bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational economy improvements in PRISM
Authors: Tonse Shaheen R. , Moriarty Nigel W. , Frenklach Michael , Brown Nancy J. 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe Piecewise Reusable Implementation of Solution Mapping (PRISM) procedure is applied to reactive flow simulations of (9‐species) H2 + air combustion. PRISM takes the solution of the chemical kinetic ordinary differential equation system and parameterizes it with quadratic polynomials. To increase the accuracy, the parameterization is done piecewise, by dividing the multidimensional chemical composition space into hypercubes and constructing polynomials for each hypercube on demand. The polynomial coefficients are stored for subsequent repeated reuse. Initial cost of polynomial construction is expensive, but it recouped as the hypercube is reused, hence computational gain depends on the degree of hypercube reuse. We present two methods that help us to identify hypercubes that will ultimately have high reuse, this being accomplished before the expense of constructing polynomials has been incurred. One method utilizes the rate of movement of the chemical trajectory to estimate the number of steps the trajectory would make through the hypercube. The other method defers polynomial construction until a preset threshold of reuse has been met; an empirical method which, nevertheless, produces a substantial gain. The methods are tested on a 0‐D chemical mixture and reactive flow 1‐D and 2‐D simulations of selected laminar and turbulent H2 + air flames. The computational performance of PRISM is improved by a factor of about 2 for both methods. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.*This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain of the United States of America.
Int J Chem Kinet 35: 438–452, 2003
Kinetics and mechanism for the formation of o‐carboxy(N‐methyl)‐benzohydroxamic acid in the cleavage of ethyl N‐[o‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxycarbamoyl)‐benzoyl]carbamate in N‐methylhydroxylamine, acetate, and phosphate buffers
Authors: Khan M. Niyaz 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe rate of cleavage of ethyl N‐[o‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxycarbamoyl)benzoyl]‐ carbamate (ENMBC) in the buffer solutions containing N‐methylhydroxylamine, acetate + N‐methylhydroxylamine, and phosphate + N‐methylhydroxylamine followed an irreversible consecutive reaction path: ENMBC where A and B represent N‐hydroxyl group cyclized product of ENMBC and o‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxycarbamoyl)benzoic acid, respectively. Both rate constants k1 obs and k2 obs showed the presence of buffer catalysis, but buffer catalysis turned out to be weak in the presence N‐methylhydroxylamine buffer, while it was strong in the presence of acetate and phosphate ones. Buffer‐independent rate constants k10 and k20 increased linearly with the increase in aOH with definite intercepts. The values of molar absorption coefficient of A, obtained under varying total buffer concentrations at a constant pH, showed the presence of a fast equilibrium: A + CH3NHOH ⇆ C, where C represents N‐[o‐(N‐methyl‐N‐hydroxycarbamoyl)methyl]benzohydroxamic acid. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 427–437, 2003
Anharmonic thermochemistry of cyclopentadiene derivatives
Authors: Catoire Laurent , Swihart Mark T. , Gail Sandro , Dagaut Philippe 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThis paper focuses on the thermochemistry of some derivatives of cyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, namely, 5‐methylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, 5‐ethylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, 5‐formylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, 5‐methylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene‐1‐yl radical, 5‐ethylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene‐1‐yl radical, 5‐carbonylcyclopenta‐1,3‐diene radical, 1‐formylcyclopenta‐2,4‐diene‐1‐yl radical, 5‐methylenecyclopenta‐1,3‐diene radical, 5‐ethylidenecyclopenta‐1,3‐diene radical, and 3,6‐dimethylenecyclohexa‐1,4‐diene. Several different chemistries of these compounds are of interest in combustion modeling. Here, we present gas‐phase thermochemical properties for the above cited species, which are, except for 3,6‐dimethylenecyclohexa‐1,4‐diene, previously unknown. These were obtained from corrected (using bond additivity corrections) high‐level ab initio quantum chemistry calculations validated with well‐known compounds including cyclopentane, cyclopentene, cyclopenta‐1,3‐diene, and cyclopentadienyl radical. Heat capacities and entropies have been corrected for anharmonic molecular motions, in particular for internal rotations. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 453–463, 2003
The Interaction between Collagen and an Aluminum Tanning Agent
Authors: Li He , Chen Hua Lin , Luo Rong , Liu Bui Ling , Gao Li Zhen 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe interaction between collagen and organometallic aluminum complexes was studied. From the analysis of the IR and UV spectra, the viscosity of collagen, and the treated collagen, a possible interaction model of the collagen with the aluminum tanning agent has been found. It indicates that such an aluminum tanning agent could be used as a cleaner tanning agent in leather tanning.Viscosity curves of the untreated collagen solution (a) and the collagen solution treated with aluminum tanning agent (b).magnified imageViscosity curves of the untreated collagen solution (a) and the collagen solution treated with aluminum tanning agent (b).
The Shielding Effect of Nano TiO2 on Collagen under UV Radiation
Authors: Li He , Wang Diqiang , Chen Hualin , Liu Bailing , Gao Lizhen 
Published: July 2003

AbstractThe shielding effect of nano TiO2 on collagen under UV radiation was investigated using UV spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the shielding of collagen under UV radiation in the presence of nano TiO2 is significant. For 2.5 wt.‐% of TiO2, there is a greater shielding effect of UV radiation than that for 0.5 wt.‐% of TiO2. In addition, this study gives hints that a novel tanning agent with a UV shielding function can be formulated by using nano TiO2.UV absorption of collagen under UV radiation after adding 2.5 wt.‐% TiO2.magnified imageUV absorption of collagen under UV radiation after adding 2.5 wt.‐% TiO2.
Effect of the Molecular Weights of Poly‐L‐Arginine on Membrane Strength and Permeability of Poly‐L‐Arginine Group Microcapsules
Authors: Wang Shi‐bin , Liu Yuan‐gang , Weng Lian‐jin , Ma Xiao‐jun 
Published: July 2003

AbstractA novel poly‐L‐arginine group microcapsule was produced to investigate its nutritional function and pharmacological efficacy. The molecular weight of poly‐L‐arginine is an important parameter for its membrane strength, but does not obviously affect its release property. Thus, poly‐L‐arginine can be used as a kind of new membrane material in microcapsules, and it is expected to be used as an therapeutic and biodegradable drug carrier.Influence of the molecular weight of poly‐L‐arginine on membrane thickness.magnified imageInfluence of the molecular weight of poly‐L‐arginine on membrane thickness.
Implementation of guidelines for seasonal allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bousquet J. , Lund V. J. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Bremard‐Oury C. , Mounedji N. , Stevens M. T. , El‐Akkad T. 
Published: July 2003

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease altering quality of life. Its treatment is well established and guidelines have been proposed. However, their efficacy has never been tested. The aim of the study was to validate the guidelines of the International Consensus on Rhinitis in the treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis.Methods: A multicenter, multinational, open label, parallel, randomized study compared two therapeutic strategies in seasonal allergic rhinitis during a 3‐week treatment. General practitioners were randomized into two groups. In the first group of 224 patients, doctors followed guidelines from the International Consensus on Rhinitis. Depending on the severity of nasal and ocular symptoms defined using visual analogue scales, patients received ebastine (an oral antihistamine), triamcinolone acetonide (a topical corticosteroid) and/or ophthalmic nedocromil sodium (a topical ocular cromone). In the second group of 241 patients, general practitioners had a free choice of treatment. The primary efficacy end points were quality of life measured using the standardized rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) and the symptom‐medication scores assessed daily with an electronic dairy system.Results: Adjusted mean total symptom scores over 21 days were 4.93 in the guidelines strategy group compared with 7.48 in the free‐choice treatment group (P = 0.0001). Mean total scores in the RQLQ decreased by 2.19 in the guidelines group compared with a decrease of 1.79 in the free‐choice treatment group (P = 0.0001). At 21 days, the least square mean difference in improvement in overall scores for RQLQ in the guidelines group compared with the free‐choice treatment group was 0.53, which was greater than the minimal important difference.Conclusions: Patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis often present severe symptoms which are not well recognized or controlled by physicians using their own criteria of severity and treatment. Using a simple method for the evaluation of the severity and a simple therapeutic scheme based on International Guidelines, patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis presented a significant improvement by comparison with those receiving a non‐standardized treatment.
Strategies for preventing wheezing and asthma in small children
Authors: Wickman M. , Melén E. , Berglind N. , Lennart Nordvall S. , Almqvist C. , Kull I. , Svartengren M. , Pershagen G. 
Published: July 2003

Objective:  To assess the effects of living in agreement with allergy preventive guidelines on wheezing and asthma at 2 years of age.Design:  Prospective birth cohort study (BAMSE). Questionnaires on heredity and environmental factors were answered when the child was 2 months, and detailed questionnaires on symptoms at 1 and 2 years of age.Participants:  4089 children, born during 1994–1996.Setting:  Child Health Centres in central and north‐western parts of Stockholm, Sweden.Main outcome measures:  Wheezing and asthma up to the age of 2.Results:  The effects of preventive guidelines regarding breastfeeding, maternal tobacco smoke and home dampness on wheezing and asthma were assessed in multiple logistic regression models. The cumulative incidence of recurrent wheezing at 2 years of age was 12.6% and of asthma 6.8% among those with a lifestyle in agreement with all guidelines and 24.1 and 17.9%, respectively, in families exposed to at least two of the three risk factors. Among children with no heredity, family lifestyle according to the guidelines gave a twofold reduction of asthma (5.3 vs. 10.5%), while the group with heredity had a threefold reduction (9.1 vs. 27.3%). The attributable fraction for asthma associated with the guidelines was 23% in total and 33% among those with heredity.Conclusion:  In this observational study, family lifestyle according to preventive guidelines is associated with an important reduction of recurrent wheezing and asthma at 2 years of age, especially among children with allergic heredity. A follow‐up will determine whether there still a risk reduction of both symptoms and disease.
Human β‐defensins and toll‐like receptors in the upper airway
Authors: Claeys S. , De Belder T. , Holtappels G. , Gevaert P. , Verhasselt B. , Van Cauwenberge P. , Bachert C. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  Measurement of innate markers in nasal mucosa, tonsils and adenoids might lead to new views about the role of innate immunity in the upper airway. In this study, the expression of human β‐defensins (HBD) 2 and 3 and toll‐like receptors (TLR) 2 and 4 in various upper airway diseases was investigated.Methods:  Surgical samples from patients with tonsillar disease (n = 18), hypertrophic adenoids (n = 10) and sinonasal disease (n = 30) (chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, turbinate mucosa as controls) were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Quantification of HBD‐2 and 3 mRNA, TLR‐2 and 4 mRNA expression was performed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Results:  Immunohistochemistry revealed a strong expression of HBD‐2 in tonsillar tissue. Quantification of HBD‐2 and HBD‐3 mRNA showed a more than tenfold higher expression in tonsillar tissue than in adenoids, whereas in nasal biopsies, only negligible defensin expression could be measured. No significant differences were found for TLR‐4 between the various tissues, whereas TLR‐2 expression in adenoids was significantly lower compared with other tissues.Conclusion:  These results demonstrate a strong defensin expression in tonsillar tissue compared with nasal and paranasal mucosa and adenoids. Toll‐like receptor expression in all these tissues illustrates a possibly important immunological sentinel function of upper airway mucosa.
Effectiveness of an intervention to reduce house dust mite allergen levels in children's beds
Authors: Mihrshahi S. , Marks G. B. , Criss S. , Tovey E. R. , Vanlaar C. H. , Peat J. K. ,   for the CAPS Team
Published: July 2003

Background:  In temperate climates, exposure to house dust mite (HDM) allergens is the strongest environmental risk factor for childhood asthma. Environmental modifications to limit exposure have the potential to reduce the prevalence of asthma. The aim of this study was to reduce allergen exposure for children at high risk of developing asthma.Methods:  A total of 616 pregnant women were randomized to HDM intervention and control groups. The control group had no special recommendations whereas the intervention group was given allergen impermeable mattress covers and an acaricidal washing detergent for bedding. Children were visited regularly until 18 months of age to have dust collected from their bed.Results:  Der p 1 concentrations in the control group increased from 5.20 μg/g at 1 month to 22.18 μg/g at 18 months but remained low in the intervention group, ranging from 3.27 μg/g at 1 month to 6.12 μg/g at 18 months.Conclusions:  In a high HDM allergen environment, a combined approach using physical barriers and an acaricidal wash, is effective in reducing HDM allergen concentrations in bedding. However, even with these control measures in place, HDM allergen levels remained high by international standards.
IL3 effect on basophils histamine release upon stimulation with chronic urticaria sera
Authors: Ferrer M. , Luquin E. , Kaplan A. P. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  Chronic urticaria is thought to be an autoimmune disorder in 35–40% of patients because of the presence of an immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody reactive with the IgE receptor. Patients possessing this antibody are identified by the ability of serum to degranulate donor basophils to release histamine. We questioned whether priming of basophils with interleukin 3 (IL3) would facilitate identification of patients and/or alter the percentage of patients who have a positive assay.Methods:  We incubated 37 chronic urticaria sera with basophils from donors with no urticaria with and without priming with IL3 and compared histamine release in each instance. We also preincubated basophils from a ‘non‐releaser’ with IL3, used these cells to assay chronic urticaria sera, and assessed the contribution of complement.Results:  Interleukin 3 increases the amount of histamine release by the sera which is able to activate basophils, but it does not convert negative sera into positive releasers. Interleukin 3 is able to partially reverse ‘non‐releaser’ basophils into cells that respond to chronic urticaria sera, and complement cannot account for the augmentation seen.Conclusions:  Preincubating basophils with IL3 facilitates the identification of sera with anti‐IgE receptor antibody but does not affect the percentage of sera designated as positive.
Comparison of ammoniated and nonammoniated extracts in children with latex allergy
Authors: La Grutta S. , Mistrello G. , Varin E. , Pajno G. B. , Passalacqua G. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  The use of ammoniated or nonammoniated latex extracts for the diagnosis of latex allergy is still a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to compare the characteristics of the two types of extracts by immunoblotting and RAST techniques in children with ascertained latex allergy.Methods:  Ammoniated (AL) and nonammoniated latex (NAL) extracts were prepared and blotted on SDS‐PAGE to resolve their components. Also a solid phase for RAST assays was prepared with the two extracts. The sera from 18 children (mean age 11.4 years, range 6–15 years), with ascertained latex allergy (clinical history, skin test, CAP‐RAST and provocation) were used for the experiments.Results:  The NAL extract is resolved in many bands (5–100 kDa), whereas AL showed only few components, likely Hev b 4, 6 and 7. IgE reactivity against AL was observed only in 5/18 patients, whereas 12/18 were positive with NAL. The blotting profile against NAL was complex and the IgE recognition pattern involved different bands.Conclusion:  The extract obtained from NAL is able to detect specific IgE against a greater number of allergenic determinants, and therefore a greater diagnostic accuracy can be expected.
Intranasal capsaicin reduces nasal hyperreactivity in idiopathic rhinitis: a double‐blind randomized application regimen study
Authors: Van Rijswijk J. B. , Boeke E. L. , Keizer J. M. , Mulder P. G. H. , Blom H. M. , Fokkens W. J. 
Published: July 2003

Background:  In a recent study, we showed that intranasal capsaicin spray gives a significant and long‐term reduction of symptoms in nonallergic noninfectious perennial rhinitis patients. However, in daily practice, the studied application regimen proved to be impractical because of the large number of visits required in a short period of time. In the present study, we conducted a double‐blind double‐dummy parallel groups trial to determine whether a more practical capsaicin application schedule is equally effective.Methods:  Thirty patients were randomized into two different treatment regimens: one group received capsaicin five times on the first day at 1‐h intervals. This was followed by a placebo dummy once every second or third day for a total of five treatments 2 weeks after the capsaicin application (group A). The other group (B) received the placebo dummy five times on the first day followed by capsaicin once every second or third day for a total of five treatments 2 weeks after the placebo application.Results:  The visual analogue scale scores for overall nasal symptoms, rhinorrhea and nasal blockage showed significant decrease after the start of treatment in both groups, with a significantly steeper decrease in group A. A significant reduction in cold dry air dose responsiveness was also found up to 9 months after therapy in both groups, reflecting a decrease in nasal hyperreactivity. No significant changes in safety data (smell, blood pressure, heart rate) were found.Conclusions:  We conclude that intranasal capsaicin seems safe to use and that five treatments of capsaicin on a single day is at least as effective as five treatments of capsaicin in 2 weeks.
Differences in mite fauna between the continental and Mediterranean climates of Croatia: microscopy and DustscreenTM test findings
Authors: Macan J , Kanceljak B , Plavec D , Milković‐Kraus S 
Published: July 2003

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the difference between the mite fauna in the inland and coastal Croatia.Methods:  Ninety‐nine floor house dust samples were collected: 28 from the coastal area, 31 from the inland rural and 40 from the inland urban area. Data on basic household characteristics were collected for 81 of 99 households. The mites were separated from the dust using the floatation method and then microscopically identified. The levels of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) 1, Dermatophagoides farinae (Der f) 1 and Der 2 were measured using the DustscreenTM test. Ordinal descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis, assuming statistical significance at P < 0.05.Results:  More than 70% of mites identified in all areas were pyroglyphids. Nonpyroglyphid mites accounted for 20–25% of all identified mites in the coastal areas (Blomia, Lepidoglyphus and Glycyphagus) and with 15% in the inland areas (Lepidoglyphus and Acarus). The highest Der p 1 median levels were found in the coastal area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and inland urban areas (4.5; 2; 0.85 μg/g of dust; P = 0.0001). The highest Der f 1 median levels were found in the inland urban area, with significantly lower levels in the inland rural and coastal areas (0.88; 0.75; 0 μg/g of dust; P = 0.0013). The levels of Der f 1 were significantly higher in samples taken from households with central heating than from those with traditional heating (1; 0.25 μg/g of dust; P < 0.01).Conclusions:  Separate diagnostic dust mite lists for the coastal and inland areas because of climatic and dwelling differences required to be implemented. Compared with traditional heating, central heating significantly increases the risk of exposure to Der f 1 levels >2 μg/g of dust (odds ratio, 7.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–37.87; P = 0.01).
Relationship between airway hyperresponsiveness to mannitol and adenosine monophosphate
Authors: Currie G. P. , Haggart K. , Brannan J. D. , Lee D. K. C. , Anderson S. D. , Lipworth B. J. 
Published: July 2003

Background: Assessment of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to indirect bronchoconstrictor stimuli is a useful noninvasive tool in the evaluation of asthma and its treatment. We investigated the putative relationship in AHR between inhaled adenosine monophosphate and mannitol.Methods: Fifteen mild‐to‐moderate atopic asthmatics were evaluated. On two separate screening days, the threshold AMP concentration and threshold mannitol dose to provoke a given fall in FEV1 were measured.Results: For AMP PC20vs. mannitol PD15, the Pearsons correlation coefficient was 0.80, P < 0.001. For AMP PC15vs. mannitol PD15 and AMP PC10vs. mannitol PD10 corresponding values were 0.83, P < 0.001 and 0.68, P = 0.005.Conclusions: There was a highly significant association between the threshold concentration of AMP and dose of mannitol causing a given fall in FEV1. Further studies are required to evaluate the relationship between inhaled mannitol and other surrogate inflammatory markers.
Diagnosis of cypress pollen allergy: in vivo and in vitro standardization of a Juniperus ashei pollen extract
Authors: Hrabina M. , Dumur J.‐P. , Sicard H. , Viatte A. , Andre C. 
Published: July 2003

Background: Cypress pollen allergy is a major cause of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma in the Mediterranean area. The nonstandardized cypress allergen extracts currently available for the diagnosis of cypress allergy have a low level of activity. The search for an active material has led to the selection of Juniperus ashei (Ja) pollen because of its very high cross‐reactivity with cypress extracts and its superior allergenic activity. The aim of this study was to characterize in vitro and calibrate in vivo an in‐house reference extract (IHRS) of J. ashei pollen and determine the specificity and sensitivity of a standardized Ja extract for the prick test diagnosis of cypress allergy.Methods: Juniperus ashei pollen extract was analysed by 2‐D electrophoresis. The IHRS Ja extract was calibrated by skin prick testing in 28 cypress‐allergic patients. The sensitivity and specificity of cypress allergy diagnosis using a standardized Ja extract was studied by skin prick test in 42 cypress‐allergic patients and 53 nonallergic patients. Jun a 1 content of the IHRS was determined by a monoclonal antibody‐based electrophoretic technique.Results: The Jun a 1 content of the 100 IR/ml Ja IHRS extract was 180 μg/ml. For in vivo diagnosis of cypress allergy, Ja pollen extract demonstrated a sensitivity of 95%, a specificity of 100%, a negative predictive value of 96%, and a positive predictive value of 100%.Conclusion: Standardized Ja pollen extract is therefore a very appropriate tool for the in vivo diagnosis of cypress pollen allergy and good candidate for specific immunotherapy.