bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical Transport Properties of Fluid-Saturated Porous Rocks by 2D Lattice Gas Automata
Authors: Tao Guo , Yue Wenzheng , Li Baoton , Fang Chaoliang 
Published: June 2006

Summary
We have studied the electrical transport properties of porous media and the physical meaning of Archie's parameters with 2D lattice gas automata (LGA). On the basis of our simulations, we have developed a set of new equations to calculate fluid saturation from electrical measurements. The calculations from the new equations show very good agreement with laboratory measurements and published data on sandstone samples. There are limitations for this study in applying mesoscale modeling to the resistivity-index/ water-saturation (I/Sw) relationship for porous rocks because only 2D models of sandstone rock were simulated. Some important factors like wettability were not modeled. However, current flow simulations on the 3D digital rock samples of various types reconstructed from thin sections and high-resolution CT scans of real rocks have been ongoing in our laboratory as the next step to address these issues.
Economic Premium Principles in Insurance and the Capital Asset Pricing Model
Authors: Müller Heinz H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAn insurance company is considered as an intermediary between policyholders and the capital market. By applying the traditional and the generalized version of the capital asset pricing model, a class of premium principles can be derived. This class is fully compatible with Bühlmann's economic premium principle. Moreover, insurance premiums can be directly related to risk premiums on the stock exchange.
An Improved Error Bound for the Compound Poisson Approximation of a Nearly Homogeneous Portfolio
Authors: Michel R. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractFor the case of a portfolio with identical claim amount distributions, Gerber's error bound for the compound Poisson approximation is improved (in the case λ ⩾ 1). The result can also be applied to more general portfolios by partitioning them into homogeneous subportfolios.
Panjer vs Kornya vs De Pril: A Comparison from a Practical Point of View
Authors: Kuon S. , Reich A. , Reimers L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractWe compare three modern methods for calculating the aggregate claims distribution with respect to their computation amount and accuracy: Panjer's algorithm, the approximation method of Kornya and the most recent, exact procedure of De Pril. They are compared numerically in the case of actual Life portfolios. The computation amount of De Pril's method is much greater than that of the two others, which do not differ substantially in this respect. The accuracy of Kornya's and Panjer's methods is remarkably high in the examples considered. However, as the accuracy of Kornya's approximation method can be determined easily in advance, this procedure turns out to be the most useful one for the problems arising from practical work.
Antegrade pyelography for suspected ureteral obstruction in cats: 11 cases (1995–2001)
Authors: Adin Christopher A. , Herrgesell Eric J. , Nyland Thomas G. , Hughes Joanne M. , Gregory Clare R. , Kyles Andrew E. , Cowgill Larry D. , Ling Gerald V. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective—To determine sensitivity and specificity of radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for detection of ureteral obstructions in cats.Design—Retrospective study.Animals—11 cats.Procedure—Medical records of cats that had radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography performed for suspected ureteral obstructions were examined. Ultrasound-guided pyelocentesis and fluoroscopic- assisted antegrade pyelography were performed on 18 kidneys in 11 cats. Obstructive ureteral lesions were confirmed in all cats by surgical or necropsy examination. Sensitivity and specificity of survey radiography, ultrasonography, and antegrade pyelography for identification of ureteral obstructions were calculated. Surgical or necropsy findings were used as the standard for comparison.Results—All cats were azotemic. Mean ± SD serum creatinine and BUN concentrations were 10.2 ± 6.1 and 149 ± 82 mg/dL, respectively. Fifteen of 18 ureters were found to be obstructed at surgery or necropsy. Sensitivity and specificity were 60 and 100% for radiography and 100 and 33% for ultrasonography, respectively, in identification of ureteral obstructions. Leakage of contrast material developed in 8 of 18 kidneys during antegrade pyelography and prevented diagnostic interpretation in 5 of 18 studies. For the 13 diagnostic studies, specificity and sensitivity were 100% by use of the antegrade pyelography technique. Correct identification of the anatomic location of the ureteral obstruction was obtained in 100% of diagnostic antegrade pyelography studies and in 60% of radiography or ultrasonography studies.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Antegrade pyelography can be a useful alternative in the diagnosis and localization of ureteral obstructions in azotemic cats, although leakage of contrast material may prevent interpretation of the study. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1576–1581)
Antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from dairy cow milk samples submitted for bacterial culture: 8,905 samples (1994–2001)
Authors: Makovec Jill A. , Ruegg Dr. Pamela L. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjective—To determine whether antimicrobial resistance patterns of major mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows have changed over time.Design—Retrospective study.Sample Population—8,905 bacterial isolates obtained from milk samples submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between January 1994 and June 2001.Procedure—Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by means of the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Logistic regression was used to determine whether percentages of isolates resistant to various antimicrobials changed over time.Results—For the gram-positive mastitis pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to various β-lactam antimicrobials did not increase over the course of the study. Percentage ofStaphylococcus aureusisolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 49 to 30%; percentage ofStreptococcusisolates resistant to penicillin decreased from 6 to 1%. Percentage of isolates resistant to erythromycin increased forS aureus,Escherichia coli, Enterobacterspp,Enterococcusspp, andPasteurellaspp. Percentage of isolates resistant to lincomycin increased forS aureusandStaphylococcusspp. Percentage of coagulase-negativeStaphylococcusisolates resistant to pirlimycin increased from 6 to 19%. For several pathogens, percentages of isolates resistant to sulfisoxazole and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole decreased. No pathogens had a significant increase in the percentage of isolates resistant to novobiocin-penicillin.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results did not indicate a trend toward increased antimicrobial resistance among mastitis pathogens isolated from milk samples from dairy cows between 1994 and 2001. Reduced resistance to β-lactam antimicrobials was identified for several gram-positive mastitis pathogens. (J Am Vet Med Assoc2003;222:1582–1589)
A hybrid multivariate Normal and lognormal distribution for data assimilation
Authors: Fletcher Steven J. , Zupanski Milija 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this article, we define and prove a distribution, which is a combination of a multivariate Normal and lognormal distribution. From this distribution, we apply a Bayesian probability framework to derive a non‐linear cost function similar to the one that is in current variational data assimilation (DA) applications. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society
Interaction of maternal protein and carbon monoxide on pup mortality in mice: implications for global infant mortality
Authors: Singh Jarnail 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND: The United States Surgeon General declared 2005 as the “Year of Healthy Child.” To improve the health of all children, we need to start before pregnancy, with their mothers. Unfortunately, protein deficiency in the diets of poor pregnant mothers in developing countries is widespread. Carbon monoxide (CO) pollution is serious public health problem in developed and developing countries. METHODS: A two‐way factorial experimental design was used. Mice were maintained on 27%, 16%, 8%, or 4% protein diets. Dams were exposed to 0 ppm (control), 65 ppm, or 125 ppm CO in air, in environmental chambers for 6 hr/day during the first 2 weeks of pregnancy. Controls were also subjected to environmental chamber conditions. Food and water were available at all times. Animals were allowed to deliver, and data on pup mortality was recorded. RESULTS: Litter size was not affected by CO exposure, but was directly related to the dietary protein levels. Pup weight was inversely related to the CO exposure level, and directly related to the dietary protein levels. Pup mortality on date of birth was increased by CO exposure and was inversely related to the dietary protein levels. Pup mortality at 1 week of age was increased by CO exposure and 55% of all pups died in 125 ppm CO exposed group. Pup mortality at 1 week of age was inversely related to dietary protein levels. All pups in the 4% dietary protein and in all concentrations of CO died. All pups in the 8% protein group and in all CO concentrations died except in 125 ppm CO group. Pup mortality in the 16% dietary protein group ranged from 14.8% in 0 ppm to 36.8% in 65 ppm CO groups. Pup mortality in the 27% dietary protein group ranged from 14.3% in the 0 ppm to 41.1% in the 125 ppm CO groups. CONCLUSIONS: DATA suggest that protein deficiency and CO exposure enhance pup mortality. The protein and CO also interact to increase pup mortality in 16% and 27% protein groups. Carbon monoxide exposure, along with protein deficiency during gestation, may be contributing factors for high rates of infant mortality in developing countries. The results of the study also suggest that un‐vented combustion for heating and cooking, ambient pollution, and biomass smoke may have a major impact on the health of children worldwide; and may explain the causes of high infant mortality in poor countries and some sections of the United States population. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:216–226, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Teratology study of derivatives of tetramethylcyclopropyl amide analogues of valproic acid in mice
Authors: Okada Akinobu , Onishi Yuko , Aoki Yoshinobu , Yagen Boris , Sobol Eyal , Bialer Meir , Fujiwara Michio 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND: Although valproic acid (VPA) is used extensively for treating various kinds of epilepsies, it is well known that it causes neural tube and skeletal defects in both humans and animals. The amide and urea derivatives of the tetramethylcylcopropyl VPA analogue, N‐methoxy‐2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxamide (N‐methoxy‐TMCD) and 2,2,3,3‐tetramethylcyclopropanecarbonylurea (TMC‐urea), were synthesized and shown to have a more potent anticonvulsant activity than VPA. The objective of this study was to investigate the teratogenic effects of these compounds in NMRI mice. METHODS: Pregnant NMRI mice were given a single subcutaneous injection of either VPA, N‐methoxy‐TMCD, or TMC‐urea at 1.8 and 3.6 mmol/kg on gestation day (GD) 8. Cesarean section was performed on GD 18. First, the live fetuses were examined to detect any external malformations, then their skeletons were double‐stained for bone and cartilage and subsequently examined. RESULTS: Significant increases in fetal losses and neural tube defects were observed with administration of VPA at 3.6 mmol/kg when compared to the vehicle control. In contrast, upon cesarean section, there were no significant differences between either N‐methoxy‐TMCD or TMC‐urea and the control groups for any parameter. Skeletal examination revealed that a number of the abnormalities were induced by VPA dose‐dependently at high rates of incidence. These abnormalities were mainly at the axial skeletal level. However, lower frequencies of skeletal abnormality were observed with N‐methoxy‐TMCD and TMC‐urea than with VPA. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to their more potent antiepileptic activity, these findings clearly indicate that N‐methoxy‐TMCD and TMC‐urea are distinctly less teratogenic than VPA in NMRI mice. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:227–233, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aflatoxin M1 effects on Xenopus laevis development
Authors: Vismara Claudio , Di Muzio Andrea , Tarca Silvia , Lucchino Marta , Foti Ingrid , Caloni Francesca 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND: The principal Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) hydroxylated metabolite excreted in milk is Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) classified in group 2B by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Human exposure to AFM1 is due to the consumption of contaminated dairy products and partly to endogenous production through AFB1 liver metabolism. METHODS: Since no data are available on AFM1 embryotoxicity, its lethal and teratogenic potential was investigated using the Frog Embryo Teratogenesis Assay–Xenopus (FETAX). Stage‐8 blastulae were exposed to AFM1 at 1, 4, 16, 64, and 256 µg/L concentrations until stage 47, free‐swimming larva. RESULTS: A slight increase of mortality and malformed larva percents was found in AFM1‐exposed groups but these differences were not statistically significant in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, AFM1 is a non‐embryotoxic compound when evaluated with a FETAX model at concentrations under the conditions tested. However, AFM1 merits further studies using mammals as experimental models to identify a possible risk during human pregnancy. Brith Defects Research (Part B) 77:234–237, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Exposure of pregnant mice to chromium picolinate results in skeletal defects in their offspring
Authors: Bailey M.M. , Boohaker J.G. , Sawyer R.D. , Behling J.E. , Rasco J.F. , Jernigan J.J. , Hood R.D. , Vincent J.B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND: Chromium(III) picolinate, [Cr(pic)3], is a widely marketed dietary supplement. However, Cr(pic)3 has been associated with oxidative damage to DNA in rats and mutations and DNA fragmentation in cell cultures. In isolated case reports, Cr(pic)3 supplementation has been said to cause adverse effects, such as anemia, renal failure, liver dysfunction, and neuronal impairment. To date, no studies have been published regarding the safety of chromium picolinate supplementation to a developing fetus, although Cr(pic)3 has been recommended for pregnant women who are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. METHODS: From gestation days (GD) 6–17, pregnant CD‐1 mice were fed diets containing either 200 mg/kg Cr(pic)3, 200 mg/kg CrCl3, 174 mg/kg picolinic acid, or the diet only to determine if Cr(pic)3, CrCl3, or picolinic acid could cause developmental toxicity. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17, and their litters were examined for adverse effects. RESULTS: The incidence of bifurcated cervical arches was significantly increased in fetuses from the Cr(pic)3 group as compared to the diet‐only group. Fetuses in the picolinic acid‐treated group had an incidence double that of the control group; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Fetuses in the CrCl3 group did not differ from the controls in any variable examined. No maternal toxicity was observed in any of the treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: High maternal oral exposures to chromium picolinate can cause morphological defects in developing offspring of mice. Birth Defects Research (Part B) 77:244–249, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Site‐specific experiments on folding/unfolding of Jun coiled coils: Thermodynamic and kinetic parameters from spin inversion transfer nuclear magnetic resonance at leucine‐18
Authors: d'Avignon D. André , Bretthorst G. Larry , Holtzer Marilyn Emerson , Schwarz Kathleen A. , Angeletti Ruth Hogue , Mints Lisa , Holtzer Alfred 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe 32‐residue leucine zipper subsequence, called here Jun‐lz, associates in benign media to form a parallel two‐stranded coiled coil. Studies are reported of its thermal unfolding/folding transition by circular dichroism (CD) on samples of natural isotopic abundance and by both equilibrium and spin inversion transfer (SIT) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) on samples labeled at the leucine‐18 α‐carbon with 99% 13C. The data cover a wide range of temperature and concentration, and show that Jun‐lz unfolds below room temperature, being far less stable than some other leucine zippers such as GCN4. 13C‐NMR shows two well‐separated resonances. We ascribe the upfield one to 13C spins on unfolded single chains and the downfield one to 13C spins on coiled‐coil dimers. Their relative intensities provide a measure of the unfolding equilibrium constant. In SIT NMR, the recovery of the equilibrium magnetization after one resonance is inverted is modulated in part by the unfolding and folding rate constants, which are accessible from the data. Global Bayesian analysis of the equilibrium and SIT NMR data provide values for the standard enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity of unfolding, and show the latter to be unusually large. The CD results are compatible with the NMR findings. Global Bayesian analysis of the SIT NMR data yields the corresponding activation parameters for unfolding and folding. The results show that both reaction directions are activated processes. Activation for unfolding is entropy driven, enthalpy opposed. Activation for folding is strongly enthalpy opposed and somewhat entropy opposed, falsifying the idea that the barrier for folding is solely due to a purely entropic search for properly registered partners. The activation heat capacity is much larger for folding, so almost the entire overall change is due to the folding direction. This latter finding, if it applies to GCN4 leucine zippers, clears up an extant apparent disagreement between folding rate constants for GCN4 as determined by chevron analysis and NMR in differing temperature regimes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:255–267, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Two peptide fragments G55–I72 and K97–A109 from staphylococcal nuclease exhibit different behaviors in conformational preferences for helix formation
Authors: Wang Min , Shan Lu , Wang Jinfeng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTwo synthetic peptides, SNaseα1 and SNaseα2, corresponding to residues G55–I72 and K97–A109, respectively, of staphylococcal nuclease (SNase), are adopted for detecting the role of helix α1 (E57–A69) and helix α2 (M98–Q106) in the initiation of folding of SNase. The helix‐forming tendencies of the two SNase peptide fragments are investigated using circular dichroism (CD) and two‐dimensional (2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods in water and 40% trifluoroethanol (TFE) solutions. The coil–helix conformational transitions of the two peptides in the TFE–H2O mixture are different from each other. SNaseα1 adopts a low population of localized helical conformation in water, and shows a gradual transition to helical conformation with increasing concentrations of TFE. SNaseα2 is essentially unstructured in water, but undergoes a cooperative transition to a predominantly helical conformation at high TFE concentrations. Using the NMR data obtained in the presence of 40% TFE, an ensemble of α‐helical structures has been calculated for both peptides in the absence of tertiary interactions. Analysis of all the experimental data available indicates that formation of ordered α‐helical structures in the segments E57–A69 and M98–Q106 of SNase may require nonlocal interactions through transient contact with hydrophobic residues in other parts of the protein to stabilize the helical conformations in the folding. The folding of helix α1 is supposed to be effective in initiating protein folding. The formation of helix α2 depends strongly on the hydrophobic environment created in the protein folding, and is more important in the stabilization of the tertiary conformation of SNase. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 83:268–279, 2006This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
The role of child care social work in supporting families with children in need and providing protective services—past, present and future
Authors: Corby Brian 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis article examines the way in which child care social work with deprived families has changed and developed since the inception of Children's Departments in 1948. It is argued that between 1948 and 1970 child care social workers enjoyed a fair measure of social support. A variety of reasons are considered for explaining this—specialization, smallness of size, privacy and a consensus about the needs of children. From the early 1970s it is argued that broader societal changes, including a shift away from social solidarity towards individualism, organizational changes and the advent of child abuse as a public concern, resulted in conﬂicting demands on child care social workers and a subsequent loss of credibility and conﬁdence. The 1990s have seen a return to emphasis on family support policies which has been further accelerated in the new millennium by New Labour's stated commitment to eliminating child poverty and creating better life opportunities for all children. The implications of these new developments for child care social workers engaged in meeting the needs of children living in highly disadvantaged families are considered. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Percutaneous coronary intervention with drug‐eluting stents in octogenarians: Characteristics, clinical presentation, and outcomes
Authors: Hassani Salah‐Eddine , Wolfram Roswitha M. , Kuchulakanti Pramod K. , Xue Zhenyi , Gevorkian Natalie , Suddath William O. , Satler Lowell F. , Kent Kenneth M. , Pichard Augusto D. , Weissman Neil J. , Waksman, Ron 
Published: June 2006

AbstractObjectives: We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of octogenarians ≥80 years of age after coronary drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation. Background: Although octogenarians constitute a fast‐growing portion of cardiovascular patients, they are not adequately represented in current clinical revascularization trials. Methods: We analyzed the data of 3,166 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and DES implantation since March 2003. Periprocedural events, 1‐ and 6‐month clinical outcomes were compared between octogenarians (n = 339) and patients <80 years of age (n = 2,827). Results: Baseline characteristics revealed a higher prevalence of females (P < 0.001), Caucasians (P = 0.004), chronic renal failure (P < 0.001), heart failure (P < 0.001), number of diseased vessels (P = 0.009), and lower ejection fraction (P = 0.03) in octogenarians. Patients <80 years showed more positive family history (P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.006), smoking (P < 0.001), and obesity (P < 0.001). Clinical presentation and procedural success were similar in both groups as were death, myocardial infarction (MI), and repeat revascularization in‐hospital. At 6 months, restenosis rates were low and comparable. In the subgroup of octogenarians who presented with acute coronary syndrome, mortality (15% vs. 3%, P < 0.001) and Q‐wave MI occurred more often. Multivariate analysis revealed age >80 (P = 0.008), cardiogenic shock (P < 0.001), Q‐wave MI at presentation (P = 0.003), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.003) to be independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: PCI with DES in octogenarians results in a similar reduction of restenosis rates when compared to patients <80 years. Yet in octogenarians who presented with acute coronary syndrome, incidence of mortality and Q‐wave MI at 6 months was higher as compared to younger patients. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.