bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teachings from the egg: New and unexpected functions of RNAs
Authors: Kloc Malgorzata
Published: May 2009

Localized mRNAs found in specific regions of somatic cells, germ cells, and embryos function through their protein translation products in cell polarization and development. Recent studies on Xenopus and Drosophila eggs and various somatic cells showed that some of the localized noncoding and coding RNAs play a structural (translation independent) role in maintaining the integrity of microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton and/or may function in protein folding or as a scaffold for the assembly of cytoplasmic complexes essential for egg or embryo development. In addition, structural noncoding RNAs within the cell nucleus have been shown to be involved in the organization of chromatin, nuclear bodies, and DNA replication. The fact that some of the RNAs may have previously unforeseen structural functions, will change our view on traditional functions of RNAs and will open new frontiers in the field of RNA studies and therapeutic development. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 922–932, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Role of the Support in the Performance of Grafted Metallocene Catalysts
Authors: Silveira Fernando , Alves Maria do Carmo Martins , Stedile Fernanda C. , Pergher Sibele B. C. , dos Santos João Henrique Zimnoch
Published: May 2009

A series of supports – differing in their textural properties, the nature of their surface sites, and in their crystallinities – were investigated in the sequential grafting reaction of Cp2ZrCl2 and (nBuCp)2ZrCl2 mixtures. The catalyst systems were analyzed by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, AFM, EXAFS, and nitrogen adsorption. All systems were shown to be active in ethylene polymerization reactions when methylaluminoxane was used as the cocatalyst. Experimental results are discussed in terms of the relationships between the grafted metal content, the catalyst activity, the surface roughness and polarity, the interatomic Zr–C and Zr–O distances of the grafted species and the molecular weights of the resulting polyethylenes.

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Targeting the Incretin System in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Potenza Matthew , Rayfield Elliot J.
Published: May 2009

The incretins have emerged as key targets in the modern treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Understanding the physiology of the incretins is essential to the physician's ability to appropriately use emerging pharmacotherapies that target this system. This review describes incretin physiology and discusses recent trials of drugs that modulate this system in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. A MEDLINE search using the terms “GLP‐1” (ie, glucagon‐like peptide 1), “incretins,” “exenatide,” and “DPP‐IV inhibitors” (ie, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors) was performed, and pertinent articles from the past 10 years were reviewed. Articles describing incretin physiology and clinical trials with exenatide and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors were identified and discussed. As the articles show, new medications manipulating the incretin system are an important part of treating type 2 diabetes. The cost of these drugs and their potential side effects in comparison with existing agents must be considered when they are being selected as part of a treatment regimen. However, the evidence to date offers much promise and enthusiasm. Mt Sinai J Med 76:244–256, 2009. © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Role of Surgery in Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Herron Daniel M. , Tong Winnie
Published: May 2009

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the United States, with 1.5 million new cases reported in 2005 and a projected 48.3 million diabetics in the year 2050. Despite the disease's remarkably high prevalence and the substantial efforts focused on pharmacological treatment of the disease, current dietary, behavioral, and medical therapies have achieved only limited success. For over 2 decades, bariatric surgeons have recognized that gastric bypass surgery causes a remarkable, durable improvement in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Remarkably, this normalization of glucose metabolism occurs within several weeks of surgery, long before substantial weight loss takes place. As early as in 1987, data have been available demonstrating that 83% of patients with diabetes and 99% of those with impaired glucose tolerance become euglycemic after gastric bypass surgery. Despite the availability of this effective treatment for diabetes, the primary therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus has remained medical. In this article, we review some of the hypotheses about how bariatric operations affect glucose metabolism and diabetes as well as the research that has been done to elucidate these mechanisms. Additionally, we discuss how surgery may one day represent an important management option for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mt Sinai J Med 76:281–293, 2009. © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Management of Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy
Authors: Boinpally Tara , Jovanovič Lois
Published: May 2009

Although previously thought to be predominately transient gestational diabetes, diabetes in pregnancy can be attributed more and more to type 2 diabetes today. Although all types of diabetes in pregnancy pose a threat to the health and future well‐being of both the mother and child affected, undiagnosed type 2 diabetes can be significantly more devastating in complications because of effects starting from conception. This rise of type 2 diabetes thus imparts a great sense of urgency to uncover undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes in pregnancy and to take active measures in establishing tight glucose control. From preconception care before pregnancy to medical treatment postpartum, it is essential that immediate care be taken to help mediate the effects of diabetes in pregnancy. Mt Sinai J Med 76:269–280, 2009. © 2008 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Balancing Risk and Benefit with Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs
Authors: Hamnvik Ole‐Petter R. , McMahon Graham T.
Published: May 2009

Clinicians are faced with an expansive array of treatment choices when caring for patients with type 2 diabetes. Because patient compliance may be affected when media sensationalism about controversial findings is misunderstood, we sought to clarify the recent controversy surrounding the cardiovascular and bone‐health risks of thiazolidinediones, the risk of lactic acidosis with metformin, and the risk of hypoglycemia with oral therapies. The side effect profile of thiazolidinediones includes fluid retention, heart failure; and an increased risk of fracture. A recent controversial meta‐analysis suggested that rosiglitazone increases the risk of myocardial infarction, which is possibly related to thiazolidinedione‐induced lipid changes, weight gain, congestive heart failure, and anemia. Metformin is restricted to patients with normal renal function because of concerns that metformin may cause lactic acidosis. However, few cases of metformin‐associated lactic acidosis have been reported, and most have occurred in patients with other reasons for developing lactic acidosis, such as sepsis or renal failure. Although the use of metformin continues to increase, observational studies have not been able to demonstrate an increased incidence of lactic acidosis in metformin‐treated patients, even when it is used in populations with relative contraindications. Some oral hypoglycemic medications can cause hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is especially common in older patients, alcoholics, and patients with liver or renal disease. Patients on sulfonylureas and meglitinides have the highest incidence of hypoglycemia because of their pharmacological action of increasing insulin secretion. Of the sulfonylureas, glyburide presents the highest risk of hypoglycemia. Combination therapies, especially those regimens containing a sulfonylurea, increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Mt Sinai J Med 76:234–243, 2009. © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Nutritional Strategies in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Davis Nichola , Forbes Bernice , Wylie‐Rosett Judith
Published: May 2009

Weight loss is a key goal in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There are conflicting weight‐loss strategies, including low‐carbohydrate diets, low glycemic‐index diets, low‐fat vegan diets, conventional low‐fat diets, and high‐protein and high–monounsaturated fat diets. There is no evidence to suggest that 1 nutritional strategy is clearly the best. The most successful strategy is one that the patient can adopt and follow in the long term. Mt Sinai J Med 76:257–268, 2009. © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
A multi‐compartmental SE‐BOLD interpretation for stimulus‐related signal changes in diffusion‐weighted functional MRI
Authors: Kershaw Jeff , Tomiyasu Moyoko , Kashikura Kenichi , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Nonaka Hiroi , Hirano Masaya , Ikehira Hiroo , Kanno Iwao , Obata Takayuki
Published: May 2009

A new interpretation is proposed for stimulus‐induced signal changes in diffusion‐weighted functional MRI. T2‐weighted spin‐echo echo‐planar images were acquired at different diffusion‐weightings while visual stimulation was presented to human volunteers. The amplitudes of the positive stimulus‐correlated response and post‐stimulus undershoot (PSU) in the functional time‐courses were found to follow different trends as a function of b‐value. Data were analysed using a three‐compartment signal model, with one compartment being purely vascular and the other two dominated by fast‐ and slow‐diffusing molecules in the brain tissue. The diffusion coefficients of the tissue were assumed to be constant throughout the experiments. It is shown that the stimulus‐induced signal changes can be decomposed into independent contributions originating from each of the three compartments. After decomposition, the fast‐diffusion phase displays a substantial PSU, while the slow‐diffusion phase demonstrates a highly reproducible and stimulus‐correlated time‐course with minimal undershoot. The decomposed responses are interpreted in terms of the spin‐echo blood oxygenation level dependent (SE‐BOLD) effect, and it is proposed that the signal produced by fast‐ and slow‐diffusing molecules reflect a sensitivity to susceptibility changes in arteriole/venule‐ and capillary‐sized vessels, respectively. This interpretation suggests that diffusion‐weighted SE‐BOLD imaging may provide subtle information about the haemodynamic and neuronal responses. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Edge intersection graphs of single bend paths on a grid
Authors: Golumbic Martin Charles , Lipshteyn Marina , Stern Michal
Published: May 2009

We combine the known notion of the edge intersection graphs of paths in a tree with a VLSI grid layout model to introduce the edge intersection graphs of paths on a grid. Let 𝒫 be a collection of nontrivial simple paths on a grid 𝒢. We define the edge intersection graph EPG(𝒫) of 𝒫 to have vertices which correspond to the members of 𝒫, such that two vertices are adjacent in EPG(𝒫) if the corresponding paths in 𝒫 share an edge in 𝒢. An undirected graph G is called an edge intersection graph of paths on a grid (EPG) if G = EPG(𝒫) for some 𝒫 and 𝒢, and 〈𝒫,𝒢〉 is an EPG representation of G. We prove that every graph is an EPG graph. A turn of a path at a grid point is called a bend. We consider here EPG representations in which every path has at most a single bend, called B1‐EPG representations and the corresponding graphs are called B1‐EPG graphs. We prove that any tree is a B1‐EPG graph. Moreover, we give a structural property that enables one to generate non B1‐EPG graphs. Furthermore, we characterize the representation of cliques and chordless 4‐cycles in B1‐EPG graphs. We also prove that single bend paths on a grid have Strong Helly number 3. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
A branch‐and‐cut algorithm for the pickup and delivery traveling salesman problem with LIFO loading
Authors: Cordeau Jean‐François , Iori Manuel , Laporte Gilbert , Salazar González Juan José
Published: May 2009

In the Traveling Salesman Problem with Pickup and Delivery (TSPPD) a single vehicle must serve a set of customer requests, each defined by an origin location where a load must be picked up, and a destination location where the load must be delivered. The problem consists of determining a shortest Hamiltonian cycle through all locations while ensuring that the pickup of each request is performed before the corresponding delivery. This article addresses a variant of the TSPPD in which pickups and deliveries must be performed according to a Last‐In First‐Out (LIFO) policy. We propose three mathematical formulations for this problem and several families of valid inequalities which are used within a branch‐and‐cut algorithm. Computational results performed on test instances from the literature show that most instances with up to 17 requests can be solved in less than 10 min, whereas the largest instance solved contains 25 requests. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Integrating facility location and production planning decisions
Authors: Romeijn H. Edwin , Sharkey Thomas C. , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max , Zhang Jiawei
Published: May 2009

We consider a metric uncapacitated facility location problem where we must assign each customer to a facility and meet the demand of the customer in future time periods through production and inventory decisions at the facility. We show that the problem, in general, is as hard to approximate as the set cover problem. We therefore focus on developing approximation algorithms for special cases of the problem. These special cases come in two forms: (i) specialize the production and inventory cost structure and (ii) specialize the demand pattern of the customers. In the former, we offer reductions to variants of the metric uncapacitated facility location problem that have been previously studied. The latter gives rise to a class of metric uncapacitated facility location problems where the facility cost function is concave in the amount of demand assigned to the facility. We develop a modified greedy algorithm together with the idea of cost‐scaling to provide an algorithm for this class of problems with an approximation guarantee of 1.52. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Polyhedral structure of the 4‐node network design problem
Authors: Agarwal Yogesh K.
Published: May 2009

This article studies the polyhedral structure of the 4‐node network design problem (NDP). Using a theorem from the previous work of this author, the facets of the 4‐node NDP can be translated into facets of larger size problems. The knowledge of complete polyhedral description of the 4‐node NDP is important because it implies complete knowledge of 4‐partition‐based facets of larger NDPs. After reviewing the previously known facets of the 4‐node NDP, a new class of facets is derived. An enumerative methodology is presented for determining whether a given set of inequalities provides a complete polyhedral description. By implementing this methodology in a computer code, it is determined that the known facets of the 4‐node NDP indeed provide a complete polyhedral description of the problem. Working of the proof methodology is illustrated with examples, and the results of the computer enumeration are reported. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
Improper coloring of unit disk graphs
Authors: Havet Frédéric , Kang Ross J. , Sereni Jean‐Sébastien
Published: May 2009

Motivated by a satellite communications problem, we consider a generalized coloring problem on unit disk graphs. A coloring is k‐improper if no more than k neighbors of every vertex have the same colour as that assigned to the vertex. The k‐improper chromatic number χk(G) is the least number of colors needed in a k‐improper coloring of a graph G. The main subject of this work is analyzing the complexity of computing χk for the class of unit disk graphs and some related classes, e.g., hexagonal graphs and interval graphs. We show NP‐completeness in many restricted cases and also provide both positive and negative approximability results. Because of the challenging nature of this topic, many seemingly simple questions remain: for example, it remains open to determine the complexity of computing χk for unit interval graphs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
The β‐reliable minimax and maximin location problems on a network with probabilistic weights
Authors: Wang Jiamin
Published: May 2009

We study the β‐reliable minimax and maximin location problems on a network when the weights associated with the nodal points are random variables. In the β‐reliable minimax (maximin) problem, we locate a single facility so as to minimize (maximize) the upper (lower) bound on the maximum (minimum) weighted distance from the nodes to the facility with a probability greater than or equal to a pre‐specified level β. It is shown that under some conditions the two probabilistic models are equivalent to their deterministic counterparts. Solution procedures are developed to solve the problems with weights of continuous and discrete probability distributions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Sufficient conditions for a graph to be λk‐optimal with given girth and diameter
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Liu Qinghai
Published: May 2009

An edge set S is a k‐restricted edge cut of a connected graph G if G‐S is no longer connected and every component of G‐S has at least k vertices. The k‐restricted edge connectivity of G, denoted by λk(G), is the cardinality of a minimum k‐restricted edge cut. A graph G with λk(G) = ξk(G) is called λk‐optimal, where ξk(G) = min{∣U,Ū∣ ∣ U ⊂ V(G),∣U∣ = k and GU is connected}, ∣U,Ū∣ is the number of edges between U and Ū, GU is the subgraph of G induced by U. In this article, we give a sufficient condition for a graph to be λk‐optimal: for any integer k ≥ 3, every graph G with girth g ≥ 5, minimum degree δ ≥ k, and diameter D ≤ g ‐ 4 when g is even and D ≤ g ‐ 3 when g is odd is λk‐optimal. Furthermore, if δ ≥ 2k ‐ 3, the diameter condition can be relaxed a little to D ≤ g ‐ 3 no matter whether g is even or odd. This generalizes a result of Balbuena et al. [Sufficient conditions for λ′‐optimality in graphs with girth g, J Graph Theory 52 (2006) 73–86], and improves a result of Fàbrega and Fiol in a sense [On the extraconnectivity of graphs, Discrete Math 155 (1996) 49–57]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Study on superabsorbent of maleic anhydride/acrylamide semi‐interpenetrated with poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Zhao Lu , Xiong Yun , Liu Mingzhu , Qi Xiaohua
Published: May 2009

A series of superabsorbents of maleic anhydride (MAH)/acrylamide (AM) interpenetrated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by aqueous polymerization, using N,N‐methylenebiacrylamide (NNMBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of reaction variables on the water absorbency of the superabsorbents in distilled water and in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were investigated. In addition, the effect of the PVA content on the swelling rate and sensitivity to saline of the superabsorbents were also investigated. The results showed that the absorbency, both in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution and in distilled water, first decreased and then increased with increasing PVA content. Moreover, the resultant superabsorbent had a higher absorption rate and it became less sensitive to saline by incorporating certain amount of PVA into the network of the hydrogel. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective, blinded analysis of A‐PROTEIN (recoverin or CAR protein) levels in pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors
Authors: Manley Peter , Li Xiaochun , Turner Christopher , Chi Susan , Zimmerman Mary Ann , Chordas Christine , Gordon Amanda , Baker Amanda , Ullrich Nicole J. , Goumnerova Liliana , Marcus Karen , Hoffman Ken , Kieran Mark W.
Published: May 2009

Background

Abnormal expression of A‐PROTEIN has been identified in a number of tumors including carcinoma of the lung, breast, colon, prostate, and cervix. Brain tumors have been reported to express high plasma levels of A‐PROTEIN, suggesting that it may be of significant diagnostic and prognostic value.

Procedure

This prospective study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of A‐PROTEIN levels in pediatric brain tumor patients. Patients included those with newly diagnosed disease pre‐ and post‐surgery, during treatment, during routine follow‐up, and at recurrence or progression. A total of 154 A‐PROTEIN levels from 54 patients were evaluated.

Results

For patients without evidence of disease, 42% had normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 35% were elevated, and 23% were equivocal. For patients with stable disease, 53% demonstrated normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 19% were elevated, and 28% were equivocal. For patients with progressive disease, 53% had normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 35% were elevated, and 12% were equivocal. The sensitivity was 35% and the specificity was 50%. A correlation of increased A‐PROTEIN levels in patients with increased disease in glial tumors was also identified.

Conclusions

A‐PROTEIN levels were not predictive of disease status in children with most brain tumors. However, in patients with glial tumors there was a correlation with increased disease and elevated A‐PROTEIN levels. This could represent variability of A‐PROTEIN during growth, development, or tumor cell origin and needs further evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:343–347. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prolonged neonatal jaundice associated with a rare G6PD mutation
Authors: Minucci Angelo , Concolino Paola , De Luca Daniele , Giardina Bruno , Zuppi Cecilia , Capoluongo Ettore
Published: May 2009

Glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a X‐linked hereditary deficiency, is one of most common clinically significant enzyme defects. Despite its largely known role in acute and life‐threatening haemolytic crises, G6PD deficiency may be also associated with neonatal jaundice that, when severe and untreated, may lead to the potential of bilirubin encephalopathy. A prolonged neonatal jaundice was found to be associated with a rare G6PD mutation (c.383T>G; p.L128R), the latter simply annotated in literature database. In this article, we clinically and phenotipically describe a case of an Italian neonate carrying the c.383T>G G6PD mutation. Finally, we named this variant “G6PD Salerno.” Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:475–478. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multi‐modal intervention and prospective implementation of standardized sickle cell pain admission orders reduces 30‐day readmission rate
Authors: Frei‐Jones Melissa J. , Field Joshua J. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: May 2009

Introduction

The National Association of Children's Hospitals (NACHRI) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced 30‐day hospital readmission rate as a quality care indicator in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Based on previous research identifying risk factors for 30‐day readmission in our patient population, we designed and implemented a multi‐modal intervention to reduce 30‐day readmission rate in children with SCD and pain.

Methods

A before‐and‐after study design was performed to evaluate an intervention containing three components: (1) standardized SCD‐pain admission orders; (2) monthly SCD‐pain in‐service for house physicians for the first 6‐months; and (3) continuous patient/caregiver education. Following order implementation, we prospectively collected data on all children admitted for SCD‐pain over a 6‐month period. We compared the 30‐day readmission rate after the intervention to the rate during the same 6‐month interval in the previous calendar year prior to the availability of pre‐specified SCD‐pain orders.

Results

A total of 89 admissions, in 68 individuals, were eligible for the standardized orders during the prospective time period and were compared to 85 admissions in 56 individuals during the control period. Pre‐specified SCD‐pain orders were used in 93% of eligible admissions during the intervention. Readmission rate within 30 days was lower for the intervention cohort than the control cohort, 11% (10/89) versus 28% (24/85), P = 0.007, 95% CI 0.1–0.7.

Conclusions

A multi‐modal intervention was successful in decreasing 30‐day hospital readmission rate for children with SCD and pain. Provider education was the most important component of the multi‐modal intervention. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:401–405. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing bactericidal exposure for β‐lactams using prolonged and continuous infusions in the pediatric population
Authors: Courter Joshua D. , Kuti Joseph L. , Girotto Jennifer E. , Nicolau David P.
Published: May 2009

Background

Administration of β‐lactams via prolonged or continuous infusion has been utilized in adults to optimize drug exposure and clinical outcomes. As children exhibit increased drug clearance, this may further the benefit of prolonged or continuous infusions. This dosing approach was applied to several β‐lactams commonly utilized in children.

Procedure

A variety of cefepime, ceftazidime, imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam regimens using administration times of 0.5, 3, or 24 hr infusions were simulated in populations of 2‐ and 12‐year‐old children using Monte Carlo techniques. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated for each dosing regimen. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) frequencies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained for two pediatric acute care institutions in order to calculate cumulative fractions of response (CFR).

Results

Standard 0.5 hr infusions resulted in poor PTA for most study agents at their susceptibility breakpoint, whereas 3 hr infusions markedly improved PTA for cefepime (79 to 100%), ceftazidime (80 to 100%), imipenem (41 to 91%), and meropenem (33 to 97%). Piperacillin/tazobactam could not achieve a PTA > 21% for any dosing regimen at its breakpoint, though large improvements were observed at lower MICs. Continuous infusion regimens resulted in similar PTA results to the same dose administered as 3 hr infusions. CFR values for all drugs at both institutions improved when 3 hr or continuous infusions were employed.

Conclusions

Prolonged and continuous infusion dosing strategies improved the likelihood of obtaining bactericidal targets for these β‐lactams in a simulated pediatric population. Based on these data, pediatric studies employing these strategies are warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:379–385. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adverse drug reactions in medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Joshua Lisha , Devi Padmini , Guido Shoba
Published: May 2009

Purpose

Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have multiorgan dysfunction as well as altered pharmacokinetic parameters. Hence they are susceptible to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The objective of the study is to assess the characteristics of ADRs among inpatients in the medical ICU and to compare the same with patients who have not experienced ADRs.

Methods

Prospective, observational study for a period of 1 year in medical ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Relevant data of patients with ADRS were analysed. Characteristics of patients with and without ADRs were compared.

Results

Of 728 patients admitted in medical ICU, 222 (28.4%) had ADRs. Multiple ADRs (38.7%) implicated by the same drug and serious ADRs (37%) were noticed. Renal/electrolyte system (21%) was most commonly involved. Clinical spectrum included acute renal failure (ARF, 11.4%), hepatic injuries (5.4%), haematological dysfunction (4.2%), seizures (3.3%), upper gastrointestinal bleed (3.3%) and cutaneous ADRs (3.3%). Antimicrobials (27%) were the commonly implicated drug class. The most commonly implicated drug was furosemide (6.8%). Infrequently reported ADRs included azithromycin‐induced erythema multiforme, leflunamide‐induced erythema multiforme and vasculitis, ceftazidime‐induced seizures and ceftriaxone‐induced hepatitis. Co‐morbidity, polypharmacy and duration of stay were significantly higher in patients with ADRs compared to those who have not experienced ADRs. Three patients died.

Conclusion

High incidence of serious and multiple ADRs noticed. A wide clinical spectrum of ADRs and infrequently reported ADRs to newer drugs were also observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of SNAr reactions of 1‐phenoxy‐nitrobenzenes with aliphatic amines in toluene: ring substituent and solvent effects on reaction pathways
Authors: Isanbor Chukwuemeka , Babatunde Alice Ibitola
Published: May 2009

Rate constants are reported for the reactions of a series of 4‐substituted‐1‐phenoxy‐2,6‐dinitrobenzenes 1 and 6‐substituted‐1‐phenoxy‐2,4‐dinitrobenzenes 2 activated by CF3, COOCH3, CN, NO2 groups or by ring‐nitrogen with n‐butylamine, pyrrolidine or piperidine in toluene. The results are compared with those reported previously for reactions of the same substrates and nucleophiles in acetonitrile [Crampton et al., Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2006, 1222–1230]. Plots of the overall second‐order rate constant, kA versus [Am] for the reactions with n‐butylamine and pyrrolidine followed a similar kinetic pattern to that obtained for the same reactions in acetonitrile whereas for reactions with piperidine, an upward (convex) curvature is observed, an indication that a small third order term in amine may be present. Overall reactivity is lower in toluene than in acetonitrile. Mechanisms for the overall substitution process have been rationalised in terms of the proton transfer mechanism and cyclic transition mechanism, for reactions involving third‐order kinetics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Consistent Simulations of Plasma and Gas Dynamics in Microplasmas with Metallic and Dielectric Electrodes
Authors: Jugroot Manish
Published: May 2009

The present paper discusses a self‐consistent model of plasma and gas dynamics for atmospheric microcavities in helium. A self‐consistent and time‐dependant model is described and applied with emphasis on terms involved in the close coupling among charged species, neutral species and the electric field, including space charge. The microplasmas are studied from an initial cloud until the stages of charged particle over‐amplification and breakdown in small‐spaces, where transients are particularly important. Both metallic and dielectric electrodes are compared in terms of spatial and temporal evolution of the plasma and gas dynamics. Gas heating, neutral depletion initiation and electric field reversal are observed, highlighting the close interaction between neutral gas and charged species in governing the evolution of the microplasma.

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Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Nitride Layer Formed by Duplex Coating of Barrel Nitriding and Plasma Nitriding
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Okumiya Masahiro , Ichiki Ryuta , Khalifa Waleed , Tekmen Cagri , Tsunekawa Yoshiki , Hara Tamio , Tanaka Kazushi
Published: May 2009

Aluminum nitride layers on aluminum are formed by the barrel nitriding in nitrogen gas, and duplex coatings are performed with the plasma nitriding in nitrogen and argon gas after the barrel nitriding. Aluminum nitride films with high thickness, high surface hardness, and good adhesion can be obtained on aluminum surfaces by using the above process. Hardness and Young's modulus of the AlN formed by the barrel nitriding is estimated by means of the rules of mixture. The microstructure of the AlN is proved to be composed of Al and AlN. It is suggested that the AlN formed by the barrel nitriding can play a role as the adhesion improvement of the AlN formed by the plasma nitriding. Furthermore, a microindentation test, which can obtain indentation load–penetration displacement curves, is performed in order to investigate the film fracture of the AlN.
Selective Surface Modification of Polypropylene using Underwater Plasma Technique or Underwater Capillary Discharge
Authors: Joshi Ranjit , Schulze Rolf‐Dieter , Meyer‐Plath Asmus , Wagner Manfred H. , Friedrich Jörg F.
Published: May 2009

Among new types of plasma processes, the underwater plasma is one of the most attractive methods for functionalization of polymer surfaces. The interesting features of plasma solution system are that the material surfaces to be modified remain in contact with the plasma‐moderated solution. The role of plasma‐moderated liquids, allows the reach of the reactive species through solution onto the geometrically hindered sites. The UV radiation produced in plasma formation helps in generating additional excited, ionized, and dissociated molecules and species in the reaction solution. An interesting feature of the technique is its flexibility to use a wide variety of additives as or in solution system. This allows us to create a selective or monotype functionalization of material surfaces. Such system was studied for the selective hydroxyl functionalization of polypropylene surface. The oxidation of polymer surfaces and the introduction of O‐containing functional groups by underwater plasma was found to exceed concentrations typically achieved in oxygen low‐pressure gas discharge plasmas up‐to two‐folds (maximal 56 O/100 C). The fraction of OH groups among all O‐containing moieties amounts from 25 to 40% in comparison to that in the gas plasma of about 10% OH groups. Addition of hydrogen peroxide into this same system increases the fraction of CO bonds up to 75% (27‐OH/100 O). A study was focused to optimize the role of hydrogen peroxide on the efficiency of oxidation and selectivity with chemical derivatization with respect to the formation of mono‐sort hydroxyl functionalities, calculated using a chemical derivatization technique.
Comparison of Magnetron Deposited N‐Alloyed Stainless Steel Coatings and Low Temperature Plasma Nitrided Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Grigore Eduard , Ruset Cristian , Li Xiao , Dong Hanshan
Published: May 2009

This paper presents the results of a comparative scientific research concerning the properties of the S‐phase produced by plasma nitriding treatment and nitrogen alloyed austenitic stainless steel coatings deposited by a magnetron sputtering method assisted by a high voltage pulse discharge. The characteristics of the coatings (chemical composition, structure, and morphology) were evaluated by GDOES, XRD, and SEM investigations. Depending on the deposition parameters, the nitrogen content within the coating raised up to 31.5 at.‐%. At the same time, an increase in microhardness up to 1400 HV 0.1 was noticed. The corrosion tests were performed in Ringer's solution and the results were comparatively analyzed with plasma nitrided austenitic stainless steel samples considered as reference.
Ion Energy Distributions in Magnetron Sputtering of Zinc Aluminium Oxide
Authors: Welzel Thomas , Kleinhempel Ronny , Dunger Thoralf , Richter Frank
Published: May 2009

Ion energy distributions have been measured with an energy‐dispersive mass spectrometer during magnetron sputtering of Al doped ZnO. A d.c. and a pulsed d.c. discharge have been investigated. Different positive ions from the target material have been observed with low energies in d.c. and a second energy peak of about 30 eV in pulsed d.c. with only weak additional energy due to the sputter process. Negative ions are mainly O− with energies corresponding to the target voltage of several 100 eV. They originate from the target and barely from the (O2) gas and hit the substrate opposite the race track. In pulsed d.c., due to the varying target voltage, energies of up to 500 eV have been observed. With increasing pressure, negative ions at the substrate are reduced exponentially in their density but not in their energy.
Arc Ion Plating Process Monitoring by Optical Emission Spectroscopy Exemplified for Chromium Containing Coatings
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Bagcivan Nazlim , Immich Philipp , Theiß Sebastian
Published: May 2009

The coating process stability is one of the key features for a constant performance of coated tools. Common parameters monitored during the coating deposition in conventional AIP PVD processes are cathode voltage and current, deposition pressure, substrate temperature, and gas flow. However, these external recorded parameters do not reveal the plasma composition and its influence on the coating properties. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements were carried out to close this gap. The OES values measured during the deposition of (Cr,Al)N and (Cr,Al)ON were correlated with their thin film composition and mechanical properties. Film properties were determined by nanoindentation, adhesion test, calo test, and EDS. The experiments have shown a strong correlation between partial pressure, ionization of nitrogen atoms, and film properties.
Continuous Plasma Treatment of Ultra‐High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Fibres for Adhesion Improvement
Authors: Teodoru Steluta , Kusano Yukihiro , Rozlosnik Noemi , Michelsen Poul K.
Published: May 2009

A dielectric barrier discharge in Ar, He, He/O2, N2 or O2 at atmospheric pressure was used for the continuous plasma treatment of UHMWPE fibres. The influence of the input power of the discharge and the gas flow rate on surface modification is studied with the aim of adhesion improvement. Surface characterization using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy shows a significant increase in polar functional groups and roughness at the surfaces after plasma treatment, indicating that adhesive properties can be improved.
Silicon Oxide Permeation Barrier Coating and Plasma Sterilization of PET Bottles and Foils
Authors: Deilmann Michael , Halfmann Helmut , Steves Simon , Bibinov Nikita , Awakowicz Peter
Published: May 2009

The results of silicon oxide permeation barrier coating and plasma sterilization are shown using a low‐pressure microwave plasma reactor system based on a Plasmaline antenna developed for the treatment of polyethylene terephthalate bottles and foils. The influence of the coating composition on the barrier properties is analyzed and a good correlation is found. The optimized barrier coatings are analyzed regarding coating defects, which are visualized by means of capacitively coupled oxygen plasma etching of the coated substrates. The capabilities of plasma sterilization are exemplarily demonstrated for spores of Bacillus atrophaeus allowing for a spore reduction according to today's regulations for aseptic food packaging.
Constitution and Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline Reactive Magnetron Sputtered V‐Al‐C‐N hard Coatings as a Function of the Carbon Content
Authors: Ziebert Carlos , Albers Ulrich , Stüber Michael , Ulrich Sven
Published: May 2009

Nanocrystalline V‐Al‐C‐N hard coatings were deposited without substrate bias by reactive r.f. magnetron sputtering from a segmented target, composed of ceramic VC and AlN pieces, following a combinatorial materials science approach. In each experiment, six coatings of different compositions and microstructures were obtained simultaneously by placing six substrates in individual positions relative to the target. The Ar gas flow was kept constant while the CH4 gas flow was systematically varied from 0 to 5 sccm corresponding to CH4 contents of 0–8% of total Ar + CH4 flow in order to study the formation of nanocrystalline, metastable and nanocomposite phases and the influence of the carbon content on the coatings constitution and mechanical properties by EMPA, XRD, nanoindentation and ball‐on‐disk tribometer tests.
Contact Fatigue Behavior of PVD‐Coated Steel
Authors: Ramírez Giselle , Tarrés Elena , Casas Begoña , Valls Isaac , Martínez Rosario , Llanes Luis
Published: May 2009

In this study, the contact fatigue behavior of a PVD TiN coating deposited onto DIN 1.2379 cold‐work tool steel is assessed by cyclic spherical indentation. Experimental characterization focuses on the evaluation of critical contact pressures, under both monotonic and cyclic loading, affiliated to the emergence of distinct damage events: circumferential cracking and cohesive spallation at the film or decohesion at the substrate–coating interface. Experimental findings indicate that the coated tool steel studied is susceptible to mechanical degradation under fluctuating contact loads, and the corresponding effective fatigue sensitivity varies depending on the mechanism recalled for defining critical damage.
An Analysis of Residual Stresses in Thermal Barrier Coatings: A FE Performance Assessment
Authors: Taymaz Imdat
Published: May 2009

Internal combustion engines have been widely used for past 100 years. In the development of engine components a number of special techniques are used to compact the hostile operating environment, which usually includes high and cyclic forces, high and cyclic temperatures, sliding and often corrosion and/or erosion. In this study, 3‐D finite element structural and thermal analyses were carried out on both uncoated (without coating) and ceramic‐coated engine piston. A 150 µm super alloy bond coating (NiCrAlY) was first applied to the piston. Then, piston was covered by 350 µm thickness of MgZrO3 as top coating. The analysis can be utilized to detect possible thermal problem spots in an engine, and to provide input data for general engine modeling and engine lubrication and wear studies.
Native like structure in the unfolded state of the villin headpiece helical subdomain, an ultrafast folding protein
Authors: Meng Wenli , Shan Bing , Tang Yuefeng , Raleigh Daniel P.
Published: May 2009

The villin headpiece subdomain, HP36, is the smallest naturally occurring protein that folds cooperatively. Its small size, rapid folding, and simple three‐helix topology have made it an extremely popular system for computational studies of protein folding. The role of unfolded state structure in rapid folding is an area of active investigation, but relatively little is known about the properties of unfolded states under native conditions. A peptide fragment, HP21, which contains the first and second helices of HP36 has been shown to be a good model for structure in the unfolded state of the intact domain but a detailed description of the conformational propensities of HP21 is lacking and the balance between native and nonnative interactions is not known. A series of three‐dimensional NMR experiments were performed on 13C, 15N‐labeled HP21 to investigate in detail its conformational propensities. Analysis of 13Cα, 13Cβ, 13CO chemical shifts, Δδ13Cα − Δδ13Cβ secondary shifts, the secondary structure propensity scores, NOEs, 15N R2 values and comparison of experimental chemical shifts with those of HP36 and with chemical shifts calculated using the SHIFTS and SHIFTX programs all indicate that there is significant native like structure in the HP21 ensemble, and thus by implication in the unfolded state of HP36.
Interacting membranes
Authors: Berman D. , Thompson D.C.
Published: May 2009

In these proceedings we survey recent advances in M‐theory. After a brief review of the foundations of M‐theory we look at how the extended objects, namely M2 and M5 branes, interact with each other. We then describe the new proposals for the low energy dynamics of multiple coincident M2 branes including the theories of Bagger‐Lambert (BL) and Aharony‐Bergman‐Jafferis‐Maldacena (ABJM) and generalisations thereof. We finish with a presentation of some emerging conclusions and a discussion of unresolved puzzles.
Beyond the Twilight Zone: Automated prediction of structural properties of proteins by recursive neural networks and remote homology information
Authors: Mooney Catherine , Pollastri Gianluca
Published: May 2009

The prediction of 1D structural properties of proteins is an important step toward the prediction of protein structure and function, not only in the ab initio case but also when homology information to known structures is available. Despite this the vast majority of 1D predictors do not incorporate homology information into the prediction process. We develop a novel structural alignment method, SAMD, which we use to build alignments of putative remote homologues that we compress into templates of structural frequency profiles. We use these templates as additional input to ensembles of recursive neural networks, which we specialise for the prediction of query sequences that show only remote homology to any Protein Data Bank structure. We predict four 1D structural properties – secondary structure, relative solvent accessibility, backbone structural motifs, and contact density. Secondary structure prediction accuracy, tested by five‐fold cross‐validation on a large set of proteins allowing less than 25% sequence identity between training and test set and query sequences and templates, exceeds 82%, outperforming its ab initio counterpart, other state‐of‐the‐art secondary structure predictors (Jpred 3 and PSIPRED) and two other systems based on PSI‐BLAST and COMPASS templates. We show that structural information from homologues improves prediction accuracy well beyond the Twilight Zone of sequence similarity, even below 5% sequence identity, for all four structural properties. Significant improvement over the extraction of structural information directly from PDB templates suggests that the combination of sequence and template information is more informative than templates alone. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Cheshire Cat on engineering design
Authors: Hazelrigg George A.
Published: May 2009

In Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat provides to Alice the underlying tenets of modern normative decision theory. These tenets are clear and simple. Yet few engineers have grasped their significance, and many design methods in common practice violate them with potentially devastating consequences. This paper reviews the advice given to Alice by the Cheshire Cat and places it in the context of engineering design. It goes on to discuss the contributions of von Neumann and Morgenstern as they add to the Cat's advice. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic structure calculations of carbon nanohorns for their chemical state analysis using soft X‐ray spectroscopy
Authors: Amano Taiji , Muramatsu Yasuji
Published: May 2009

The electronic structure of carbon nanohorns (CNHs) was calculated by the discrete variational ‐Xα molecular orbital method to analyze the electronic structure and/or chemical state using soft X‐ray spectroscopy. Five isomers of CNH, C115H25, C158H26, C135H21, C102H16, and C118H16, were successfully modeled. Slight differences in the electronic structure between the hexagonal and pentagonal rings of the CNH models can be understood from the orbital population, net charge, and bond overlap population. The calculated density of states in the C2p orbitals can be used for spectral analysis of soft X‐ray emission and absorption in the CK region of CNH. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
DV‐Xα study on the electronic structure of C120 isomers derived from the general Stone–Wales rearrangement
Authors: Takashima Akito , Nishii Toshiaki , Onoe Jun
Published: May 2009

The electronic properties, in particular the role of 7‐ and 8‐membered rings in the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) gap, of stable C120 isomers derived from the general Stone‐Wales rearrangement have been investigated using the discrete‐variational Xα MO method. It is found that the adjacent 7‐membered rings located in the waist region of the isomers tend to have positive effective charges, and that the electron polarization induced by the adjacent 7‐membered rings makes the HOMO level higher, which reduces the HOMO–LUMO gap of the C120 isomers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009