bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adsorption and orientation kinetics of self‐assembled films of octadecyltrimethoxysilane on aluminium oxide surfaces
Authors: Thomsen Lars , Watts Benjamin , Cotton Daniel V. , Quinton Jamie S. , Dastoor Paul C. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractX‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near‐edge x‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy have been used to study the time‐dependent adsorption and molecular orientation behaviour of octadecyltrimethoxysilane (ODTMS) on native aluminium oxide surfaces. By measuring the adsorption isotherm using XPS, we show that ODTMS molecules exhibit oscillatory adsorption. The oscillatory adsorption behaviour for ODTMS is analogous to that observed for its simpler short‐chain ‘cousin’—propyltrimethoxysilane (PTMS)—and suggests that the length of the functional alkyl chain on an organosilane does not have a significant influence upon the oscillatory adsorption mechanism. The oscillation in the ODTMS adsorption isotherm shows a maximum and a minimum in coverage at an adsorption time of ∼30 and ∼65 s, respectively, for a 0.75% ODTMS solution in a 90% ethanol–10% water mixture at pH 4. The time‐dependent orientation behaviour of the ODTMS molecules during adsorption was examined using angular‐dependent carbon K‐edge NEXAFS spectroscopy. We show that the alignment of the ODTMS film changes systematically with deposition time and appears to be correlated with coverage measurements obtained using XPS. In particular, by combining the XPS and NEXAFS results we demonstrate that the minimum ODTMS coverage corresponds to a film whose alignment appears to be predominantly randomized. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS imaging investigations of pitting corrosion mechanisms in Inconel 600
Authors: Kobe B. A. , Ramamurthy S. , Biesinger M. C. , McIntyre N. S. , Brennenstühl A. M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe surface chemistry associated with pitting corrosion on a nickel‐based alloy, Inconel 600, has been studied using imaging x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The irregularity of the sample surfaces necessitated a more elaborate background correction than is usually applied in such imaging. Areas of active pitting were found to contain corrosion products that are high in chromium oxide and depleted in nickel and iron. Sites of anodic activity on the surface were able to be defined more clearly using principal component analysis. Elements that are dissolved preferentially are deposited cathodically within well‐defined regions whose distance from the anodic pit appears related to the open‐circuit potential. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of Methylprednisolone on the energy metabolism of Ehrlich ascites tumour cells
Authors: Buttgereit Frank , Müller Marianne , Wolbart Karsten , Thiele Bernhard , Hiepe Falk 
Published: February 2005

Using Ehrlich ascites tumour cells, the short-term effects of the therapeutic glucocorticoid Methylprednisolone (MP) on the cellular energy metabolism were studied. ATP-consuming processes involved in the rapid MP effects were identified indirectly from the effects of MP on cellular oxygen consumption related to the inhibition of respiration by selective inhibitors of Ca2+-ATPase and protein synthesis. The effects of MP on plasma membrane permeability for Ca2+ ions and phospholipid turnover were studied directly by using confocal laser scanning microscopy and tracerkinetic measurements, respectively. MP inhibited cellular oxygen consumption, suppressed the inhibitory effect of lanthanum but not that of cycloheximide on oxygen consumption, blocked the [Ca2+]i rise in response to calcium ionophore A 23187, and decreased phospholipid turnover. MP acted instantly in a dose-dependent manner.
The observed effects of MP are discussed in relation to the hypothesis that the drug has direct membrane effect affecting plasma membrane permeability and function.
Signal transduction and motility of Dictyostelium
Authors: Newell Peter C. 
Published: February 2005

This review is concerned with the roles of cyclic GMP and Ca2+ ions in signal transduction for chemotaxis of Dictyostelium. These molecules are involved in signalling between the cell surface cyclic AMP receptors and cytoskeletal myosin II involved in chemotactic cell movement. Evidence is presented for uptake and/or eflux of Ca2+ being regulated by cyclic GMP. The link between Ca2+, cyclic GMP and chemotactic cell movement has been explored using “streamer F” mutants whose primary defect is in the structural gene for the cyclic GMP-specific phosphodiesterase. This mutation causes the mutants to produce an abnormally prolonged peak of cyclic GMP accumulation in response to stimulation with the chemoattractant cyclic AMP. The production and relay of cyclic AMP signals is normal in these mutants, but certain events associated with movement are (like the cyclic GMP response) abnormally prolonged in the mutants. These events include Ca2+ uptake, myosin II association with the cytoskeleton and regulation of both myosin heavy and light chain phosphorylation. These changes can be correlated with changes in the shape of the amoebae after chemotactic stimulation. Other mutants in which the accumulation of cyclic GMP in response to cyclic AMP stimulation was absent produced no myosin II responses.
A model is described in which cyclic GMP (directly or indirectly via Ca2+) regulates accumulation of myosin II on the cytoskeleton by regulating phosphorylation of the myosin heavy and light chain kinases.
Proof systems for message-passing process algebras
Authors: Hennessy M. , Lin H. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract

We give sound and complete proof systems for a variety of bisimulation based equivalences over a message-passing process algebra. The process algebra is a generalisation of pure
CCS
where the actions consist of receiving and sending messages or data on communication channels; the standard prefixing operator
a.p
is replaced by the two operators
c?x.p
and
c!e.p
and in addition messages can be tested by a conditional construct. The various proof systems are parameterised on auxiliary proof systems for deciding on equalities or more general boolean identities over the expression language for data. The completeness of these proof systems are thus relative to the completeness of the auxiliary proof systems.
Invariants and closures in the theory of rewrite systems
Authors: Rönn Stefan 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
The article investigates some useful concepts of rewrite systems, especially invariants and closures. The concepts are formalised with so-called string expressions, for which an axiomatisation is given. The central operator in the theory of rewrite systems, the rewrite operator, is introduced with formulas that permit a calculational approach. The connections with distributed programming are also explained.
Slicing programs in the presence of errors
Authors: Harman Mark , Simpson Dan , Danicic Sebastian 
Published: February 2005

Abstract
Program slicing is a technique by which statements are deleted from a program in such a way as to preserve a projection of the original program's semantics. It is shown that slicing algorithms based upon traditional defined and referenced variable sets do not preserve a projection of strict semantics with respect to computations which cause errors. Rather, these approaches preserve a projection of the program's semantics which is lazy with respect to errors. A modified version of defined and referenced variable sets is introduced, which provides the freedom to choose the form of semantics to be preserved.
Oral versus high dose parenteral iron supplementation in pregnancy
Authors: Kumar A. , Jain S. , Singh N.P. , Singh T. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effect of daily oral iron supplementation with two injections of high dose parenteral iron.MethodA total of 220 pregnant women with a singleton pregnancy and hemoglobin between 8 to 11 g% at 16–24 weeks gestation were identified and randomly divided into two groups. Group A was started on daily oral iron therapy of 100 mg of elemental iron. Group B was given 250 mg of iron sorbitol intramuscularly and repeated at an interval of 4–6 weeks. Blood indices were evaluated at the beginning of study and at 36 weeks to see the effect after iron supplementation in the two groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 10.1.ResultsDefinitive and comparable improvement in hemoglobin and all the blood indices (hematocrit, MCH, MCHC, MCV, Serum iron and TIBC) was observed. The absolute change in hemoglobin and hematocrit was 1.18±0.68 g% and 4.02±2.59% in oral group, 1.34±0.77 g% and 4.93±3.65% in parenteral group, respectively. Serum ferritin showed statistically significant absolute rise (10.43±7.92 μg/dl) after parenteral iron supplementation as compared to oral iron supplementation (9.76±4.78 μg/dl). Obstetric outcome was comparable in two groups.ConclusionTwo treatment regimens are biologically equivalent in terms of hematological response. Two high doses of intramuscular iron can be a good substitute to meet iron requirement in pregnancy.
Relationship of serum osteoprotegerin levels with coronary artery disease severity, left ventricular hypertrophy and C-reactive protein
Authors: RHEE Eun-Jung , LEE Won-Young , KIM Se-Yeon , KIM Byung-Jin , SUNG Ki-Chul , KIM Bum-Su , KANG Jin-Ho , OH Ki-Won , OH Eun-Sook , BAEK Ki-Hyun , KANG Moo-Il , WOO Hee-Yeon , PARK Hyo-Soon , KIM Sun-Woo , LEE Man-Ho , PARK Jung-Roe 
Published: February 2005

OPG (osteoprotegerin) is an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis and recent work suggests it has a role in atherosclerosis. Therefore we measured serum OPG levels in patients with coronary artery disease, compared the serum OPG levels among the different groups according to the number of stenotic vessels and determined whether there was any correlation with aortic calcification, LV (left ventricular) mass index and serum CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Subjects (n=100; mean age, 57 years) who underwent coronary angiograms were enrolled. Blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles and CRP levels were measured and the LV mass indices were calculated using ECGs. Serum OPG levels were measured by ELISA. The presence of calcification in the aortic notch was checked by a chest X-ray. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the number of stenotic vessels. The mean serum OPG levels increased significantly as the number of stenotic vessels increased, and the mean serum OPG levels were higher in the group with three-vessel disease compared with the groups with no- or one-vessel disease. The mean serum CRP level was significantly higher in the group with three-vessel disease compared with the groups with no-, one- and two-vessel disease. Age and LV mass index showed significant positive correlations with serum OPG levels, although significance was lost after an adjustment for age. Serum CRP levels were positively correlated with serum OPG levels even after an adjustment for age. There were no differences in serum OPG levels according to the presence of fasting hyperglycaemia or aortic calcification. In conclusion, serum OPG level was related to the severity of stenotic coronary arteries and serum CRP levels. LV mass indices showed no significant correlation with OPG levels. The precise mechanism for the role of OPG in atherosclerosis needs to be investigated further.
Synthesis of diethyl 2H‐naphtho[2,1,b]pyran‐2,3‐dicarboxylate and some related compounds as UV absorbers
Authors: Asiri A.M. , Ismail I.M.I. 
Published: February 2005

PurposeSynthesis and evaluation of new naphthopyran and related compounds as ultraviolet absorbers.Design/methodology/approachThe new naphthopyran and related compounds were prepared using new synthesis methodology which gave new derivatives via positions not accessible by traditional methods.FindingsA new method for the preparations of naphthopyran was developed. The naphthopyran compounds prepared had promising UV absorption/protection capabilities.Practical implicationsThe new compounds synthesised had unique character enabling them to be used in applications such as UV absorber and sunscreen.Originality/valueNew method of synthesis and the possibility of using the naphthopyran derivatives as UV absorber in many applications.
Insights into the domains required for dimerization and assembly of human αB crystallin
Authors: Ghosh Joy G. , Clark John I. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractProtein pin array technology was used to identify subunit–subunit interaction sites in the small heat shock protein (sHSP) αB crystallin. Subunit–subunit interaction sites were defined as consensus sequences that interacted with both human αA crystallin and αB crystallin. The human αB crystallin protein pin array consisted of contiguous and overlapping peptides, eight amino acids in length, immobilized on pins that were in a 96‐well ELISA plate format. The interaction of αB crystallin peptides with physiological partner proteins, αA crystallin and αB crystallin, was detected using antibodies and recorded using spectrophotometric absorbance. Five peptide sequences including 37LFPTSTSLSPFYLRPPSF54 in the N terminus, 75FSVNLDVK82 (β3), 131LTITSSLS138 (β8) and 141GVLTVNGP148 (β9) that form β strands in the conserved α crystallin core domain, and 155PERTIPITREEK166 in the C‐terminal extension were identified as subunit–subunit interaction sites in human αB crystallin using the novel protein pin array assay. The subunit–subunit interaction sites were mapped to a three‐dimensional (3D) homology model of wild‐type human αB crystallin that was based on the crystal structure of wheat sHSP16.9 and Methanococcus jannaschi sHSP16.5 (Mj sHSP16.5). The subunit–subunit interaction sites identified and mapped onto the homology model were solvent‐exposed and had variable secondary structures ranging from β strands to random coils and short α helices. The subunit–subunit interaction sites formed a pattern of hydrophobic patches on the 3D surface of human αB crystallin.
Adverse Selection in an Insurance Market With Government‐Guaranteed Subsistence Levels
Authors: Kim Bum J. , Schlesinger Harris 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe consider a competitive insurance market with adverse selection. Unlike the standard models, we assume that individuals receive the benefit of some type of potential government assistance that guarantees them a minimum level of wealth. For example, this assistance might be some type of government‐sponsored relief program, or it might simply be some type of limited liability afforded via bankruptcy laws. Government assistance is calculated ex post of any insurance benefits. This alters the individuals' demand for insurance coverage. In turn, this affects the equilibria in various insurance models of markets with adverse selection.
The Role of Holding Company Financial Information in the Insurer‐Rating Process: Evidence From the Property‐Liability Industry
Authors: Gaver Jennifer J. , Pottier Steven W. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractWe examine data for the year ended December 31, 1997 for 80 publicly traded property‐liability insurers that have Best financial strength ratings of their consolidated insurance‐operating subsidiaries. These firms employ a holding company structure, in which a parent owns the stock of multiple insurance‐operating subsidiaries. The operating subsidiaries prepare a consolidated annual report using the Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP), and an analogous set of financial statements based on the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is released by the parent. We find that the financial characteristics important in determining ratings at the individual firm level—capitalization, liquidity, profitability, and size—are also important at the group level. Further, financial ratios from holding company statements are incrementally useful in the ratings' process, after group‐level ratios have been taken into account. Robustness tests based on a subsample of holding companies with minimal investment outside of the property‐liability industry reinforce our conclusion that parent company statements influence consolidated group ratings. However, our data do not allow us to separate the relative contribution of the GAAP model and underlying transactions to the ratings decision.
Coercion or collaboration? Nurses doing research with people who have severe mental health problems
Authors: DAVIES B. R. 
Published: February 2005

Nurses should address the concerns of service users in research and engage in collaborative work with them. Doing this presents ethical dilemmas, not least around the issues of assessing capacity and informed consent to participation in research.The view that judgement regarding the capacity to consent is solely the responsibility of a consultant psychiatrist is challenged as inadequate. The concept of ‘moral discourse’ (Pike 1991) is used to understand the process by which the assessment of capacity may be carried out. This is illustrated by the application of the concept in a qualitative research study carried out to explore what makes mental health services accessible to women with children.The role of the mental health nurse entails surveillance and the development of expertise in negotiating compliance with treatment programmes. The paper outlines the measures taken to ensure that service users felt empowered, rather than coerced, to participate in this study.While Community Mental Health Team workers were engaged in ‘moral discourse’ in respect of participation by service users in the study, there were difficulties in engaging General Practitioners. However, there was evidence that women themselves felt empowered both to express interest in participating and to withdraw if they so wished.
Reductant for glutamate synthase in generated by the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in non‐photosynthetic root plastids
Authors: Bowsher C. G. , Boulton E. L. , Rose J. , Nayagam S. , Emes M. J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryPurified pea root plastids were supplied with glutamine, 2‐oxoglutarate and phosphorylated sugars. Formation of glutamate was linear for 75 min and dependent upon the intactness of the organelle. Glucose‐6‐phosphate and ribose‐5‐phosphate were the most effective substrates in supporting glutamate synthesis. Flux through the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway during glutamate synthesis in purified plastids was followed by monitoring the release of 14CO2 from [1‐14C]glucose‐6‐phosphate. 14CO2 evolution from C‐1 was dependent upon the presence of both glutamine and 2‐oxoglutarate and could be inhibited by the application of azaserine. The data are discussed in view of the role of the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway in non‐photosynthetic plastids.
Dispersed lignin in tracheary elements treated with cellulose synthesis inhibitors provides evidence that molecules of the secondary cell wall mediate wall patterning
Authors: Taylor James G. , Owen T. Page , Koonce Linda T. , Haigler Candace H. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryMesophyll cells of Zinnia elegans var. Envy that had been induced to differentiate into tracheary elements (TEs) in suspension culture were treated with the cellulose synthesis inhibitor 2,6‐dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB). The deposition of cellulose into the patterned secondary cell wall thickenings typical of TEs was inhibited as demonstrated by reduced incorporation of [14C]glucose into acetic/nitric insoluble material and absence of cellulose detectable by fluorescence after staining with Tinopal LPW, polarization optics, or labeling with a specific cellulase. Respiration as indicated by release of 14CO2 was inhibited to a much lesser extent, supporting a selective mechanism of action of DCB on the cellulose biosynthetic pathway. Patterned secondary cell wall thickenings were deposited in DCB‐treated TEs, but these were smaller and less regularly shaped than those of control TEs. These cellulose‐depleted thickenings lacked another abundant component of normal thickenings, the hemicellulose xylan, as indicated by absence of labeling with a specific xylanase or an antibody to xylan. DCB‐treated TEs also showed dispersed lignin after staining with phloroglucinol, whereas control TEs contained lignin specifically localized to the secondary cell wall thickenings. Isoxaben, another recently described inhibitor of synthesis of acetic/nitric insoluble cell wall material (putatively cellulose), caused the same absence of detectable cellulose and xylan in the thickenings and dispersed lignin. These data suggest that: (i) the localization of lignin is ultimately dependent on the localization of cellulose; (ii) normal patterned wall assembly in TEs occurs in a self‐perpetuating cascade in which some molecules of the secondary cell wall mediate patterning of others.
The role of colonoscopic endoanal ultrasound scanning (EUS) in selecting patients suitable for resection by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM)
Authors: Glancy D. G. , Pullyblank A. M. , Thomas M. G. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  This study was performed to assess the accuracy of colonoscopic endoanal ultrasound scanning (EUS) in the selection of patients with rectal neoplasia suitable for local excision by transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM). Our policy is to offer TEM to patients with premalignant (T0) lesions or with T1 tumours that have early disease.Patients and methods  Data were collected prospectively on all patients undergoing EUS for the assessment of rectal neoplasia at our institution over a six‐year period. A colonoscopic EUS probe was used to determine whether the tumour breached the muscularis propria (the interface between T1 and T2 disease). Subsequently patients underwent surgical resection, including TEM for those with T0/1 disease. The preoperative stage predicted by EUS (uT stage) was compared to the postoperative histopathological stage of the resected specimens (pT stage).Results  One hundred and fifty‐six EUS examinations were evaluated. Sixty‐two patients went on to have TEM whilst the remaining 94 had another form of surgery. Of the 62 patients undergoing TEM, 3 were overstaged on EUS. No patients were understaged, giving an accuracy of 95%. Of the 94 patients undergoing an alternative procedure, 5 were overstaged on EUS as having T2 tumours when in fact their histology was T1. Accuracy of EUS at predicting more advanced disease fell to 89%, giving an overall accuracy of 92%.Conclusions  EUS is accurate at predicting T0/1 vs T2 disease in our institution, and we believe that it is a useful modality in assessing patient suitability for local excision.
Thirty‐day mortality from colorectal cancer surgery within a deprived population
Authors: Glen P. , Simpson M. F. , Donnelly L. , Leonard S. , Macdonald A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective  A recently published model for predicting 30‐day mortality has been devised using data from 73 hospitals in the UK. Deprivation category was not one of the data sets used in predicting mortality and was not included in formulating this model. We wished to assess if the model was applicable to a population with high deprivation category scores.Methods  Data on all colorectal cancer operations included in the model (age, ASA, cancer resected, Dukes stage and urgency) had been collected prospectively since January 1999. This data was applied to the model.Results  Two hundred and thirty patients were included in analysis. Overall predicted mortality was 8.2% and actual mortality 7.8%. Within different categories of deprivation, predicted and actual mortality are similar and not significantly different. 137 patients lived in areas of deprivation category 3–5. Predicted and actual mortality were 8.4% and 8.0%, respectively. In areas of deprivation category 6–7, 91 patients had a predicted and actual mortality of 8.0% and 7.7%.Conclusion  Although deprivation data was not included in the production of the mathematical model to predict postoperative death, the model appears to predict well in the deprived population. It is likely that poorer socio‐economic status is accounted for by increased ASA and cancer stage.