bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographic variation of gallbladder cancer mortality and risk factors in Chile: A population‐based ecologic study
Authors: Andia Marcelo E. , Hsing Ann W. , Andreotti Gabriella , Ferreccio Catterina 
Published: June 2008

AbstractChile's gallbladder cancer rates are among the highest in the world, being the leading cause of cancer deaths among Chilean women. To provide insights into the etiology of gallbladder cancer, we conducted an ecologic study examining the geographical variation of gallbladder cancer and several putative risk factors. The relative risk of dying from gallbladder cancer between 1985 and 2003 was estimated for each of the 333 Chilean counties, using a hierarchical Poisson regression model, adjusting for age, sex and geographical location. The risk of gallbladder cancer mortality was analyzed in relation to region, poverty, Amerindian (Mapuche) population, typhoid fever and access to cholecystectomy, using logistic regression analysis. There were 27,183 gallbladder cancer deaths, with age and sex‐adjusted county mortality rates ranging from 8.2 to 12.4 per 100,000 inhabitants. Rates were highest in inland and southern regions. Compared to the northern‐coast, the northern‐inland region had a 10‐fold risk (95% of confidence interval (95% CI): 2.4–42.2) and the southern‐inland region had a 26‐fold risk (95% CI: 6.0–114.2). Independent of region, other risk factors for gallbladder cancer included a high Mapuche population (Odds ratio (OR):3.9, 95% CI 1.8–8.7), high typhoid fever incidence (OR:2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9), high poverty (OR:5.1, 95% CI 1.6–15.9), low access to cholecystectomy (OR:3.9, 95% CI 1.5–10.1), low access to hospital care (OR:14.2, 95% CI 4.2–48.7) and high urbanization (OR:8.0, 95% CI 3.4–18.7). Our results suggest that gallbladder cancer in Chile may be related to both genetic factors and poor living conditions. Future analytic studies are needed to further clarify the role of these factors in gallbladder cancer etiology. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family history of cancer and stomach cancer risk
Authors: Foschi Roberto , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Bosetti Cristina , Bertuccio Paola , Tavani Alessandra , La Vecchia Carlo , Negri Eva 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA family history of stomach cancer in first‐degree relatives increases the risk of stomach cancer, but uncertainties remain as concerns the variation of the risk according to age, sex and type of relative, as well as on the role of family history of other cancers. We investigated the issue using data from a multicentric case‐control study conducted in Italy between 1997 and 2007 on 230 cases aged not more than 80 years, with histologically confirmed incident gastric cancer and 547 controls admitted to hospital for acute, non neoplastic conditions. Logistic regression models adjusted for the effect of sex, age, year of interview, education, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoking and number of brothers and sisters were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) of stomach cancer. Relative to subjects with no history, those with a family history of gastric cancer had an OR of 2.5 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–4.2). No significant heterogeneity emerged according to sex or age of the proband or of the affected relative, or smoking habits, BMI and education of the proband. As suggested from previous studies the OR was higher when the affected relative was a sibling (OR=5.1, 95% CI: 1.3–20.6) rather than a parent (OR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.2–3.9), although the heterogeneity test was not significant. The risk of stomach cancer was not increased in subjects with a family history of cancer at any other site. The OR for all sites excluding stomach was 1.0 (95% CI: 0.7–1.4). © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linking research, capacity building, and policy dialogue in support of informal irrigation in urban West Africa
Authors: Drechsel Pay , Cofie Olufunke O. , van Veenhuizen René , Larbi Theophilus O. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInformal irrigation is receiving increasing attention in West Africa. In particular, irrigated urban and peri‐urban agriculture (UPA) is thriving with significant benefits for farmers and the urban populations, though it is often handicapped by water pollution which threatens public health and prevents authorities from appreciating its advantages. To integrate UPA in sustainable urban development, a multi‐stakeholder (MS) process has been implemented since 2005 in a stepwise approach in six West African cities. Accra, Ghana, was the first Anglophone city where the MS process tried to facilitate strategic partnerships for an improved research‐policy dialogue. The process was supported by capacity building of local stakeholders, e.g. in participatory processes management, action planning and research, and monitoring and evaluation. These activities facilitated the official recognition of the role and benefits of UPA in Ghana in various ways. An internal lesson learnt was that there are many reasons why local partners might not give every project the expected priority and that related capacity‐building efforts might consequently not provide the expected incentive for partner commitment. Moreover, flexibility is required to link research, capacity building and policy dialogue through an MS process as its dynamic can vary from city to city and thus cannot follow set theoretical standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Building drought management capacity in the Mekong River basin
Authors: Hundertmark Wilfried 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOver the past decades the Mekong River basin has experienced several droughts, the most recent of which occurred in the hydrological year 2004/2005. Impacts extended across agriculture, forestry, water resources, supply, industry, transport and the environment. In early 2006, the Mekong River Commission Secretariat initiated close consultations with the MRC member states Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam, aiming at the formulation of a common Drought Management Programme, which would enhance the existing drought management capacity and ensure effective support. This paper draws attention to the programme formulation process. It shows how national capacity needs were assessed and synthesized into a basin‐wide capacity development programme. The paper concludes that in the context of international waters enhancing cooperation and capacity in drought management requires a strategic framework as an overall guideline for programme formulation and implementation. It defines a common terminology, mechanisms and linkages to integrated water resources management plans. The programme's long‐term success depends on the ability to sustain the interest of the national partner institutions. Ultimately, enhanced capacity in drought management must demonstrate its impact on the level of vulnerability of the population living under drought‐prone conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing UK farmers' institutional capacity to defend their water rights and effectively manage limited water resources
Authors: Leathes W. , Knox J. W. , Kay M. G. , Trawick P. , Rodriguez‐Diaz J. A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDeveloping farmers' institutional capacity to defend their water rights is central to sustaining irrigation farming in the UK. Increasing demand and competition for water and the introduction of new water regulations have led many farmers to re‐evaluate the security of their water rights. As a consequence, some have formed water abstractors groups, a trend which is strongest in eastern England, where irrigation is most concentrated and water resources are most stressed.“Collective choice” theory attempts to explain how institutions evolve to share common resources and what key elements are needed for them to endure over the long term. This paper compares the characteristics of four existing water abstractors groups against those of “collective choice” theory. It concludes that it is applicable in the UK context and relevant when addressing a range of emerging water management challenges.The approach taken offers a means of analysing capacity at an institutional level and suggests a way of supporting the development of existing water abstractors groups as well as developing new ones. It is argued that this approach to developing institutional capacity could be used elsewhere where problems between resource availability, environmental protection and the sustainability of agricultural production are evident. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new look at IT governance
Authors: Higgins Leslee N. , Sinclair Debra T. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIT governance has been named the number two technology issue in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' 2008 Top Ten Technology Initiatives list. And IT governance affects managers and IT users throughout a company. So what is the current state of IT governance— especially regarding risk management and compliance requirements? © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Theoretical study on the reaction of SiH(CH3)3with SiH3radical
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhang Gui‐Ling , Liu Jing‐Yan , Sun Miao , Liu Bo , Li Ze‐Sheng 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe multiple‐channel reactions SiH3+ SiH(CH3)3→ products are investigated by direct dynamics method. The minimum energy path (MEP) is calculated at the MP2/6‐31+G(d,p) level, and energetic information is further refined by the MC‐QCISD (single‐point) method. The rate constants for individual reaction channels are calculated by the improved canonical variational transition state theory with small‐curvature tunneling correction over the temperature range of 200–2400 K. The theoretical three‐parameter expressionk(T) = 2.44 × 10−23T3.94exp(−4309.55/T) cm3/(molecule s) is given. Our calculations indicate that hydrogen abstraction channel R1 from SiH group is the major channel because of the smaller barrier height among five channels considered. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Formation pathways of DMSO from DMS‐OH in the presence of O2 and NOx: A theoretical study
Authors: Ramírez‐Anguita Juan M. , González‐Lafont Àngels , Lluch José M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe relative importance of the reaction pathways and thus the product yields in the dimethyl sulfide (DMS) degradation scheme initiated by the hydroxyl (OH) radical has been said to be influenced by the content of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in chamber experiments. In this study, ab initio and density functional electronic structure calculations of all the possible reaction pathways corresponding to the reaction process initiated by DMS‐OH + oxygen (O2), leading to the formation of the dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) product in the presence of NOx (NO and NO2), are carried out for the first time. The results for the different pathways are compared with the objective of inferring their kinetic relevance in the laboratory experiments that measure DMSO formation yields. Our theoretical results clearly show the existence of NOx‐dependent pathways leading to the formation of DMSO in addition to O2‐dependent channels. So then, NOx‐containing conditions would have to modify the relative importance of the addition channel in the DMS oxidation process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
DFT calculations on the electronic structures of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts with and without semicore Bi 5d states
Authors: Huang Wen Lai , Zhu Qingshan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe electronic structures of BiOX (X = F, Cl, Br, I) photocatalysts have been calculated with and without Bi 5d states using the experimental lattice parameters, via the plane‐wave pseudopotential method based on density functional theory (DFT). BiOF exhibits a direct band gap of 3.22 or 3.12 eV corresponding to the adoption of Bi 5d states or not. The indirect band gaps of BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI are 2.80, 2.36, and 1.75 eV, respectively, if calculated with Bi 5d states, whereas the absence of Bi 5d states reduces them to 2.59, 2.13, and 1.53 eV successively. The calculated gap characteristics and the falling trend of gap width with the increasing X atomic number agree with the experimental results, despite the common DFT underestimation of gap values. The shapes of valence‐band tops and conduction‐band bottoms are almost independent of the involvement of Bi 5d states. The indirect characteristic becomes more remarkable, and the conduction‐band bottom flattens in the sequence of BiOCl, BiOBr, and BiOI. Both O 2p and X np (n = 2, 3, 4, and 5 for X = F, Cl, Br, and I, respectively) states dominate the valence bands, whereas Bi 6p states contribute the most to the conduction bands. With the growing X atomic number, the localized X np states shift closer toward the valence‐band tops, and the valence and conduction bandwidths evolve in opposite trends. Atomic and bond populations have also been explored to elucidate the atomic interactions, along with the spatial distribution of orbital density. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Formation of the N‐methylpyridinium derivative to improve the detection of buprenorphine by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Thieme Detlef , Sachs Hans , Thevis Mario 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe legally defensible identification of the narcotic, analgesic buprenorphine, in biological specimen requires considerable sensitivity due to its low therapeutic dosages and corresponding target concentrations. Application of liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionisation‐mass spectrometry, which became the default method for buprenorphine detection, is impeded by the disadvantageous fragmentation of the stable precursor ion producing unspecific product ions of comparatively low abundance.A chemical modification to form the N‐methylpyridinium ether derivative of buprenorphine is presented to improve the selectivity and sensitivity of its detection by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS).The reaction of buprenorphine with 2‐fluoro‐1‐methyl‐pyridinium‐p‐toluene‐sulfonate and triethylamine as catalyst was accomplished in acetonitrile at an ambient temperature yielding a chemically stable derivative. Fragmentation of the permanently charged precursor ion (m/z = 559) leads to the formation of diagnostic and abundant fragments (e.g. m/z = 443 and 450) representing all parts of the molecule.The application of the technique to the identification of buprenorphine in hair samples demonstrates a high specificity, availability of sufficient qualifier ions and a significant (∼8‐fold) improvement of detection limits with respect to comparable experiments based on underivatised buprenorphine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the unusual2Jcoupling dependence onsyn/antiCHO conformation in 5‐X‐furan‐2‐carboxaldehydes
Authors: Pérez Carlos , Suardíaz Reynier , Ortiz Pedro J. , Crespo‐Otero Rachel , Bonetto Gloria M. , Gavín José A. , García de la Vega José M. , Fabián Jesús San , Contreras Rubén H. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA remarkable difference for2Jcoupling constant insynandanticonformers of 5‐X‐furan‐2‐carboxaldehydes (X = CH3, Ph, NO2, Br) and a rationalization of this difference are reported. On the basis of the current knowledge of the Fermi‐contact term transmission, a rather unusual dual‐coupling pathway in thesynconformer is presented. The additional coupling pathway resembles somewhat that of theJHHin homoallylic couplings, which are transmitted by hyperconjugative interactions involving the πCCelectronic system. The homoallylic coupling pathway can be labeled as σ*CH← πCC→ σ*CH. In the present case, this additional coupling pathway, using an analogous notation, can be labeled as σ*← LP1(O1)··· LP2(OC) →σ*(σ*) where O1and OCstand for the ring and carbonyl O atoms, respectively. This additional coupling pathway is not activated in theanticonformers since both oxygen lone pairs do not overlap. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadrature for meshless methods
Authors: Babuška Ivo , Banerjee Uday , Osborn John E. , Li Qiaoluan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn this paper we discuss quadrature schemes for meshless methods. We consider the Neumann problem and derive an estimate for the energy norm error between the exact solution, u, and the quadrature approximate solution, u, in terms of a parameter, h, associated with the family of approximation spaces, and quantities η, τ, and ε that measure the errors in the stiffness matrix, in the boundary data, and in the right‐hand side vector, respectively, due to the quadrature. The major hypothesis in the estimate is that the quadrature stiffness matrix has zero row sums, a hypothesis that can be easily achieved by a simple correction of the diagonal elements. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction during polyethylene blown film extrusion
Authors: Gururajan Giri , Shan H. , Lickfield G. , Ogale A.A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractReal‐time wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) measurements during blown film extrusion of low‐density polyethylene are reported in this study. WAXD patterns were obtained at different axial positions in the blown film line starting from a location near the die and extending up to the nip‐roller. The X‐ray diffraction patterns from the bubble were analyzed for crystalline growth along the bubble. From the evolution of (110) and (200) peaks, it is evident that the crystallization process starts near the frost‐line height (FLH), shows a steep growth immediately past the FLH, and then plateaus at higher axial distances near the nip‐rolls. The real‐time crystallinity profiles obtained from WAXD were consistent with those measured using real‐time Raman spectroscopy. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Actions of quinolizidine alkaloids onPeriplaneta americananicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Liu Lijun , Alam Mohammad Sayed , Hirata Koichi , Matsuda Kazuhiko , Ozoe Yoshihisa 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:Botanical insecticides do not play a major role as crop protectants, but they are beneficial in some applications. The authors investigated the actions of naturally occurring alkaloids on insect nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (nAChRs) by evaluating their abilities to inhibit specific binding of [3H]imidacloprid (IMI) to nerve‐cord membranes fromPeriplaneta americanaL. Two alkaloids were also tested for their actions on nAChRs expressed by cockroach neurons using patch‐clamp electrophysiology.RESULTS:Four natural quinolizidine alkaloids (matrine, sophocarpine, cytisine and aloperine) exhibited more than 50% inhibition of [3H]IMI binding at 10 µM, although other compounds were found to have no or low inhibitory activity. The rank order of potency based on concentration–inhibition curves was cytisine > sophocarpine ≥ aloperine ≥ matrine. Patch‐clamp analysis indicated that sophocarpine and aloperine were not agonists of nAChRs expressed inP. americananeurons, yet, at 10 µM, aloperine, but not sophocarpine, suppressed ACh‐induced inward currents significantly.CONCLUSION:Three of the four natural alkaloids tested possess structural moieties that are necessary for interaction withP. americananAChRs. Aloperine, which possesses a unique structure and showed a distinctive dose–response curve, was found to act as an antagonist. Appropriate modifications of these alkaloids might result in novel insecticidal nAChR ligands. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Searching the global minimum of a peptide/bilayer potential energy surface by fast heating and cooling cycles of simulated annealing
Authors: Fuzo C. A. , Castro J. R. M. , Degrève L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe total time reached by molecular dynamics simulation in the study of the interactions between hydrated bilayers and peptides is still very short. A scheme of fast heating and cooling cycles of simulated annealing (FHCCSA) is proposed to improve the efficiency of the search for the global minimum of the peptide/bilayer potential energy surface. In FHCCSA, the high temperatures facilitate the transitions between stable configurations; i.e., heating and cooling cycles make easier the escape of the system outside the local energy minimum. The FHCCSA efficiency is confirmed by comparing its results with conventional NpT simulations. The new scheme saves more than 90% of the total cpu time compared with ordinary NpT simulations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Do chronic psychological stressors accelerate the progress of cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Goble Alan , Le Grande Michael 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis critical review discusses available evidence concerning whether chronic psychological stressors affect the progress of cardiovascular disease. Emphasis is placed upon prospective cohort studies. The report largely reflects comprehensive reviews by others, but also discusses recent empirical research attempting to understand the basis for conflicting conclusions. The role of stressors is reviewed in the framework of possible personality features. It is probable that personality differences affect behavioural responses to stressors in a subset of subjects prone to introversion and negative affectivity. It is also probable that psychological depression is a factor inducing adverse outcomes including death and acute myocardial infarction. We remain unable to assert a definite cause and effect relationship between some stressors such as occupational characteristics. There appears to be sufficient evidence to suggest that psychological depression as a response to life's stressors may well accelerate the progress of cardiovascular disease. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic and hydrologic variability during the past millennium in the eastern Rocky Mountains and northern Great Plains of western Canada
Authors: Edwards Thomas W.D. , Birks S. Jean , Luckman Brian H. , MacDonald Glen M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractModelling of tree-ring δ13C and δ18O data from the Columbia Icefield area in the eastern Rocky Mountains of western Canada provides fuller understanding of climatic and hydrologic variability over the past 1000 yr in this region, based on reconstruction of changes in growth season atmospheric relative humidity (RHgrs), winter temperature (Twin) and the precipitation δ18O–Twin relation. The Little Ice Age (~ AD 1530s–1890s) is marked by low RHgrs and Twin and a δ18O–Twin relation offset from that of the present, reflecting enhanced meridional circulation and persistent influence of Arctic air masses. Independent proxy hydrologic evidence suggests that snowmelt sustained relatively abundant streamflow at this time in rivers draining the eastern Rockies. In contrast, the early millennium was marked by higher RHgrs and Twin and a δ18O–Twin relation like that of the 20th century, consistent with pervasive influence of Pacific air masses because of strong zonal circulation. Especially mild conditions prevailed during the “Medieval Climate Anomaly” ~ AD 1100–1250, corresponding with evidence for reduced discharge in rivers draining the eastern Rockies and extensive hydrological drought in neighbouring western USA.
On the variability of negative scope in Japanese
Authors: KISHIMOTO HIDEKI 
Published: June 2008

This article shows how the Japanese negative expressionnai‘not’ changes its scope depending on whether it is overtly head-raised to T or not. In Japanese, overt Neg-head raising takes place when a negative head acts as a functional predicate, devoid of its lexical (i.e. adjectival) properties in an analogous way to the aspectual verbshaveandbein English. When the negative headnaiundergoes overt head raising, it takes scope over TP. In some cases, however, the scope of negation becomes narrower due to the absence of overt Neg-head raising. The data provide us with empirical evidence showing that overt head raising – the kind of functional predicate raising observed in English and elsewhere in Japanese – is instantiated at the level of syntax, rather than at PF.