bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Efficient Service Discovery Method and its Application
Authors: Deng Shuiguang , Wu Zhaohui , Wu Jian , Li Ying , Yin Jianwei
Published: April 2010

To discover services efficiently has been regarded as one of important issues in the area of Service Oriented Computing (SOC). This article carries out a survey on the issue and points out the problems for the current semantic-based service discovery approaches. After that, an information model for registered services is proposed. Based on the model, it brings forward a two-phase semantic-based service discovery method which supports both the operation matchmaking and operation-composition matchmaking. The authors import the bipartite graph matching to improve the efficiency of matchmaking. An implementation of the proposed method is presented. A series of experiments show that the method gains better performance on both discovery recall rate and precision than a traditional matchmaker and it also scales well with the number of services being accessed.
Using Web Service Enhancements to Establish Trust Relationships with Privacy Protection (Extended and Invited from ICWS 2006 with id 47)
Authors: Weaver Alfred C. , Wu Zhengping
Published: April 2010

The lack of effective trust establishment mechanisms impedes the deployment of diverse trust models for web services. One issue is that collaborating organizations need mechanisms to bridge extant relationships among cooperating parties. We describe an indirect trust establishment mechanism to bridge and build new trust relationships from extant trust relationships with privacy protection. Another issue is that a trust establishment mechanism for web services must ensure privacy and owner control. Current web service technologies encourage a service requester to reveal all its private attributes in a pre-packaged credential to the service provider to fulfill the requirements for direct trust establishment. This may lead to privacy leakage. We propose a mechanism whereby the service requester discovers the service provider’s requirements from a policy document, then formulates a trust primitive by selectively disclosing attributes in a pre-packaged credential to negotiate a trust relationship. Thus the service requester’s privacy is preserved.
Rocket measurements of positive ions during polar mesosphere winter echo conditions
Authors: Brattli A. , Blix T. A. , Lie-Svendsen Ø. , Hoppe U.-P. , Lübken F.-J. , Rapp M. , Singer W. , Latteck R. , Friedrich M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. On 18 January 2005, two small, instrumented rockets were launched from Andøya Rocket Range (69.3° N, 16° E) during conditions with Polar Mesosphere Winter Echoes (PMWE). Each of the rockets was equipped with a Positive Ion Probe (PIP) and a Faraday rotation/differential absorption experiment, and was launched as part of a salvo of meteorological rockets measuring temperature and wind using falling spheres and chaff. Layers of PMWE were detected between 55 and 77 km by the 53.5 MHz ALWIN radar. The rockets were launched during a solar proton event, and measured extremely high ion densities, of order 1010 m−3, in the region where PMWE were observed. The density measurements were analyzed with the wavelet transform technique. At large length scales, ~103 m, the power spectral density can be fitted with a k−3 wave number dependence, consistent with saturated gravity waves. Outside the PMWE layers the k−3 spectrum extends down to approximately 102 m where the fluctuations are quickly damped and disappear into the instrumental noise. Inside the PMWE layers the spectrum at smaller length scales is well fitted with a k−5/3 dependence over two decades of scales. The PMWE are therefore clearly indicative of turbulence, and the data are consistent with the turbulent dissipation of breaking gravity waves. We estimate a lower limit for the turbulent energy dissipation rate of about 10−2 W/kg in the upper (72 km) layer.
Comparison of order reduction algorithms for application to electrical networks
Authors: Radić-Weissenfeld Lj. , Ludwig S. , Mathis W.
Published: April 2010

Abstract. This paper addresses issues related to the minimization of the computational burden in terms of both memory and speed during the simulation of electrical models. In order to achieve a simple and computational fast model the order reduction of its reducible part is proposed. In this paper the overview of the order reduction algorithms and their application are discussed.
Radiographic severity of Rheumatoid Arthritis in African Americans: Results from a multicenter observational study
Authors: Bridges S. Louis , Causey Zenoria L. , Burgos Paula I. , Huynh B. Quynh N. , Hughes Laura B. , Danila Maria I. , van Everdingen Amalia , Ledbetter Stephanie , Conn Doyt L. , Tamhane Ashutosh , Westfall Andrew O. , Jonas Beth L. , Callahan Leigh F. , Smith Edwin A. , Brasington Richard , Moreland Larry W. , Alarcón Graciela S. , van der Heijde Désirée M.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To describe radiographic changes in African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) from the Consortium for the Longitudinal Evaluations of African Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) Registry, a multicenter observational study.

Methods

Self‐declared African American patients were enrolled in CLEAR I, a longitudinal cohort of early RA (disease duration of <2 years) from 2000 to 2005, or in CLEAR II, a cross‐sectional cohort (any disease duration) from 2006 to the present. Demographic and clinical data were obtained, and sets of hand/wrist and foot radiographs were scored using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde scoring system.

Results

A total of 357 and 418 patients were enrolled in CLEAR I and CLEAR II, respectively. We report here an interim analysis of radiographic severity in these patients. For the CLEAR I cohort, 294 patients had a mean radiographic score of 2.89 at the baseline visit; 32.0% showed either erosions (25.9%) or joint space narrowing (JSN; 19.4%). At the 36‐month visit, the mean score was 5.65; 44.2% had erosions, 41.5% had JSN, and 54.4% had either. Among those patients without radiographic damage at baseline, 18.9% had progressed at the 36‐month visit, compared with 57.1% of those with baseline damage (P < 0.0001). For the CLEAR II cohort, of 167 patients with RA of any duration, 65.3% exhibited joint erosions, 65.3% exhibited JSN, and 74.8% exhibited either. The mean radiographic score was 33.42.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the largest radiographic study of African American RA patients. Damage occurs early in the disease and is associated with radiographic progression at 3 years of disease duration. The CLEAR Registry will provide a valuable resource for future analyses of genetic, clinical, and environmental factors associated with radiographic severity of RA in African Americans.
Rheumatologists' awareness of and screening practices for Hepatitis B virus infection prior to initiating immunomodulatory therapy
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Khokhar Omar S. , Charalambopoulos John , Shanmugam Victoria K. , Lewis James H.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To assess the degree of awareness of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines and package insert information on the screening for and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by rheumatologists in patients receiving immunomodulation drug therapies.

Method

A questionnaire survey was administered to a nationwide sample of 1,000 members of the ACR. Each participating physician answered questions regarding their awareness of the risk of HBV reactivation, familiarity with published guidelines regarding HBV reactivation, their decision process in screening patients for HBV, knowledge of antiviral treatments for HBV, personal experience with HBV reactivation, and preferred approach to prophylaxis and subsequent monitoring of those patients.

Results

Responses were highly variable with regard to awareness, screening, and treatment options. The overall response rate was 15.3%. Of those surveyed, 7.4% had seen HBV reactivation. Depending on the agent, 19–53% were aware of manufacturers' warnings for HBV reactivation within drug package inserts. Nearly three‐quarters (72%) would screen for HBV reactivation regardless of the presence/absence of manufacturers' warnings. Only 69% reported performing universal screening prior to initiating therapy with biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. The majority (81%) would defer to a gastroenterologist/hepatologist to determine prophylactic therapy for HBV. Only 22% had managed patients who were given prophylaxis against HBV reactivation while receiving immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Based on this survey, improving education among rheumatologists regarding the risks of HBV reactivation and its prevention for patients receiving immunosuppressants seems warranted. More specific consensus guidelines are recommended to achieve universal screening as the standard of care in these patients, especially with the increasing prevalence of HBV infection estimated in the US.
Improving the quality of industry and occupation data at a central cancer registry
Authors: Armenti Karla R. , Celaya Maria O. , Cherala Sai , Riddle Bruce , Schumacher Pamela K. , Rees Judy R.
Published: April 2010

Background

Central cancer registries are required to collect industry and occupation (I/O) information when available, but the data reported are often incomplete.

Methods

We audited the completeness of I/O data in the New Hampshire State Cancer Registry (NHSCR) database for diagnosis year 2005, and reviewed medical records for a convenience sample of 474 of these cases. We compared I/O data quality before and after a statewide registrar training session on occupationally related cancers.

Results

The original 2005 data contained both I/O data in 11.5% of cases, and lacked any I/O data in 74.5%. Corresponding figures for cases selected for audit were 15.2% and 77.2%, which improved to 54.2% and 11.8% after medical record review. After registrar training, 47% of reports contained both I/O data, and only 14.4% of cases lacked any I/O data.

Conclusions

Statewide training to highlight the importance of I/O data is an effective method to improve I/O data quality. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:995–1001, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effectiveness of intergroup contact at work: Mediators and moderators of hospital workers' prejudice towards immigrants
Authors: Pagotto Lisa , Voci Alberto , Maculan Valentina
Published: April 2010

The present research examines the effectiveness of intergroup contact between 167 Italian hospital workers and foreign patients in reducing prejudice towards immigrants in general. The outcomes of contact at work were analysed controlling for the influence of contact outside the workplace and through mass media, and taking into account the role of empathy, anxiety and group membership salience. Results indicate that the beneficial effects of contact at work were partially mediated by increased empathy and reduced anxiety, experienced both in the work environment and towards immigrants in general. Finally, high levels of group membership salience facilitated the influence of contact on intergroup emotions. These findings show that contact at work can be a powerful means to reduce prejudice, thanks to its capacity to evoke changes in affective responses. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Political accountability, public constitution of recent past and the collective memory of socio‐political events: A discursive analysis
Authors: Tileagă Cristian
Published: April 2010

This paper presents a discursive analysis of a political news interview as a site for the interactional organization of the public constitution of recent past. In a context of commemoration and finding out the truth about the past, the focus is on how the collective memory of socio‐political events and political accountability is managed and what discursive practices representatives of nation‐states draw upon to understand and construct ideological representations of socio‐political events, namely the Romanian ‘revolution’ of 1989. The analysis shows how the possibilityversusthe actuality of knowing the truth about the events, (political) accountability and stake for actions are discussed, framed and given significance by constituting the ‘events’ of 1989as‘revolution’. The analysis further reveals how this ascribed categorial meaning is used by the interviewee as background for delegitimizing critical voices and sidestepping responsibility for past actions and knowing the truth. Social and community psychologists can learn more about how individuals and communities construct ideological versions of socio‐political events by considering the interplay between questions of political accountability and arguments over the meaning of political categories, and engaging with the accounting practices in which themeaningof socio‐political events is being negotiated by members of society Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulating the Substrate Specificity of LTA4H Aminopeptidase by Using Chemical Compounds and Small‐Molecule‐Guided Mutagenesis
Authors: Jiang Xiaolu , Zhou Lu , Wu Yiran , Wei Dengguo , Sun Chunyi , Jia Jia , Liu Ying , Lai Luhua
Published: April 2010

Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) is a bifunctional zinc‐containing enzyme with an epoxide hydrolase activity and an aminopeptidase activity of unclear function. The two activities occupy different, but overlapping sites. In this study we have focused on the non‐overlapping regions of these sites and have found that a series of previously reported compounds—diphenyl ether, 4‐phenoxyphenol, and their derivatives—can change the substrate specificity of LTA4H aminopeptidase, from arginyl peptide to alanyl peptide. The possible substrate specificity alteration mechanism was studied with the aid of molecular modeling and site‐directed mutagenesis. Furthermore, several mutants that show different substrate specificity, such as F314E and V367W, were successfully designed by using the proposed small‐molecule binding site as a model. F314E behaves as a highly selective aminopeptidase towards arginyl peptides with a selectivity increase of 850‐fold, whereas V367W prefers alanyl peptides over arginyl peptides, just as the organic modulators do.
Coronary guidewire circumcision during use of a gopher support catheter: Potential adverse interaction with polymer‐jacketed wire design
Authors: Armstrong Ehrin J. , Shunk Kendrick A.
Published: April 2010

Support catheters with a threaded, distal tip may be useful for crossing recalcitrant coronary lesions. The interaction between the Gopher support catheter and polymer‐coated coronary guidewires may, however, result in circumferential stripping of polymer from the guidewire, with resulting wire damage or fracture. We report two cases of polymer‐coated guidewire damage with use of a Gopher support catheter, suggesting that these two devices should not be used together. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Practical tips and tricks for the measurement of fractional flow reserve
Authors: Sharif Faisal , Trana Catalina , Muller Olivier , De Bruyne Bernard
Published: April 2010

Coronary pressure measurement has emerged as one of the most promising tool to assist interventional cardiologist to make accurate clinical decisions. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) is a simple way of reliably assessing the functional consequences of coronary atherosclerosis. The training in FFR is easy, and coronary pressure measurements can be obtained swiftly in the catheterization laboratory. This review outlines the practical set up of FFR in the catheterization laboratory and also discusses the potential pitfalls in the measurement of FFR. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiographic morphology impacts outcomes in STEMI patients with LAD occlusion
Authors: Arinell Karin , Josefsson Johan , Magnuson Anders , Fröbert Ole
Published: April 2010

Objectives and background: Acute proximal occlusion of the left anterior descendent coronary artery (LAD) is a critical medical condition often leading to heart failure and death. Our objective was to investigate how additional angiographic findings might influence prognosis. Methods: In a single center setting by using consecutive data from the Swedish angiography and angioplasty registry (SCAAR), we identified all patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to the proximal LAD referred for primary coronary angioplasty. Clinical and angiographic data were collected from January 2004 to December 2008. Results: In the study period, 359 patients (mean age 67.9 ± 12.3 years, 111 women) were identified as having proximal LAD‐related culprit lesion. Follow‐up was up to 5.5 years. Compared to patients with LAD occlusion only, having both a small conus branch (<0.5 mm in diameter) and an occluded first septal perforator was associated with increased risk of death after adjustment for age, diabetes mellitus and prior AMI (hazard ratio 4.5, 95% CI; 1.1–18, P = 0.033). A small conus branch in itself was not important. Multivessel coronary artery disease in addition to occlusion of the first septal perforator branch and having a small conus branch was also associated with increased risk of death (hazard ratio 5.2, 95% CI; 1.3–20), P = 0.018). Conclusions: In patients with STEMI because of a proximal LAD lesion treated by primary PCI, the combination of a small conus branch and an occluded first septal perforator branch is associated with a poorer outcome. Additional presence of multivessel coronary artery disease further aggravates outcome. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Late coronary complications after arterial switch operation and their treatment
Authors: El‐Segaier Milad , Lundin Anders , Hochbergs Peter , Jögi Peeter , Pesonen Erkki
Published: April 2010

Objectives: To report the late coronary complications and their treatment after arterial switch operation (ASO). Background: Asymptomatic patients after ASO may have coronary ostial stenosis or obstruction. Methods: Since 1980, 279 patients were operated with ASO. At the time of preparing this article, selective follow‐up coronary angiograms were done on 81 patients. Results: Coronary stenosis was found in six patients. A 6‐year‐old patient with left coronary artery (LCA) ostial stenosis and a 9‐year‐old patient with conus branch occlusion had good collaterals without a need for further treatment. One patient with LCA obstruction, myocardial infarction, and left ventricular failure was operated with osteoplasty at age of 16 years. In three essentially asymptomatic patients, stenting of LCA ostium stenosis was done: in two of them with drug‐eluting stents at 9 and 10 years of age and in one with bare‐metal stent at 18 years of age. One of these patients was earlier treated with balloon dilatation at 5 years of age which caused intimal dissection. Conclusions: Asymptomatic patients with an uneventful course after ASO may have coronary obstruction. This necessitates follow‐up coronary evaluation in all patients. Stenting of the coronary arteries is an option for treatment. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel catheter in patients with peripheral chronic total occlusions: A single center experience
Authors: Khalid M. Rizwan , Khalid Fatima R. , Farooqui F. Ali , Devireddy Chandan M. , Robertson Gregory C. , Niazi Khusrow
Published: April 2010

Objectives and Background: Recanalization of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) is technically challenging with less than optimum results in arterial disease. Crosser® is a novel technology that utilizes high frequency (20 KHz) vibration energy to fragment occlusive fibrous atherosclerotic plaque and helps in traversing the occluded vessel. We report a single center experience with this catheter as the primary device in peripheral chronic total occlusions. Methods: The catheter was used as the primary device in 25 consecutive patients with peripheral CTOs. The peripheral CTOs in this study are defined as 100% occluded vessels involving any segment of the iliac artery or below the inguinal ligament down to the trifurcation vessels which have been occluded for greater than 3 months judged by patient's history of longstanding symptoms with no worsening in the past 3 months. Procedural success was defined by the ability of the device to facilitate guide wire crossing of the occlusion. All angiograms were evaluated by two operators. Data on demographics, angiographic variables, and patient complications was collected. Results: The device was used in 25 consecutive patients and 27 CTO lesions were treated. Critical limb ischemia and claudication were the indications in 32 and 68% of the patients, respectively. Average lesion length was 117 mm (range 10–300 mm). Superficial femoral artery was the most common lesion site (n = 20, 74%). Crosser‐assisted guide wire recanalization was achieved in 11(41%) lesions while the final overall procedure success rate with any device was 63% (n = 17). Perforation occurred in five lesions with one directly attributable to this device. Conclusions: In this single center observational review, the Crosser device in peripheral CTO lesions had a procedural success of 41%. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty for patients with mitral valve restenosis
Authors: Chmielak Zbigniew , Klopotowski Mariusz , Kruk Mariusz , Demkow Marcin , Konka Marek , Chojnowska Lidia , Hoffman Piotr , Witkowski Adam , Ruzyllo Witold
Published: April 2010

Objectives: To determine immediate and long‐term clinical outcome, as well prognostic factors in patients who underwent repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV). Background: Repeat PMBV may be a method of treatment for symptomatic patients with restenosis after successful initial PMBV, but data regarding its long term safety and efficacy are scarce. Methods: The study group consisted of 67 patients (mean age 52.1 ± 10.5 years). All PMBV procedures were performed using the Inoue balloon system. Results: Repeat PMBV resulted in significant increase in MVA from 1.17 ± 0.16 cm2 to 1.63 ± 0.22 cm2 (P < 0.001). Good immediate result (MVA ≥1.5 cm2, mitral regurgitation ≤2) was obtained in 52 (77.6%) patients and was not predicted by any analyzed factors. During follow‐up (mean time 4.9 ± 2.9 years) six patients died, nine underwent mitral valve replacement, four—third PMBV, and four developed heart failure. The 3‐, 5‐, and 8‐year good functional results (survival free of mitral valve replacement, third PMBV or heart failure ≥ NYHA III) by Kaplan–Meier estimates were 89.3, 75.6, and 52.6%, respectively. These results were significantly superior in patients with good immediate results and echo score <7. In the entire population multivariate Cox regression analysis identified echo score <7 and absence of prior surgical commissurotomy as the independent predictors of event‐free survival. Conclusions: Repeat PMBV is safe and provides good immediate results in patients with restenosis after successful first procedure. Long‐term results of repeat PMBV are satisfactory and related mainly to the echo score and quality of the procedure. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Entrapment of an arterial pressure catheter by a previously deployed starclose device
Authors: Alameddine Abdallah K. , Rousou John A.
Published: April 2010

Herein is a case report description of entrapment of an arterial pressure line by a previously deployed Starclose device. This device is widely used to control femoral artery puncture site following diagnostic catheterization. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electron Localization Dynamics in the Triplet Excited State of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Moret Marc‐Etienne , Tavernelli Ivano , Chergui Majed , Rothlisberger Ursula
Published: April 2010

Hybrid DFT/classical molecular dynamics of the long‐lived triplet excited state of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) in aqueous solution is used to investigate the solvent‐mediated electron localization and dynamics in the triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) state. Our studies reveal a solvent‐induced breaking of the coordination symmetry with consequent localization of the photoexcited electron on one or two bipyridine units for the entire length of our simulation, which amounts to several picoseconds. Frequent electronic “hops” between the ligands constituting the pair are observed with a characteristic time of approximately half a picosecond.
High‐yield Synthesis of Branched Gold Nanocrystals by a Sodium Diphenylamine‐4‐Sulfonate Reduction Process in Polyethylene Glycol Aqueous Solution
Authors: Liu Qi , Lai Lifang , Huang Hexiang , Sun Jianhua , Shang Tongming , Zhou Quanfa , Xu Zheng
Published: April 2010

For developing new excellent electrocatalysts toward methanol and oxygen, branched Au nanocrystals have been prepared in high yield by the reaction of HAuCl4 and sodium diphenylamine‐4‐sulfonate in the presence of PEG (polyethylene glycol) at room temperature. When the amount of PEG was in the range of 1–3 mL, branched Au nanocrystals were all obtained, and the amounts of sodium diphenylamine‐4‐sulfonate and HAuCl4 had no obvious effect on the morphology of gold nanocrystals. PEG molecules play an important role in the formation of branched gold nanocrystals. The nanocrystals were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV‐Vis absorption spectrum. HRTEM research suggests that the tips of gold nanocrystals grow selectively in the [111] directions. The UV‐Vis absorption spectrum displays two‐separated surface plasmon resonance peaks.
Synthesis and Adsorption Performance of Surface‐Grafted Co(II)‐Imprinted Polymer for Selective Removal of Cobalt
Authors: Liu Yan , Gao Jie , Li Chunxiang , Pan Jianming , Yan Yongsheng , Xie Jimin
Published: April 2010

The surface‐grafting ion‐imprinting technology was applied to synthesis of a new Co(II)‐imprinted polymer [Co(II)‐IP], which could be used for selective removal of Co(II) from aqueous solutions. The prepared polymer was characterized by using the infrared spectra (IR), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), X‐ray energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The maximum adsorption capacity values for the Co(II)‐imprinted polymer and non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) were 22 and 8 mg/g, respectively. The Freundlich equation fitted the adsorption isotherm data well. The applicability of two kinetic models including pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order models was estimated on the basis of comparative analysis of the corresponding rate parameters, equilibrium capacity, and correlation coefficients. Results suggested that chemical process could be the rate‐limiting step in the adsorption process. And the adsorption of Co(II) on the Co(II)‐imprinted polymer was endothermic. The relative selectivity coefficients of the Co(II)‐imprinted polymer for Co(II)/Pb(II), Co(II)/Cu(II), Co(II)/Ni(II), Co(II)/Sr(II) and Co(II)/Cs(I) were respectively 11.5, 6.1, 13.8, 9.4, and 8.1 times greater than that of the non‐imprinted polymer. Eventually, the desorption conditions of the adsorbed Co(II) from the Co(II)‐imprinted polymer were also studied in batch experiments.
Structural Characterization and Thermal Behavior of 1‐Amino‐1‐methylamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene
Authors: Xu Kangzhen , Wang Feng , Ren Yinghui , Li Wenhong , Zhao Fengqi , Chang Chunran , Song Jirong
Published: April 2010

A novel high energetic material, 1‐amino‐1‐methylamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (AMFOX‐7), was synthesized through 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) reacting with methylamine in N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) at 80.0°C, and its structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal is monoclinic, space group P21/m with crystal parameters of a=6.361(3) Å, b=7.462(4) Å, c=6.788(3) Å, β=107.367(9)°, V=307.5(3) Å3, Z=2, µ=0.160 mm−1, F(000)=168, Dc=1.751 g·cm−3, R1=0.0463 and wR2=0.1102. Thermal decomposition of AMFOX‐7 was studied, and the enthalpy, apparent activation energy and pre‐exponential constant of the exothermic decomposition reaction are 303.0 kJ·mol−1, 230.7 kJ·mol−1 and 1021.03 s−1, respectively. The critical temperature of thermal explosion is 245.3°C. AMFOX‐7 has higher thermal stability than FOX‐7.
Thiadiazole‐based Thioglycosides as Sodium‐glucose Co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors
Authors: Gao Yunlong , Zhao Guilong , Liu Wei , Wang Yuli , Xu Weiren , Wang Jianwu
Published: April 2010

A series of thiadiazole‐based thioglycosides were synthesized as SGLT2 inhibitors from D‐glucose, D‐galactose and a variety of phenylacetic acids via a convenient protocol in 8 steps and evaluated in vivo with an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and 5‐benzyl‐1,3,4‐thiadiazol‐2‐yl 1‐thio‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (1a) was the most efficacious to suppress the blood glucose excursion during OGTT.
Impact of weekend admissions on quality of care and outcomes in patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bejanyan Nelli , Fu Alex Z. , Lazaryan Aleksandr , Fu Rao , Kalaycio Matt , Advani Anjali , Sobecks Ronald , Copelan Edward , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Hospital services are expectantly reduced over the weekend, which may result in a delay in treatment or in obtainment of medical procedures. The authors investigated quality of care and clinical outcomes of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who were hospitalized on weekends versus weekdays and treated with induction chemotherapy.

METHODS:

This retrospective follow‐up study involved 422 AML patients treated with cytarabine‐based induction chemotherapy at Cleveland Clinic from 1994‐2008. Quality outcome measures included time to triple‐lumen catheter (TLC) placement, time to induction chemotherapy, length of stay (LOS), early death (within 15 days of chemotherapy), and 30‐day mortality. These were tested for the association with known predictors of AML survival and etiology by the methods of linear, categorical, and survival analyses.

RESULTS:

Twenty‐three percent of all admissions (n = 422) occurred over the weekend (n = 103). Compared with younger (aged <60 years) patients, older patients had higher 30‐day mortality (P = .003), early death (P = .025), and time to induction rates (P = .02), but lower complete remission (P = .001) and overall survival (OS) rates (P < .0001). In univariate analyses, time to TLC was delayed for weekend admissions (P < .01). Weekend admissions had lower early mortality (P = .04) and 30‐day mortality (P = .02). In multivariate analysis, only time to TLC remained significantly longer for weekend admissions (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Weekend admissions significantly delayed placement of TLC without affecting other quality parameters or patient survival. This is likely because of immediate initiation of peripheral chemotherapy with cytarabine even before the placement of TLC for infusion of anthracyclines. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
The culture of faith and hope
Authors: Sulmasy Daniel P. , Astrow Alan B. , He M. Kai , Seils Damon M. , Meropol Neal J. , Micco Ellyn , Weinfurt Kevin P.
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Patients' estimates of their chances of therapeutic benefit from participation in early phase trials greatly exceed historical data. Ethicists worry that this therapeutic misestimation undermines the validity of informed consent.

METHODS:

The authors interviewed 45 patients enrolled in phase 1 or 2 oncology trials about their expectations of therapeutic benefit and their reasons for those expectations. They used a phenomenological, qualitative approach with 1 primary coder to identify emergent themes, verified by 2 independent coders.

RESULTS:

Median expectations of therapeutic benefit varied from 50% to 80%, depending on how the question was asked. Justifications universally invoked hope and optimism, and 27 of 45 participants used 1 of these words. Three major themes emerged: 1) optimism as performative, that is, the notion that positive thoughts and expressions improve chances of benefit; 2) fighting cancer as a battle; and 3) faith in God, science, or both. Many participants described a culture in which optimism was encouraged and expected, such that trial enrollment became a way of reflecting this expectation. Many reported they had been told few patients would benefit and appeared to understand the uncertainties of clinical research, yet expressed high expected personal therapeutic benefit. More distressed participants were less likely to invoke performative justifications for their expectations (50% vs 84%; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS:

Expressions of high expected therapeutic benefit had little to do with reporting knowledge and more to do with expressing optimism. These results have implications for understanding how to obtain valid consent from participants in early phase clinical trials. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Colour psychology and colour therapy: Caveat emptor
Authors: O'Connor Zena
Published: April 2010

Information about colour psychology and colour therapy abounds in popular culture. Articles found in mass media as well as a plethora of Internet websites are often devoted to colour and a range of psychological, biological, and behavioral effects. The information available, which varies from scant summaries with catchy titles to lengthy and comprehensive discussions, is often presented in an authoritative manner exhorting the reader to believe a range of claims such as red is physically stimulating and arousing and blue is calming, relaxing and healing. However, empirical evidence or evidence of any nature is only rarely cited and, when it is, it's often in reference to findings that are inappropriately generalized or out‐of‐date and superseded. This article discusses a range of colour psychology and colour therapy claims found in popular culture and notes the similarities between these claims and the writings of early theorists such as Birren, Goldstein, Gerard and Luscher. While these authors have a valid if somewhat dated place in the literature on colour, there are a number of key reasons to be wary of colour psychology and colour therapy claims made in popular culture. These reasons are discussed in some detail and provide compelling support for applying the caveat emptor principle to colour psychology and colour therapy claims found in nonacademic sources. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 36, 229–234, 2011;
Hydrogen Production over Titania‐Based Photocatalysts
Authors: Leung Dennis Y. C. , Fu Xianliang , Wang Cuifang , Ni Meng , Leung Michael K. H. , Wang Xuxu , Fu Xianzhi
Published: April 2010

Because of their relatively high efficiency, high photostability, abundance, low cost, and nontoxic qualities, titania‐based photocatalysts are still the most extensively studied materials for the photocatalytic production of hydrogen from water. The effects of the chemical and physical properties of titania, including crystal phase, crystallinity, particle size, and surface area, on its photoactivity towards hydrogen generation have been identified by various investigations. The high overpotential for hydrogen generation, rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, rapid reverse reaction of molecular hydrogen and oxygen, and inability to absorb visible light are considered the most important factors that restrict the photoactivity of titania, and strategies to overcome these barriers have been developed. These issues and strategies are carefully reviewed and summarized in this Minireview. We aim to provide a critical, up‐to‐date overview of the development of titania‐based photocatalysts for hydrogen production, as well as a comprehensive background source and guide for future research.
Reactive power compensation in a multi‐line system under sinusoidal unbalanced conditions
Authors: Jeon Seong‐Jeub , Willems Jacques L.
Published: April 2010

A new generalized reactive power compensation algorithm applicable to a multi‐line system under sinusoidal conditions is reviewed. This method does not require any decomposition of reactive power or non‐active current. It is shown that a realization of the compensator can be obtained by means of a simple connection of reactive elements. Accordingly, it is concluded that to compensate the reactive power is a simple circuit synthesis problem. The algorithm is illustrated by means of examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Repeater insertion in crosstalk‐aware inductively and capacitively coupled interconnects
Authors: Kaushik Brajesh Kumar , Agarwal Rajendra P. , Sarkar Sankar , Joshi Ramesh C. , Chauhan D. S.
Published: April 2010

This paper reveals that repeater insertion not only reduces propagation delay but also reduces crosstalk level in coupled interconnects. Repeaters can therefore be efficiently utilized for reduction in propagation delay and crosstalk noise at a trade‐off marginal increase in power dissipation. Conventionally, Power Delay Product (PDP) criterion is used to insert repeaters into long interconnects. A new criterion, the Power‐Delay‐Crosstalk‐Product (PDCP), is introduced as an efficient condition, to insert repeaters into long coupled interconnect. Various criteria, such as minimum delay, minimum PDP and minimum PDCP, are applied for achieving optimum repeater insertion.

The performance of PDCP criterion is compared with PDP criterion in terms of optimum number of repeaters, power dissipation, propagation delay and crosstalk for a wide range of coupling combinations. It is observed that instead of PDP criterion, PDCP criterion is best suited for the determination of optimum number of repeaters for overall minimization of delay, power and crosstalk. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel current conveyor‐based Schmitt trigger and its application as a relaxation oscillator
Authors: Srinivasulu Avireni
Published: April 2010

The current paper presents a novel Schmitt trigger using two second‐generation current conveyors and four resistors and its application as a relaxation oscillator. The performance of the proposed circuit is examined using Cadence and the model parameters of a 0.6µm CMOS process. The obtained results demonstrate excellent agreement with the theoretical values. The measured results based on commercially available current feedback operational amplifiers (AD 844 AN) are included and the non‐idealities are also examined. The topology reports low sensitivities and has features suitable for VLSI implementation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel anti‐inflammatory role for secretory phospholipase A2 in immune complex‐mediated arthritis
Authors: Boilard Eric , Lai Ying , Larabee Katherine , Balestrieri Barbara , Ghomashchi Farideh , Fujioka Daisuke , Gobezie Reuben , Coblyn Jonathan S. , Weinblatt Michael E. , Massarotti Elena M. , Thornhill Thomas S. , Divangahi Maziar , Remold Heinz , Lambeau Gérard , Gelb Michael H. , Arm Jonathan P. , Lee David M.
Published: April 2010

Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) catalyses the release of arachidonic acid for generation of lipid mediators of inflammation and is crucial in diverse inflammatory processes. The functions of the secretory PLA2 enzymes (sPLA2), numbering nine members in humans, are poorly understood, though they have been shown to participate in lipid mediator generation and the associated inflammation. To further understand the roles of sPLA2 in disease, we quantified the expression of these enzymes in the synovial fluid in rheumatoid arthritis and used gene‐deleted mice to examine their contribution in a mouse model of autoimmune erosive inflammatory arthritis. Contrary to expectation, we find that the group V sPLA2 isoform plays a novel anti‐inflammatory role that opposes the pro‐inflammatory activity of group IIA sPLA2. Mechanistically, group V sPLA2 counter‐regulation includes promotion of immune complex clearance by regulating cysteinyl leukotriene synthesis. These observations identify a novel anti‐inflammatory function for a PLA2 and identify group V sPLA2 as a potential biotherapeutic for treatment of immune‐complex‐mediated inflammation.
A numerical study on response factors for steel wall–frame systems
Authors: Arslan Hakan , Topkaya Cem
Published: April 2010

A numerical investigation was undertaken to evaluate the response of dual structural systems that consisting of steel plate shear walls and moment‐resisting frames. The primary objective of the study was to investigate the influence of elastic base shear distribution between the wall and the frame on the global system response. A total of 10 walls and 30 wall–frame systems, ranging from 3 to 15 stories, were selected for numerical assessment. These systems represent cases in which the elastic base shear resisted by the frame has a share of 10, 25, or 50% of the total base shear resisted by the dual system. The numerical study consisted of 1600 time history analyses employing three‐dimensional finite elements. All 40 structures were separately analyzed for elastic and inelastic response by subjecting them to the selected suite of earthquake records. Interstory drifts, top story drift, base shears resisted by the wall, and the frame were collected during each analysis. Based on the analysis results, important response quantities, such as the strength reduction, the overstrength, and the displacement amplification factors, are evaluated herein. Results are presented in terms of displacement measures, such as the interstory drift ratio and the top story drift ratio. Analysis results revealed that the increase in the strength reduction factor with the amount of load share is insignificant. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between the ductility reduction and the overtsrength. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian model selection for ARX models and its application to structural health monitoring
Authors: Saito Tomoo , Beck James L.
Published: April 2010

A Bayesian framework for model order selection of auto‐regressive exogenous (ARX) models is developed and applied to actual earthquake response data obtained by the structural health monitoring system of a high‐rise building. The model orders of ARX models are selected appropriately by the Bayesian framework, and differ significantly from the optimal order estimated by AIC; in fact, in many cases AIC does not even give an optimal order. A method is also proposed for consistently selecting the same ‘genuine’ modes of interest from the whole set of modes corresponding to each of the identified models from a sequence of earthquake records. In the identification analysis based on building response records from 43 earthquakes over 9 years, the modal parameters of the first four modes in each horizontal direction are estimated appropriately in all cases, showing that the developed methods are effective and robust. As the estimates of natural frequency depend significantly on the response amplitude, they are compensated by an empirical correction so that the influence of the response amplitude is removed. The compensated natural frequencies are much more stable over the nine‐year period studied, indicating that the building had no significant change in its global dynamic characteristics during this period. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic evaluation of soil–foundation–structure interaction effects on seismic structural response
Authors: Moghaddasi Masoud , Cubrinovski Misko , Chase J. Geoff , Pampanin Stefano , Carr Athol
Published: April 2010

Complex seismic behaviour of soil–foundation–structure (SFS) systems together with uncertainties in system parameters and variability in earthquake ground motions result in a significant debate over the effects of soil–foundation–structure interaction (SFSI) on structural response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of foundation flexibility on the structural seismic response by considering the variability in the system and uncertainties in the ground motion characteristics through comprehensive numerical simulations. An established rheological soil‐shallow foundation–structure model with equivalent linear soil behaviour and nonlinear behaviour of the superstructure has been used. A large number of models incorporating wide range of soil, foundation and structural parameters were generated using a robust Monte‐Carlo simulation. In total, 4.08 million time‐history analyses were performed over the adopted models using an ensemble of 40 earthquake ground motions as seismic input. The results of the analyses are used to rigorously quantify the effects of foundation flexibility on the structural distortion and total displacement of the superstructure through comparisons between the responses of SFS models and corresponding fixed‐base (FB) models. The effects of predominant period of the FB system, linear vs nonlinear modelling of the superstructure, type of nonlinear model used and key system parameters are quantified in terms of different probability levels for SFSI effects to cause an increase in the structural response and the level of amplification of the response in such cases. The results clearly illustrate the risk of underestimating the structural response associated with simplified approaches in which SFSI and nonlinear effects are ignored. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disturbance of perfluorooctanoic acid on development and behavior in Drosophila larvae
Authors: Wang Jianshe , Li Yan , Liu Yang , Zhang Hongxia , Dai Jiayin
Published: April 2010

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a well-known perfluorinated compound (PFC), and its toxicological impact is currently of worldwide concern. In this study, we sought to evaluate the potential biological effects and modes of action of PFOA in a range of physiologically and developmentally related phenotypes in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. The results clearly indicated that the toxic effects of PFOA at the organismal level were associated with the developmental status of the organism, with larvae being most sensitive to this chemical. Except for the decreased weight of both sexes and the reduced longevity of male adults, PFOA had a robust effect on larval development, as determined by reduced body volume, aberrant foraging behavior, molting arrest, and polyphasic lethality. Remarkably, nutrient supplementation of the diet efficiently rescued the lethal effect of high PFOA concentrations on larval development. This result indicated that PFOA probably competed with nutritional components, leading to a disruption of the metabolic pathways responsible for larval development. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2117–2122. © 2010 SETAC
Heat and moisture exchange capacity of the upper respiratory tract and the effect of tracheotomy breathing on endotracheal climate
Authors: Scheenstra Renske J. , Muller Sara H. , Vincent Andrew , Hilgers Frans J. M.
Published: April 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to assess the heat and moisture exchange (HME) capacity of the upper respiratory tract and the effect of tracheotomy breathing on endotracheal climate in patients with head and neck cancer.

Methods

We plotted the subglottic temperature and humidity measurements in 10 patients with head and neck cancer with a temporary precautionary tracheotomy during successive 10‐minute periods of nose, mouth, and tracheotomy breathing in a randomized sequence.

Results

End‐inspiratory temperatures of nose, mouth, and tracheotomy breathing were 31.1, 31.3, and 28.3°C, respectively. End‐inspiratory humidity measurements of nose, mouth, and tracheotomy breathing were 29.3, 28.6, and 21.1 mgH2O/L, respectively. There was a trend toward lower end‐inspiratory humidity in patients with radiotherapy or with large surgery‐induced oropharyngeal mucosal defects, whereas temperatures were similar.

Conclusion

This study gives objective information about the HME capacity of the upper respiratory tract in patients with head and neck cancer with precautionary tracheotomy, and thus provides target values for HMEs for laryngectomized and tracheotomized patients. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011