bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enrichment of the method of finite spheres using geometry‐independent localized scalable bubbles
Authors: Macri Michael , De Suvranu 
Published: May 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we report the development of two new enrichment techniques for the method of finite spheres, a truly meshfree method developed for the solution of boundary value problems on geometrically complex domains. In the first method, the enrichment functions are multiplied by a weight function with compact support, while in the second one a floating ‘enrichment node’ is introduced. The scalability of the enrichment bubbles offers flexibility in localizing the spatial extent to which the enrichment field is applied. The bubbles are independent of the underlying geometric discretization and therefore provide a means of achieving convergence without excessive refinement. Several numerical examples involving problems with singular stress fields are provided demonstrating the effectiveness of the enrichment schemes and contrasting them to traditional ‘geometry‐dependent’ enrichment strategies in which one or more nodes associated with the geometric discretization of the domain are enriched. An additional contribution of this paper is the use of a meshfree numerical integration technique for computing the J‐integral using the domain integral method. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal dynamics and growth of Actinophrys sol (Sarcodina: Heliozoa), the top predator in an extremely acidic lake
Authors: BELL ELANOR M. , WEITHOFF GUNTRAM , GAEDKE URSULA 
Published: May 2006

Summary1. The in situ abundance, biomass and mean cell volume of Actinophrys sol (Sarcodina: Heliozoa), the top predator in an extremely acidic German mining lake (Lake 111; pH 2.65), were determined over three consecutive years (spring to autumn, 2001–03).2. Actinophrys sol exhibited pronounced temporal and vertical patterns in abundance, biomass and mean cell volume. Increasing from very low spring densities, maxima in abundance and biomass were observed in late June/early July and September. The highest mean abundance recorded during the study was 7 × 103 Heliozoa L−1. Heliozoan abundance and biomass were higher in the epilimnion than in the hypolimnion. Actinophrys sol cells from this acidic lake were smaller than individuals of the same species found in other aquatic systems.3. We determined the growth rate of A. sol using all potential prey items available in, and isolated and cultured from, Lake 111. Prey items included: single‐celled and filamentous bacteria of unknown taxonomic affinity, the mixotrophic flagellates Chlamydomonas acidophila and Ochromonas sp., the ciliate Oxytricha sp. and the rotifers Elosa worallii and Cephalodella hoodi. Actinophrys sol fed over a wide‐size spectrum from bacteria to metazoans. Positive growth was not supported by all naturally available prey. Actinophrys sol neither increased in cell number (k) nor biomass (kb) when starved, with low concentrations of single‐celled bacteria or with the alga Ochromonas sp. Positive growth was achieved with single‐celled bacteria (k = 0.22 ± 0.02 d−1; kb = −0.06 ± 0.02 d−1) and filamentous bacteria (k = 0.52 ± <0.01 d−1; kb = 0.66 d−1) at concentrations greater than observed in situ, and the alga C. acidophila (up to k = 0.43 ± 0.03 d−1; kb = 0.44 ± 0.04 d−1), the ciliate Oxytricha sp. (k = 0.34 ± 0.01 d−1) and in mixed cultures containing rotifers and C. acidophila (k = 0.23 ± 0.02–0.32 ± 0.02 d−1; maximum kb = 0.42 ± 0.05 d−1). The individual‐ and biomass‐based growth of A. sol was highest when filamentous bacteria were provided.4. Existing quantitative carbon flux models for the Lake 111 food web can be updated in light of our results. Actinophrys sol are omnivorous predators supported by a mixed diet of filamentous bacteria and C. acidophila in the epilimnion. Heliozoa are important components in the planktonic food webs of ‘extreme’ environments.
Robust Inference on Average Economic Growth*
Authors: Boswijk H. Peter , Franses Philip Hans 
Published: May 2006

AbstractWe discuss a method to estimate the confidence bounds for average economic growth, which is robust to misspecification of the unit root property of a given time series. We derive asymptotic theory for the consequences of such misspecification. Our empirical method amounts to an implementation of the subsampling procedure advocated in Romano and Wolf (Econometrica, 2001, Vol. 69, p. 1283). Simulation evidence supports the theory and it also indicates the practical relevance of the subsampling method. We use quarterly postwar US industrial production for illustration and we show that non‐robust approaches rather lead to different conclusions on average economic growth than our robust approach.
The effects of porphyroblast growth on the effective viscosity of metapelitic rocks: implications for the strength of the middle crust
Authors: GROOME W.G. , JOHNSON S.E. , KOONS P.O. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractNumerical models are used to examine the effects of porphyroblast growth on the rheology of compositionally layered rocks (metapelites and metapsammites) and by extension the middle crust during prograde metamorphism. As porphyroblast abundance increases during prograde metamorphism, metapelitic layers will strengthen relative to porphyroblast‐free metapelitic units, and potentially relative to quartzofeldspathic metapsammitic units. As metapelitic layers become stronger, the integrated strength of compositionally layered successions increases, potentially causing large volumes of mid‐crustal rock to strengthen, altering the strain‐rate distribution in the middle crust and affecting the geodynamic evolution of an orogenic belt. The growth of effectively rigid porphyroblasts creates strength heterogeneities in the layer undergoing porphyroblast growth, which leads to complex strain‐rate distributions within the layer. At the orogen scale, the strengthening of large crustal volumes (on the order of thousands of cubic kilometres) changes the strain‐rate distribution, which may change exhumation rates of high‐grade metamorphic rocks, the geothermal structure and the topography of the orogen. The presence of a strong zone in the middle crust causes strain‐rate partitioning around the zone, suppressed uplift rates within and above the zone and leads to the development of a basin on the surface.
Effect of Cataract Surgery on Falls and Mobility in Independently Living Older Adults
Authors: McGwin Gerald , Gewant Hilary D. , Modjarrad Kayvon , Hall Tyler Andrew , Owsley Cynthia 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of cataract surgery on the occurrence of falls and mobility and balance problems in older adults with cataract.DESIGN: Longitudinal follow‐up study.SETTING: Clinical Research Unit, University of Alabama at Birmingham.PARTICIPANTS: Persons aged 55 and older with a cataract were recruited from 12 eye clinics in Alabama from October 1994 through March 1996. Participants were classified into two groups: those who had cataract surgery (surgery group, n=122) and those who had not (no‐surgery group, n=92).MEASUREMENTS: At baseline and 1‐year follow‐up visits, information on the occurrence of falls and mobility and balance problems was collected based on subjects' recall of events during the prior 12 months.RESULTS: After adjusting for demographic, behavioral, medical, and visual characteristics, there was no difference between the two groups in the likelihood of falling (risk ratio (RR)=0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.64–1.42) or in having mobility (RR=0.81, 95% CI=0.55–1.18) or balance difficulties (RR=0.71, 95% CI=0.37–1.39).CONCLUSION: Cataract surgery had no association with the occurrence of falls or mobility or balance problems in independently living older adults with a cataract.
Closure Principles
Authors: Kvanvig Jonathan L. 
Published: May 2006

AbstractA dispute in epistemology has arisen over whether some class of things epistemic (things known or justified, for example) is closed under some operation involving the notion of what follows deductively from members of this class. Very few philosophers these days believe that if you know thatp, andpentailsq, then you know thatq. But many philosophers think that something weaker holds, for instance that if you know thatp, andpentailsq, then you are in a position to know thatp, or if you know thatpand you competently deducepfromq, then you know thatq. However there are some considerations tracing back to Wittgenstein’sOn Certaintyand some early work by Fred Dretske that suggests even these weaker principles are false.
Biodegradable and Metallic Interference Screws in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Surgery Using Hamstring Tendon Grafts
Authors: Laxdal Gauti , Kartus Juri , Eriksson Bengt I. , Faxen Eva , Sernert Ninni , Karlsson Jon 
Published: May 2006

Background The use of biodegradable screws in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has grown in popularity. Purpose To compare the clinical and radiographic results in arthroscopically assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using 4-strand hamstring tendon grafts and either metallic (metal group) or biodegradable (PLLA group) interference screw fixation. Study Design Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods A randomized series of 77 patients, all with a unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture, was included in the study. The preoperative assessments in both groups were similar in gender, Tegner activity level, Lysholm score, KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, and single-legged hop test results. In both groups, interference screw fixation of the graft was used at both ends, and 68 of 77 (88%) patients returned for a radiographic examination at 6 and 24 months, respectively. Results At follow-up, no significant differences were found between the 2 groups in KT-1000 arthrometer laxity measurements, Tegner activity level, or Lysholm score. The PLLA group had a significantly better outcome in the single-legged hop test and the final International Knee Documentation Committee classification (P=. 007 and P=. 03,respectively). At 6 and 24 months after the index operation, the PLLA group displayed significantly larger drill holes on the radiographs than did the metal group on both the tibial (8.1 vs 6.6 mm at 6 months [P=.0007]; 6.0 vs 3.2 mm at 24 months [.0001]) and femoral sides (7.8 vs 5.6 mm at 6 months [P <.0001]; 6.3 vs 1.9 mm at 24 months [P <.0001]). Conclusion There were significantly larger radiographically visible drill holes on both the tibial and femoral sides in the PLLA group compared with the metal group at 6 and 24 months. Clinical examination at 2 years revealed no major differences between the groups. The larger drill holes in the PLLA group did not correlate with inferior clinical results.
The effect of engineered disulfide bonds on the stability of Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Siadat Omid Ranaei , Lougarre Andrée , Lamouroux Lucille , Ladurantie Caroline , Fournier Didier 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
Acetylcholinesterase is irreversibly inhibited by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides allowing its use in biosensors for detection of these insecticides. Drosophila acetylcholinesterase is the most sensitive enzyme known and has been improved by in vitro mutagenesis. However, its stability has to be improved for extensive utilization.

Results
To create a disulfide bond that could increase the stability of the Drosophila melanogaster acetylcholinesterase, we selected seven positions taking into account first the distance between Cβ of two residues, in which newly introduced cysteines will form the new disulfide bond and second the conservation of the residues in the cholinesterase family. Most disulfide bonds tested did not increase and even decreased the stability of the protein. However, one engineered disulfide bridge, I327C/D375C showed significant stability increase toward denaturation by temperature (170 fold at 50°C), urea, organic solvent and provided resistance to protease degradation. The new disulfide bridge links the N-terminal domain (first 356 aa) to the C-terminal domain. The quantities produced by this mutant were the same as in wild-type flies.

Conclusion
Addition of a disulfide bridge may either stabilize or unstabilize proteins. One bond out of the 7 tested provided significant stabilisation.
The feminization of the medical work force, implications for Scottish primary care: a survey of Scottish general practitioners
Authors: McKinstry Brian , Colthart Iain , Elliott Katy , Hunter Colin 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Background
The number of women working in general practice internationally has been steadily rising. In Scotland there have been concerns that such a change may lead to increased part-time working and subsequently to a fall in available general practice manpower despite an apparently rising overall number of general practitioners. However, there is very little information on the actual hours worked by men and women general practitioners or on the types of work they are undertaking.

Methods
Anonymous workload questionnaires of all Scottish general practitioner principals and non-principals

Results
Response rates for general practice principals and non-principals were 67.2% and 65.2% respectively. Male principals spent on average 18% more time on general medical services (GMS) and 50% more time on non-GMS activities (such as teaching, specialist sessions, administration and research) than women (both p <0.01). This difference was similar for non-principals. In no age group did the hours worked by women doctors approach that of male doctors.

Conclusion
Women doctors in primary care in Scotland work fewer hours in all age groups than their male counterparts. The rapidly increasing proportion of women in general practice may lead to an increasing shortfall of medical availability in the future if current work patterns are maintained. Further longitudinal research is required to establish this and man-power planning is required now to address this. More worryingly auxiliary activities such as teaching and administrative duties are not being taken up by women. This may have serious implications for the future development of the specialty in Scotland.
The Australian experiment: the use of evidence based medicine for the reimbursement of surgical and diagnostic procedures (1998–2004)
Authors: O'Malley Sue P 
Published: May 2006

Abstract

Background
In 1998 a formal process using the criteria of safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness (evidence based medicine) on the introduction and use of new medical procedures was implemented in Australia. As part of this process an expert panel, the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) was set up. This paper examines the effectiveness of this process based on the original criteria, that is, evidence based medicine.

Method
The data for this analysis was sourced primarily from that made available in the public domain. The MSAC web site provided Minutes from MSAC meetings; Annual Reports; Assessment and Review reports; Progress status; and Archived material.

Results
The total number of applications submitted to the MSAC has been relatively low averaging approximately only fourteen per year. Additionally, the source of applications has quickly shifted to the medical devices, equipment and diagnostic industry as being the major source of applications. An overall average time for the processing of an application is eighteen months. Negative recommendations were in most cases based on insufficient clinical evidence rather than clinical evidence that clearly demonstrated a lack of clinical effectiveness. It was rare for a recommendation, either positive or negative, to be based on cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion
New medical procedures are often the result of a process of experimentation rather than formally conducted research. Affordability and the question of who should pay for the generation, collection and analysis of the clinical evidence is perhaps the most difficult to answer. This is especially the case where the new procedure is the result of a process of experimentation with an old procedure. A cost-effective way needs to be found to collect acceptable levels of evidence proving the clinical effectiveness of these new procedures, otherwise the formal processes of evaluation such as that used by the Australian MSAC since 1998 will continue to run the risk of committing Type II errors, that is, denying access to medical procedures that are beneficial and efficient.
Facile Synthesis of Group 4–6 Transition Metal Phenoxides and X-Ray Structures of TiCl2[O-2,6-(CH3)2C6H3]2(THF)2 and NbCl3[O-2,6-(CH3)2C6H3]2(THF)
Authors: Kanehisa Nobuko , Kai Yasushi , Kasai Nobutami , Yasuda Hajime , Nakayama Yuushou , Takei Kazuo , Nakamura Akira 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Reactions of Group 4–6 metal halides with 2,6-dimethylphenoxy(trimethyl)silane in THF afford pure compounds of type MX1[O-2,6-(CH3)2C6H3]m(THF)n(M = Ti, Zr, Hf with l = 3, m = 1, n = 2 or l = 2, m = 2, n = 2; M = Nb, l = 4, m = 1, n = 1 or l = 3, m = 2, n = 1; M = W, l = 5, m = 1, n = 0 or l = 4, m = 2, n = 0) in &gt;75% yields. Geometries of TiCl2[O-2,6-(CH3)2C6H3]2(THF)2 and NbCl3[O-2,6-(CH3)2C6H3]2(THF) were determined by the X-Ray diffraction method.
A Convenient and Versatile Route for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Monosaccharides via Key Chiral Synthons Prepared from Achiral Sources
Authors: Mukaiyama Teruaki , Shiina Isamu , Kobayashi Shu 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
Three types of sugars, 6-deoxy-L-tallose,4-C-methyl-D-ribose, and D-ribose were synthesized from both achiral starting materials, α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and silyl enol ethers of α-benzyloxy thioesters, by successive asymmetric aldol and vicinal dihydroxylation reactions.
Enantioselective Inclusion Behavior of Monosubstituted Cyclodextrins with Guest-Induced Substituent Movement
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Ohtsuka Yutaka , Hattori Kenjiro 
Published: May 2006

Abstract
6N(N′-formyl-D- and L-phenylalanyl)-deoxyamino-β-cyclodextrins(I and II) indicate reversed enantiomeric selectivity when they include D- and L-dansylphenylalanine.
Improvement of Glycemic Control, Triglycerides, and HDL Cholesterol Levels With Muraglitazar, a Dual (α/γ) Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor Activator, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled With Metformin Monotherapy
Authors: Kendall David M. , Rubin Cindy J. , Mohideen Pharis , Ledeine Jean-Marie , Belder Rene , Gross Jorge , Norwood Paul , O’Mahony Michael , Sall Kenneth , Sloan Greg , Roberts Anthony , Fiedorek Fred T. , DeFronzo Ralph A. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—We sought to evaluate the effects of muraglitazar, a dual (α/γ) peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR) activator within the new glitazar class, on hyperglycemia and lipid abnormalities.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A double-blind, randomized, controlled trial was performed in 1,159 patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin. Patients received once-daily doses of either 5 mg muraglitazar or 30 mg pioglitazone for a total of 24 weeks in addition to open-label metformin. Patients were continued in a double-blind fashion for an additional 26 weeks.
RESULTS—Analyses were conducted at week 24 for HbA1c (A1C) and at week 12 for lipid parameters. Mean A1C at baseline was 8.12 and 8.13% in muraglitazar and pioglitazone groups, respectively. At week 24, muraglitazar reduced mean A1C to 6.98% (−1.14% from baseline), and pioglitazone reduced mean A1C to 7.28% (−0.85% from baseline; P &lt; 0.0001, muraglitazar vs. pioglitazone). At week 12, muraglitazar and pioglitazone reduced mean plasma triglyceride (−28 vs. −14%), apolipoprotein B (−12 vs. −6%), and non-HDL cholesterol (−6 vs. −1%) and increased HDL cholesterol (19 vs. 14%), respectively (P &lt; 0.0001 vs. pioglitazone for all comparisons). At week 24, weight gain (1.4 and 0.6 kg, respectively) and edema (9.2 and 7.2%, respectively) were observed in the muraglitazar and pioglitazone groups; at week 50, weight gain and edema were 2.5 and 1.5 kg, respectively, and 11.8 and 8.9%, respectively. At week 50, heart failure was reported in seven patients (five with muraglitazar and two with pioglitazone), and seven deaths occurred: three from sudden death, two from cerebrovascular accident, and one from pancreatic cancer in the muraglitazar group and one from perforated duodenal ulcer in the pioglitazone group.
CONCLUSIONS—We found that 5 mg muraglitazar resulted in greater improvements in A1C and lipid parameters than a submaximal dose of 30 mg pioglitazone when added to metformin. Weight gain and edema were more common when muraglitazar was compared with a submaximal dose of pioglitazone.
The Effects of the Pro12Ala Polymorphism of the Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ2 Gene on Glucose/Insulin Metabolism Interact With Prenatal Exposure to Famine
Authors: de Rooij Susanne R. , Painter Rebecca C. , Phillips David I.W. , Osmond Clive , Tanck Michael W.T. , Defesche Joep C. , Bossuyt Patrick M.M. , Michels Robert P.J. , Bleker Otto P. , Roseboom Tessa J. 
Published: May 2006

OBJECTIVE—An adverse fetal environment may permanently modify the effects of specific genes on glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin sensitivity. In the present study, we assessed a possible interaction of the peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)-γ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism with prenatal exposure to famine on glucose and insulin metabolism.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured plasma glucose and insulin concentrations after an oral glucose tolerance test and determined the PPAR-γ2 genotype among 675 term singletons born around the time of the 1944–1945 Dutch famine.
RESULTS—A significant interaction effect between exposure to famine during midgestation and the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism was found on the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. The Ala allele of the PPAR-γ2 gene was associated with a higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes but only in participants who had been prenatally exposed to famine during midgestation. Similar interactions were found for area under the curve for insulin and insulin increment ratio, which were lower for Ala carriers exposed to famine during midgestation.
CONCLUSIONS—The effects of the PPAR-γ2 Pro12Ala polymorphism on glucose and insulin metabolism may be modified by prenatal exposure to famine during midgestation. This is possibly due to a combined deficit in insulin secretion, as conferred by pancreatic β-cell maldevelopment and carrier type of the Ala allele in the PPAR-γ2 gene.