bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of problem decomposition (partitioning) on the rate of convergence of parallel numerical algorithms
Authors: Cullum Jane K. , Johnson Keith , Tůma Miroslav 
Published: June 2003

AbstractWe focus on the interplay between the choice of partition (problem decomposition) and the corresponding rate of convergence of parallel numerical algorithms. Using a specific algorithm, for which the numerics depend upon the partition, we demonstrate that the rate of convergence can depend strongly on the choice of the partition. This dependence is shown to be a function of the algorithm and of the choice of problem. Information gleaned from tests using various 2‐way partitions leads to new partitions for which some degree of convergence robustness is exhibited. The incorporation of a known correction for approximate Schur complements into the original algorithm yields a modified parallel algorithm which numerical experiments indicate achieves robust convergence behaviour with respect to the choice of partition. We conclude that tests of a parallel algorithm which vary the method of partitioning can provide constructive information regarding the robustness of the algorithm and guidance for modifying the algorithm or the choice of partitioning algorithm to make the overall computations more robust. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of recordings obtained with computerized axiography and mechanical pantography at 2 time intervals
Authors: Petrie Cynthia S. , Woolsey Gerald D. , Williams Karen 
Published: June 2003

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare recordings of mandibular movements obtained with a Denar mechanical pantograph to those obtained with a Denar computerized axiograph (Cadiax compact).Materials and Methods Pantographic recordings and computerized axiograms were collected on 10 subjects. All of the subjects had intact dentition and no clinical signs or symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. Tracings produced with the 2 instruments were compared using pantographic reproducibility indices (PRIs). Recordings with each instrument were repeated twice and assessed for consistency. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to compare PRI scores obtained with the pantograph and the axiograph. Recordings with both instruments were repeated 2 weeks to 1 month later, and new PRI scores were calculated. Consistency between initial and second PRI scores for each instrument was assessed using a coefficient of stability.Results The coefficients of stability between the initial and second recordings were r = 0.91 for mechanical pantography and r =−0.06 for computerized axiography. Comparison of recordings made by mechanical pantography and computerized axiography at the initial and second recordings showed poor concordance, with coefficients of 0.23 and −0.11, respectively.Conclusions PRI scores recorded with the mechanical pantograph were consistent between the initial and second recordings. In contrast, recordings with the computerized axiograph appeared highly inconsistent across time. PRI scores calculated from the axiographs were significantly higher than PRI scores calculated from pantographic tracings for the same subject.
An aversive diet as thiamine‐free food blocks food‐induced release of excitatory amino acids in the accumbens
Authors: Monda M. , Viggiano A. , De Luca V. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAims:  As the nucleus accumbens shell plays an important role in the control of eating behaviour, the aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in: (a) the level of aspartic and glutamic acids in the accumbens shell of conditioned rats after the presentation of an aversive diet containing thiamine‐free food; (b) the temperature of interscapular brown adipose tissue, effector of thermogenesis related to food intake.Methods:  The concentration of aspartic and glutamic acids in the accumbens shell, and brown adipose tissue temperature were monitored in conditioned male Sprague–Dawley rats before and after the presentation of thiamine‐free food or standard laboratory food. The aspartic and glutamic acids were collected using a microdialysis probe and quantified by HPLC. Food intake was also measured.Results:  The results indicated that an intake of standard laboratory food induced an increase in the level of aspartic and glutamic acids, and an elevation in temperature of brown adipose tissue; whereas an intake of thiamine‐free food blocks these increases in the conditioned animals.Conclusion:  The thiamine‐free diet modifies the release of excitatory amino acids in the nucleus accumbens of conditioned animals. This diet also affects thermogenesis.
Endoscopic treatments for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Vakil N. , Sharma P. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryA number of endoscopic techniques have been described for the treatment of reflux disease. These include endoscopic plicators, which place submucosal or transmural sutures around the lower oesophageal sphincter, the Stretta procedure, which places minute areas of thermal injury in the muscle of the lower oesophageal sphincter and cardia, and injection techniques, in which inert substances are injected into the mucosa or the muscle of the lower oesophagus. The mechanism of action of these procedures has been studied to varying degrees. The Stretta procedure is the only endoscopic technique that has been shown to be effective in a sham‐controlled trial. Complication rates are generally low, but serious complications have been reported in some cases. The results with some of these techniques are promising, but all procedures described to date are limited by the absence of large, rigorously controlled trials against a form of treatment that has been proven to be both safe and effective (medical therapy). Future studies will need to use controls, validated outcome measures and pre‐determined end‐points and to provide comparative and long‐term data.
Oral beclometasone dipropionate in the treatment of extensive and left‐sided active ulcerative colitis: a multicentre randomised study
Authors: Campieri M. , Adamo S. , Valpiani D. , D'Arienzo A. , D'Albasio G. , Pitzalis M. , Cesari P. , Casetti T. , Castiglione G. N. , Rizzello F. , Manguso F. , Varoli G. , Gionchetti P. 
Published: June 2003

SummaryAim:  To explore the efficacy and safety of the topically acting steroid beclometasone dipropionate (BDP) in an oral controlled release formulation in the treatment of extensive or left‐sided ulcerative colitis.Methods:  In a multicentre, randomised, parallel‐group, single‐blind study, patients with active mild to moderate ulcerative colitis were randomised to a 4‐week treatment with BDP 5 mg/day o.d. vs. 5‐ASA 0.8 g t.d.s. The primary efficacy variable was the decrease of Disease Activity Index (DAI) (clinical symptoms and endoscopic appearance of mucosa). Safety was evaluated by monitoring adverse events, vital signs, haematochemical parameters and adrenal function.Results:  One hundred and seventy‐seven patients were enrolled and randomly treated with BDP (n = 90) or 5‐ASA (n = 87). Mean DAI score decreased in both treatments groups (P < 0.0001 vs. baseline for both groups). Clinical remission was achieved in 63.0% of patients in the BDP group vs. 62.5% in the 5‐ASA group. A significant DAI score improvement (P < 0.05) in favour of BDP was observed in patients with extensive disease. Both treatments were well tolerated. Mean plasma cortisol levels were significantly reduced vs. baseline in BDP recipients, but without signs of pituitary–adrenal function depletion.Conclusion:  Oral BDP gave an overall treatment result in patients with active ulcerative colitis without signs of systemic side‐effects.
The impact of cropland cover on river nutrient levels in the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Donner Simon 
Published: June 2003

ABSTRACTAim This study developed high‐resolution datasets of the area of maize, soybean and wheat cultivation in the United States for 1950, 1970 and 1992. The datasets were used to examine the relationship between individual crop cover and nutrient levels in rivers across the Mississippi River Basin.Location This study was conducted in the United States, with focus on the Mississippi River Basin.Methods County and state‐level estimates of the planted area of maize, soybean and wheat were integrated with a satellite‐derived pattern in total cropland to develop 5′ × 5′ resolution datasets of the fractional area of maize, soybean and wheat in the United States for 1950, 1970 and 1992. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationships between mean levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and silica in 25 rivers across the Mississippi Basin, and the extent of maize, soybean and wheat cultivation in the watersheds.Results The crop datasets provide a spatially explicit representation of the area of the three primary crops in 1950, 1970 and 1992. The datasets clearly depict the rapid expansion of soybean cultivation, the increased specialization of individual agricultural regions, and the accompanying reduction in agricultural biodiversity since 1950. The statistical analysis identified strong correlations between the extent of maize and soybean cover in a watershed and the level of nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) at the watershed outlet. In particular, the area of maize appears to be strongly related to the concentration of total‐N and the ratio of dissolved inorganic‐N and organic‐N at the watershed outlet.Conclusions The intensification of cultivation of the three primary crops — maize, soybean and wheat — has altered land cover and water quality across the U.S. since 1950. The high present‐day rate of fertilizer use on maize and the expansion of soybean cultivation could be largely responsible for the change in nutrient ratios in the Mississippi River since 1950.
Extracorporeal Support for Patients with Hepatic Failure
Authors: Davenport Andrew 
Published: June 2003

Extracorporeal support has been advocated for patients with acute and chronic liver failure. Patients with acute liver failure and those with decompensated cirrhosis can be broadly divided into two groups. The first group comprises those with acute liver failure and ongoing hepatic necrosis, and the second, those with long‐standing chronic decompensation admitted with one or more complications of liver failure, such as encephalopathy without any evidence of a precipitating factor or accompanying acute deterioration of liver function. This second group includes patients with acute liver failure, where the insult causing hepatic necrosis has been resolved, and those patients with chronic decompensation who suffer another insult to the liver, such as acute infection or variceal hemorrhage that causes further liver injury in the setting of multiorgan failure. These two groups are likely to have different outcomes and may need to be managed differently. In the first group, liver transplantation is the only possible long‐term therapeutic option, whereas in the second group, other possibilities such as extracorporeal liver support systems and/or medical therapy may allow these patients to return to their previous state before the acute insult. Over time extracorporeal support has expanded from simple peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis, to the development of circuits designed primarily to remove both water and lipid‐soluble toxins and, in addition, bioartificial devices to provide replacement synthetic hepatic function.Because many of the patients with an acute liver insult have ongoing chronic liver disease and develop hepatorenal syndrome, this group of patients has been targeted by several groups to study the role of liver support systems.
Serologic analysis of three cases of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia associated with HLA antibodies
Authors: Saito Satoshi , Ota Masao , Komatsu Yumi , Ota Satoshi , Aoki Shigeru , Koike Kenichi , Tokunaga Izumi , Tsuno Takahisa , Tsuruta Goro , Kubo Tetsuo , Fukushima Hirofumi 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is caused when maternal alloantibodies react with paternally inherited antigens present on the fetal PLTs, a reaction mainly due to antibodies against human PLT antigens. Cases in which NAIT has been caused by HLA antibodies are relatively rare. In this study, three cases of NAIT associated with HLA antibodies that occurred in a 1‐year period are reported.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The presence of HLA antibodies in these three NAIT case studies was elucidated by examining reactions of the neonatal and maternal sera with lymphocytes, PLTs, and beads from an HLA antibody screening test (FlowPRA, One Lambda Inc.). Absorption and elution tests with paternal cells were also conducted. In addition, the influence of titer and specificity of HLA antibodies on NAIT was analyzed in light of 24 other documented cases in Japan.RESULTS: In the three case studies presented herein, antibodies against human PLT antigens were found in neither the maternal nor neonatal sera, while specific HLA antibodies were identified in both sera. Absorption of maternal serum with paternal PLTs eliminated the reactivity against paternal PLTs and lymphocytes.CONCLUSION: Transplacental passage of maternal HLA antibodies was observed in the three neonates cited in the present study.
Monitoring of apheresis platelet bacterial contamination with an automated liquid culture system: a university experience
Authors: Brecher M.E. , Hay S.N. , Rothenberg S.J. 
Published: June 2003

BACKGROUND: With 4 million platelet units transfused per year in the United States and with the current estimate of bacteria contamination rate in PLT units, it would be expected that 2000 to 4000 bacterially contaminated units are transfused and associated with 333 to 1000 cases of clinical sepsis.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Apheresis platelets were sampled on Day 2 of storage (collection day=Day 0) and issue (or following outdate, Days 6–8) using a sterile connection device (SCD) to attach a sampling bag. Using aseptic technique and a laminar flow hood, bottles were inoculated and placed onto an automated liquid culture system (BacT/ALERT 3D Microbial Detection System) for 7 days.RESULTS: A total of 2397 apheresis PLT units were sampled. A triple apheresis collection was reactive within 14 hours of the Day 2 sampling (aerobic bottles) and the bags were removed from inventory. Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified in all three contaminated bags. Two double‐apheresis collections were found to be contaminated with Proprionibacterium sp. after 6 days of incubation but had been transfused to four patients without discernible clinical sequelae. There was one false‐positive aerobic bottle and one false‐positive anaerobic result due to inadvertent contamination of a bottle. Thus, the overall true‐positive rate was 7 of 2397 apheresis units (0.29%) with a true‐positive rate for aerobic organisms of 0.13% and an anaerobic true‐positive rate of 0.17%. The false‐positive rate was 2 out of 4794 samplings (0.04%) or 2 out of 9588 bottles (0.02%).CONCLUSION: This preliminary data suggests that the use of a SCD, aseptic technique, and a laminar flow hood is associated with a low rate of contamination. In no case did an issue (or outdate) detect contamination that was not detected by the Day 2 culture. Additional surveillance is necessary before we can conclude that a Day 2 sterile culture is truly predictive of an issue (or outdate) sterile culture. Bacterial culture surveillance of PLTs would be expected to save lives and may facilitate an extension in PLT storage.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in adults
Authors: Cameron J. Stewart 
Published: June 2003

Abstract
The lesion of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) presents even greater problems of definition, interpretation and treatment in adults than it does in children, to the point where the specificity and utility of the appearance can even be questioned. The histological diagnosis of FSGS in adults can be interpreted only if the clinical circumstances are known, but a group of nephrotic patients with FSGS can be separated from a much larger group of non-specific, probably secondary but similar lesions arising in many circumstances. This group appears even so to have a diverse aetiology, the majority being idiopathic, but a significant minority showing a family history and/or mutations in genes relating to several intracellular or surface podocyte proteins, as discussed in other articles in this symposium. This heterogeneity makes conclusions with regard to prognosis and treatment difficult to draw. Today, in contrast to 20 or even 10 years ago, it seems useful to treat all adult nephrotic patients with FSGS using an adequate course of corticosteroids lasting at least 4–6 months to establish whether they fall or not into the 20–30% who will respond to this treatment with decrease or loss of proteinuria. The prognosis of such responders (who may well suffer relapse) is relatively benign with regard to renal function, but the majority of the remainder evolve into renal failure. Their management remains a source of controversy in the absence of a proper database of randomized trials: more prolonged (up to 24 months) use of lower-dose corticosteroids with cyclosporine for 12 months or more has support from uncontrolled studies, but cyclophosphamide appears to be of less obvious benefit.
Lung cancer in heavy equipment operators and truck drivers with diesel exhaust exposure in the construction industry
Authors: Järvholm B , Silverman D 
Published: June 2003

Background:Several studies indicate that truck drivers have an increased risk of lung cancer, but few studies have examined lung cancer risk in heavy equipment operators. Workers in both occupations are exposed to diesel exhaust.Aims:To examine the incidence and mortality from lung cancer among truck drivers and among drivers of heavy vehicles.Methods:A computerised register of Swedish construction workers participating in health examinations between 1971 and 1992 was used. Male truck drivers (n = 6364) and drivers of heavy construction vehicles (n = 14 364) were selected as index groups; carpenters/electricians constituted the reference group (n = 119 984).Results:Operators of heavy construction equipment experienced no increased risk of lung cancer compared to risk among the carpenter/electrician referents (61 casesv70.1 expected). However, a significant inverse trend risk with increasing use of cabins was apparent. Truck drivers had increased risks of cancer of the lung (61 casesv47.3 expected) and prostate (124 casesv99.7 expected), although only mortality for lung cancer was significantly increased. Comparisons with the general population showed similar results.Conclusion:Results are consistent with those of previous studies suggesting that heavy equipment operators with potential exposure to diesel exhaust may have little or no increased risk of lung cancer, although the use of cabins seemed to decrease the risk of lung cancer. The results for truck drivers are also consistent with previous reports of increased lung cancer risk among truck drivers exposed to diesel exhaust, as well as recent reports linking diesel exhaust exposure to prostate cancer.
Cancer risk around the nuclear power plants of Trillo and Zorita (Spain)
Authors: Silva-Mato A , Viana D , Fernández-SanMartín M I , Cobos J , Viana M 
Published: June 2003

Aim:To investigate the association between cancer risk and proximity of place of residence to the Guadalajara nuclear power plants: Trillo and Zorita.Methods:Case-control study. Cases were patients admitted with cancer and controls were non-tumorous patients, both admitted to Guadalajara Hospital (period 1988–99). Exposure factor: place of residence (areas within 10, 20, and 30 km of each plant). Odds ratios (ORs) of those areas closest to the plants were calculated with respect to those furthest away; a linear trend analysis was also performed.Results:In the extreme areas in the vicinity of Trillo, an OR of 1.71 was obtained (95% CI 1.15 to 2.53), increasing in magnitude in the subgroup of more radioinducible tumours and in the period considered as post-latency (1997–99). Risk increased linearly with proximity to the two plants, significantly in Trillo (p < 0.01) but not in Zorita (p = 0.19).Conclusions:There is an association between proximity of residence to Trillo and cancer risk, although the limitations of the study should be kept in mind when interpreting the possible causal relation.
Structure and oil‐resistant properties of HTPB‐based polyurea modified with polysulfide
Authors: Quan Yiwu , Wang Qingjun , Dong Wenzhao , Chen Qingmin 
Published: June 2003

AbstractA series of hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) polyureas modified with different liquid polysulfide content was synthesized and their structure and oil‐resistant properties were studied by attenuated total reflectance–FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, isothermal aging and differential scanning calorimetry, stress–strain analysis, oil absorption, and oil‐resistance test. The results showed that polysulfide–polybutadiene polyureas retained low temperature flexibility and had lower oil absorption and better oil resistance than that of HTPB‐based polyureas. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2672–2675, 2003
Soap‐free cationic emulsion copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate with comonomer in the presence of alcohols
Authors: Zhang Jinzhi , Zou Qichao , Li Xiaoqin , Cheng Shiyuan 
Published: June 2003

AbstractPreparation of a cationic polymer latex of styrene and butyl acrylate with comonomer N,N‐dimethyl, N‐butyl,N‐methacryloloxylethyl ammonium bromide (DBMEA) was carried out by soap‐free emulsion polymerization. The effect of reaction conditions such as the ratio of methanol to water, DBMEA concentration, AIBA concentration and ionic strength on properties of copolymer particles was studied. The results showed that the average diameter (Dw) decreased with increasing of AIBA and DBMEA concentration; Dw decreased first then increased with increasing of methanol content; variation of the ionic strength led to a variation in the particle number (Np) and Dw because of the competition of two kinds of nucleation mechanisms. The same trend was found in the polymerization taking in pure water. The MWD was bimodal during the particle growth period. These results suggest that the particles can be generated through two particle‐formation mechanisms, micelle nucleation and homogeneous nucleation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2791–2797, 2003
Synthesis and characterization of novel polyfuran/poly(2‐iodoaniline) conducting composite
Authors: Gök Ayşegül , Sarı Bekir , Talu Muzaffer 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe electrically conducting polyfuran/poly(2‐iodoaniline) (PFu/P2IAn) and P2IAn/PFu composites were prepared by chemical oxidative polymerization using polyfuran and poly(2‐iodoaniline) in HCl and CHCl3 media. The conductivities of composites were determined as a function of the amount of guest polymer. It was found out that the conductivities of P2IAn/PFu composites increased 100‐fold, whereas the conductivities of PFu/P2IAn composites did not show a specific increase. The composite compositions were altered by varying guest polymer feed ratios during preparation. Generally, the electrical conductivities of P2IAn/PFu composites increased with increasing the amount of PFu. Homopolymers and composites were further characterized thermally, employing thermogravimetry (TGA) and morphologically employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further evidences concerning the polymer structures were obtained by FTIR and UV‐vis spectroscopies and magnetic susceptibility measurements. TGA results revealed that PFu/P2IAn among the homopolymers (PFu and P2IAn) and P2IAn/PFu composite have the highest thermal stability. The composites synthesized varying the host and the guest polymer order have different conductivities, morphological structures, and thermal properties. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2823–2830, 2003