bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of advanced chronic kidney disease on in‐hospital mortality following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Vasu Sujethra , Gruberg Luis , Brown David L.
Published: October 2007

Background: The impact of advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) on the outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in the acute phase of myocardial infarction is poorly understood. We assessed the impact of CKD (stages 3–5) on the in‐hospital outcomes of patients undergoing PCI for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a statewide registry. Methods: This study evaluated all patients who underwent PCI in New York State between 1997 and 1999. Of the 9,015 patients, 94 (1%) had at least stage 3 CKD (serum creatinine for AMI > 2.5 mg/dL) and were not on dialysis. Patients with advanced CKD were compared with those without advanced CKD using univariate and multivariate methods. The primary outcome of interest was in‐hospital mortality. Results: Patients with advanced CKD had a higher incidence of diabetes, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease. Patients with advanced CKD presented more commonly with cardiogenic shock or heart failure. The unadjusted in‐hospital mortality was 23.4% for patients with advanced CKD compared with 4.2% for patients without advanced CKD (P < 0.001). After adjusting for the increased comorbidity and high risk clinical features, advanced CKD remained an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.4, 95% Confidence Interval, 1.002–5.804, P = 0.049). Conclusions: Patients with AMI and advanced CKD who undergo PCI have more comorbidities and significantly worse in‐hospital outcomes than patients without advanced CKD. Even after adjusting for these comorbidities, advanced CKD remains an independent predictor of increased in‐hospital mortality. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pigtail slip‐knot catches the heart
Authors: Chuang Wen‐Po , Chiu Kuan‐Ming
Published: October 2007

An 83‐year‐old woman had pigtail pericardiocentesis under echo‐guidance. The redundancy of pigtail catheter formed a slip‐knot which caught the entire heart tightly during removal. Small thoracotomy was necessary to relieve the knot. The extremely rare condition was reported. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New bifurcation guidewire technique: A reversed guidewire technique for extremely angulated bifurcation—A case report
Authors: Kawasaki, Tomohiro , Koga Hishashi , Serikawa Takeshi
Published: October 2007

We experienced a successfully treated case who had 99% stenosis with a severe delay of the ostial LAD which bifurcated steeply from the LMT. On treating this extreme situation, we used the newly developed “reversed guidewire” technique, and two Cypher™ stents were deployed as a cullotte‐stent for the LMT bifurcation successfully. The “reversed guidewire” technique is considered to be a useful method for treating of extremely angled bifurcation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pimecrolimus and dual pimecrolimus‐paclitaxel eluting stents decrease neointimal proliferation in a porcine model
Authors: Berg Ryan , Aragon Joseph , Royter Vladimir , Shanley John F. , Cogert Greg , Vermani Renu , Kar Saibal , Eigler Neal , Litvack Frank
Published: October 2007

Objectives and Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness and vascular response of a pimecrolimus drug eluting stent and a combination (pimecrolimus + paclitaxel) stent as compared with bare metal controls in the porcine coronary model.

Methods and Results:

In the first phase of the study, cobalt chromium stents were loaded with an erodible polymer and either a slow release or a fast release formulation of pimecrolimus. Thirty stents (metal, n = 10; pimecrolimus slow, n = 10; pimecrolimus fast, n = 10) were implanted in the coronary arteries of 10 pigs. At 30 days, neointimal proliferation and inflammation were both significantly less in the pimecrolimus fast release group as compared with the bare metal controls. Endothelialization was complete and equal in all three groups of stents. In the second phase of the study, stents were loaded with an erodible polymer with alternating reservoirs of paclitaxel and pimecrolimus. Twenty stents (8 control stents and 12 dual stents) were implanted in the coronary arteries of seven pigs. At 30 days, neointimal proliferation was significantly less in the dual drug group as compared with the bare metal controls. Endothelialization was complete in both groups of stents, suggesting complete healing of the arteries.

Conclusions:

In a 30‐day porcine stent model, pimecrolimus inhibits neointimal proliferation as compared with bare metal stents. Also, the proof of concept of a dual drug eluting stent was established showing both safety and efficacy. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous aortic valve replacement for severe aortic regurgitation in degenerated bioprosthesis: The first valve in valve procedure using the corevalve revalving system
Authors: Wenaweser Peter , Buellesfeld Lutz , Gerckens Ulrich , Grube Eberhard
Published: October 2007

Percutaneous valve replacement for severe aortic stenosis has shown to be an alternative treatment option for non‐surgical candidates. We report on the first successful valve in valve procedure in an 80‐year‐old patient with a severe regurgitation of a degenerated aortic bioprosthesis using the Corevalve Revalving system. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FRET‐Based Direct and Continuous Monitoring of Human Fucosyltransferases Activity: An Efficient synthesis of Versatile GDP‐L‐Fucose Derivatives from Abundant d‐Galactose
Authors: Maeda Takahiro , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: October 2007

We have developed a facile and versatile protocol for the continuous monitoring of human fucosyltransferases activity by using fluorescence energy resonance transfer (FRET), and have explored the feasibility of its use in an inhibitor screening assay. A convenient sugar nucleotide with a fluorogenic probe, 6‐deoxy‐6‐N‐(2‐naphalene‐2‐yl‐acetamide)‐β‐L‐galactopyranos‐1‐yl‐guanosine 5′‐diphosphate disodium salt (1), was efficiently synthesized from naturally abundant D‐galactopyranose via a key intermediate, 6‐azide‐1,2,3,4‐tetra‐O‐benzoyl‐6‐deoxy‐β‐L‐galactopyranose (10). It was demonstrated that the combined use of the glycosyl donor 1 and a dansylated acceptor substrate, sialyl‐α2,3‐LacNAc derivative (2) allowed us to carry out highly sensitive, direct, and continuous in vitro monitoring of the generation of sialyl Lewis X (SLex), which is catalyzed by human α‐1,3‐fucosyltransferase VI (FUT‐VI). A kinetic analysis revealed that compound 1 was an excellent donor substrate (KM=0.94 μM and Vmax=0.14 μM min−1) for detecting human FUT‐VI activity. To the best of our knowledge, this synthetic fluorogenic probe is the most sensitive and selective donor substrate for FUT‐VI among all of the known GDP‐Fuc analogues, including the parent GDP‐Fuc. When a dansylated asparagine‐linked glycopeptide 20, which is derived from egg yolk was employed as an alternate acceptor substrate, a FRET‐based assay with compound 1 could be used to directly monitor the α1,6‐fucosylation at the reducing terminal GlcNAc residue by human FUT‐VIII (KM=175 μM and Vmax=0.06 μM/ min); this indicates that the present method might become a general protocol for the characterization of various mammalian fucosyltransferases in the presence of designated fluorogenic acceptor substrates. The present protocol revealed that compound 23, which was obtained by a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between the disodium salt 16 and 1‐ethynyl‐naphthalene exhibits highly potent inhibitory effects against the FUT‐VI‐mediated sialyl Lewis X synthesis (IC50=5.4 μM).
Evaluation of interferon alpha‐2B and thalidomide in patients with disseminated malignant melanoma, phase 2, SWOG 0026
Authors: Hutchins Laura F. , Moon James , Clark Joseph I. , Thompson John A. , Lange Marianne K. , Flaherty Lawrence E. , Sondak Vernon K.
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

Southwest Oncology Group protocol 0026 evaluated interferon alpha‐2b plus thalidomide in patients with disseminated melanoma. Endpoints were 6‐month progression‐free survival rate, response rate, and toxicity.

METHODS.

Twenty‐six patients with Stage IV melanoma, measurable or nonmeasurable disease, performance status of 0–2, and adequate renal and hepatic functions were registered. One prior systemic therapy for Stage IV disease was required. Interferon was administered subcutaneously (1 million U) twice daily; thalidomide was orally administered (200–400 mg) each evening in a dose‐escalating manner. Response evaluations using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were performed every 8 weeks.

RESULTS.

After 2 sudden deaths and 1 grade 4 treatment‐related pulmonary embolism, this study was temporarily closed. One patient with deep‐vein thrombosis and 2 with grade 3 cardiac arrhythmias were reported. The relationship of these events to the treatment was worrisome but not definitive. Grade 3 treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 14 of 26 patients. Because of concern for patient safety the study was permanently closed. No treatment responses were seen in the 22 evaluable patients. Estimated 6‐month progression‐free survival rate was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2%–29%), estimated 6‐month overall survival was 58% (95% CI, 39%–77%), and estimated response probability was 0 of 22 (95% CI, 0%–15%).

CONCLUSIONS.

This regimen demonstrated a lack of response and was associated with multiple severe toxicities. Further investigation of interferon alpha‐2b and thalidomide in this dose and schedule is not warranted. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A highly sensitive particle agglutination assay for the detection of P53 autoantibodies in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Agaylan Ashraf , Binder Daniel , Sauer Markus , Neuweiler Hannes , Meyer Oliver , Kiesewetter Holger , Salama Abdulgabar
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

Numerous assays have been described for the detection of p53 autoantibodies. These assays are highly specific with low sensitivity. In this report, the authors describe a highly sensitive and simple particle agglutination immunoassay using superparamagnetic particles for capturing p5 autoantibodies, p53 protein, and p53 protein‐antibody complexes from large volumes of serum samples (2 mL).

METHODS.

Superparamagnetic particles were coated with different peptides spanning the entire p53 protein. These particles were incubated with serum samples from healthy blood donors (n = 180), from patients without malignancies (n = 27), and from patients with various forms of lung cancer (n = 166). The particles were washed and placed into the reaction chamber of a gel card. After centrifugation, agglutination results were read visually. Positive reactions were defined by a layer of particles on top of the gel or agglutinated particles dispersed through the gel matrix.

RESULTS.

Depending on the peptide used, p53 autoantibodies were detected in from 17.5% to 35% of the investigated patients with lung cancer. By using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) kit, p53 autoantibodies were detected in only 3% of those patients. P53 protein and p53 protein‐antibody complexes were not detected in patients with lung cancer (n = 20).

CONCLUSIONS.

The newly developed assay was easy to perform and had sensitivity superior to that of the currently available p53 ELISAs. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Emerging issues in smoking among adolescent and adult cancer survivors
Authors: Klosky James L. , Tyc Vida L. , Garces‐Webb Danette M. , Buscemi Joanna , Klesges Robert C. , Hudson Melissa M.
Published: October 2007

The number of cancer survivors is significantly increasing, thereby prioritizing the importance of identifying and preventing adverse health outcomes within this high‐risk population. Cigarette smoking is of particular salience as it places both adolescents and adults with a cancer history at risk for various health problems, including second malignancies. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the smoking literature as it relates to adolescents and adults on‐treatment and surviving cancer. In particular, the article reviews the prevalence, risk factors, and health outcomes associated with smoking, in addition to the prevention and smoking cessation interventions available to adolescent and adult oncology patients. Furthermore, efficacious cessation strategies have recently emerged from the smoking literature in healthy populations, and their application to oncology populations is discussed. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Predictors of survival from urachal cancer
Authors: Molina Julian R. , Quevedo J. Fernando , Furth Alfred F. , Richardson Ronald L. , Zincke Horst , Burch Patrick A.
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

Outcome results of a long‐term analysis of urachal cancer using a new staging system are presented.

METHODS.

The authors analyzed clinical outcomes from 49 patients with the diagnosis of urachal cancer who were seen at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota from 1950 to 2003. The TNM staging system was used to predict outcome after surgical resection.

RESULTS.

Among 49 study patients, 33 were men, 16 were women, and their median age at presentation was 57.5 years. The vast majority of tumors were adenocarcinomas (89%), 4% were sarcomas and transitional cell carcinomas, and the rest were high‐grade mixed neoplasms. Among the adenocarcinomas, 63.6% were mucin‐producing tumors. Partial cystectomy with or without pelvic lymph node dissection and removal of the urachus was performed in 41 (83%) cases. Overall survival for all stages was 62 months with 17 (34%) patients still alive more than 5 years after treatment. Applying the TNM staging system, the authors demonstrated a median survival time for stage I/II patients of 10.8 years (95% CI, 6.9 years to 12.0 years) compared with a median survival of 1.3 years (95% CI, 1.1 years to 1.9 years; log‐rank P<.0001) for patients with advanced disease (stages III and IV).

CONCLUSIONS.

Stage at presentation by the TNM staging system proved to be the main predictor of outcome after surgery for urachal cancer. Better systemic modality treatments are needed for advanced stages of this disease. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Quantitative assessment of the impact of chemotherapy on ovarian follicle reserve and stromal function
Authors: Oktem Ozgur , Oktay Kutluk
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

Various chemotherapy agents, especially of the alkylating category, have been associated with premature ovarian failure but there is no quantitative evidence of chemotherapy‐induced ovarian damage in humans. The aim was to quantify the impact of chemotherapy on primordial follicle reserve and stromal function in human ovary with a prospective controlled quantitative histologic and in vitro study.

METHODS.

Samples from 26 patients who were undergoing ovarian tissue cryopreservation for fertility preservation were assessed histologically and for in vitro estradiol production. Of the 26 patients, 10 had previously received chemotherapy whereas 16 had not (control). There were 17 age‐matched patients. Primordial follicle counts and in vitro estrogen production were compared between age‐matched control and chemotherapy patients as well as between those who did and did not receive alkylating agents.

RESULTS.

Patients who received chemotherapy had significantly lower primordial follicle counts than control patients (5.4 ± 1.32 vs 9.6 ± 2.2, P = .05). Furthermore patients treated with alkylating regimens had significantly lower primordial follicle counts compared with those who received nonalkylating agents (2.9 ± 1.1 vs 7.9 ± 1.6, P < .05) and with those who did not receive any chemotherapy (2.9 ± 1.1 vs 9.6 ± 2.2, P < .05). In vitro, ovarian cortical pieces from individuals who were previously exposed to chemotherapy (chemotherapy group) produced significantly less estradiol compared with those who were not (control group). In the chemotherapy group, there was no difference in in vitro estradiol production between those who received alkylating agents and those who did not.

CONCLUSIONS.

This is the first quantitative evidence of the impact of chemotherapy on ovarian infrastructure, and shows that, whereas alkylating agents can significantly reduce ovarian reserve, both alkylating and nonalkylating regimens may affect ovarian stromal function. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A phase II study of the farnesyl transferase inhibitor, tipifarnib, in children with recurrent or progressive high‐grade glioma, medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor, or brainstem glioma: A children's oncology group study
Authors: Fouladi Maryam , Nicholson H. Stacy , Zhou Tianni , Laningham Fred , Helton Kathleen J. , Holmes Emi , Cohen Kenneth , Speights Rose Anne , Wright John , Pollack Ian F.
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

An open‐label Phase II study of tipifarnib was conducted to evaluate its safety and efficacy in children with recurrent or refractory medulloblastoma (MB)/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), high‐grade glioma (HGG), and diffuse intrinsic brainstem glioma (BSG).

METHODS.

Between January 2004 and July 2005, patients were enrolled and stratified as follows: Stratum 1, recurrent or refractory MB/PNET; Stratum 2, recurrent or refractory HGG; and Stratum 3, recurrent or refractory BSG. Patients received tipifarnib 200 mg/m2 per dose twice daily for 21 days repeated every 28 days. Patients who received enzyme‐inducing anticonvulsants and other CYP3A4/5 inducers or inhibitors were excluded. The primary objective was to estimate the sustained response rate in all strata.

RESULTS.

Ninety‐seven patients with a median age of 11.2 years (range, 3.2–21.9 years) were enrolled on the study, and 81 patients were evaluable for response. One of 35 patients with BSG and 1 of 31 patients with HGG had a sustained partial response. No responses were observed in 15 patients with MB/PNET. Eight patients (3 HGG, 1 MB, and 4 BSG) remained stable for ≥4 courses (range, 4–25 courses). The median number of courses received was 2 (range, 1–25 courses). The most frequent grade 3 and 4 toxicities included neutropenia (18.7%), thrombocytopenia (14.3%), and leukopenia (14.3%). The 6‐month progression‐free survival rate (±standard deviation) was 14% ± 6% for HGG, 6% ± 6% for MB/PNET and 3% ± 3% for BSG.

CONCLUSIONS.

Tipifarnib tolerated well but had little activity as a single agent in children with recurrent central nervous system malignancies. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
A phase 1 study of fixed dose rate gemcitabine and irinotecan in patients with advanced pancreatic and biliary cancer
Authors: Sun Weijing , Hewitt Maureen R. , Theobald Marry R. , Hershock Diane , Haller Daniel G.
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND.

The combination of a fixed dose rate (FDR) infusion of gemcitabine and irinotecan may have a synergistic effect in the treatment of patients with advanced and metastatic pancreatic and biliary cancer. The current study was conducted to determine the dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination.

METHODS.

There were 32 patients with metastatic pancreatic and advanced unresectable/metastatic biliary adenocarcinoma who were entered into this open‐label, phase 1 dose escalation trial. Gemcitabine was administered at an FDR of 10 mg/m2/minute intravenously (iv). Irinotecan was administered iv over 60 minutes after gemcitabine. Both gemcitabine and irinotecan were given on Days 1 and 8 of a 21‐day cycle.

RESULTS.

The MTD of the combination was gemcitabine at an FDR of 1200 mg/m2 and irinotecan at a dose of 100 mg/m2. The DLTs were neutropenia and neutropenic fever. Other DLTs included diarrhea, dehydration, and fatigue. Two patients developed deep venous thrombosis during the treatment. The efficacy of the combination was encouraging, even at the lower dose levels. Of 30 assessable patients, there was 1 complete response, 6 partial responses, and 16 patients with stable disease, with a response rate of 23%, a disease control rate of 76%, a median progression‐free survival of 4.7 months, and a median overall survival of 7.0 months. The average number of treatment cycles received was 11.

CONCLUSIONS.

The recommended doses of the combination for future study are gemcitabine at an FDR of 1200mg/m2 and irinotecan at a dose of 100 mg/m2. The efficacy of the combination is encouraging. Further assessment of the combination with or without biologic agents is suggested. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Efficient global checkpointing algorithms for mobile agents
Authors: Yang Jin , Cao Jiannong , Wu Weigang
Published: October 2007

As a widely used fault‐tolerance technique, checkpointing can be divided into three categories: independent checkpointing, coordinated checkpointing, and communication‐induced checkpointing (CIC). Independent checkpointing and coordinated checkpointing have been widely used in the design of fault‐tolerant mobile agent systems, but CIC has not attracted much attention. CIC is flexible, efficient, and scalable, which is desirable for mobile agent (MA) systems. Furthermore, CIC can be well integrated with independent checkpointing for reliable MA migrations. In this paper, we propose two CIC‐based checkpointing algorithms for MA systems. The Basic‐CIC algorithm is developed by applying the classic CIC technique to MA systems, while the deferred message processing‐based CIC (DM‐CIC) improves the time efficiency by deciding when to make the forced checkpointing. Simulation results show that DM‐CIC is stable and can help the system recover fast from failures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Banana‐Shaped Molecules Peculiarly Oriented in a Magnetic Field:2H NMR Spectroscopy and Quantum Mechanical Calculations
Authors: Domenici Valentina , Veracini Carlo Alberto , Fodor‐Csorba Katalin , Prampolini Giacomo , Cacelli Ivo , Lebar Andrjia , Zalar Boštjan
Published: October 2007

The orientational properties of the banana‐shaped liquid crystal 4‐chloro‐1,3‐phenylenebis{4‐[4′‐(10‐undecenyloxy)]benzoyloxy} benzoate (ClPbis11BB) are reported in the nematic phase under the effect of an external magnetic field. A new hypothesis, which states that the central ring of the aromatic core is oriented perpendicularly to the external magnetic field, is proposed. In support of this hypothesis, a series of studies based on2H NMR spectroscopy, both in the bulk and in solution, are discussed.2H NMR measurements on three selectively deuterium‐labelled isotopomers are presented, together with DFT results from B3LYP/cc‐pvDz calculations performed on the aromatic core. The rather flat shape of the investigated intramolecular energy surface allows for several different conformations to be populated, the computed magnetic susceptibilities of which are consistent with the proposed hypothesis of peculiar orientation of banana‐shaped molecules. Moreover, the orientation of the magnetic susceptibility tensor is shown to be strongly dependent on the internal conformation of the banana‐shaped molecules.
Analysis, modeling, emergence & integration in complex systems: A modeling and integration framework & system biology
Authors: Wheeler Thomas J.
Published: October 2007

Analysis and Modeling is the first “phase” of understanding or developing a system. It is also, maybe more importantly, the foundation of understanding a natural science or system. It's abstract and conceptually difficult but, being foundational, contributes the most to the quality of understanding of (designed or natural) systems. Complex Systems have a natural hierarchy of levels and multiple subsystems. The character and functionality of each level or subsystem “emerges” across its boundaries. Both sides of these boundaries must be understood within that side's natural thought patterns. Integrated interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for making sense of complex systems; but collaboration among disciplines is difficult, because of their different ways of thinking. This creates a dilemma, “understanding complex systems” is one horn; “integrated interdisciplinary collaboration” is the other. This dilemma in complex system analysis/modeling and interdiscipline collaboration, is currently addressed by “grabbing the bull by the horns.” This takes on this doubly complex problem, by painstakingly building up abstract “bull wrestling” skills in and across domains and disciplines. There's another wrinkle; complexity requires interdisciplinary collaboration at deeper, more dissimilar, levels. The usual approach, finding a way to “pass between the horns of the dilemma” will not work here, due to this cross coupling. Rather than trying to pass between the horns, by abstracting away the coupling, we overtly organizing this coupling. We weave a semantic unification space of conceptual connections linking each side of a boundary to its appropriate way of thinking. This allows us to abstracting away the dilemma and iron out the wrinkle. The threads of common image schemas, cognitive metaphors and conceptual interfaces, weave a bridge between the semantics foundations and organizations of each problem. These allow addressing the problems synergistically. This paper presents and explores a naturally valid way for discipline specific and discipline integrating addressing complex systems. We start with the methodological insights from analysis and modeling from the perspective of object orientation, with its ontologies, organizing lexical semantics. We advance from there by integrating in imagistic, imaginative semantics and affordance based interaction methodology, as the keys to addressing complex systems analysis, modeling and integration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2007
Effects of the input filter on the stability of a voltage‐mode controlled buck converter
Authors: Li Ming , Dai Dong , Ma Xikui
Published: October 2007

This letter presents a favorable effect of the input filter on the stability of a filter‐converter system, which employs a cascade configuration of a voltage‐mode controlled buck converter and a third‐order input filter. Such an effect can enlarge the stable region of the stand‐alone buck converter when appropriately selecting the damping resistor of the input filter. Effectively, the frequency‐domain model based on the extra element theory is used to analyze and illustrate the input filter interaction regarding this favorable effect. Our work provides a supplementary view for engineers to deal with input filter interaction. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transient analysis of multi‐state dc–dc converters using system energy characteristics
Authors: Zhu Miao , Luo Fang Lin
Published: October 2007

The study of multi‐state dc–dc power conversion techniques is restricted by the complicated inner switching behaviors. This paper presents a general and unified transient analysis for various sorts of multi‐state dc–dc converters from a viewpoint of their system energy characteristics. With the applications to the boost converters, the proposed analytical method has indicated its advantages of high convenience and practicability to the multi‐state converters. The generalized concepts of system energy parameters of dc–dc converters are introduced and applied to the transient analysis. Consequently, the expressions of system model parameters of multi‐state dc–dc converters are deduced. The new 2nd order transfer functions are obtained to describe the large‐ and small‐signal mathematical models accurately. The model simulation and experimental results are provided to support the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bidirectional power flow control of a power converter using passive Hamiltonian techniques
Authors: Batlle Carles , Dòria‐Cerezo Arnau , Fossas Enric
Published: October 2007

A controller able to achieve bidirectional power flow for a boost‐like full‐bridge rectifier is presented. It is shown that no single output yields a stable zero dynamics for power flowing both ways. The controller is computed using port Hamiltonian passivity techniques for a suitable generalized state space averaging truncation of the system, which transforms the control objectives, namely specified output mean value of the voltage dc‐bus and unity input power factor in the ac side, into a regulation problem. Simulation and experimental results for the full system confirm the correctness of the simplifications introduced to obtain the controller. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of OTA‐C filters with weakly nonlinear transconductors
Authors: Koziel Slawomir
Published: October 2007

An efficient approach for analysis of nonlinear distortion in OTA‐C filters with weakly nonlinear transconductors is presented. The procedure is developed based on an algebraic description of a general OTA‐C filter structure and, therefore, the results are valid for any filter architecture within OTA‐C class. On the basis of the proposed method, explicit formulas for calculating a gain compression/expansion ratio in an arbitrary OTA‐C filter are developed. The formulas are easy to implement and use in computer‐aided filter design tools. For illustration purposes, several filter structures are considered. The accuracy of the method is verified by comparing the results with the exact values of gain compression/expansion ratio achieved by integrating the differential system that determines the time response of OTA‐C filter. The presented approach can be generalized in order to consider other nonlinear parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Citation Network of CVD Research: Research Topics and Journals
Authors: Takeda Y. , Kajikawa Y. , Matsushima K.
Published: October 2007

A citation network of papers on CVD is analyzed to investigate the current research status and position of CVD‐related journals. The results reported can guide researchers and engineers to a comprehensive understanding of the state of CVD research.
Growth of Dysprosium‐, Scandium‐, and Hafnium‐based Third Generation High‐κ Dielectrics by Atomic Vapor Deposition
Authors: Adelmann C. , Lehnen P. , Van Elshocht S. , Zhao C. , Brijs B. , Franquet A. , Conard T. , Roeckerath M. , Schubert J. , Boissière O. , Lohe C. , De Gendt S.
Published: October 2007

Thin dysprosium‐, scandium‐, and hafnium‐based oxide dielectric films are deposited by atomic vapor deposition (AVD) using tris(6‐ethyl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐decanedionato) dysprosium [Dy(EDMDD)3], tris(6‐ethyl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐3,5‐decanedionato) scandium [Sc(EDMDD)3], and bis(tert‐butoxide) bis(methoxymethyl propanoxide) hafnium [Hf(OtBu)2(mmp)2] as precursors. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), Rutherford backscattering (RBS) spectrometry, and X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) demonstrate good control of the thickness and composition of the films. In particular, ternary and quaternary oxide alloys of any desired composition are grown. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the (Dy0.5Sc0.5)2O3 films are amorphous as grown, whereas the (Dy0.5Hf0.5)4O7 and (Sc0.5Hf0.5)4O7 films are crystalline. The crystal structures of DyxHf1–xOy and ScxHf1–xOy change from monoclinic to cubic around x∼0.1.
Coating of Ceramic SiC, SiBNC, and Al2O3 Fibers with SiBN Using a Continuous CVD Process – Influence of Stoichiometry on Stability against Oxidation and Hydrolysis
Authors: Stöckel S. , Marx G. , Goedel W. A.
Published: October 2007

SiBN coatings are deposited onto various endless ceramic fibers via CVD in a continuous process under ambient pressure using N,N,N‐trimethylborazine (TMB), tetramethylsilane (TMS), and ammonia. Oxidation behavior and hydrolytic stability correspond to two regimes of the coating stoichiometry that depend upon the silicon concentration. Above 7 % silicon the stoichiometry can be approximated by BN(Si3N4)y and below 7 % data can be interpreted as BN(Si3N4)y and/or BNSix. Annealing at 1400 °C improves the hydrolytic stability to such an extend that SiBN might qualify as an interphase for ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) even up to 1100 °C.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Gadolinium Oxide Films
Authors: Kukli K. , Hatanpää T. , Ritala M. , Leskelä M.
Published: October 2007

Thin cubic Gd2O3 films are grown by atomic layer deposition (ALD), in the temperature range 300–400 °C, using a novel tris(2,3‐dimethyl‐2‐butoxy)gadolinium(III) precursor, Gd[OC(CH3)2CH(CH3)2]3, and water. The films are crystalline in their as‐deposited state. The films contain some residual hydrogen and carbon, and are probably oxygen‐deficient in the as‐deposited state, causing flat‐band shifts in Gd2O3‐based metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (MOS) capacitor structures. On the other hand, the permittivity of Gd2O3 dielectric layers reaches 16, approximately, when calculated from the relationship between equivalent and physical oxide thicknesses, and breakdown fields as high as 8 MV cm–1.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Thermal Properties of New ZnBr2(pyrimidine) Coordination Compounds
Authors: Näther Christian , Bhosekar Gaurav , Jeß Inke
Published: October 2007

Four new bromidozinc(II) coordination compounds with pyrimidine as a ligand were prepared, either in solution or by thermal decomposition reactions, and the thermal reactivity and thermodynamic stability of these compounds were investigated. These results are compared with those for the corresponding ZnI2(pyrimidine) compounds. The ligand‐rich 1:2 compound dibromidobis(pyrimidine‐N)zinc(II) (I) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n. In this structure the zinc atoms are coordinated by two bromido ligands and two pyrimidine ligands within distorted tetrahedra. On heating, compound I is transformed into the ligand‐deficient 2:3 intermediate bis(dibromido)bis(pyrimidine‐N)(μ2‐pyrimidine‐N,N′)dizinc(II) (II), which crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. The crystal structure consists of two ZnBr2(pyrimidine) subunits, which are connected by an additional pyrimidine ligand through μ‐N,N′ coordination. Thermal decomposition of compound II leads to the formation of the ligand‐deficient 1:1 compound dibromido(μ2‐pyrimidine‐N,N′)zinc(II) (III), which crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmma. In compound III, the zinc atoms are coordinated by four bromine atoms and two pyrimidine ligands within distorted octahedra. The ZnBr2 units are connected through common edges into chains, which are linked by the pyrimidine ligands into layers. On heating, compound III is transformed into the ligand‐deficient 2:1 compound (ZnBr2)2(pyrimidine) (IV), which decomposes to give ZnBr2. Solvent‐mediated conversion experiments in solution show that not all of the compounds can be prepared by treating ZnBr2 and pyrimidine in the molar ratio given by the formula of the final product. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Synthesis, Characterization and Quantum Mechanical Calculations of [Au18Se8(dppthph)6]Cl2
Authors: Sevillano Paloma , Fuhr Olaf , Hampe Oliver , Lebedkin Sergej , Neiss Christian , Ahlrichs Reinhart , Fenske Dieter , Kappes Manfred M.
Published: October 2007

The reaction of [Au(tht)Cl] (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) with 2,5‐bis(diphenylphophanyl)thiophene (dppthph) and Se(SiMe3)2 leads to the formation of [Au18Se8(dppthph)6]Cl2. This compound crystallizes in two modifications, both containing a cluster dication with nearly identical gold–selenium cores. The dication consists of two subunits only connected by six aurophilic interactions. ESI MS demonstrates that these facilitate cohesion of the cluster subunits even in the gaseous state. SCS‐MP2 calculations show that the dimer is a metasable species, which is ultimately prevented from dissociation by a Coulomb barrier. In addition, photoluminescene measurements demonstrate that the small differences in the ligand shell of the cluster molecules lead to different photoluminescene properties of the two modifications. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Reactivity of Dehydroamino Acids and Dehydrodipeptides TowardsN‐Bromosuccinimide: Synthesis of β‐Bromo‐ and β,β‐Dibromodehydroamino Acid Derivatives and of Substituted 4‐Imidazolidinones
Authors: Ferreira Paula M. T. , Monteiro Luís S. , Pereira Goreti , Ribeiro Liliana , Sacramento Joana , Silva Liseta
Published: October 2007

We have developed a modification of our previously reported high‐yielding method for the synthesis ofN,N‐diacyldehydroamino acid derivatives to prepareN‐monoprotected dehydroamino acids and dehydrodipeptides. Thus, several dehydroalanine, dehydroaminobutyric acid and dehydrophenylalanine derivatives have been prepared by treating the correspondingL‐serine,L‐threonine andD,L‐3‐phenylserine (threo‐type) derivatives with 1 equiv. of di‐tert‐butyl dicarbonate and 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine. The reaction proceeded with the initial formation of anO‐tert‐butyl carbonate which, by treament withN,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylguanidine, underwent β elimination to give the corresponding dehydroamino acid derivative. This two‐step method can be carried out as a one‐pot procedure and is stereoselective, giving only theZisomer. TheN‐monoprotected dehydroamino acids were treated withN‐bromosuccinimide and thereafter with triethylamine to afford several β,β‐dibromodehydroalanines or β‐bromo‐, β‐alkyl‐ or β‐aryldehydroalanines. The latter were obtained as mixtures ofEandZisomers. An increased stereoselectivity towards the formation of theZisomer was observed with dehydrophenylalanine and when 4‐tolylsulfonyl was used as theN‐protecting group. In the case of dehydrodipeptides, the reaction with NBS and triethylamine afforded the corresponding brominated dehydrodipeptides when theN‐protecting group was other than 4‐tolylsulfonyl. However, when the reagent was a peptide with a dehydroamino acid as the second residue and anN‐(4‐tolylsulfonyl) group the corresponding 2,2‐disubstituted 1‐(4‐tolylsulfonyl)imidazolidin‐4‐ones were obtained in good‐to‐high yields. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Ultra‐fast simultaneous analysis of genetically modified organisms in maize by microchip electrophoresis with LIF detector
Authors: Kumar Kailasa Suresh , Kang Seong Ho
Published: October 2007

This study examined the potential of microchip electrophoresis (ME) with a LIF detector using a programmed field strength gradient (PFSG) in a conventional glass double‐T microchip for the ultra‐fast detection and simultaneous analysis of genetically modified (GM) maize. The separation efficiency and sensitivity at various sieving gels (poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, Mr 8 000 000) and 2‐hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) (Mr 250 000)) and fluorescent dye concentrations were investigated. The PCR products of both the GM and non‐GM maize were analyzed within 30 s under the PFSG (470.6 V/cm for 20 s, 117.6 V/cm for 12 s, and 470.6 V/cm for 30 s) with a 2.5% HEC sieving matrix in the running buffer, 1×Tris‐borate EDTA (TBE) (pH 8.30) and 0.5 ppm ethidium bromide. The five transgenic maize varieties (Event176, MON810, Bt11, GA21, and T25) examined in this study were also clearly differentiated by ME‐PFSG within 30 s in a single run without any loss of resolution. The ME‐PFSG technique is a powerful tool for the ultra‐fast detection and simultaneous analysis of GMOs in a variety of foods including maize.
Generation of turbulent inflow and initial conditions based on multi‐correlated random fields
Authors: Fathali M. , Klein M. , Broeckhoven T. , Lacor C. , Baelmans M.
Published: October 2007

Direct or large eddy simulation of a turbulent flow field is strongly influenced by its initial or inflow boundary condition. This paper presents a new stochastic approach to generate an artificial turbulent velocity field for initial or inflow boundary condition based on digital filtering. Each velocity component of the artificial turbulent velocity field is generated by linear combination of individual uncorrelated random fields. These uncorrelated random fields are obtained by filtering random white‐noise fields. Using common elements in these linear combinations results in multi‐correlation among different velocity components. The generated velocity field reproduces locally desired Reynolds stress components and integral length scales including cross‐integral length scales. The method appears to be simple, flexible and more accurate in comparison with previously developed methods. The accuracy and performance of the method are demonstrated by numerical simulation of a homogeneous turbulent shear flow with high and low shear rates. To assess the accuracy and performance of the method, simulation results are compared with a reference simulation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate Gauss–Newton methods for optimal state estimation using reduced‐order models
Authors: Lawless A. S. , Nichols N. K. , Boess C. , Bunse‐Gerstner A.
Published: October 2007

The Gauss–Newton (GN) method is a well‐known iterative technique for solving nonlinear least‐squares problems subject to dynamical system constraints. Such problems arise commonly in optimal state estimation where the systems may be stochastic. Variational data assimilation techniques for state estimation in weather, ocean and climate systems currently use approximate GN methods. The GN method solves a sequence of linear least‐squares problems subject to linearized system constraints. For very large systems, low‐resolution linear approximations to the model dynamics are used to improve the efficiency of the algorithm. We propose a new method for deriving low‐order system approximations based on model reduction techniques from control theory. We show how this technique can be combined with the GN method to retain the response of the dynamical system more accurately and improve the performance of the approximate GN method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A groupware system for virtual product innovation management
Authors: Cormican Kathryn , O'Sullivan David
Published: October 2007

We are experiencing a radical shift in the way organizations are designed, structured, and organized. New organizational forms such as virtual strategic partnerships and networks are replacing traditional bureaucratic, hierarchical organizations. This is particularly evident in the area of product innovation, where organizations are adopting new approaches or ways of working in order to compete. Product innovation management is a complex process because of the range of technical issues that must be addressed and the variety of competencies that must be employed over the life of the development effort. Such initiatives require a substantial investment in terms of resources such as time, money, and effort, all of which are limited. This article focuses on product innovation management in a distributed or virtual environment. It reports on a qualitative case study targeted at product managers. The challenges are identified and discussed. From this analysis, a Web‐enabled groupware system is presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 499–510, 2007.
Retracted: The manufacturing enterprise diagnostic instrument: A tool for assessment of enterprise system manufacturers
Authors: Genaidy Ash , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: October 2007

Small‐ to medium‐size manufacturers constitute the bulk of the U.S. manufacturing sector and are in a dire need of a tool that will help them face the challenges of globalization and increasing costs of manufacturing in the United States. The objectives were to develop and validate a diagnostic tool for manufacturing firms to evaluate their enterprise system performance to eliminate trial‐and‐error decisions and allow quick and informed actions. A pilot version was developed and tested in a small manufacturer. A revised version was then developed and further tested in another firm. Testing of the tool's pilot version provided invaluable feedback for developing the main tool. When tested in a small manufacturing firm, the results demonstrated management's misalignment and identified the root causes hindering performance. The tool demonstrated a quick and effective way to evaluate the manufacturing system's performance and to develop an aligned improvement action plan to guide the managerial team in devising a winning business strategy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Hum Factors Man 17: 521–574, 2007.
Epinephrine converts long‐term potentiation from transient to durable form in awake rats
Authors: Korol D.L. , Gold P.E.
Published: October 2007

Neuroendocrine responses to an emotional or arousing experience modulate memory for the event. Extensive evidence suggests that epinephrine plays an important role in the regulation of memory formation by emotions and arousal. Some forms of synaptic plasticity are similarly responsive to modulation by stress and arousal. The present experiment examined the effects of epinephrine on induction and maintenance of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in awake rats. Rats were prepared with bilaterally implanted electrodes for recording evoked field potentials in dentate granule cells following perforant pathway stimulation. LTP was induced with high‐frequency stimulation parameters that resulted in modest early potentiation of the EPSP that decayed within 20 min. Epinephrine enhanced the magnitude of early LTP induction and also extended the durability of LTP from minutes to at least several days. Epinephrine did not alter baseline responses or modulate pre‐LTP input‐output curves. The enhancement of LTP by epinephrine was dose‐dependent, following an inverted‐U dose–response curve similar to that seen in memory enhancement experiments, suggesting considerable convergence of epinephrine modulation of memory and LTP. In extending substantially the maintenance of LTP after induction, the present finding offer potential means to study the neurobiology of rapid forgetting seen in aged rodents and other animals and the neurobiology of the impaired forgetting seen in post‐traumatic stress disorder. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of a chitosan‐based hemostatic dressing in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy
Authors: Xie Hua , Khajanchee Yashodhan S. , Teach Jeffrey S. , Shaffer Brian S.
Published: October 2007

Objectives: An external chitosan‐based hemostatic bandage has been used to control aggressive bleeding from traumatic injuries. This study was to evaluate the feasibility of using an internal chitosan dressing based on the external platform to control hemorrhage and urinary leakage by sealing off the parenchymal wound following Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) in a porcine model. Methods: Nine heparinized domestic swine underwent bilateral laparoscopic partial nephrectomies involving either a polar (N = 13) or wedge resection (N = 5) followed by treatment with the chitosan dressing. Estimated blood loss, hemostatic score, urinary leakage, operative time, and adhesion score of the chitosan dressing were recorded. Results: Of the 18 procedures, 17 achieved complete hemostasis after deployment of the chitosan dressing. The hemostasis score improved significantly after the deployment in both polar (p < 0.001) and wedge (p = 0.017) resections. The rate of successful pyelocaliceal sealing was 85% (11/13) in polar resections and 60% (3/5) in wedge resections. Conclusion: The chitosan‐based hemostatic dressing is effective as a primary or supplemental material for controlling parenchymal hemorrhage and sealing the renal collecting system following LPN in the animal model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008