bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge transfer in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: an academic example of a developing country
Authors: Nedjat Saharnaz , Majdzadeh Reza , Gholami Jaleh , Nedjat Sima , Maleki Katayoun , Qorbani Mostafa , Shokoohi Mostafa , Ashoorkhani Mahnaz 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
In the past two decades, scientific publications in Iran have considerably increased their medical science content, and the number of articles published in ISI journals has doubled between 1997 and 2001. The aim of the present study was to determine how frequently knowledge transfer strategies were applied in Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). We were also interested in studying the determining factors leading to the type of strategy selected.

Methodology
All TUMS research projects that had received grants from inside and outside the university in 2004, and were completed by the end of 2006, were included in the study. In total, 301 projects were examined, and data on each of the projects were collected by the research team using a standardized questionnaire. The projects' principle investigators filled out a second questionnaire. In all, 208 questionnaires were collected.

Results
Researchers stated being more engaged in the passive strategies of knowledge transfer, especially those publishing in peer-reviewed journals. The mean score for the researchers' performance in passive and active strategies were 22% and 9% of the total score, respectively. Linear regression analysis showed that the passive strategy score decreased with the increase in the number of years working as a professional (p = 0.01) and personal interest as the only reason for choosing the research topic (p = 0.01). Regarding the active strategies of knowledge transfer, health system research studies significantly raised the score (p = 0.02) and 'executive responsibility' significantly lowered it (p = 0.03).

Conclusion
As a study carried out in a Middle Eastern developing country, we see that, like many other universities in the world, many academicians still do not give priority to active strategies of knowledge transfer. Therefore, if 'linking knowledge to action' is necessary, it may also be necessary to introduce considerable changes in academic procedures and encouragement policies (e.g., employment and promotion criteria of academic members).
Spontaeneous subacute portomesenteric venous thrombosis: a case report
Authors: Mushtaque Muhammed , Cahill Ronan A , Sheehan John J , Stephens Richard B 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Although uncommon and often asymptomatic, portal venous thrombosis can have catastrophic consequences for the individual it afflicts, particularly when the process propagates to involve the superior mesenteric vein. Familiarity with the condition's pathogenesis and presentation however permits early diagnosis and allows aggressive conservative management to achieve a successful outcome. Here we describe the successful outcome of such management for a 42-year-old male patient who developed this condition spontaneously.
Association Studies of Common Variants in 10 Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Genes with Age at Menarche
Authors: Gajdos Zofia K. Z. , Butler Johannah L. , Henderson Katherine DeLellis , He Chunyan , Supelak Pamela J. , Egyud Matthew , Price Alkes , Reich David , Clayton Peter E. , Le Marchand Loic , Hunter David J. , Henderson Brian E. , Palmert Mark R. , Hirschhorn Joel N. 
Published: August 2008

Context: Although the timing of puberty is a highly heritable trait, little is known about the genes that regulate pubertal timing in the general population. Several genes have been identified that, when mutated, cause disorders of delayed or absent puberty such as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH).Objective: Because severe variants in HH-related genes cause a severe puberty phenotype, we hypothesized that common subtle variation in these genes could contribute to the population variation in pubertal timing.Design: We assessed common genetic variation in 10 HH-related genes in 1801 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort with either early (age &lt; 11 yr) or late (age &gt; 14 yr) menarche and in other replication samples. In addition to these common variants, we also studied the most frequently reported HH mutations to assess their role in the population variation in pubertal timing.Setting and Patients/Other Participants: Within the general community, 1801 women from the Hawaii and Los Angeles Multiethnic Cohort participated.Main Outcome Measures: We assessed the association of genetic variation with age at menarche.Results: We found no significant association between any of the variants tested and age at menarche, although we cannot rule out modest effects of these variants or of other variants at long distances from the coding region. In several self-reported racial/ethnic groups represented in our study, we observed an association between estimated genetic ancestry and age at menarche.Conclusions: Our results suggest that common variants near 10 HH-related loci do not play a substantial role in the regulation of age at menarche in the general population.
Low adiponectin state is associated with metabolic abnormalities in obese children, particularly depending on apolipoprotein E phenotype
Authors: Wardaningsih Elfi , Miida Takashi , Seino Utako , Fueki Yuriko , Ito Masayuki , Nagasaki Keisuke , Kikuchi Toru , Uchiyama Makoto , Hirayama Satoshi , Hanyu Osamu , Miyake Kazunori , Okada Masahiko 
Published: August 2008

Background Adiponectin links obesity with insulin resistance, which causes various metabolic abnormalities including dyslipidaemia. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotypes also affect lipoprotein profiles. We aimed to determine whether low adiponectin concentrations are associated with insulin resistance and downstream metabolic abnormalities in obese children. Methods We measured fasting concentrations of lipids, apoE, glucose, insulin and adiponectin, as well as anthropometric parameters, in 191 obese children aged 6–15 years. ApoE phenotypes were determined by isoelectric focusing. Boys ( n = 79) and girls ( n = 39) with apoE3/3 were classified into tertiles according to their adiponectin concentrations. Metabolic parameters, were compared among these three groups in boys and girls separately. Results The low adiponectin groups had higher median homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than the middle and high adiponectin groups in both boys [5.3 (low) versus 3.1 (middle; P < 0.05) and 3.5 (high; P < 0.05)] and girls [5.0 (low) versus 4.4 (middle) and 3.0 (high; P < 0.05)]. However, only boys who were in the low adiponectin group exhibited significantly higher concentrations of blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and remnant-like particle-cholesterol, and lower concentrations of HDL-cholesterol compared with the middle or high adiponectin groups. Conclusion Low adiponectin concentration is associated with insulin resistance in obese children. Furthermore, decreased adiponectin with E3/3 exhibited more prominent downstream metabolic abnormalities in obese boys than in obese girls.
Assay validation and biological variation of serum receptor for advanced glycation end-products
Authors: Brown Louise F , Fraser Callum G 
Published: August 2008

Background The analytical performance characteristics of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) were evaluated. The within- and between-subject components of biological variation were also estimated. Methods Blood was sampled from healthy volunteers into K2-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and serum separator tubes (SST) and the stability of RAGE in whole blood, plasma and serum examined. Performance characteristics of the assay were assessed using quality control materials. Three samples were obtained from each of 21 healthy volunteers one-week apart, RAGE measured and components of biological variation estimated. Results RAGE concentrations in blood specimens collected into K2-EDTA and SST were stable for at least 6 hours and, after centrifugation, both plasma and serum were stable for at least 24 hours. The RAGE assay had the following characteristics: inter-assay imprecision: coefficient of variation ≤7.3%, working range: 26–5000 ng/L, linearity: r = 0.9977 and detection limit: 26 ng/L. Overall within- and between-subject biological variations were 14.6% and 56.5%, the index of individuality was 0.31 and the reference change value was 49.0% at P < 0.05. Conclusion Samples for RAGE analyses in serum or plasma can be collected without significant difficulties with the assay showing acceptable analytical performance characteristics. Conventional population-based reference values are of limited utility in diagnosis, indicating that RAGE is likely to be more useful in monitoring disease.
Reduction in Adverse Symptoms as Blood Pressure Becomes Controlled
Authors: Weber Cynthia A. , Leloux Megan R. , Carter Barry L. , Farris Karen B. , Xu Yinghui 
Published: August 2008

Study Objectives. To evaluate trends in adverse symptoms as blood pressure becomes controlled, and to determine if these symptoms are influenced by social support and self‐efficacy.Design. Secondary analysis from a randomized controlled study of physician‐pharmacist collaboration to improve blood pressure control.Setting. Five university‐affiliated primary care clinics.Patients. A total of 179 patients (aged 21–85 yrs) with uncontrolled primary hypertension who were taking no antihypertensive drugs or up to three antihypertensive drugs at baseline were randomized to the intervention group, in which pharmacists were involved in their care, or to the control group, who received usual care from their physicians. Of these patients, 160 completed the study: 92 were in the intervention group, and 68 were in the control group.Intervention. In both groups, patient‐reported symptoms suggestive of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were recorded at each study visit with use of a structured ADR questionnaire. Social support and self‐efficacy questionnaires were also administered at each study visit.Measurements and Main Results. Patients' ADR scores decreased significantly from baseline to the end of the study in both the control (from a mean of 26.5 to 18.4) and intervention (from 29.9 to 22.7) groups (p<0.0001 for both comparisons), although no significant difference was noted between groups. The mean ± SD number of antihypertensive drugs/patient increased in both the intervention (from 1.5 ± 1.0 to 2.4 ± 0.9 drugs) and control (from 1.4 ± 1.0 to 1.9 ± 1.0 drugs) groups; however, the difference between groups was significant only at the end of the study. Additional analyses were performed on self‐efficacy and social support to determine a potential reason for the reduction in ADR scores despite an increase in drug use. Improvements in self‐efficacy and social support scores were significantly and independently associated with improvement in ADR score (p<0.05).Conclusions. In both groups, ADR scores improved despite an increase in antihypertensive drug use. Improvements in social support and, to a lesser extent, self‐efficacy were associated with improvements in ADR scores. Patients should not expect an increase in distressful symptoms as their blood pressure becomes controlled with antihypertensive drugs, especially when adequate social support is available.
Population-Specific Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Conferred by HNF4A P2 Promoter Variants
Authors: Barroso Inês , Luan Jian’an , Wheeler Eleanor , Whittaker Pamela , Wasson Jon , Zeggini Eleftheria , Weedon Michael N. , Hunt Sarah , Venkatesh Ranganath , Frayling Timothy M. , Delgado Marcos , Neuman Rosalind J. , Zhao Jinghua , Sherva Richard , Glaser Benjamin , Walker Mark , Hitman Graham , McCarthy Mark I. , Hattersley Andrew T. , Permutt M. Alan , Wareham Nicholas J. , Deloukas Panagiotis 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVE—Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the P2 promoter region of HNF4A were originally shown to be associated with predisposition for type 2 diabetes in Finnish, Ashkenazi, and, more recently, Scandinavian populations, but they generated conflicting results in additional populations. We aimed to investigate whether data from a large-scale mapping approach would replicate this association in novel Ashkenazi samples and in U.K. populations and whether these data would allow us to refine the association signal.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Using a dense linkage disequilibrium map of 20q, we selected SNPs from a 10-Mb interval centered on HNF4A. In a staged approach, we first typed 4,608 SNPs in case-control populations from four U.K. populations and an Ashkenazi population (n = 2,516). In phase 2, a subset of 763 SNPs was genotyped in 2,513 additional samples from the same populations.
RESULTS—Combined analysis of both phases demonstrated association between HNF4A P2 SNPs (rs1884613 and rs2144908) and type 2 diabetes in the Ashkenazim (n = 991; P &lt; 1.6 × 10−6). Importantly, these associations are significant in a subset of Ashkenazi samples (n = 531) not previously tested for association with P2 SNPs (odds ratio [OR] ∼1.7; P &lt; 0.002), thus providing replication within the Ashkenazim. In the U.K. populations, this association was not significant (n = 4,022; P &gt; 0.5), and the estimate for the OR was much smaller (OR 1.04; [95%CI 0.91–1.19]).
CONCLUSIONS—These data indicate that the risk conferred by HNF4A P2 is significantly different between U.K. and Ashkenazi populations (P &lt; 0.00007), suggesting that the underlying causal variant remains unidentified. Interactions with other genetic or environmental factors may also contribute to this difference in risk between populations.
Oscillation of fourth order nonlinear neutral difference equations-II
Authors: Tripathy A. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Oscillatory and asymptotic behaviour of solutions of a class of fourth order nonlinear neutral difference equations of the form $$
\Delta ^2 (r(n)\Delta ^2 (y(n) + p(n)y(n - m))) + q(n)G(y(n - k)) = 0
$$ and $$
(E) \Delta ^2 (r(n)\Delta ^2 (y(n) + p(n)y(n - m))) + q(n)G(y(n - k)) = f(n)
$$ are studied under the assumption $$
\sum\limits_{n = 0}^\infty {\tfrac{n}
{{r(n)}}}
$$ < ∞, for different ranges of p(n). Sufficient conditions are obtained for the existence of positive bounded solutions of (E).
From the Cradle to the Grave: Politics, Families and Inheritance Law
Authors: Reid Dot 
Published: August 2008

Property is political. The extent to which a society restricts or encourages freedom of ownership and the accumulation of wealth reflects the values of that society, whether they spring from a Marxist ideology at one end of the political spectrum or from a commitment to liberal individualism and the operation of a free market at the other.1 Property ownership is the foundation stone of a capitalist economy2 and the spread of home ownership a core philosophy of all modern political parties. The extent to which the law should interfere with individual choice in relation to family behaviour is an issue which elicits a range of views across the political spectrum, closely related to preference for “big” or “small” government and sympathy (or lack of it) for a degree of social engineering. Modern British governments tread warily in this territory, reluctant to create controversy or to risk accusations of being a “nanny” state. But none has completely eschewed policy initiatives which affect the institution of the family.
A ‘middle road’ approach to bridging the basic–applied divide in eyewitness identification research
Authors: Lane Sean M. , Meissner Christian A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOver a century of laboratory research has explored the mechanisms of memory using a variety of paradigms and stimuli. In addition, many researchers have taken up Neisser's challenge to examine memory under real‐world conditions, most prominently including the eyewitness identification problem. Unfortunately, these ‘high road’ and ‘low road’ perspectives rarely communicate with one another, with the eyewitness field largely adopting an approach that focusses on methodological adherence to conditions that mimic real‐world situations. In the current paper we advocate for a ‘middle road’ approach that includes a focus on theory development, an emphasis on the interaction between field and laboratory research and the implementation of convergent approaches to investigating eyewitness identification. We argue that the field would be invigorated by such an approach, with benefits accruing to our understanding of eyewitness identification and to the development of procedures that will ultimately improve eyewitness accuracy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete dissolution and hydrolysis of wood in hot water
Authors: Fang Zhen , Fang Chun 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWhen willow and water were heated rapidly (7–16°C/s) to high temperatures and high pressures, most of willow (90 vol %) dissolved in water at 341°C in 2.5 s without complete dissolution. Adding 0.8 wt % Na2CO3, complete dissolution of willow (concentration up to 35 vol %) was observed at 329–367°C and water densities of 322–787 kg/m3 (14–106 MPa) in 1.5 s. By cooling the solublized willow immediately, micron particles were obtained via precipitation. If heated further to 400°C, willow was completely hydrolyzed to sugars/sugar oligomers in 14.6 s at homogeneous conditions. A flow reactor was proposed to completely solubilize willow for the production of micron particles, sugars, bio‐fuels and chemicals continuously. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Synthesis, structure characterization and catalytic activity of lanthanide complexes containing an ansa carbonous‐bridged cyclopentadienyl—thienyl ligand
Authors: Xie Xiaomin , Huang Jiling 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA kind of new lanthanocene complex with an ansa carbonous‐bridged cyclopentadienyl/aromatic heterocycle ligand was prepared and characterized. Based on the data of elemental analyses, MS and IR, they were presumed to be solvent‐free complexes (cyclo‐C4H3SCMe2C5H4)2LnCl [Ln = Er (1), Dd (2), Y (3), Sm (4)]. These complexes were effective for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of co‐catalyst. When AlEt3 and NaH (nanometric) were used as different co‐catalysts, the lanthanocene complexes 1–4 showed different catalytic behavior. These differences resulted from the formation of different active species. The catalyst system (cyclo‐C4H3SCMe2C5H4)2LnCl/NaH (nanometric) showed high catalytic activity (yield ≥ 95% and Mη > 105) in a short time at the ambient temperature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of promoters and secondary fluidizing medium on mixing: statistical and ANN approaches
Authors: Mohanty Y. K. , Mohanty B. P. , Roy G. K. , Biswal K. C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFactorial design (statistical approach) and artificial neural network (ANN) models have been developed for the prediction of mixing the index with four system parameters, such as static bed heights, average particle densities, average particle sizes and gas velocities, under four different experimental conditions, viz., only primary air, simultaneous primary and secondary air, disc promoter and rod promoter. The values of the mixing index obtained through the developed models are found to agree well with their experimental counterparts. It has also been found from these investigations that under simultaneous primary and secondary air supply conditions the best mixing performance is achieved, i.e. IM ≈ 1.0, as compared to rod promoter, disc promoter, and only primary air supply. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Springs in time: fish fauna and habitat changes in springs over a 20‐year interval
Authors: Bergey Elizabeth A. , Matthews William J. , Fry Jennifer E. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Despite the range of threats to springs and the number of spring‐endemic species, studies of temporal changes in the fauna of springs have rarely been reported. Changes in the fish of 22 Oklahoma (USA) springs were compared among surveys in 1981, 1982, and 2001.
Twenty‐year assemblage differences were correlated with physical alteration of specific springs and stocking of native fish, which was made possible by past habitat changes that produced pools. Physical alteration of springs is a major ongoing threat to Oklahoma springs.
Variation in spring fish assemblages among the three surveys was apparently affected by fish movement in and out of springs, and the greater rain‐induced connectivity between springs and streams during one year.
Although flow reduction is a commonly cited threat to springs, there was little evidence of flow reduction impacts in this study because Oklahoma springs may have been affected prior to 1981 and high‐flow springs, which most often contain fish, were in areas with low groundwater water use.
Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas‐Liquid Mass Transfer Approach applied to the Modeling of Flotation in a Bubble Column
Authors: Chahed J. , M'Rabet K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA kinetic model developed to describe flotation in a bubble column is presented. This model, developed on the basis of the theory of mass transfer in gas‐liquid flows, makes explicit in its formulation the effect of the superficial saturation of bubbles on the kinetics of flotation. The model is applied to the simulation of flotation column experiments for which the classical first‐order models, commonly used in flotation modeling, are insufficient to represent the flotation kinetics. The results of the simulations obtained under different hypotheses of simplification and compared to experimental data show that the model succeeds in representing the flotation kinetics in these cases.
Effect of Operating Parameters on the Condensation of Ammonium Sulfate by Electrodialysis
Authors: Yang H. , Zhang X.‐S. , Yuan W.‐K. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe separation of ammonium sulfate from dilute solution by electrodialysis was investigated. From the results obtained, it is suggested that it is feasible to separate ammonium sulfate from aqueous solution by electrodialysis. The removal performance of ammonium sulfate obtained was very satisfactory. The optimal cation and anion membranes were found. The removal efficiencies were influenced by voltage, initial concentration, flow rate and temperature. High voltage and high temperature are beneficial to this separation process, but high fluid flow rate and concentrated initial concentration prolong the operation time required to achieve the target value. It was found that the optimal outlet concentration is 1 g/L, since the operation time is prolonged almost two‐fold if the outlet concentration is decreased from 1 g/L to 0.5 g/L.
Heterogeneously Catalyzed Epimerization of Menthol Stereoisomers – An Instructive Example to Account for Diffusion Limitations in Complex Reaction Networks
Authors: Etzold B. , Jess A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe heterogeneously catalyzed epimerization of menthol stereoisomers is an important step in the synthesis of (–)‐menthol by the Haarmann and Reimer process. For an accurate design of a technical reactor, the intrinsic kinetics as well as pore diffusion limitations have to be taken into account. The epimerization consists of a complex reaction network and so a simple approach using effectiveness factors based on Thiele moduli is not possible. In this work, a method is presented to simultaneously calculate the change in concentrations in the bulk phase as well as within the porous particles with time (fixed bed reactor) or local position (batch reactor). A commercially available numerical software was used to solve the differential equations.