bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance Among Gram-Negative Bacilli in US Intensive Care Units
Authors: Neuhauser Melinda M. , Weinstein Robert A. , Rydman Robert , Danziger Larry H. , Karam George , Quinn John P. 
Published: March 2003

ContextPrevious surveillance studies have documented increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance in US intensive care units (ICUs) in the early 1990s.ObjectivesTo assess national rates of antimicrobial resistance among gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients and to compare these rates to antimicrobial use.Design and SettingParticipating institutions, representing a total of 43 US states plus the District of Columbia, provided antibiotic susceptibility results for 35 790 nonduplicate gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients between 1994 and 2000.Main Outcome MeasuresEach institution tested approximately 100 consecutive gram-negative aerobic isolates recovered from ICU patients. Organisms were identified to the species level. Susceptibility tests were performed, and national fluoroquinolone consumption data were obtained.ResultsThe activity of most antimicrobial agents against gram-negative aerobic isolates showed an absolute decrease of 6% or less over the study period. The overall susceptibility to ciprofloxacin decreased steadily from 86% in 1994 to 76% in 2000 and was significantly associated with increased national use of fluoroquinolones.ConclusionsThis study documents the increasing incidence of ciprofloxacin resistance among gram-negative bacilli that has occurred coincident with increased use of fluoroquinolones. More judicious use of fluoroquinolones will be necessary to limit this downward trend.
Bounds on the complexity of neural‐network models and comparison with linear methods
Authors: Hlaváčková‐Schindler Kateřina , Sanguineti Marcello 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA class of non‐linear models having the structure of combinations of simple, parametrized basis functions is investigated; this class includes widespread neural networks in which the basis functions correspond to the computational units of a type of networks. Bounds on the complexity of such models are derived in terms of the number of adjustable parameters necessary for a given modelling accuracy. These bounds guarantee a more advantageous tradeoff than linear methods between modelling accuracy and model complexity: the number of parameters may increase much more slowly, in some cases only polynomially, with the dimensionality of the input space in modelling tasks. Polynomial bounds on complexity allow one to cope with the so‐called ‘curse of dimensionality’, which often makes linear methods either inaccurate or computationally unfeasible. The presented results let one gain a deeper theoretical insight into the effectiveness of neural‐network architectures, noticed in complex modelling applications. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guest Editorial: Chemistry and Physics of Nanowires
Authors: Xia Y. , Yang P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn this Editorial for the Nanowires Special Issue of Advanced Materials, Younan Xia and Peidong Yang welcome you to this survey of the fast‐moving area of nanowire research. Communications and Research News articles covering vapor‐phase, solution‐based, and template‐directed routes to the synthesis of nanowires, self‐assembly with nanowires as the building blocks, and new physics associated with 1D nanostructures can all be found within.
Growth of Arrayed Nanorods and Nanowires of ZnO from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Vayssieres L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA novel approach to the rational fabrication of smart and functional metal oxide particulate thin films and coatings is demonstrated on the growth of ZnO nanowires and oriented nanorod arrays. The synthesis involves a template‐less and surfactant‐free aqueous method, which enables the generation of, at large‐scale, low‐cost, and moderate temperatures, advanced metal oxide thin films with controlled complexity. The strategy consists of monitoring of the nucleation, growth, and aging processes by means of chemical and electrostatic control of the interfacial free energy. It enables the control of the size of nano‐, meso‐, and microcrystallites, their surface morphology, orientations onto various substrates, and crystal structure.
High incidence of autoimmune alterations in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with interferon‐α
Authors: Steegmann J.L. , Requena M.J. , Martín‐Regueira P. , de la Cámara R. , Casado F. , Salvanés F. Rodriguez , Fernández Rañada J.M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractInterferon‐α is the frontline therapy of the majority of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who are not eligible for bone marrow transplantation. Many patients are treated for long periods, and there is concern about the long‐term immune effects of its use. Autoimmune disorders in patients treated with IFN‐α may be related to the direct immunomodulating properties of IFN or may be linked to a possible toxic effect in target organs, triggering autoimmunity. On the other hand, the immune effects of IFN may play a role in its therapeutic actions. The aims of our study were to assess the incidence of autoimmune phenomena in these patients, and to measure the possible association between the generation of autoimmune phenomena and the antileukemic effect of IFN α. Therefore, 46 patients with Ph1+ CML in the first chronic phase were studied for the appearance of immune complications, their connection to IFN dose, time of appearance, and the possible association with the response to treatment. Autoimmune abnormalities have been found in 28% of our patients. Moreover, a significant association was found between autoimmune alterations and female sex (P = 0.02, OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.13–17.9) and a longer treatment time (1.6 vs. 4.1 years) (P = 0.02; OR 1.01, 95% CI 1–1.02). The Kaplan–Meier estimated probability of obtaining a cytogenetic response was significantly higher in patients who developed autoimmune alterations (P = 0.049), and this difference was also evident in Cox's analysis when controlling with other potentially confounding variables (P = 0.078). We conclude that CML patients treated with IFN alpha have a high incidence of autoimmune phenomenon. Am. J. Hematol. 72:170–176, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Progressive osseous heteroplasia in the face of a child
Authors: Faust Russell A. , Shore Eileen M. , Stevens Christopher E. , Xu Meiqi , Shah Shefali , Phillips C. Douglas , Kaplan Frederick S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractWe describe a rare case of progressive osseous heteroplasia of the face in a child. Biopsy showed osteoma cutis superficially with ectopic bone formation in the deeper tissues including skeletal muscle. Analysis of DNA from peripheral blood leukocytes showed mutations in the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the stimulatory G protein of adenylyl cyclase (GNAS1), confirming the diagnosis of progressive osseous heteroplasia.
Further delineation of the behavioral and neurologic features in Costello syndrome
Authors: Kawame Hiroshi , Matsui Mihoko , Kurosawa Kenji , Matsuo Mari , Masuno Mitsuo , Ohashi Hirofumi , Fueki Noboru , Aoyama Kouki , Miyatsuka Yukiko , Suzuki Kaoru , Akatsuka Akira , Ochiai Yukikatsu , Fukushima Yoshimitsu 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTo describe clinical and neurodevelopmental phenotypes of Costello syndrome, we performed a retrospective review of the clinical records and findings in 10 children with Costello syndrome. All patients showed significant postnatal growth retardation and severe feeding difficulties leading to failure to thrive from early infancy. All required tube feeding and some needed high‐calorie formulas for variable periods. Developmental quotients/IQs in seven children were 50 or less, and three were in the mildly retarded range. Five had seizures. Remarkable manifestations not previously reported were the characteristic behavior in infancy. Although happy and sociable personality was always emphasized in the genetic literature, all children showed significant irritability, including hypersensitivity to sound and tactile stimuli, sleep disturbance, and excess shyness with strangers in infancy. Those symptoms usually disappeared around age 2–4 years. Other clinical signs included cardiac abnormalities (8), musculoskeletal abnormalities (10), ophthalmological manifestations (5), increased urinary vanillymandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) (3), rhabdomyosarcoma (1), laryngomalacia (1), and cryptorchidism (1). Only three girls had papillomata. Family histories were negative for Costello syndrome. In conclusion, we confirm the wide spectrum of mental function in patients with Costello syndrome, which ranges from severe to mild. During infancy Costello syndrome showed remarkable irritability with severe feeding problems, which attributes significant difficulties to the parents of affected children. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanical properties of Mg(OH)2/polypropylene composites modified by functionalized polypropylene
Authors: Mai K. , Qiu Y. , Lin Z. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractModified Mg(OH)2/polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by the addition of functionalized polypropylene (FPP); and acrylic acid (AA) and by the formation of in situ FPP. The effects of the addition of FPP and AA and the formation of in situ FPP on the mechanical properties of Mg(OH)2/PP composites were investigated. Experimental results indicated that the addition of Mg(OH)2 markedly reduced the mechanical properties of PP. The extent of reduction in notch impact strength of PP was higher than that in flexural strength and tensile strength. However, tensile modulus and flexural modulus increased with increased Mg(OH)2 content. The addition of FPP facilitated the improvement in the flexural strength and tensile strength of Mg(OH)2/PP composites. The higher the Mg(OH)2 content was, the more significant the effect of FPP was. The incorporation of AA resulted in further increased mechanical properties, in particular the flexural strength, tensile strength, and notch impact strength of Mg(OH)2/PP composites containing high levels of Mg(OH)2. It not only improved mechanical properties but also increased the flame retardance of Mg(OH)2/PP composites. Although the mechanical properties of composites modified by the formation of in situ FPP were lower than those of composites modified by only the addition of AA in the absence of diamylperoxide, the mechanical properties did not decline with increased Mg(OH)2 content. Moreover, the mechanical properties increased with increasing AA content. The addition of an oxidation resistant did not influence the mechanical properties of the modified Mg(OH)2/PP composites. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2139–2147, 2003
Scaling functions of polymer‐induced turbulent drag reduction focusing on the polymer–solvent interaction
Authors: Kim Chul A. , Jhon Myung S. , Choi Hyoung J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBased on turbulent drag reduction characteristics of polystyrene and polyisobutylene in a pipe flow and a rotating‐disk flow, respectively, a relationship between polymer concentration and drag reduction at a given Reynolds number was considered. The universal drag reduction equation of a three‐parameter relationship between drag reduction and polymer concentration was modified using intrinsic concentration and intrinsic viscosity, and it was then found to be the most useful formula for correlating DR data, especially for polymer–solvent interactions in a turbulent flow. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1836–1839, 2003
The viscoelastic properties of natural rubber pressure‐sensitive adhesive using acrylic resin as a tackifier
Authors: Leong Yub Choong , Lee Larry Mook Swee , Gan Seng Neon 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAcrylic tackifier resins were prepared by free radical polymerization. A natural rubber base was prepared from Standard Malaysian Rubber through mechanical milling. The acrylic tackifier was blended with the rubber base in various ratios. The blends were coated onto strips of paper and tested for shear and peel strengths. Circular samples of the blends were cast onto release paper and their viscoelastic properties studied using DMTA. On plotting storage modulus G′ against frequency, differences between the low frequencies and high frequencies explain the change in pressure‐sensitive adhesive (psa) properties as the percentage of tackifier resin was varied. Blends with good psa have higher loss tangent at higher frequencies. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2118–2123, 2003
Anionic ring‐opening polymerization of adipic anhydride initiated by potassium poly(ethylene glycol)ate
Authors: Deng Xianmo , Li Zhen , Yuan Minglong , Hao Jianyuan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPoly(adipic anhydride) (PAA) was prepared by the ring‐opening polymerization of adipic anhydride (AA) initiated by potassium poly(ethylene glycol)ate. The effects of various factors, such as the amount of initiator, concentration of the monomer, reaction time and temperature, and polarity of the solvent on the polymerization were investigated. The crude polymerized product was a mixture of PAA homopolymer and poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(adipic anhydride) block copolymer, as confirmed by 1H‐NMR and gel permeation chromatography. Chain‐transfer reactions occurred intensively for the AA polymerization in both the nonpolar solvent toluene and the polar solvents CHCl3 and tetrahydrofuran, which predominantly determined the molecular weight and the monomer conversion for the polymerized product. The lower monomer conversion in toluene was ascribed to a lower livingness for the initiator in the nonpolar solvent when compared with other two, polar solvents. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2194–2201, 2003
Surface analysis of cotton fabrics fluorinated in radio‐frequency plasma
Authors: McCord M. G. , Hwang Y. J. , Qiu Y. , Hughes L. K. , Bourham M. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractCotton fabrics were treated by radio‐frequency plasma with tetrafluoromethane (CF4) and hexafluoropropene (C3F6) gases under different exposure times, pressures, and power levels. The hydrophobicity and water repellency were analyzed with measurements of the cosine of the contact angle (cos θ) and wet‐out time. The hydrophobicity was enhanced with treatments of both gases. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed increases in the surface fluorine content of 1–2% for CF4 plasma and of 2.3–7.8% for C3F6 plasma. The relative chemical composition of the C1s spectra after CF4 and C3F6 plasma treatments showed increases in the relative amounts of COC and fluorocarbon groups (CF, CF2, and CF3), whereas peak areas for COH and COOH decreased. The hydrophobicity was enhanced by the increase in the fluorine content and fluorocarbon groups. C3F6 plasma treatment resulted in higher hydrophobicity than CF4 plasma treatment according to not only cos θ and wet‐out measurements but also XPS analysis. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2038–2047, 2003
Conjugates of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) with alanine monopeptide, dipeptide, and tripeptide
Authors: Bulmuş Volga , Patır Süleyman , Ali Tuncel S. , Pişkin Erhan 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA random copolymer of N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) and acrylic acid (AAc) with an AAc content of 3.1 ± 0.19 mmol of carboxylic acid groups per gram of the copolymer and with a number‐average molecular weight of 1400 was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization with 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile in dimethylformamide. Then, monopeptide, dipeptide, and tripeptide (i.e., alanine) conjugates of this copolymer were prepared with their carboxyl‐end‐protected (with methyl ester hydrochloride) form of alanine, with a water‐soluble carbodiimide. Of the carboxylic acids, 93, 69, and 57% were conjugated (loaded) with alanine at the monopeptide, dipeptide, and tripeptide conjugation steps, respectively. The chemical structures of the copolymer and conjugates were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and 1H‐NMR, which revealed the conjugate formation. Amino acid conjugation caused significant decreases in the lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) of the copolymer, especially at pH 7.4. The LCST values of the dipeptide and tripeptide conjugates of poly(NIPAAm‐co‐AAc) at both pH 4.0 and 7.4 shifted to significantly higher temperatures. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2012–2019, 2003
Ditch communities: a major contributor to floodplain biodiversity
Authors: Armitage Patrick D. , Szoszkiewicz Krzysztof , Blackburn John H. , Nesbitt Ian 
Published: March 2003

Abstract
Chalk stream floodplains are extensively managed and the high degree of connectivity associated with water meadows has been severely reduced. The main contributor to aquatic biodiversity is perceived to be the river itself. Ditches in these areas have been largely ignored as a contributor to total diversity.
Separate surveys of instream, bankside and ditch macroinvertebrates in a small area of floodplain provided a unique opportunity to assess the relative contribution of each locality to total aquatic diversity. The fauna and flora of a ditch on the lower River Frome floodplain was examined and compared with studies of adjacent bankside and instream habitat. A total of 145 macroinvertebrate taxa and 61 plant species were recorded from the ditch. Faunal abundance and richness were positively related to the diversity of aquatic plants. The ditch showed a clear linear trend in community type that appeared to be partly related to the acidic seepage from tertiary deposits at the source and percentage cover of vegetation.
There were large differences in the numbers of taxa collected in ditch, bankside, instream mesohabitat and RIVPACS surveys. Of the total 202 taxa recorded in the four surveys, the ditch contributed 59 unique taxa with 25 from the bankside and two and three from the mesohabitat and RIVPACS surveys, respectively.
The large contribution of the Rushton Ditch to aquatic biodiversity on the floodplain is due to three main factors: the chemically different and slow‐flowing environment, the connection to the main river, and a management regime which has halted hydroseral succession at a point where vegetation structure is for the most part open and able to support a wide range of ecological niches. The maintenance of these conditions requires sensitive management and further knowledge of the needs and interactions of faunal communities with vegetation.
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase haplotype spanning the promoter region confers susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pascual M. , López‐Nevot M. A. , Cáliz R. , Ferrer M. A. , Balsa A. , Pascual‐Salcedo D. , Martín J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association of the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP‐1) gene promoter polymorphism with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) predisposition.MethodsAn association study with 213 Spanish RA patients and 242 healthy subjects was carried out to investigate the association of all known PARP‐1 gene promoter polymorphisms, i.e., a CA microsatellite repeat, a poly(A)n, and 3 single point mutations (C410T, C1362T, and G1672A), with disease susceptibility. Additionally, we analyzed the distribution of PARP‐1 polymorphisms in 58 Spanish families with 1 or more affected members.ResultsUpon complete genotyping of the panel of 455 samples, strong linkage disequilibrium was observed among the 5 PARP‐1 polymorphisms. Only 2 PARP‐1 haplotypes were detected: haplotype A (410T–[A]10–[CA]10–12–1362C, which includes short PARP‐1 CA alleles) and haplotype B (410C–[A]11–[CA]13–20–1362T, always paired with long PARP‐1 CA variants). Regarding the G1672A variation, although linkage disequilibrium was detected, it did not seem to be part of the conserved haplotypes described. Haplotype B was statistically overrepresented in the RA patient group compared with the healthy subjects (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.91, P = 0.019). In addition, a significant dose effect of PARP‐1 haplotype carriage on disease predisposition was observed. Of note, within haplotype B, the PARP‐1 CA 97‐bp allele was found to be the RA‐predisposing marker (odds ratio 2.17, 95% confidence interval 1.27–3.72, P = 0.003, corrected P < 0.05).ConclusionOur results demonstrate the existence of 2 unique PARP‐1 haplotypes in the Spanish population and provide the first evidence that PARP‐1 haplotypes play a role in susceptibility to RA.
Halogenated monoterpene production by microplantlets of the marine red alga Ochtodes secundiramea within an airlift photobioreactor under nutrient medium perfusion
Authors: Polzin Jason P. , Rorrer Gregory L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMacrophytic marine red algae are a unique source of novel and bioactive terpenoids, including halogenated monoterpenes. Biomass and halogenated monoterpene production by regenerated microplantlet suspension cultures derived from the red alga Ochtodes secundiramea were studied within a perfusion airlift photobioreactor. Photobioreactor cultivations were carried out at 26°C, 140 μE m−2s−1 light intensity, 0.3 air L−1 culture min−1 aeration (3500 ppm CO2), and ESS/seawater medium perfusion rate of 0.2 L medium L−1 culture d−1. Macronutrient concentrations in the perfusion medium were adjusted to provide nitrate delivery rates of 0.0063, 0.077, and 0.74 mmol L−1 d−1 at a fixed N:P ratio of 19:1. Growth was maximized at the highest nutrient delivery rate, where 10 g dry biomass L−1 culture was achieved after 30 days of cultivation. GC‐MS analysis of dichloromethane extracts from cell biomass revealed that O. secundiramea microplantlets produced myrcene, three acyclic halogenated monoterpenes (10‐bromomyrcene, 10‐bromo‐7‐chloromyrcene, 3,10‐dibromomyrcene), and one cyclic halogenated monoterpene (6‐bromo‐1,2,8‐trichloro‐3,4‐ochtodene). 10E‐bromomyrcene levels were much higher than those of its isomer 10Z‐bromomyrcene, demonstrating stereoselective halogenation. Maximum yields of 10E‐bromomyrcene and 6‐bromo‐1,2,8‐trichloro‐3,4‐ochtodene were 15 and 13 μmol/g dry cell mass, respectively. Increasing the rate of nutrient delivery increased the accumulation of myrcene and 10‐bromomyrcene during the first 14 days in culture. Furthermore, the yield selectivity toward higher halogenated monoterpenes increased as the rate of nutrient delivery decreased. From this data, a biogenic scheme was proposed where cyclic and acyclic halogenated monoterpenes are derived from sequential halogenation of myrcene, their common precursor. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 82: 415–428, 2003.
Business conceptions of sustainable development: a perspective from critical theory
Authors: Springett Delyse 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe discourse of sustainable development reflects the particular interests and ‘stakes in the ground’ of groups, including corporates, who contest the definition of the concept. Perspectives from critical theory, supplemented by Foucauldian concepts, expose the role of power and hegemony in that contestation. Applied to understandings of sustainable development held by corporate managers, they reveal conceptions largely based in eco‐modernism and ‘political sustainability’. The preliminary outcomes of research in progress that is taking a dialectical approach to the examination of the discourse of sustainable development in New Zealand companies are discussed. A case is made for maintaining greater discursivity in corporations and the broader setting, since, in a Foucauldian sense, it is the discourse that is producing sustainable development. It is argued that the predominating ‘green business’ discourse engages only superficially with sustainable development, and that what is now needed is a discourse of business and sustainable development framed in critical theory. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. and ERP Environment