bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Packing cuts in undirected graphs
Authors: Caprara Alberto , Panconesi Alessandro , Rizzi Romeo 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe address the problem of finding the largest collection of edge‐disjoint cuts in an undirected graph, dubbed CUT PACKING, focusing on its complexity, about which very little is known. We show a very close relationship with INDEPENDENT SET, namely, for the same graph G, the size of the largest cut packing of G is at least the independence number of G, and at most twice that number. This implies that any approximation guarantee for INDEPENDENT SET immediately extends to CUT PACKING within a factor of 2. In particular, this yields a 2‐approximation algorithm for CUT PACKING in perfect graphs. We then present polynomial‐time algorithms for several classes of perfect (and related) graphs, including triangulated graphs and their complements, bipartite graphs and their complements, and Seymour graphs. Finally, we discuss various linear programming relaxations for the problem, finding combinatorial dual problems of CUT PACKING and characterizing the cases in which duality is strong. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(1), 1–11 2004
Probabilistic location problems with discrete demand weights
Authors: Berman Oded , Wang Jiamin 
Published: May 2004

AbstractIn this article we consider four models for locating a facility on an undirected network with demand weights, which are independent discrete random variables. These problems include the probabilistic versions of two models for locating desirable facilities: the 1‐median and 1‐minimax problems and two problems for locating undesirable facilities: the 1‐antimedian and 1‐maximin problems. The article contains analysis of special cases where a solution is determined by solving deterministic versions of the problems and efficient algorithms to solve the problems in general. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 44(1), 47–57 2004
Is all well in the neighborhood? Conflict on neighborhood boards in Milwaukee
Authors: Ihrke Douglas M. , Johnson Terri 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNeighborhood organizations have become more important players in urban areas in recent years due to a renewed interest in social capital and an emphasis on the continuing development of community. With this elevated status comes more responsibility for the delivery of services to citizens and scrutiny by these very citizens, the press, and government officials. Much of what we know about neighborhood organizations comes from our observations of board deliberations. Through these deliberations board members make decisions that affect neighborhood constituents. In this study we examine the context in which neighborhood boards in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, make decisions. Using theory borrowed from the literature on local government boards, we develop a series of testable hypotheses relating to the level of conflict on these boards. Our findings indicate that conflict is relatively low across boards in Milwaukee; however, the number of board member and certain behavioral variables explain a significant amount of the variance in the level of conflict.
Genetic polymorphism of CYP1A1, CYP2D6, GSTM1 and GSTT1 and susceptibility to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Indian children
Authors: Joseph Thomas , Kusumakumary P. , Chacko Priya , Abraham Annie , Radhakrishna Pillai M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackgroundBiotransformation plays a crucial role in carcinogen activity and many genetic polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolising enzymes have been associated with an increased risk of cancer. Such polymorphisms can lead to considerable variation in the activities of these enzymes, which are crucial in carcinogen and drug metabolism. These variations could play a role in the risk of developing paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) by their varying action on environmental carcinogens.ProcedureThe present study looked for two polymorphisms (m1 and m2) in the CYP1A1, CYP2D6*4 genes and deletions of the glutathione S‐transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) in 118 paediatric ALL patients and 118 age matched control children. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to study gene polymorphisms.ResultsIn children with ALL, CYP1A1 m1 polymorphism was evident in 42.4% of subjects and CYP1A1 m2 in 37.3%. These were significantly different from the results obtained for control children (20.3% for CYP1A1 m1 and 19.5% for m2). Subjects with CYP1A1 m1 homozygous variant had a sixfold risk and CYP1A1 m2 a fourfold risk. In contrast, CYP2D6*4 was more prevalent in the controls than in the cases. Subjects with GSTM1 deletions had increased risk of ALL (OR = 2.1, P = 0.009). The odds ratios for both CYP1A1 m1 and m2 homozygous polymorphisms being associated with childhood ALL was 5.67 (95% CI = 2.11–15.27). The odds ratios for both GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletions being associated with ALL was 2.78 (95% CI = 0.67–11.56).ConclusionsThese results suggest that genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolising enzymes appear to influence susceptibility to childhood ALL. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metformin: its botanical background
Authors: Bailey CJ , Day C 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis article traces the roots of the antihyperglycaemic biguanide metformin from the use of Galega officinalis (goat's rue or French lilac) as a herbal treatment for the symptoms of diabetes. G. officinalis was found to be rich in guanidine, a substance with blood glucose‐lowering activity that formed the chemical basis of metformin. This insulin sensitising drug was introduced in 1957. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemistry of carcinogenic and mutagenic metabolites of heterocyclic aromatic amines
Authors: Novak Michael , Rajagopal Sridharan , Xu Lulu , Kazerani Shahrokh , Toth Krisztina , Brooks Michael , Nguyen Thach‐Mien 
Published: May 2004

AbstractEster derivatives of the hydroxylamine metabolic oxidation products of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) are the ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic compounds derived from this ubiquitous class of chemical carcinogens that are produced during the cooking of protein‐containing foods. Considerable work has been done on the mechanism of formation of the HCAs during cooking processes, their detection at ppb levels in food products, the metabolism of the HCAs and the detection and characterization of DNA adducts of the HCA metabolites, but until recently very little work had been done to characterize the chemistry of the carcinogenic/mutagenic metabolites themselves. This paper reviews our recent work on the chemistry of model carcinogens from this class. The kinetics of their decomposition in aqueous solution, identification of reaction products and the characterization of the reactivity and selectivity of heterocyclic nitrenium ions generated during their reactions are presented. The implications of these results with respect to mutagenicity and carcinogenicity are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of buffer carbonate and arsenate on the kinetics of glycation of human hemoglobin
Authors: Gil Herminia , Vásquez Blanca , Peña Mary , Uzcategui Jorge 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe glycation of hemoglobin is catalyzed by buffer carbonate and arsenate. The reaction of hemoglobin with glucose exhibits identical rates in protium and deuterium oxides, both for the buffer‐independent rate and for the first‐order rate in carbonate and arsenate buffer. When D‐glucose‐2‐h is compared with D‐glucose‐2‐d, the kinetic isotope effect for the buffer‐independent rates is ∼2, whereas the buffer‐dependent rate constants show no isotope effects. The absence of both substrate and solvent isotope effects for the buffer‐dependent term are indicative that a functional group on the hemoglobin is the proton‐abstracting base in the Amadori rearrangement. The catalytic constant (kB) of arsenate is double that of carbonate. A different base group on the hemoglobin may be involved in the abstraction of proton 2 in the Amadori rearrangement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
17th International Symposium on Plasma Chemistry (ISPC‐17)
Authors: Mostaghimi Javad 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPlasma News: This section contains news of the plasma community all over the world. Articles about, for example, people, projects, and market trends are welcome. Suggestions should be sent to the editorial office of the Plasma Processes and Polymers, preferably by E‐mail to plasma@wiley‐vch.de. The editorial office decides which articles will be published.
Impact of the Granulation Process on Color Texture of Compacts
Authors: N'Dri‐Stempfer Berthe , Oulahna Driss , Lafon Dominique 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis paper examines the effect of the granulation process on the color texture of compacted powders and granules. The objective is to obtain information to provide for a better comprehension of granulation mechanisms by using a pigment as a texture marker. This requires the establishment of a methodology both to qualify and quantify the spatial variation of color on the compact surface. This is achieved by color image analysis accompanied by both a statistical and a spatial treatment of the color content in the images.
Mechano‐Chemical Changes of Nano Sized α‐Al2O3 During Wet Dispersion in Stirred Ball Mills
Authors: Stenger Frank , Götzinger Martin , Jakob Peter , Peukert Wolfgang 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe mechano‐chemical changes in synthetic α‐Al2O3 during wet dispersion in a stirred ball mill, are studied. It is shown that a second phase is generated which can be identified as an aluminum hydroxide (Bayerite) by use of dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The amount of the Bayerite phase produced increases with milling time. A comparison of the evaluated amounts from TG‐ and DSC‐measurements are in reasonable agreement. Furthermore, the measured BET surface area shows a strong dependence on the temperature of sample preparation. Depending on the temperature, the bayerite phase is seen to convert to the α‐phase again and also forms meso‐ and possibly micro‐pores, leading to a high BET surface area. In this paper, we highlight the necessity for using different methods to characterize the dispersion process, and for a correct interpretation of the measurement results.
A minimalist approach to fragment‐based ligand design using common rings and linkers: Application to kinase inhibitors
Authors: Aronov Alex M. , Bemis Guy W. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe present a novel method for stepwise scaffold assembly that integrates fragment‐by‐fragment ligand design approaches with high‐throughput virtual library screening (COREGEN). As an extension of our earlier studies of common features present in drug molecules, we investigate the hypothesis that most pharmaceutically interesting ligands can be expressed in terms of the ring–linker frameworks that comprise them. Analysis of 119 published kinase inhibitors from at least 18 different targets illustrates that a basis set of 4 rings and 8 linkers is sufficient to describe approximately 90% of ring and linker occurrences, respectively. A similar result was derived from a larger set of approximately 40,000 kinase inhibitors from curated patents. A method for ring–linker‐based assembly of scaffold libraries that uses experimental information to guide the placement of anchor fragments is validated using a set of reported kinase inhibitors of Bcr‐Abl, Cdk2, and Src. In every case, the predominant structural motif of reported ligand cores is reproduced and variations are suggested. To underscore generality of this approach, a novel scaffold for a cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) selective ligand is proposed. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measurement and analysis of the second‐day air small and light‐weight package shipping environment within Federal Express
Authors: Paul Singh S. , Burgess Gary , Singh Jagjit 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThis study measured and analysed the parcel shipping environment within Federal Express. The package sizes and weights monitored in this study represent the ‘light‐weight’ and 'small‐size' packages within the FedEx handling system. Five packages, ranging in size from 0.18 × 0.19 × 0.13 m to 0.36 × 0.37 × 0.31 m, and weighing 1.9–2.5 kg, were shipped, both with and without warning labels with the text ‘Fragile – Handle With Care’. The shipments were done between Michigan and California or Florida using the second‐day air shipment mode. The data showed that neither the package size/weight nor the labels had any significant effect on the severity of drop heights. The highest drop height measured was 1.85 m. The data is presented in terms of drop heights associated with the 90, 95 and 99th percentile of occurrence. Impact orientation is also discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of packaging materials and storage conditions on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets
Authors: Pettersen M. K. , Nissen H. , Eie T. , Nilsson A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractA comparison was made of the effect of different packaging materials on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour of chicken breast fillets stored at 4°C. For one of the packaging materials, the effects of temperature (4°C and 8°C) and initial oxygen present (0%, 2% and 4%) on bacterial growth, off‐odour, pH and colour in chicken breast fillets were also evaluated. Chicken breast fillets stored in the packaging material with the highest oxygen transmission rate (OTR) measured at actual storage conditions had the highest bacterial growth and the highest degree of off‐odour. Chicken breast fillets stored in packaging material mainly consisting of expanded PET had similar bacterial growth and off‐odour as in the barrier display film (BDF) packages, despite a smaller headspace volume and lower initial concentration of CO2. No differences in discoloration and pH of the chicken breast fillets, due to storage temperature and amount of initial oxygen present, were found when one of the packaging materials was studied. In the early phase of the storage period, Pseudomonas spp. constituted the majority of the total viable counts, while after about 12 days, lactic acid bacteria dominated. At the end of the storage period, both Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae were present in high numbers. Significant differences in counts of Brochothrix thermosphacta were only obtained with initial presence of oxygen. The storage temperature had greater impact on microbial growth and off‐odour than the initial presence of oxygen in the packages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress‐induced increase in morning cortisol variance
Authors: Kaspers Frank A. , Scholz O. Berndt 
Published: May 2004

AbstractEmpirical evidence for the role of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis in chronic stress is contradictory. Findings of enhanced cortisol concentrations conflict with hypocortisolism in chronic stress. Both, high and low cortisol levels, have been reported to go along with psychological and somatic complaints. To integrate conflicting empirical results and theoretical assumptions it is hypothesized, that (1) the cortisol distribution becomes broader under the influence of persisting stress. Because of the association between extreme cortisol values and stress related complaints it is supposed, that (2) stress related complaints will increase in prevalence in chronic stress. A high level of chronic stress was assured by recruiting a sample of nursing staff; a waiting list controlled cognitive‐behavioral stress management intervention was implemented to vary stress systematically. As expected a high level of stress was accompanied by a broader morning cortisol distribution. After the intervention the distribution was less broad and corresponded with representative normative values. However, subjects grouped on basis of (extreme) cortisol values did not differ in the amount of stress, coping or psychophysiological complaints. The results suggest a stress‐induced variation of basal cortisol concentrations. The assumption of specific complaints depending on cortisol status could not be confirmed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Savage‐Hutter theory: A system of partial differential equations for avalanche flows of snow, debris, and mud
Authors: Wang Y. , Hutter K. , Pudasaini S.P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe Savage‐Hutter (SH) equations of granular avalanche flows are a hyperbolic system of equations determining the distribution of depth and depth‐averaged velocity components tangential to the sliding bed. We review the equations and point out the geometrical complexities to which these equations have been generalized. Because of the hyperbolicity of the equations, successful numerical modelling is challenging, particularly when large gradients of the physical variables occur, e.g. for a moving front or possibly formed shock waves in avalanche flows if velocities change from supercritical to subcritical e.g. during the deposition. Numerical schemes solving these free surface flows must be able to cope with smooth as well as non‐smooth solutions. In this paper several numerical methods are applied to solve the SH equations and compared, including traditional difference schemes, e.g. central and upstream difference schemes, as well as high‐resolution NOC (Non‐Oscillatory Central Differencing) schemes, in which several second‐order TVD (Total Variation Diminishing) limiters and a third‐order ENO (Essentially Non‐Oscillatory) cell reconstruction scheme are used. Results show that the high‐resolution schemes, particularly the NOC scheme with the Minmod TVD limiter or the van Leer limiter, provide excellent performances. In the SH theory the material response is expressed by only two phenomenological parameters – the internal and the bed friction angles. Parameter investigations show that avalanche flows are much more sensitive against variations of the bed friction angle than that of the internal angle of friction. Effects due to a pressure dependence of the bed friction angle and lateral variations of the basal topography are therefore also numerically examined.
A continuation method based on a high order predictor and an adaptive steplength control
Authors: Gervais J.‐J. , Sadiky H. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTo compute solution paths of nonlinear systems F(x,λ) ≡ 0 depending upon a real parameter we propose a predictor‐corrector continuation method based on the third order Taylor polynomial or the (2,1)‐Padé approximation as predictor. The Taylor coefficients are computed using the exact expressions of the second and third orders derivatives of F. Our method works with any of the parametrizations: Pseudo‐arclength, local or secant length. A strategy for an adaptive steplength selection well suited for this high order predictor is derived which allows a good control of the accuracy with which the solution path is traced. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of our method and give comparisons with previously proposed methods.
The potential for improved abdominal procedures and approaches for tubal occlusion
Authors: Steele S.J. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMethods of sterilization by the abdominal route are reviewed. There are wide variations in practice which reflect experience, training and resources in different countries. Clip sterilization comes nearest to fulfilling the criteria of a satisfactory method, whether performed by laparoscopy or minilaparotomy. The development of the Cambridge clip seems to offer the prospect of a significant improvement in reliability and safe application while microlaparoscopy and a smaller clip would facilitate the use of local anesthesia and decrease morbidity.
Toxicological requirements for sclerosing agents or other chemicals for female sterilization
Authors: Heywood R. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThere are no guidelines regulating the technologies available for Fallopian tube occlusion. Generally accepted regulatory requirements cannot be applied directly to the safety assessment of these technologies. The more appropriate guidelines are those regulating medical devices. Each method has to be evaluated on its own merits taking into consideration the duration of contact with tissue and the chemical and physical composition of the occlusive agents.
Transcervical quinacrine sterilization: clinical experience
Authors: Sokal D.C. , Zipper J. , King T. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractObjective: To review the use of quinacrine pellets for non‐surgical female sterilization. Background: The transcervical insertion of quinacrine pellets has been under study for over 15 years. It could potentially expand access to sterilization services, because it is relatively simple to administer, with the use of a modified IUD inserter, and is inexpensive. Methods: Published and unpublished data are reviewed. Results: The short‐term safety of transcervical quinacrine appears to be better than surgical sterilization, but it is less effective, especially among women under 35, and there are virtually no data on its reversibility. Thus, it is probably most appropriate for older women, aged 35 and over, but it could be an option for others where access to surgical sterilization is limited. Conclusion: The use of quinacrine pellets for female sterilization needs to be reviewed by appropriate regulatory authorities, especially with regard to long‐term safety issues, and additional clinical studies are needed to better define a standardized regimen.
Women at cardiac risk: is HRT the route to maintaining cardiovascular health?
Authors: Ottesen B. , Sørensen M.B. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women of postmenopausal age. Data from observational studies suggest that the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women can be reduced by 30–50% by estrogen replacement therapy. The protective effect of estrogen is multifactorial, affecting lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, hemostasis, body‐fat distribution and blood pressure. Although the unopposed use of estrogen is associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer, this risk can be reduced or even neutralized by the addition of progestogen. The protection against cardiovascular disease provided by combined estrogen/progestogen treatment has been the subject of much debate. However, results from epidemiological studies, intervention trials and animal experiments now suggest that the addition of progestogen does not attenuate the beneficial effects of estrogen. While secondary prevention studies are needed to evaluate the various hormone regimens, the use of combined estrogen/progestogen therapy can be supported.
Urogenital aging: solutions in clinical practice
Authors: Notelovitz M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractUrogenital aging, the most prevalent consequence of the menopause, affects at least 50% of postmenopausal women. It can lead to a lower quality of life, sexual problems, pain at intercourse/micturition and incontinence, but is yet an undertreated condition. The ideal treatment should relieve the vaginal symptoms of estrogen deficiency, have a localized effect, be convenient and easy to apply, safe to the endometrium and be without the unpleasant discharge produced by vaginal creams and pessaries. Vagifem®, a new vaginal tablet containing 25 μg 17β‐estradiol, may fulfill many of the criteria required of an agent for the effective and efficient management of urogenital atrophy.