bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of healthcare‐associated transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among patients with malignancies at three hospitals and at a residential facility
Authors: Malone Joseph L. , Ijaz Kashef , Lambert Lauren , Rosencrans Louie , Phillips Lynelle , Tomlinson Victor , Arbise Michael , Moolenaar Ronald L. , Dworkin Mark S. , Simoes Eduardo J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractBACKGROUNDImmunocompromised patients have an increased risk of experiencing progression of latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (TB) disease. In January 2002, 2 patients with leukemia (Patients 1 and 2) developed pulmonary TB after recent exposure at 3 hospitals (Hospital A, Hospital B, and Hospital C) and at a residential facility for patients with cancer. Neither was known to have LTBI. Within 1 year, 3 other patients with malignancy and TB disease had been identified at these facilities, prompting an investigation of healthcare facility–associated transmission of M. tuberculosis.METHODSThe authors performed genotypic analysis of the five available M. tuberculosis isolates from patients with malignancies at these facilities, reviewed medical records, interviewed individuals who had identical M. tuberculosis genotypic patterns, and performed tuberculin skin testing (TST) and case finding for possible exposed contacts.RESULTSOnly Patients 1 and 2 had identical genotypic patterns. Neither patient had baseline TST results available. Patient 1 had clinical evidence of infectiousness 3 months before the diagnosis of TB was ascertained. Among employee contacts of Patient 1, TST conversions occurred in 1 of 59 (2%), 2 of 34 (6%), 2 of 32 (6%), and 0 of 8 who were tested at Hospitals A, B, and C and at the residential facility, respectively. Among the others who were exposed to Patient 1, 1 of 31 (3%), 1 of 30 (3%), 0 of 40 (0%), and 12 of 136 (9%) who were tested had positive TSTs at Hospitals A, B, and C and at the residential facility, respectively.CONCLUSIONSDelayed TB diagnosis in 2 patients with leukemia resulted in the transmission of M. tuberculosis to 19 patients and staff at 3 hospitals and a residential facility. Baseline TB screening and earlier clinical recognition of active disease could reduce healthcare facility–associated transmission of M. tu‐berculosis among patients with malignancy. Cancer 2004. Published 2004 by the American Cancer Society.
Corporate sustainability – integrating environmental and social concerns?
Authors: Schaefer Anja 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis article presents a case of the early stages of an attempted integration of environmental management and corporate responsibility in a UK utility company, which may, in due course, develop into a more holistic orientation towards corporate sustainability. The company had made some deliberate attempts to link environmental and social responsibility issues. However, this integration was partial and contested within the company. The case shows that dealing with environmental soundness and starting to integrate environmental and social issues and management need not be a sequential process. Institutional and wider social factors are shown to play a strong role in influencing company thinking and actions in this area, seemingly sending rather mixed signals in this case. The case also highlights the role of sustainability champions in making links between the organization's business purpose, its environmental performance and its social responsibility in terms of the long term sustainability of the region and the company's future. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Electroconductive Hydrogels: Electrical and Electrochemical Properties of Polypyrrole‐Poly(HEMA) Composites
Authors: Brahim Sean , Guiseppi‐Elie Anthony 
Published: November 2004

AbstractComposites of inherently conductive polypyrrole (PPy) within highly hydrophilic poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐based hydrogels (p(HEMA)) have been fabricated and their electrochemical properties investigated. The electrochemical characteristics observed by cyclic voltammetry suggest less facile reduction of PPy within the composite hydrogel compared to electropolymerized PPy, as shown by the shift in the reduction peak potential from −472 mV for electropolymerized polypyrrole to −636 mV for the electroconductive composite gel. The network impedance magnitude for the electroconductive hydrogel remains quite low, ca. 100 Ω, even upon approach to DC, over all frequencies and at all offset potentials suggesting retained electronic (bipolaronic) conductivity within the composite. In contrast, sustained application of +0.7 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 M Cl−) for typically 100 min. (conditioning) to reduce the background amperometric current to <1.0 μA, resulted in complete loss of electroactivity. Nyquist plots suggest that sustained application of such a modest potential to the composite hydrogel results in impedance characteristics that resembles p(HEMA) without evidence of the conducting polymer component. PPy composite gels supported a larger ferrocene monocarboxylate diffusivity (Dappt=7.97×10−5 cm2 s−1) compared to electropolymerized PPy (Dappt=5.56×10−5 cm2 s−1), however a marked reduction in diffusivity (Dappt=1.01×10−5 cm2 s−1) was observed with the conditioned hydrogel composite. Cyclic voltammograms in buffer containing H2O2 showed an absence of redox peaks for electrodes coated with PPy‐containing membranes, suggesting possible chemical oxidation of polypyrrole by the oxidant
Sonoelectroanalytical Detection of Ultra‐Trace Arsenic
Authors: Simm Andrew O. , Banks Craig E. , Compton Richard G. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe electroanalytical detection of arsenic on a gold electrode is investigated in the presence and absence of ultrasound. It is found that under quiescent conditions a detection limit of 1.8×10−7 M is achievable using a 120 seconds accumulation period. Applying optimised ultrasound during the accumulation period was found to reduce the limit of detection to 1×10−8 M from using a deposition period of 60 s at −0.5 V, while increasing the sensitivity by a factor of 15. The methodology was tested on a river sample containing significant copper contamination and electrode passivating organic materials. This technique provides promise for ‘in the field’ measurements due to the electrode‐depassivating effects of ultrasound.
Are big basins just the sum of small catchments?
Authors: Shaman Jeffrey , Stieglitz Marc , Burns Doug 
Published: November 2004

AbstractMany challenges remain in extending our understanding of how hydrologic processes within small catchments scale to larger river basins. In this study we examine how low‐flow runoff varies as a function of basin scale at 11 catchments, many of which are nested, in the 176 km2 Neversink River watershed in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Topography, vegetation, soil and bedrock structure are similar across this river basin, and previous research has demonstrated the importance of deep groundwater springs for maintaining low‐flow stream discharge at small scales in the basin. Therefore, we hypothesized that deep groundwater would contribute an increasing amount to low‐flow discharge as basin scale increased, resulting in increased runoff. Instead, we find that, above a critical basin size of 8 to 21 km2, low‐flow runoff is similar within the Neversink watershed. These findings are broadly consistent with those of a previous study that examined stream chemistry as a function of basin scale for this watershed. However, we find physical evidence of self‐similarity among basins greater than 8 km2, whereas the previous study found gradual changes in stream chemistry among basins greater than 3 km2.We believe that a better understanding of self‐similarity and the subsurface flow processes that affect stream runoff will be attained through simultaneous consideration of both chemical and physical evidence. We also suggest that similar analyses of stream runoff in other basins that represent a range of spatial scales, geomorphologies and climate conditions will further elucidate the issue of scaling of hydrologic processes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issues concerning a diagnostic study of an action plan for the San Juan river basin
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiromi , Futamura Hisanori , Nakayama Mikiyasu 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn action plan is being formulated for the San Juan River basin, shared by Costa Rica and Nicaragua in Central America. The action plan is assumed to be ‘a planning tool designed to ensure the availability of the goods and services that water resources provide for the conservation of ecosystems and for social and economic development’. Development of the action plan comprises two phases, namely elaboration of the diagnostic study and drafting of the action plan. The diagnostic study was published in 1997. After examining previous cases in international water systems, for which the diagnostic study was developed as the precursor of an action plan, the author felt that the existing diagnostic study for the San Juan River basin still had room for improvements, in particular in the following aspects: (a) inventory of past, ongoing and future projects; (b) impacts of reserved areas on the basin as a whole; (c) instruments to promote public participation; (d) support by central decision makers; (e) mechanisms for information transparency. These aspects, which need enhancements, seem to suggest that more emphasis should be put on the ‘soft’ aspects of the sciences. While the diagnostic study addresses issues of natural environment in detail, both data and analysis of human environments are in low profile. The lesson gained from the Zambezi River basin project is that lack of a proper strategy and political commitments by the central decision makers (of the riparian states) will lead to an impasse in implementation of the project, due mainly to paucity of support within basin countries. Lack of support by the general public may also lead to a failure in the implementation phase. These aspects should have been sufficiently addressed in the diagnostic study, so that appropriate actions (to be listed in the action plan) should be elaborated for implementation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental analysis of moisture dynamics of litter layers—the effects of rainfall conditions and leaf shapes
Authors: Sato Yoshinobu , Kumagai Tomo'omi , Kume Atsushi , Otsuki Kyoichi , Ogawa Shigeru 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe effects of rainfall conditions and the morphological characteristics of leaves on the moisture dynamics of litter layers were investigated. Maximum water storage capacity and interception storage capacity under various rainfall conditions were evaluated for two contrasting litter types: a needle‐leaf type, represented by Cryptomeria japonica leaves; and a broad‐leaf type, represented by Lithocarpus edulis leaves. An artificial rainfall simulator was applied to measure each litter type's interception storage capacity under various rainfall intensities. Our results indicated that (1) the maximum water storage capacity of each litter layer was proportional to the litter mass (kg/m2) regardless of layer thickness; (2) the litter interception storage capacity increased with rainfall intensity in the range of realistic rainfall conditions (under 50 mm/h); (3) the broad‐leaf litter of L. edulis intercepted more rainwater than the needle‐leaf litter of C. japonica; and (4) the rainwater moved laterally in the litter layer of L. edulis whereas it moved directly down in the litter layer of C. japonica. These results show that not only the litter mass but also the rainfall conditions and leaf shapes are important in evaluating the moisture dynamics of litter layers. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A general method of parameterizing the big‐leaf model to predict the dry‐canopy evaporation rate of individual coniferous forest stands
Authors: Komatsu Hikaru 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis study proposes a general method of parameterizing the big‐leaf model that is applicable to estimation of daytime dry‐canopy evaporation (hereafter, evaporation) rates of coniferous forest stands without observed flux data. The method considers variation in the reference value of surface conductance Gs between individual stands by incorporating a relationship between canopy height and reference Gs values reported by Komatsu (2003c) [Hydrological Processes 17: 2503–2512]. However, the method does not consider variation in modifier functions of Gs and in aerodynamic conductance Ga between individual stands.We examined the validity of the method based on daytime evaporation rate data for 26 coniferous stands. The method showed greater predictability than another method that ignores variation in reference Gs values between individual stands. This illustrates the validity of considering variation in reference Gs values between individual stands. Model predictability was not enhanced by considering variation in modifier functions of Gs and Ga between individual stands. This illustrates the validity of ignoring variation in modifier functions of Gs and Ga between individual stands.The method is applicable to stands with projected LAI ≥ 3·0 and canopy height <c. 30 m. The method can result in errors when applied outside these limitations. Regardless, the method should be valuable for estimating daytime evaporation rates of coniferous stands, as many stands fall within these limitations. The method is applicable to evaporation rate estimates in growing seasons without soil water stress when dry‐canopy evaporation significantly affects the forest water cycle. At this stage, the method can result in errors when applied outside this limitation. However, the method should be valuable as a basis for developing a more comprehensive method applicable outside this limitation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water resources assessment in a poorly gauged mountainous catchment using a geographical information system and remote sensing
Authors: Shrestha Roshan , Takara Kaoru , Tachikawa Yasuto , Jha Raghu N. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractWater resources assessment, which is an essential task in making development plans managing water resources, is considerably difficult to do in a data‐poor region. In this study, we attempted to conduct a quantitative water resources assessment in a poorly gauged mountainous catchment, i.e. the River Indrawati catchment (1233 km2) in Nepal. This catchment is facing problems such as dry‐season water scarcity and water use conflicts. However, the region lacks the basic data that this study needs. The data needed are supplemented from field surveys and global data (e.g. GTOPO30 DEM data, LandsatTM data and MODIS NDVI data). The global data have significantly helped us to draw out the information needed for a number of water‐use scenarios. These data helped us determine that the available water quantity is enough at present to address the dry‐season problems. The situation is not much worse for the immediate future; however, the threat of drought is noticed in a future scenario in which resources are consumed extensively. The study uses a geographical information system and remotely sensed data analysis tools extensively. Utilization of modern tools and global data is found effective for investigating practical problems and for detecting important features of water resources, even though the catchment is poorly gauged. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying wavelet transforms to analyse aircraft‐measured turbulence and turbulent fluxes in the atmospheric boundary layer over eastern Siberia
Authors: Strunin M. A. , Hiyama T. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe wavelet spectral method was applied to aircraft‐based measurements of atmospheric turbulence obtained during joint Russian–Japanese research on the atmospheric boundary layer near Yakutsk (eastern Siberia) in April–June 2000. Practical ways to apply Fourier and wavelet methods for aircraft‐based turbulence data are described. Comparisons between Fourier and wavelet transform results are shown and they demonstrate, in conjunction with theoretical and experimental restrictions, that the Fourier transform method is not useful for studying non‐homogeneous turbulence. The wavelet method is free from many disadvantages of Fourier analysis and can yield more informative results. Comparison of Fourier and Morlet wavelet spectra showed good agreement at high frequencies (small scales). The quality of the wavelet transform and corresponding software was estimated by comparing the original data with restored data constructed with an inverse wavelet transform. A Haar wavelet basis was inappropriate for the turbulence data; the ‘mother’ wavelet function recommended in this study is the Morlet wavelet. Good agreement was also shown between variances and covariances estimated with different mathematical techniques, i.e. through non‐orthogonal wavelet spectra and through eddy correlation methods. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response properties of atmospheric turbulence measurement instruments using Russian research aircraft
Authors: Strunin M. A. , Hiyama T. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractInstruments that measure atmospheric turbulence for the estimation of turbulent fluxes of heat, water vapor, and carbon dioxide were tested in the laboratory and during in‐flight conditions aboard a Russian research Ilyushin‐18 aircraft. The response characteristics of the aircraft turbulence sensors were first tested to decrease measurement errors for turbulent heat transfer and fluxes, including water vapour flux, before being installed on the Ilyushin‐18 aircraft that was used in joint Russian–Japanese atmospheric boundary‐layer research. The results show that the atmospheric turbulence measured in a frequency range of 0·01 to 10 Hz yielded proper estimates of fluxes. Errors in measurements of the turbulence made from the aircraft were also analysed. Aerodynamic distortions linked to the aircraft's body and propellers were determined from flight test experiments. Time lags between vertical wind speed fluctuations and air temperature fluctuations measured by the aircraft thermometer, and those between vertical wind speed fluctuations and air humidity fluctuations measured by an ultraviolet hygrometer (open‐path system) and an infrared hygrometer (closed‐path system) were estimated. The vertical wind speed and air temperature sensor measurements showed no time lag, but a time lag of 0·6 s occurred between vertical wind speed and ultraviolet hygrometer measurements. The time lag between vertical wind speed and the infrared hygrometer measurements depended on flight conditions due to air pumping load, and had to be defined for each sampling leg. Accounting for the time lag was critical for water vapour flux measurements and helped to eliminate large systematic errors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular pathways involved in neural in vitro differentiation of marrow stromal stem cells
Authors: Jori Francesco P. , Napolitano Marco A. , Melone Mariarosa A.B. , Cipollaro Marilena , Cascino Antonino , Altucci Lucia , Peluso Gianfranco , Giordano Antonio , Galderisi Umberto 
Published: November 2004

AbstractIn recent years several reports have claimed to demonstrate trans‐differentiation, namely that stem cells have been derived from a given tissue and have differentiated into phenotypes characteristic of different tissues following transplantation or in vitro treatment. For example, the mesenchymal stem cells, also referred to as marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs), present in bone marrow, have been induced to differentiate into neurons. We decided to investigate this phenomenon more in depth by a molecular and morphological follow‐up. We analyzed the biochemical pathways that are currently induced to trigger neuron‐like commitment and maturation of MSCs. Our studies suggest that: (i) the increase in cAMP, induced to differentiate MSCs, activates the classical PKA pathway and not through the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rap1 and Rap2; (ii) MEK–ERK signaling could contribute to neural commitment and differentiation; (iii) CaM KII activity seems dispensable for neuron differentiation. On the contrary, its inhibition could contribute to rescuing differentiating cells from death. Our research also indicates that the currently used in vitro differentiation protocols, while they allow the early steps of neural differentiation to take place, are not able to further sustain this process. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MEK partner 1 (MP1): Regulation of oligomerization in MAP kinase signaling
Authors: Sharma Charu , Vomastek Tomáš , Tarcsafalvi Adel , Catling Andrew D. , Schaeffer Hans‐Joerg , Eblen Scott T. , Weber Michael J. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSpecificity in signal transduction can be achieved through scaffolds, anchors, and adapters that assemble generic signal transduction components in specific combinations and locations. MEK Partner‐1 (MP1) was identified as a potential “scaffold” protein for the mammalian extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. To gain insight into the interactions of MP1 with the ERK pathway, we analyzed the ability of MP1 to bind to MEK1, ERK1, and to itself, and the regulation of these interactions. Gel filtration of cell lysates revealed two major MP1 peaks: a broad high molecular weight peak and a 28 kDa complex. An MP1 mutant that lost MEK1 binding no longer enhanced RasV12‐stimulated ERK1 activity, and functioned as a dominant negative, consistent with the concept that MP1 function depends on facilitating these oligomerizations. Activation of the ERK pathway by serum or by RasV12 did not detectably affect MP1–MP1 dimerization or MP1–MEK1 interactions, but caused the dissociation of the MP1‐ERK1 complex. Surprisingly, pharmacological inhibition of ERK activation did not restore the complex, suggesting that regulation of complex formation occurs independently of ERK phosphorylation. These results support the concept that MP1 functions as a regulator of MAP kinase signaling by binding to MEK1 and regulating its association with a larger signaling complex that may sequentially service multiple molecules of ERK. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enumeration of resolvable 2‐(10, 5, 16) and 3‐(10, 5, 6) designs
Authors: Morales Luis B. , Velarde Carlos 
Published: November 2004

AbstractA backtracking over parallel classes with a partial isomorph rejection (PIR) is carried out to enumerate the resolvable 2‐(10,5,16) designs. Computational results show that the inclusion of PIR reduce substantially the CPU time for the enumeration of all designs. We prove first some results, which enable us to restrict the search space. Since every resolvable 2‐(10,5,16) design is also a resolvable 3‐(10,5,6) design and vice versa, the latter designs are also enumerated. There are 27, 121, 734 such designs with automorphism groups whose order range from 1 to 1,440. From these, designs 2,006,690 are simple. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.