bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lewis Acid‐Induced N‐Methyleneamines as Initiators in the Synthesis of Secondary Amine‐Terminated Polymers
Authors: McKnight Jeffrey N. , Tillman Eric S. , Sarry Louis R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSummary: The cationic polymerization of poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether) using N‐methyleneamine equivalents derived from a Lewis acid/1,3,5‐trimethylhexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazine (TMTA) co‐initiating system is reported. The resulting polymers possessed secondary amine functionality at the chain terminus, verified by derivatization with 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD‐Cl) and subsequent analysis with GPC‐UV (470 nm) and 1H NMR.Use of N‐methyleneamine equivalents lacking aryl substituents to afford amine‐terminated poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether).magnified imageUse of N‐methyleneamine equivalents lacking aryl substituents to afford amine‐terminated poly(tert‐butyl vinyl ether).
Information aggregation in a catastrophe futures market
Authors: Shachat Jason , Westerling Anthony 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe experimentally examine a reinsurance market in which participants have differing information regarding the probability distribution over losses. The key question is whether the market equilibrium reflects traders maximizing value with respect to their different priors, or whether the equilibrium is one based on a common belief incorporating all participants' information. When assuming subjects are expected value maximizers, we reject both full information aggregation and no information aggregation equilibria. We discover, as in past individual choice insurance experiments, that buyers under‐assess the probabilities of large loss states, or alternatively, subjects assign larger utility values to losses than to comparable gains. After accounting for these decision theoretic concerns, the non‐aggregation of information hypothesis explains the data better than full information aggregation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
VBR video traffic modeling and synthetic data generation using GA‐optimized Volterra filters
Authors: Abdennour Adel 
Published: September 2006

AbstractVariable bit rate (VBR) video traffic models, which accurately represent the traffic characteristics and statistical properties of real videos, can provide significant information about expected traffic behavior. This knowledge can be used in the development of effective control schemes and improved network quality of service. An interesting class of models based on the idea of generating a number of chi‐square sequences, by passing a Gaussian autoregressive (AR) process through a simple nonlinearity, was recently introduced. The gamma process in this class of models is obtained by a linear combination of the chi‐square sequences. This model is simple and allows for arbitrary selection of both the AR model and the shape parameter of the gamma probability density function. However, the AR filter order is chosen mainly on a trial‐and‐error basis. In addition, while the approach uses a linear combination ofKchi‐square sequences, it fixes (K− 2) coefficients and solves for only the remaining two because it has more equations than unknowns. Occasionally, the resulting solution is not feasible and additional trials for different solutions are required. It is therefore the objective of this paper to use genetic algorithms to provide a more systematic approach to find the various model parameters. The paper also presents a thorough statistical analysis of the generated synthetic data in order to assess its suitability for representing MPEG video traffic. A comparison with published results is carried out in terms of how close are the means, standard deviations, and the autocorrelation functions to those of the real data. A comparison of over 10000 replications and a number of different video traces reveals that a significant improvement can be achieved in almost all measures and for almost all the movies tested. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & sons, Ltd.
An order optimal solver for the discretized bidomain equations
Authors: Mardal Kent‐Andre , Nielsen Bjørn Fredrik , Cai Xing , Tveito Aslak 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe electrical activity in the heart is governed by the bidomain equations. In this paper, we analyse an order optimal method for the algebraic equations arising from the discretization of this model. Our scheme is defined in terms of block Jacobi or block symmetric Gauss–Seidel preconditioners. Furthermore, each block in these methods is based on standard preconditioners for scalar elliptic or parabolic partial differential equations (PDEs). Such preconditioners can be realized in terms of multigrid or domain decomposition schemes, and are thus readily available by applying ‘off‐the‐shelves’ software. Finally, our theoretical findings are illuminated by a series of numerical experiments. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed inflammatory responses to endotoxin in fibrinogen‐deficient mice
Authors: Cruz‐Topete D , Iwaki T , Ploplis VA , Castellino FJ 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSevere inflammation leads to haemostatic abnormalities, such as the development of microvascular thrombi. As a result, ischaemia‐related downstream organ damage can occur. The present study demonstrates that mice with a total deficiency of fibrinogen (Fg−/−) present with altered responses to challenge with Gram‐negative lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Early survival in response to continuous LPS challenge was increased in Fg−/− mice and histological findings indicated that this improvement correlated with a lack of fibrin deposition in organs. Neutrophils appeared early in the lungs of challenged wild‐type (WT) mice, but occurred in Fg−/− mice at later times. This delayed response in Fg−/− mice was confirmed by studies that showed a strong dependence on Fg of binding of neutrophils to endothelial cells in the presence of LPS. While cytokines were also elevated in both WT and Fg−/− mice, their levels were generally lower at early times in this latter group. The time course of MIP‐2 expression correlated with the occurrence of pulmonary leakage after LPS challenge, which was delayed in Fg−/− mice. These results suggest that fibrin(ogen) plays a role as an early mediator in the cross‐talk between coagulation and inflammation. Copyright © 2006 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studying co‐medication patterns: the impact of definitions
Authors: Tobi Hilde , Faber Adrianne , van den Berg Paul B , Drane J Wanzer , de Jong‐van den Berg Lolkje TW 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPurposeTo show the necessity of distinguishing several patterns of drug prescribing that may lead to co‐medication. It is demonstrated how these different patterns can be investigated using large databases containing pharmacy data or reimbursement data.MethodsTwo examples illustrate how the particular pattern of co‐medication studied will influence the reported proportion of patients having co‐medication, the use of antidepressants among people using anticonvulsants, and the use of antihistamines among people receiving penicillines.ResultsDepending on definition and period considered, the percentage of anticonvulsant users co‐medicated with antidepressants ranged from 5.8% (95%CI 5.0%, 6.8%) to 14.5% (95%CI 13.2%, 15.9%) in 2000. Comparing 2002 with 2000, the ratio of proportions ranged from 1.3 to 2.1. The percentage of people who received penicillines and were co‐medicated with antihistamines ranged from 0.5% (95%CI 0.4%, 0.6%) to 9.7% (95%CI 9.3%, 10.2%) in 2000. Comparing 2002 with 2000, the ratio of proportions ranged from 1.2 to 1.6.ConclusionThe co‐medication patterns investigated yielded clinical as well as statistically significant different estimates. The estimates differed up to a factor 2.5 for the drugs usually prescribed for long periods, and a factor 12 for drugs prescribed for short periods. Hence, we propose to distinguish the patterns ‘co‐prescribing’, ‘concomitant medication,’ and ‘possibly concurrent medication.’ The research question determines the co‐medication pattern of interest, and the drug and disease under study determine the time window. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acenocoumarol and vasculitis: a case report
Authors: Aouam Karim , Gassab Azza , Khorchani Hassen , Bel Hadj Ali Hichem , Amri Montassar , Boughattas Naceur A , Zili Jamel Eddine 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA 62‐year‐old woman was referred to the dermatology department for a history of fever, asthenia and cutaneous rash, which appeared after a 3‐day course of digitalin and acenocoumarol for atrial fibrillation. The physical examination revealed multiple round confluent purpuric lesions over her entire legs with no blistering. Laboratory exams were all negative. Biopsy of the involved skin was compatible with leucocytoclastic vasculitis. The acenocoumarol treatment was withheld and the skin lesions resolved spontaneously over the next 10 days. The cause of this purpura was seemingly acenocoumarol because of the close temporal relationship between exposure to the drug and the onset of the symptoms, and the spontaneous resolution of the lesions after acenocoumarol was discontinued. This observation illustrates a rare association between vasculitis and acenocoumarol. Clinicians should be aware of this potential adverse effect and recommend interrupting the drug intake when temporal relation is evocative. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Domain structure and miscibility studies of blends of styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymers (SBS) and styrene–glycidyl methacrylate statistical copolymers (PS‐GMA) using SAXS and DMTA
Authors: Canto LB , Torriani IL , Plivelic TS , Hage E , Pessan LA 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe domain structure and miscibility in the solid state of a series of blends of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene (SBS) block copolymers and styrene‐glycidyl methacrylate (PS‐GMA) statistical copolymers with varying molecular weights and compositions were studied using small angle X‐ray scattering and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Depending on the molecular characteristics of each component, different types and degrees of solubilization of PS‐GMA in SBS were found which, in addition to the initially SBS phase morphology, lead to materials with multiphase domain morphologies with differences in size and structure. The degree of solubilization of PS‐GMA into the PS domains of SBS was found to be higher for blends containing PS‐GMA with lower molecular weight (Mw = 18 100 g mol−1) and lower GMA content (1 wt%) and/or for SBS with higher PS content (39 wt%) and longer PS blocks (Mw = 19 600 g mol−1). Localized solubilization of PS‐GMA in the middle of PS domains of SBS was found to be the most probable to occur for the systems under study, causing swelling of PS domains. However, uniform solubilization was also observed for SBS/PS‐GMA blends containing SBS with composition in the range of a morphological transition (PS block Mw = 19 600 g mol−1 and 39 wt% of PS) causing a morphological transition in the SBS copolymer (cylinder to lamella). Copyright © 2006 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Overcoming the poor short wavelength spectral response of CdS/CdTe photovoltaic modules via luminescence down‐shifting: ray‐tracing simulations
Authors: Richards B.S. , McIntosh K.R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe short‐wavelength response of cadmium sulfide/cadmium telluride (CdS/CdTe) photovoltaic (PV) modules can be improved by the application of a luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) layer to the PV module. The LDS layer contains a mixture of fluorescent organic dyes that are able to absorb short‐wavelength light of λ < 540 nm, for which the PV module exhibited low external quantum efficiency (EQE), and re‐emit it at a longer wavelength (λ > 540 nm), where the solar cell EQE is high. Ray‐tracing simulations indicate that a mixed LDS layer containing three dyes could lead to an increase in the short‐circuit current density fromJsc = 19.8 mA/cm2toJsc = 22.9 mA/cm2for a CdS/CdTe PV module. This corresponds to an increase in conversion efficiency from 9.6% to 11.2%. This indicates that a relative increase in the performance of a production CdS/CdTe PV module of nearly 17% can be expected via the application of LDS layers, possibly without any making any alterations to the solar cell itself. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer support groups: a critical review of empirical studies
Authors: Gottlieb Benjamin H. , Wachala Elizabeth D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSupport groups for adults affected by cancer are widely offered by local community and national agencies in North America. This type of psychosocial intervention is defined in terms of its structure and functions, and its theoretical underpinnings and models of practice are described. Forty‐four empirical studies of professionally led cancer support groups are summarized and critically reviewed. These studies include 32 outcome evaluations of randomized controlled trials, two process evaluations, and 10 consumer satisfaction studies. The findings reveal high levels of consumer satisfaction, and the outcome evaluations substantiate the morale and other quality of life benefits short of prolonging life. Discussion centers on priorities for future research and practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived helpfulness and impact of social support provided by family, friends, and health care providers to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer
Authors: Arora Neeraj K. , Finney Rutten Lila J. , Gustafson David H. , Moser Richard , Hawkins Robert P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe evaluated the helpfulness of informational, emotional, and decision‐making support received by women newly diagnosed with breast cancer from their family, friends, and health care providers. Data were collected at two time points via patient surveys: baseline on an average 2 months post‐diagnosis and follow‐up at 5 months post‐baseline. In the period closer to diagnosis, majority of the women received helpful informational support from health care providers (84.0%); helpful emotional support from family (85%), friends (80.4%), and providers (67.1%); and helpful decision‐making support from providers (75.2%) and family (71.0%). Emotional support at baseline and emotional and informational support at 5‐month follow‐up were significantly associated with patients' health‐related quality of life and self‐efficacy outcomes (p<0.01). Perceived helpfulness of informational, emotional, and decision‐making support provided by family, friends, and providers however significantly decreased over time (p<0.001). Cancer patients' desire significant amount of support throughout their cancer journey. Our results show that while patients receive a lot of support during the period closer to diagnosis, receipt of helpful support drops significantly within the first year itself. In order to facilitate cancer patients' adjustment to their illness, efforts need to be made to understand and address their support needs throughout the cancer experience. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘What does it mean?’ uncertainty, trust and communication following treatment for pre‐cancerous cervical abnormalities
Authors: Juraskova Ilona , Butow Phyllis , Sharpe Louise , Campion Michael 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe early detection of pre‐cancerous cervical conditions has risen dramatically, prompting more in‐depth investigations regarding psychological implications inherent within the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. This study aimed to identify factors that influence women's experience of diagnosis and treatment of cervical abnormalities and factors that facilitate positive adjustment. Using a semi‐structured telephone interview, we interviewed 21 women (age 24–54) treated at a colposcopy clinic. Systematic recruitment of women with varying degrees of cervical abnormality (CIN 1–3) and time since treatment was undertaken to ensure representation of all relevant experiences and allow the identification of long‐term factors. Coding of audio‐taped, transcribed interviews and searching for themes was achieved by using NUD*IST software. The results identified uncertainty, trust and communication as the key factors for women following diagnosis and treatment. The primary concern following diagnosis was related to cancer but changed to a more prominent concern with future reproductive issues in the post‐treatment period. The majority of women acknowledged the importance of the doctor's empathic communication style. These findings have important implications for future studies and clinical practice. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of models to assess the reduction in contamination of water bodies by agricultural pesticides through the implementation of policy instruments: a case study of the Voluntary Initiative in the UK
Authors: Garratt James , Kennedy Angela 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThrough normal agricultural use, pesticides may reach environmental water bodies via several routes of entry. Various policies and initiatives exist to reduce the effects of pesticides in the environment. One such initiative in place in the UK is the Voluntary Initiative (VI). The VI is a voluntary scheme put forward by the Crop Protection Association with other crop protection and farming organisations to reduce the environmental impacts of pesticides. Mathematical models of pesticide fate can usefully be applied to examine the impact of factors influencing the contamination of water bodies by pesticides. The work reported here used water quality models to examine how changes in farmer behaviour could potentially impact pesticide contamination of environmental water bodies. As far as possible, uncalibrated, standard regulatory models were used. Where suitable models were not available, simple models were defined for the purposes of the study and calibrated using literature data. Scenarios were developed to represent different standards of practice with respect to pesticide user behaviour. The development of these scenarios was guided by the Crop Protection Management Plan (CPMP) aspect of the VI. A framework for the use of modelling in the evaluation of the VI is proposed. The results of the modelling study suggest that, in several areas, widespread adoption of the measures proposed in the VI could lead to reductions in pesticide contamination of environmental water bodies. These areas include pesticide contamination from farmyards, spray drift and field runoff. In other areas (including pesticide leaching to groundwater and contamination of surface water from field drains) the benefits that may potentially be gained from the VI are less clear. A framework to evaluate the VI should take into consideration the following aspects: (1) groundwater is more at risk when there is a combination of leachable compounds, vulnerable soils, shallow groundwater and high product usage; (2) surface water contamination from drains is most likely when heavy rain falls soon after application, the soils are vulnerable and product usage is high; (3) surface water contamination from drift is most likely when the distance between the spray boom and water body is small and product usage is high; (4) surface water contamination from farmyards is dependent on the nature of the farmyard surface, the competence of the spray operator and the level of product usage. Any policy or initiative to reduce pesticide contamination should be measured against farmer behaviour in these areas. © Crown copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of efficacy, absorption and translocation of three glyphosate formulations on velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)
Authors: Belles David , Shaner Dale , Westra Phil , Brunk Galen 
Published: September 2006

AbstractGrowth analysis, absorption and translocation studies were conducted to compare a 1‐aminomethanamide dihydrogen tetraoxosulfate (GLY‐A) formulation of glyphosate with two isopropylamine (GLY‐IPA‐1, GLY‐IPA‐2) formulations of glyphosate on velvetleaf. The two isopropylamine formulations differed by the presence of a surfactant in the formulation, GLY‐IPA‐1 containing surfactant whereas GLY‐IPA‐2 did not. Four‐ to six‐leaf velvetleaf was treated with GLY‐A and GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 (0, 50, 67, 89, 119, 158, 280, 420, 560 and 840 g AE ha−1) with and without ammonium sulfate (AMS; 20 g L−1). GLY‐A and GLY‐IPA‐2 included a non‐ionic surfactant (2.5 mL L−1) in the spray solution at all herbicide concentrations. No additional surfactant was added to GLY‐IPA‐1. The IC50 value for GLY‐A was 88 g AE ha−1 compared with 346 and 376 g AE ha−1 for GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively in the absence of AMS. When AMS (20 g L−1) was added to the spray solution, the estimated IC50 values were 143, 76 and 60 g AE ha−1 for GLY‐IPA‐1, GLY‐IPA‐2 and GLY‐A respectively. Absorption of 14C‐glyphosate into the third leaf of five‐ to six‐leaf velvetleaf was three‐ to sixfold greater 72 h after treatment (HAT) when applied as GLY‐A compared with GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively in the absence of AMS. AMS (20 g L−1) increased absorption of 14C‐glyphosate in all glyphosate formulations two‐ to threefold, but differences among the formulations remained. Approximately three‐ and sixfold more 14C‐glyphosate applied as GLY‐A had translocated out of the treated leaf compared with GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 respectively by 72 HAT. Adding AMS (20 g L−1) increased translocation of 14C‐glyphosate out of the treated leaf approximately 2.5‐fold for all three formulations. The increased efficacy of GLY‐A versus GLY‐IPA‐1 and GLY‐IPA‐2 on velvetleaf is due to the greater rate of absorption and subsequent translocation of glyphosate out of the treated leaf. AMS increased the efficacy of all three formulations by increasing absorption and translocation of glyphosate in the plant. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipidomic analysis of twenty‐seven prostanoids and isoprostanes by liquid chromatography/electrospray tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Masoodi Mojgan , Nicolaou Anna 
Published: September 2006

AbstractProstanoids are potent mediators of many physiological and pathophysiological processes. Of the many analytical methodologies used for their qualitative and quantitative analysis, electrospray tandem mass spectrometry coupled to liquid chromatography (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) offers a rapid, sensitive and versatile system applicable to lipidomic analyses. We have developed an LC/ESI‐MS/MS assay for twenty‐seven mediators including prostaglandins, prostacyclines, thromboxanes, dihydroprostaglandins and isoprostanes. The assay was liner over the concentration range 1–100 pg/µL. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.5–50 and 2–100 pg, respectively, whilst recoveries were from 83–116% depending on the metabolite. The assay can be applied to the profiling of prostanoids produced by a variety of biological fluids and extracts including brain, liver, plasma and urine, thus facilitating our understanding of the role of these lipid mediators in health and disease, as well as assisting in drug development. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.