bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case‐control association studies with matching and genomic controlling
Authors: Lee Wen‐Chung 
Published: May 2004

AbstractFamily‐based association studies have gained in popularity for mapping disease‐susceptibility gene(s) of complex diseases. However, recruiting family controls is often more difficult than recruiting unrelated controls. The author proposes a case‐control study, where the possible biases due to population stratification are controlled by matching in the design stage and by genomic controlling in the data‐analytic stage. The matching is based on a set of “stratum‐delineating variables,” such as, race, ethnicity, nationality, ancestry, and birthplace; and the genomic controlling is based on typing a number of null markers across the genome and applying the principle of multiplicative scaling of chi‐square distribution. It pays to match carefully to have a higher proportion of correctly matched sets, as computer simulation showed that this would increase the power of the study. If matching is crude, one loses power but still has the correct type I error rate after genomic controlling. Power studies showed that the numbers of affected subjects required for the pair‐matched study are comparable to those required by the case‐parents design, if the study was conducted in a homogeneous population. As the (control‐to‐case) matching ratio increases, the number of affected subjects required decreases. With matching ratio tending toward infinity, the number required shrinks roughly by half. The case‐control study with matching and genomic controlling frees us from family bondage, and the genetic problem as complicated as mapping genes can now be studied using simple epidemiologic methods. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Origin, age and petrogenesis of Neoproterozoic composite dikes from the Arabian‐Nubian Shield, SW Jordan
Authors: Jarrar G. , Saffarini G. , Baumann A. , Wachendorf H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe evolution of a Pan‐African (c. 900–550 Ma) suite of composite dikes, with latite margins and rhyolite interiors, from southwest Jordan is discussed. The dikes cut the Neoproterozoic calc‐alkaline granitoids and high‐grade metamorphic rocks (c. 800–600 Ma) of the northern Arabian‐Nubian Shield in Jordan and have been dated by the Rb‐Sr isochron method at 566±7 Ma. The symmetrically distributed latite margins constitute less than one‐quarter of the whole dike thickness. The rhyolite intruded a median fracture within the latite, while the latter was still hot but completely solidified.The dikes are alkaline and bimodal in composition with a gap in SiO2 between 61 and 74 wt%. Both end members display similar chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns. The rhyolites display the compositional signature of A‐type granites. The (La/Lu)N values are 6.02 and 4.91 for latites and rhyolites, respectively, and the rhyolites show a pronounced negative Eu anomaly, in contrast to the slight negative Eu anomaly of the latites. The chemical variability (e.g. Zr/Y, Zr/Nb, K/Rb) within and between latites and rhyolites does not support a fractional crystallization relationship between the felsic and mafic members of the dikes. We interpret the magma genesis of the composite dikes as the result of intrusion of mantle‐derived mafic magma into the lower crust in an extensional tectonic regime. The mafic magma underwent extensive fractional crystallization, which supplied the necessary heat for melting of the lower crust. The products of the initial stages of partial melting (5–10%) mixed with the fractionating mafic magma and gave rise to the latite melts. Further partial melting of the lower crust (up to 30%) produced a felsic melt, which upon 50% fractional crystallization (hornblende 15%, biotite 5%, feldspars 60%, and quartz 20%) gave rise to the rhyolitic magma. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acritarchs from the Lower Palaeozoic succession on the south County Wexford coast, Ireland: new age constraints for the Cullenstown Formation and the Cahore and Ribband Groups
Authors: Brück P. M. , Vanguestaine M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLower Palaeozoic sediments crop out on the southern coast of County Wexford, Ireland, comprising three distinctive lithostratigraphical units: from west to east the Cahore Group, the Blackhall Formation of the Ribband Group and the Cullenstown Formation. The three units are largely devoid of macrofossils and thus their ages have to date been uncertain and, in the case of the Cullenstown Formation, speculative. In the Cahore Group, a diverse assemblage of acritarchs composed of seventeen species has been recorded indicating a middle Early Cambrian age. This is similar to the age of the lithologically identical Bray Group to the north, in County Wicklow. In the Ribband Group, two very distinct assemblages have been noted. Both are poorly preserved, but diagnostic species have been determined giving a biostratigrapical range of early Mid‐Cambrian to Llanvirn. Palynomorphs have been recorded for the first time from the Cullenstown Formation allowing comparison with eastern Newfoundland where a similar, less diverse assemblage has been recorded. The age indicated is latest Mid‐Cambrian to early Late Cambrian. Overall, despite generally poor preservation of the organic matter, some 45 acritarch species have been distinguished, among which one new combination is proposed: Retisphaeridium postae instead of Cymatiosphaera postae. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concentrated albumin as a biological glue for hemorrhage control on hepatic resection with argon beam coagulation
Authors: Xie Hua , Wolf Ronald F. , Burke Allen P. , Gustafson Scott B. , Gregory Kenton W. , Prahl Scott A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTopically applied concentrated albumin with argon beam coagulation (ABCA) has been shown to be more effective at achieving hemostasis than using argon beam coagulation alone (ABC) in a liver injury model. This study investigated the host response to the concentrated albumin after argon beam coagulation. Complete hemostasis was achieved using ABCA (N = 10) or ABC (N = 10) on a nonanatomic liver resection in a heparinized porcine model. The repairs were evaluated grossly and microscopically at postoperative periods of 30 and 90 days. We found no evidence of biliary leakage, rebleeding, or intraabdominal infection. Blood analysis indicated liver chemistry indices were within normal range after ABC and ABCA treatments. The histopathology showed that the postoperative healing response was similar in both groups: a moderate chronic inflammatory response as part of an on‐going normal healing process. All repairs were encapsulated by fibrous tissue. There was no difference in the postsurgical adhesion scores for the ABCA (mean 3.4) and ABC (mean 3.8). It was concluded that use of the concentrated albumin as biological glue in conjunction with argon beam coagulation is a safe and efficient procedure for controlling hepatic hemorrhage in surgery. Further studies are warranted to investigate the clinical significance of this technique. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 71B: 84–89, 2004
Effect of calcination temperature on catalyst reducibility and hydrogenation reactivity in rice husk ash–alumina supported nickel systems
Authors: Chang Feg‐Wen , Kuo Maw‐Suey , Tsay Ming‐Tseh , Hsieh Ming‐Chung 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNickel catalysts supported on rice husk ash–alumina (Ni/RHA–Al2O3) were prepared by an incipient wetness impregnation method. Characterization included TGA, DSC, TPR, XRD, and BET. Results show that the decomposition of the nickel compound to nickel oxide was complete above 500 °C. The TPR analysis revealed a strong interaction between nickel and support, and a decrease in reducibility of NiO with increasing calcination temperature. The XRD analysis of Ni/RHA–Al2O3 catalyst precursors demonstrated the presence of spinel. It also showed that the size of crystallites in the supported NiO first decreased with increase in calcination temperature up to 700 °C, and then increased due to phase transformation of nickel oxide to spinel. The pores are mesopores and their meshy surface structure was not affected by calcination temperature in the range investigated. The catalytic activity was tested by CO2 hydrogenation with an H2/CO2 ratio of 4/1 at 500 °C. The CO2 conversion and CH4 yield for CO2 hydrogenation over 15 wt% Ni/RHA–Al2O3 catalyst were almost independent of calcination and reduction temperatures. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of α‐conotoxin binding modes on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Dutertre Sébastien , Nicke Annette , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Lewis Richard J. 
Published: May 2004

Abstractα‐Conotoxins, from cone snails, and α‐neurotoxins, from snakes, are competitive inhibitors of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) that have overlapping binding sites in the ACh binding pocket. These disulphide‐rich peptides are used extensively as tools to localize and pharmacologically characterize specific nAChRs subtypes. Recently, a homology model based on the high‐resolution structure of an ACh binding protein (AChBP) allowed the three‐fingered α‐neurotoxins to be docked onto the α7 nAChR. To investigate if α‐conotoxins interact with the nAChR in a similar manner, we built homology models of human α7 and α3β2 nAChRs, and performed docking simulations of α‐conotoxins ImI, PnIB, PnIA and MII using the program GOLD. Docking revealed that α‐conotoxins have a different mode of interaction compared with α‐neurotoxins, with surprisingly few nAChR residues in common between their overlapping binding sites. These docking experiments show that ImI and PnIB bind to the ACh binding pocket via a small cavity located above the β9/β10 hairpin of the (+)α7 nAChR subunit. Interestingly, PnIB, PnIA and MII were found to bind in a similar location on α7 or α3β2 receptors mostly through hydrophobic interactions, while ImI bound further from the ACh binding pocket, mostly through electrostatic interactions. These findings, which distinguish α‐conotoxin and α‐neurotoxin binding modes, have implications for the rational design of selective nAChR antagonists. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of meteorological and hydrological drought in southern Romania from observational data
Authors: Stefan Sabina , Ghioca Monica , Rimbu Norel , Boroneant Constanta 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe spatial and temporal variability of the river discharges and precipitation from the southern part of Romania for 69 years, during the period 1931–99, is investigated. The study is based on river discharges (precipitation) data recorded at ten hydrometric and six meteorological stations from this region.The cross‐correlation analysis reveals a seasonal dependence of the lag time between the precipitation and river discharge anomalies, being larger (2–3 months) in winter than in summer (0–1 month). The correlation and the EOF analyses reveal consistent interannual to decadal variations for precipitation and river discharges. In particular, persistent meteorological and hydrological droughts were identified during 1943–52, 1958–68 and 1980–99.A composite analysis reveals that high (low) values of the river discharge and precipitation in this region are related to a large‐scale atmospheric circulation pattern similar to the negative (positive) phase of the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO). This suggests that, during periods of persistent positive phase of NAO, persistent meteorological and hydrological drought conditions are expected in the southern part of Romania with important consequences on the climate and economy of this region. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
Global analysis of runs of annual precipitation and runoff equal to or below the median: run length
Authors: Peel Murray C. , Pegram Geoffrey G. S. , Mcmahon Thomas A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe investigation of fluctuations of wet and dry years has a long history in the climatology and hydrology literature. In this, the first of two papers investigating runs of consecutive dry years, the lengths (persistence) of dry runs are investigated. In the second paper the magnitude/intensity and severity (length × magnitude) of dry runs will be investigated. Consecutive dry years are associated with drought, which is a significant physical and economic phenomenon that imposes great stress on ecosystems and societies. Run lengths of consecutive years equal to or below the median were analysed for 3863 precipitation and 1236 runoff stations from around the world. Run lengths were found to be similar across all continents and Köppen climate zones, expect for tropical and arid North Africa (Sahel), which showed a distinct bias toward longer run lengths than any other region of the world. Generally, the run length observed in annual runoff was found to be similar to that observed in annual precipitation for the same location. Both annual precipitation and runoff data were found to be well described by the lag‐one autoregressive (AR(1)) model or by white noise. The influence of the El Niño–southern oscillation on run lengths was not observed to be significant. The presence of decadal and multi‐decadal oscillations was weakly observed in the results of the precipitation runs analysis. The faintness of the decadal and multi‐decadal oscillation signal may be due to the sample sizes not being long enough and/or the runs analysis not being sensitive enough to detect their presence. Copyright © 2004 Royal Meteorological Society
What happens when things go wrong? Retail sales explanations and their effects
Authors: Dunning Jarrad , Pecotich Anthony , O'Cass Aron 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNot all marketplace interactions are initially successful, and often customer expectations are not met, resulting in dissatisfaction, which leads to complaint and redress‐seeking behavior. In this process, the nature of the explanations and other aspects of the firm–customer interaction are critical. This study investigates the proposition that explanation adequacy plays a critical role in the resolution of unsatisfactory sales encounters. Data were collected from a sample of consumers and analyzed with the use of structural‐equation modeling. The findings indicate that explanation adequacy is influenced by the style and content of the explanation and the timeliness of an organization's reaction. However, explanation adequacy appears to only influence the final perceptions (indirectly) of the severity of the incident and emotional reaction to it, and the perceptions of the extent of the justice of the resolution and the assignment of blame to external factors were found to be intervening variables. The results also indicated that the assignment of blame to internal factors was unrelated to the adequacy of an explanation, but did influence emotional reactions and the perceived severity of the incident. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From black sheep to aspiring business partner: HR's turnaround at Delaware investments
Authors: Hutcheson Joanne 
Published: May 2004

AbstractDelaware Investments' human resources function, barely able to meet even the most basic needs of the growing company, was hamstrung by inadequate resources, tools, and expertise. New leadership helped the HR team envision a new role for itself and undertake a five‐year effort to redesign its processes, leverage technology, implement self‐service, create partnerships, and develop the competencies to become a strategic partner in the business. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Six Sigma helps a company create a culture of accountability
Authors: Brewer Peter C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractHow do you make employees feel more accountable for results? With many opinions but no hard facts about how to achieve this, one company turned to Six Sigma to find the answer. Six Sigma methodology, no longer confined to production departments, helped this company discover that a culture of accountability, first and foremost, is a function of strategically aligned employee expectations and an effective system of rewards and consequences. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐marketing surveillance of buprenorphine
Authors: Ray Rajat , Pal Hemraj , Kumar Rajesh , Maulick Pallab , Mangla R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPurposeThis study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse consequences of recently introduced higher strength (0.4 and 2.0 mg per tablet) buprenorphine in Indian market. Buprenorphine, a partial opiate agonist and antagonist, is an emerging alternative to methadone as an agent for long‐term treatment of opiate dependence.MethodsThe current investigation was conducted through a multi‐centric post‐marketing surveillance (PMS)study using a structured performa from patients receiving buprenorphine as routine therapy from de‐addiction centres. Evaluation included subjective and objective assessments and recording of adverse events.ResultsOf the 5551 observations from ten centres, common subjective symptoms were generalised weakness (48.9%), sense of high (euphoria) (44.5%), muscle aches (39.5%) and relief from pain (37.2%). About 5% observations recorded systolic hypertension. Among 55 subjects where laboratory tests were conducted, 12 showed raised levels of AST ad 9 had elevated ALT. Twelve adverse events reported included seizure, epistaxis, panic attacks, constipation and dyspnoea. Significant relation was seen between duration of use and time since last dose, and total number of subjective symptoms reported.ConclusionsMajority of the adverse effects could be understood as either effects related to intoxication or withdrawal from agonists. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite droplets with core/shell morphologies prepared from HDPE/PS/PMMA ternary blends by twin‐screw extrusion
Authors: Tchomakov Kiril P. , Favis Basil D. , Huneault Michel A. , Champagne Michel F. , Tofan Florin 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTernary blends of PS and PMMA in a PE matrix were prepared by twin‐screw extrusion to investigate the core/shell encapsulation phenomenon in the composite droplet. The PS was found to encapsulate the PMMA to form composite droplets within the PE matrix as expected from the spreading coefficient theory. The effects of dispersed phase concentration, viscosity ratio, feeding sequence and twin‐screw operating conditions were investigated. The blend morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy after selective extraction of either PS or PMMA, and average core and composite droplet diameters were determined by image analysis. Although it is known that the structure of composite droplet blends can be substantially altered through control of the volume fraction of the components in the dispersed phase, this study demonstrates that blends with a 1:1 composite droplet volume fraction are relatively stable to large variations in the minor phase viscosities and processing conditions. Twin‐screw extrusion thus provides a highly robust technique for the melt processing of blends possessing composite droplet morphologies. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:749–759, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Real‐time monitoring of fluorescence anisotropy and temperature during processing of biaxially stretched polypropylene film
Authors: Bur Anthony J. , Roth Steven C. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractAn optical sensor based on fiber optics has been developed to measure fluorescence anisotropy and temperature during processing of biaxially stretched polypropylene films. The sensor, containing optical fibers, polarizing elements and lenses, was mounted above the polypropylene film as it was processed in a tenter frame oven stretching machine. Fluorescence observations were made using the fluorescent dye, bis (di‐tert butylphenyl) perylenedicarboximide (BTBP), which was doped into the resin at very low concentrations. To monitor biaxial stretching, fluorescence anisotropy measurements were carried out with light polarized in the machine and the transverse directions corresponding to the directions of biaxial stretching. Fluorescence based temperature measurements were obtained from the ratio of fluorescence intensities at 544 nm and 577 nm. A matrix of experiments involving three levels of stretch ratio in both the machine and transverse directions was undertaken. We observed significant differences between anisotropy in the machine and transverse directions that we attributed to the sequential stretching operation, i.e., the film was stretched in the machine direction first, followed by stretching in the transverse direction, and to film temperature and strain rate for each stretching operation. The result was uniformly higher anisotropies in the machine direction. Film temperature obtained from fluorescence corresponded to oven thermocouple measurements within 2°C. Polym. Eng. Sci. 44:805–813, 2004. © 2004 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Are cognitive differences between immigrant and majority groups diminishing?
Authors: te Nijenhuis Jan , de Jong Mart‐Jan , Evers Arne , van der Flier Henk 
Published: May 2004

A review is given of scores on various cognitive measures, comparing groups of ethnic Dutch and non‐Western immigrants using a large number of datasets. The research shows that there are large group differences in school results, work proficiency, and g for Turks, Moroccans, Surinamese, Netherlands Antilleans, and Indonesians from the Moluccans compared with ethnic Dutch. However, South‐East Asians score higher, and persons with one immigrant and one ethnic Dutch parent score only slightly below the mean of the Dutch. When comparing first‐generation disadvantaged immigrant groups with later generations the data show substantial improvements for g, a remarkable stability of educational differences for younger children, and a clear improvement in educational achievement at the end of primary school. Indirect data on intergenerational improvements in work proficiency appear suggestive of a trend of closing gaps. Some of the data reflect higher cognitive capacities over time, and this enhances integration of immigrants into Dutch society. Causes of group differences and improvements in mean level of g are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.