bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coarse graining in block copolymer films
Authors: Tsori Yoav , Andelman David 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe present few ordering mechanisms in block copolymer melts in the coarse‐graining approach. For chemically homogeneous or modulated confining surfaces, the surface ordering is investigated above and below the order–disorder temperature. In some cases, the copolymer deformation near the surface is similar to the copolymer morphology in bulk grain boundaries. Block copolymers in contact with rough surfaces are considered as well, and the transition from lamellae parallel to perpendicular to the surface is investigated as a function of surface roughness. Finally, we describe how external electric fields can be used to align block copolymer mesophases in a desired direction, or to induce an order–order phase transition, and dwell on the role of mobile dissociated ions on the transition. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2725–2739, 2006
Can low‐power electromagnetic radiation disrupt hydrogen bonds in dsDNA?
Authors: Chitanvis Shirish M. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractMicrowave radiation resonant with the natural phonon frequencies of double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) is shown to couple strongly to the breather modes of dsDNA under certain conditions. The excitation of the disruptive breather modes is controlled to a great extent by energy dissipation to its aqueous environment. For sufficiently high power—much higher than expected under ambient conditions—the breather solutions become unstable. Our analysis discounts the disruptive effect of low frequency, low power radiation on dsDNA. The authors hope to stimulate experiments via their analysis. The resulting data will dictate the future evolution of their models. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2740–2747, 2006
Comparing the impact of conventional pesticide and use of a transgenic pest‐resistant crop on the beneficial carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius
Authors: Mulligan Evan A , Ferry Natalie , Jouanin Lise , Walters Keith FA , Port Gordon R , Gatehouse Angharad MR 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe potential impact of a chemical pesticide control method has been compared with that of transgenic plants expressing a protease inhibitor conferring insect resistance by utilising a tritrophic system comprising the crop plant Brassica napus (L.) (Oilseed rape), the pest mollusc Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) and the predatory carabid beetle Pterostichus melanarius (Illiger). Cypermethrin, as the most widely used pesticide in UK oilseed rape (OSR) cultivation, was selected as the conventional treatment. OSR expressing a cysteine protease inhibitor, oryzacystatin‐1 (OC‐1), was the transgenic comparator. In feeding trials, D. reticulatum showed no significant long‐term effects on measured life history parameters (survival, weight gain, food consumption) as a result of exposure to either the cypermethrin or OC‐1 treatment. However, D. reticulatum was able to respond to the presence of the dietary inhibitor by producing two novel proteases following exposure to OC‐1‐expressing OSR. Similarly, P. melanarius showed no detectable alterations in mortality, weight gain or food consumption when feeding on D. reticulatum previously fed either pesticide‐contaminated or GM plant material. Furthermore, as with the slug, a novel form of protease, approximately Mr 27 kDa, was induced in the carabid in response to feeding on slugs fed OC‐1‐expressing OSR. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Multivariate time‐to‐event analysis of multiple adverse events of drugs in integrated analyses
Authors: Güttner Achim , Kübler Jürgen , Pigeot Iris 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn each clinical trial the statistical evaluation of adverse events (AEs) is a major part of standard safety analyses. However, the analyses of AEs usually lack from adequately accounting for the occurrence of multiple, different AEs. Furthermore, predictive variables other than treatment such as age, sex and concomitant medication are often ignored. These issues can be addressed by the Cox regression as introduced by Andersen and Gill and Wei et al. A further issue arises from the fact that an ordered programme of studies is conducted during clinical testing of pharmaceutical drugs. In this paper, we therefore discuss a stratified multivariate Cox regression model that can be used in integrated summaries of safety. We derive partial maximum likelihood estimators of the model parameters which can be shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. Mainly based on a sandwich estimator of their covariance matrix several test statistics are proposed that can be used to test various null hypotheses on the underlying parameters. Their asymptotic null distributions are given. The benefit of this survival time approach for analysing AEs is illustrated by evaluating symptoms of common cold from the database of a clinical development project. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trying to be precise about vagueness
Authors: Senn Stephen 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA previous investigation by Lambertet al., which used computer simulation to examine the influence of choice of prior distribution on inferences from Bayesian random effects meta‐analysis, is critically examined from a number of viewpoints. The practical example used is shown to be problematic. The various prior distributions are shown to be unreasonable in terms of what they imply about the joint distribution of the overall treatment effect and the random effects variance. An alternative form of prior distribution is tentatively proposed. Finally, some practical recommendations are made that stress the value both of fixed effect analyses and of frequentist approaches as well as various diagnostic investigations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flexible random‐effects models using Bayesian semi‐parametric models: applications to institutional comparisons
Authors: Ohlssen D. I. , Sharples L. D. , Spiegelhalter D. J. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractRandom effects models are used in many applications in medical statistics, including meta‐analysis, cluster randomized trials and comparisons of health care providers. This paper provides a tutorial on the practical implementation of a flexible random effects model based on methodology developed in Bayesian non‐parametrics literature, and implemented in freely available software. The approach is applied to the problem of hospital comparisons using routine performance data, and among other benefits provides a diagnostic to detect clusters of providers with unusual results, thus avoiding problems caused by masking in traditional parametric approaches. By providing code for Winbugs we hope that the model can be used by applied statisticians working in a wide variety of applications. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verifying data refinements using a model checker
Authors: Smith Graeme , Derrick John 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
In this paper, we consider how refinements between state-based specifications (e.g., written in Z) can be checked by use of a model checker. Specifically, we are interested in the verification of downward and upward simulations which are the standard approach to verifying refinements in state-based notations. We show how downward and upward simulations can be checked using existing temporal logic model checkers.
In particular, we show how the branching time temporal logic CTL can be used to encode the standard simulation conditions. We do this for both a blocking, or guarded, interpretation of operations (often used when specifying reactive systems) as well as the more common non-blocking interpretation of operations used in many state-based specification languages (for modelling sequential systems). The approach is general enough to use with any state-based specification language, and we illustrate how refinements between Z specifications can be checked using the SAL CTL model checker using a small example.
Healthy mind in healthy body? A review of sensorimotor–cognitive interdependencies in old age
Authors: Schäfer Sabine , Huxhold Oliver , Lindenberger Ulman 
Published: August 2006

Abstract
We review four broad lines of research on couplings between sensorimotor and cognitive aging, with an emphasis on methodological concerns. First, correlational cross-sectional and longitudinal data indicate increasing associations between sensorimotor and cognitive aspects of behavior with advancing age. Second, older adults show greater performance decrements than young adults when sensorimotor and cognitive tasks or task components need to be performed concurrently rather than in isolation. Third, aerobic fitness interventions produce positive transfer effects on cognition that are particularly pronounced for tasks with high demands on attention and executive control. Fourth, neuroscience findings from animal models and humans have identified aging-sensitive structural and functional circuitries that support cognitive functions and are enhanced by higher levels of sensorimotor functioning. We conclude that sensorimotor and cognitive aging are causally related and functionally interdependent and that age-associated increments in cognitive resource demands of sensorimotor functioning are malleable by experience.
Efficacy of steroid injection on idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Roebuck Jeremy , Chang C. Y. Joseph 
Published: August 2006

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of transtympanic steroid injection on patients with idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared with patients who receive oral steroids alone.Study DesignRetrospective chart review.MethodsPatients with a history of ISSNHL and failed oral steroid therapy were included. Audiograms were performed and patients were included if SNHL of more than 20 dB occurred over less than 72 hours. Patients who received transtympanic steroid injection were compared with those who received oral steroids alone.ResultsSixty‐one patients met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The number of patients with improvement in pure tone average in the injection group was 9 (30%) compared with 5 (17%) in the oral group. Twelve (38.7%) of the injected patients did have improvement in speech discrimination scores of greater than 15% compared with only 3 (10%) in the oral steroid group.ConclusionOur study revealed that patients with ISSNHL who have failed oral steroid therapy obtain better hearing results with transtympanic steroids in comparison to oral steroids.EBM rating: B‐3b
Holocene Paleoclimates of Southern Arabia from Lacustrine Deposits of the Dhamar Highlands, Yemen
Authors: Davies Caroline Pickens 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThis paper presents new evidence from the Dhamar highlands, Yemen, of paleohydrologic response to fluctuations in Holocene climate. Stratigraphic, geochemical, and chronological analyses of highland peat and lacustrine deposits contribute to knowledge of the timing of early Holocene moisture changes on the Arabian Peninsula, providing a backdrop to understanding early cultural development in the Arabian highlands. The location of the Dhamar highlands, characterized by intermontane valleys surrounded by the highest mountains on the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent to the Indian Ocean is ideal for examining the influence of the Indian Ocean Monsoon (IOM) on the moisture history of this region. Fluctuations in the lacustrine and paleosol records of the Dhamar highlands reflect both local changes in paleohydrology and regional influences on the Holocene paleoclimatic conditions in southwest Arabia. In addition, a peat deposit with a radiocarbon age of 10,253 ± 10,560 cal yr BP documents some of the earliest Holocene high moisture conditions on the Arabian Peninsula.
Transcriptional Regulation of Gibberellin Metabolism Genes by Auxin Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Frigerio Martín , Alabadí David , Pérez-Gómez José , García-Cárcel Laura , Phillips Andrew L. , Hedden Peter , Blázquez Miguel A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractAuxin and gibberellins (GAs) overlap in the regulation of multiple aspects of plant development, such as root growth and organ expansion. This coincidence raises questions about whether these two hormones interact to regulate common targets and what type of interaction occurs in each case. Auxins induce GA biosynthesis in a range of plant species. We have undertaken a detailed analysis of the auxin regulation of expression of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) genes encoding GA 20-oxidases and GA 3-oxidases involved in GA biosynthesis, and GA 2-oxidases involved in GA inactivation. Our results show that auxin differentially up-regulates the expression of various genes involved in GA metabolism, in particular several AtGA20ox and AtGA2ox genes. Up-regulation occurred very quickly after auxin application; the response was mimicked by incubations with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide and was blocked by treatments with the proteasome inhibitor MG132. The effects of auxin treatment reflect endogenous regulation because equivalent changes in gene expression were observed in the auxin overproducer mutant yucca. The results suggest direct regulation of the expression of GA metabolism genes by Aux/IAA and ARF proteins. The physiological relevance of this regulation is supported by the observation that the phenotype of certain gain-of-function Aux/IAA alleles could be alleviated by GA application, which suggests that changes in GA metabolism mediate part of auxin action during development.
Interaction between Rice MYBGA and the Gibberellin Response Element Controls Tissue-Specific Sugar Sensitivity of α-Amylase Genes
Authors: Chen Peng-Wen , Chiang Chih-Ming , Tseng Tung-Hi , Yu Su-May 
Published: August 2006

AbstractExpression of α-amylase genes during cereal grain germination and seedling growth is regulated negatively by sugar in embryos and positively by gibberellin (GA) in endosperm through the sugar response complex (SRC) and the GA response complex (GARC), respectively. We analyzed two α-amylase promoters, αAmy3 containing only SRC and αAmy8 containing overlapped SRC and GARC. αAmy3 was sugar-sensitive but GA-nonresponsive in both rice (Oryza sativa) embryos and endosperms, whereas αAmy8 was sugar-sensitive in embryos and GA-responsive in endosperms. Mutation of the GA response element (GARE) in the αAmy8 promoter impaired its GA response but enhanced sugar sensitivity, and insertion of GARE in the αAmy3 promoter rendered it GA-responsive but sugar-insensitive in endosperms. Expression of the GARE-interacting transcription factor MYBGA was induced by GA in endosperms, correlating with the endosperm-specific αAmy8 GA response. αAmy8 became sugar-sensitive in MYBGA knockout mutant endosperms, suggesting that the MYBGA–GARE interaction overrides the sugar sensitivity of αAmy8. In embryos overexpressing MYBGA, αAmy8 became sugar-insensitive, indicating that MYBGA affects sugar repression. α-Amylase promoters active in endosperms contain GARE, whereas those active in embryos may or may not contain GARE, confirming that the GARE and GA-induced MYBGA interaction prevents sugar feedback repression of endosperm α-amylase genes. We demonstrate that the MYBGA–GARE interaction affects sugar feedback control in balanced energy production during seedling growth and provide insight into the control mechanisms of tissue-specific regulation of α-amylase expression by sugar and GA signaling interference.
Impaired megakaryopoiesis in patients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia is associated with increased transforming growth factor β1 production in the bone marrow
Authors: Psyllaki Maria , Damianaki Athina , Gemetzi Claudia , Pyrovolaki Katerina , Eliopoulos George D. , Papadaki Helen A. 
Published: August 2006

SummaryPatients with chronic idiopathic neutropenia (CIN) display relatively low peripheral blood platelet counts and hypo‐lobulated megakaryocytes in the bone marrow (BM). The underlying pathogenetic mechanismswere probed by studying the reserves and clonogenic potential of BM megakaryocytic progenitor cells using flow‐cytometry and a collagen‐based clonogenic assay for the identification of megakaryocyte colony‐forming units (CFU‐Meg). Thrombopoietin (TPO) and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGFβ1) levels were also evaluated in long‐term BM culture supernatants using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. CIN patients (n = 39) showed a low proportion of BM CD34+/CD61+ megakaryocytic progenitor cells and low frequency of early and mixed CFU‐Meg in the BM mononuclear, but not CD34+, cell fraction, compared with healthy controls (n = 20). TPO and TGFβ1 levels were significantly higher in patients compared with controls. TPO levels inversely correlated with platelet counts whereas TGFβ1 values correlated inversely with CD34+/CD61+ and CFU‐Meg megakaryocytic progenitor cell numbers and positively with TPO levels. The addition of an anti‐TGFβ1 neutralising antibody significantly increased the numbers of CFU‐Meg in CIN patients but not in controls, compared with baseline. These data suggest that increased local production of TGFβ1 probably affects the BM megakaryocytic progenitor cell growth in CIN whereas the compensatory production of TPO finally balances the TGFβ1‐induced inhibitory effect.
Spectators & spectacles: nurses, midwives and visuality
Authors: Barnard Alan G. , Sinclair Marlene 
Published: August 2006

Aim.  In this paper we reflect on how linear perspective vision influences the practice of nurses and midwives and to advance understanding of clinical practice in technologically intensive environments through examination of drawings by nurses and midwives and through critical analysis.Background.  There is increasing emphasis on vision in Western culture, and both nurses and midwives spend a great deal of time observing their clinical environment(s). Healthcare practitioners work increasingly in image‐based realities and nurses rely on visual skills. Vision and visual representation are central to our practice and are important to examine because we look often at technology to assess people and care.Discussion.  The world in which we practise is one of meaning(s). Technological development is transformative in nature and produces changes that alter the way(s) we give care. Amongst all this change, it is unclear how we practise in environments characterized by increasing technology and it is unknown how nursing and midwifery practice alter as a result.Conclusion.  Simple drawings included in this paper highlight an important and shared experience of clinical practice(s). They emphasize the importance and scope of the visual sense and expose practitioner behaviour that has enormous implications for current and future professional development and person‐focussed care provision. Experiences described in this paper require further examination and highlight substantial changes to nurse–patient relationships, health care and the way we practise.
Male nurses’ experiences of providing intimate care for women clients
Authors: Inoue Madoka , Chapman Rose , Wynaden Dianne 
Published: August 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of male nurses’ experiences of providing intimate care for women clients.Background.  The number of men entering the nursing profession has increased worldwide. As a consequence of the move to a more gender‐balanced profession, debate has ensued over how intimate care should be performed when this requires male nurses to be physically close to women clients. As there was little previous work on this topic, we wished to provide nurses, clients and other healthcare professionals with a better understanding of male nurses’ experiences of working with women clients and within a healthcare system where they often feel excluded.Method.  Semi‐structured, open‐ended interviews were conducted with male nurses working in various clinical settings in Western Australia. Latent content analysis was used to analyse the interviews, which were carried out between June and July 2004.Findings.  Three themes were identified: the definition of intimate care, the emotional experience associated with providing intimate care and strategies used to assist in the delivery of intimate care for women clients. Providing intimate care for women clients was a challenging experience for male nurses. Participants described how it required them to invade these clients’ personal space. Consequently, they often experienced various negative feelings and used several strategies to assist them during care delivery.Conclusions.  Nurse educators should assist male nurses to be better prepared to interact with women clients in various settings. Furthermore, workplace environments need to provide additional support and guidance for male nurses to enable them to develop effective coping strategies to manage challenging situations.
Nurses’ opportunistic interventions with patients in relation to smoking
Authors: Whyte Rosemary E. , Watson Hazel E. , McIntosh Jean 
Published: August 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring nurses’ provision of opportunistic health education on smoking for hospital patients.Background.  Smoking cessation guidelines recommend assessment of patients’ smoking habits and provision of smoking cessation advice when possible, and highlight the importance of the role of nurses in health promotion and health education. In the past, nurses have been criticized for lack of knowledge, skills and confidence in relation to health education and the perception that it is additional to, rather than integrated with, nursing care.Methods.  A qualitative case study design was selected to explore the health education practice of 12 nurses working in acute wards in three general hospitals in Scotland. Data were collected in 2000 through non‐participant observation, semi‐structured interviews and the use of a radio‐microphone to record nurse–patient interactions. The data analysis was guided by four key elements of health education practice: ‘the teachable moment’, ‘readiness to learn’, ‘the provision of health information’ and ‘oral communication’.Findings.  Smoking was part of the nurses’ agenda, as most recognized opportunities to introduce health education on smoking during nursing care, suggesting a tentative move towards the integration of health education with nursing care. Evidence from patients’ interactions indicated ample opportunity for nurses to provide smoking‐related health information. However, the content of nurses’ interactions on smoking was variable, with some limited by poor communication skills and inadequate knowledge of smoking and smoking cessation. The context of the interactions was also important in understanding some of the restrictions on conversational progress.Conclusions.  Nurses require the knowledge and skills to perform a health education role, and the inclusion of smoking cessation guidelines in nursing curricula would contribute to this. Where patients are in hospitals for short periods of time, opportunistic health education on smoking needs to be introduced as the basis for more specialist intervention.