analysis of snoring has limited utility in the evaluation of the patient with sleep apnea but may be able to select patients who would benefit from palatal procedures to reduce snoring.
A grading scale for pediatric vocal fold nodules
Authors: Shah Rahul K. , Feldman Henry A. , Nuss Roger C. 
Published: February 2007

ObjectiveTo design a grading scale for vocal fold nodules in pediatric patients.Study Design and SettingWe conducted a prospective study in which a grading scale for vocal nodule size and contour based on static fiberoptic images of pediatric larynges was developed to achieve the scale presented here.ResultsTwenty‐eight health care professionals each rated 28 images of pediatric vocal fold nodules. The intraclass correlation for nodule size was strong (0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.67–0.87). The κ statistic for nodule contour was mild (0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.33–0.37). Agreement between experienced and other raters found no significant difference for the nodule size or contour grade of a given image.ConclusionsA grading scale for pediatric vocal fold nodules is presented. Interrater reliability for nodule size is high and can be reliably used by health care professionals with varying levels of experience.SignificanceA validated grading scale facilitates objective analysis of outcomes when studying and following patients with vocal nodules.