bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low bone mineral density is related to atherosclerosis in postmenopausal Moroccan women
Authors: Hmamouchi Ihsane , Allali Fadoua , Khazzani Hamza , Bennani Loubna , Mansouri Leila EL , Ichchou Linda , Cherkaoui Mohammed , Abouqal Redouane , Hajjaj-Hassouni Najia
Published: October 2009

Background

Some studies have implicated several possible metabolic linkages between osteoporosis and vascular calcification, including estrogen deficiency, vitamin D excess, vitamin K deficiency and lipid oxidation products. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are related to each other or are independent processes, both related to aging. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the correlation between arterial thickening and bone status in a sample of apparently healthy Moroccan women.

Methods

Seventy-two postmenopausal women were studied. All patients were without secondary causes that might affect bone density. Bone status was assessed by bone mineral density (BMD) in lumbar spine and all femoral sites. Arterial wall thickening was assessed by intima-media thickness (IMT) in carotid artery (CA) and femoral artery (FA). Prevalent plaques were categorized into four groups ranging from low echogenicity to high echogenicity.

Results

The mean age was 59.2 ± 8.3 years. 84.7% had at least one plaque. By Spearman Rank correlation, CA IMT was negatively correlated to Femoral total BMD (r = -0.33), Femoral neck BMD (r = -0.23), Ward triangle BMD (r = -0.30) and Trochanter BMD (r = -0.28) while there was no association with lumbar BMD. In multiple regression analysis, CA IMT emerged as an independent factor significantly associated with all femoral sites BMD after adjusting of confounding factors. FA IMT failed to be significantly associated with both Femoral and Lumbar BMD. No significant differences between echogenic, predominantly echogenic, predominantly echolucent and echolucent plaques groups were found concerning lumbar BMD and all femoral sites BMD

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a negative correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) qnd carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in postmenopausal women, independently of confounding factors. We suggest that bone status should be evaluated in patients with vascular disease to assess whether preventive or therapeutic intervention is necessarry.
Quality of care and 30 day mortality among patients with hip fractures: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Nielsen Katrine A , Jensen Niels C , Jensen Claus M , Thomsen Marianne , Pedersen Lars , Johnsen Søren P , Ingeman Annette , Bartels Paul D , Thomsen Reimar W
Published: October 2009

Background

We examined the association between quality of care and 30 day mortality in a nationwide cohort of patients hospitalized with hip fracture.

Methods

We used data from The Danish National Indicator Project, a quality improvement initiative with participation of more than 90% of Danish hospital departments caring for patients with hip fracture between August 16, 2005 and August 15, 2006. Quality of care was measured in terms of meeting five specific criteria: early assessment of the patient's nutritional risk, systematic pain assessment during mobilization, assessment of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) before the fracture, assessment of ADL before discharge, and initiation of treatment to prevent future osteoporotic fractures. The association between meeting each of the quality of care criteria for the patient and 30 day mortality was examined using logistic regression to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

6,266 patients hospitalized with an incident episode of hip fracture were included in the study. For four of the five quality of care criteria, patients who met the criterion had substantially lower 30 day mortality after hip fracture. The adjusted mortality odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 0.42 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.58) for assessment of ADL before discharge (excluding deaths during hospitalization) to 0.72 (95% CI, 0.52 to 1.00) for systematic pain assessment. We found an inverse dose-response relationship between the number of quality of care criteria met and 30 day mortality; the lowest mortality was found among patients for whom all five quality of care criteria were met, as compared with patients for whom no quality of care criteria were met: adjusted mortality OR 0.18 (95% CI, 0.09 to 0.36).

Conclusion

Higher quality of care during hospitalization with hip fracture was associated with lowered 30 day mortality.
Global immunization: status, progress, challenges and future
Authors: Duclos Philippe , Okwo-Bele Jean-Marie , Gacic-Dobo Marta , Cherian Thomas
Published: October 2009

Vaccines have made a major contribution to public health, including the eradication of one deadly disease, small pox, and the near eradication of another, poliomyelitis.Through the introduction of new vaccines, such as those against rotavirus and pneumococcal diseases, and with further improvements in coverage, vaccination can significantly contribute to the achievement of the health-related United Nations Millennium Development Goals.The Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS) was developed by WHO and UNICEF as a framework for strengthening national immunization programmes and protect as many people as possible against more diseases by expanding the reach of immunization, including new vaccines, to every eligible person.This paper briefly reviews global progress and challenges with respect to public vaccination programmes.

The most striking recent achievement has been that of reduction of global measles mortality from an estimated 750,000 deaths in 2000 down to 197,000 in 2007. Global vaccination coverage trends continued to be positive. In 2007 most regions reached more than 80% of their target populations with three doses of DPT containing vaccines. However, the coverage remains well short of the 2010 goal on 90% coverage, particularly in the WHO region of Africa (estimated coverage 74%), and South-East Asia, (estimated coverage 69%). Elements that have contributed to the gain in immunization coverage include national multi-year planning, district-level planning and monitoring, re-establishment of outreach services and the establishment of national budget lines for immunization services strengthening.

Remaining challenges include the need to: develop and implement strategies for reaching the difficult to reach; support evidence-based decisions to prioritize new vaccines for introduction; strengthening immunization systems to deliver new vaccines; expand vaccination to include older age groups; scale up vaccine preventable disease surveillance; improve quality of immunization coverage monitoring and use the data to improve programme performance; and explore financing options for reaching the GIVS goals, particularly in lower-middle income countries.

Although introduction of new vaccines is important,this should not be at the expense of sustaining existing immunization activities. Instead the introduction of new vaccine introduction should be viewed as an opportunity to strengthen immunization systems, increase vaccine coverage and reduce inequities of access to immunization services.
A new double-antibody sandwich ELISA targeting Plasmodium falciparum aldolase to evaluate anti-malarial drug sensitivity
Authors: Tritten Lucienne , Matile Hugues , Brun Reto , Wittlin Sergio
Published: October 2009

Background

The standard in vitro test to assess anti-malarial activity of chemical compounds is the [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation assay. It is a radioactivity-based method to measure DNA replication of Plasmodium in red blood cells. The method is highly reproducible, however, the handling of radioactive material is costly, hazardous and requires the availability of appropriate technology and trained staff. Several other ways to evaluate in vitro anti-malarial activity do exist, all with their own assets and limitations.

Methods

The newly developed double-antibody sandwich ELISA described here is based on the properties of a non-overlapping pair of monoclonal antibodies directed against Plasmodium falciparum aldolase. This glycolytic enzyme possesses some unique nucleotide sequences compared to the human isoenzymes and has been highly conserved through evolution. Out of twenty possibilities, the most sensitive antibody pair was selected and used to quantitatively detect parasite aldolase in infected blood lysates.

Results

A total of 34 compounds with anti-malarial activity were tested side-by-side by ELISA and the [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation assay. The novel ELISA provided IC50s closely paralleling those from the radioactivity-based assay (R = 0.99, p < 0.001). At the investigated assay conditions (72 h incubation time, parasitaemia = 0.3%), the assay was found to be reproducible and easy to perform.

Conclusion

The newly developed ELISA presents several advantages over the comparative method, the [3H]hypoxanthine incorporation assay. The assay is highly reproducible, less hazardous (involves no radioactivity) and requires little and cheap technical equipment. Relatively unskilled personnel can conduct this user-friendly assay. All this makes it attractive to be employed in resource-poor laboratories.
Geographical variations in the correlates of blood donor turnout rates: An investigation of Canadian metropolitan areas
Authors: Saberton PJ , Paez Antonio , Newbold K Bruce , Heddle Nancy M
Published: October 2009

Background

Like other countries, Canada's population is aging, and the implications of this demographic change need to be better understood from the perspective of blood supply. Analysis of donor data will help to identify systematic patterns of donation and its correlates.

Data

Geo-coded blood donor and donor clinic data are provided by Canadian Blood Services. Blood donor data is provided for the fiscal year 2006-2007 indicating the total number of donors for each Canadian postal code, excluding the province of Québec. Potential correlates of blood donation are selected based on social and economic characteristics, as well as descriptors of city size and geographical location in the urban hierarchy measures of accessibility, and capacity of donor clinics.

Methods

Data is aggregated ton= 3,746 census tracts in 40 Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) across the country. The number of donors per population in a census tract is regressed against the set of potential donation correlates. Autocorrelation is tested for and results adjusted to provide parsimonious models.

Results

A number of factors are found to influence donation across the country, including the proportion of younger residents, English ability, proportion of people with immigrant status, higher education, and a population-based measure of accessibility.

Conclusion

While a number of correlates of blood donation are observed across Canada, important contextual effects across metropolitan areas are highlighted. The paper concludes by looking at policy options that are aimed toward further understanding donor behaviour.
The AMC Linear Disability Score (ALDS): a cross-sectional study with a new generic instrument to measure disability applied to patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Met Rosemarie , Reekers Jim A , Koelemay Mark JW , Legemate Dink A , de Haan Rob J
Published: October 2009

Background

The AMC Linear Disability Score (ALDS) is a calibrated generic itembank to measure the level of physical disability in patients with chronic diseases. The ALDS has already been validated in different patient populations suffering from chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the clinimetric properties of the ALDS in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Methods

Patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) presenting from January 2007 through November 2007 were included. Risk factors for atherosclerosis, ankle/brachial index and toe pressure, the Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire (VascuQol), and the ALDS were recorded. To compare ALDS and VascuQol scores between the two patient groups, an unpaired t-test was used. Correlations were determined between VascuQol, ALDS and pressure measurements.

Results

Sixty-two patients were included (44 male, mean ± sd age was 68 ± 11 years) with IC (n = 26) and CLI (n = 36). The average ALDS was significantly higher in patients with IC (80, ± 10) compared to patients with CLI (64, ± 18). Internal reliability consistency of the ALDS expressed as Cronbach's α coefficient was excellent (α > 0.90). There was a strong convergent correlation between the ALDS and the disability related Activity domain of the VascuQol (r = 0.64).

Conclusion

The ALDS is a promising clinimetric instrument to measure disability in patients with various stages of peripheral arterial disease.
Relationship between gender role, anger expression, thermal discomfort and sleep onset latency in women
Authors: von Arb Mariella , Gompper Britta , Meyer Andrea H , Stutz Elisabeth Zemp , Orgül Selim , Flammer Josef , Kräuchi Kurt
Published: October 2009

Background

Women with thermal discomfort from cold extremities (hands and feet; TDCE) often suffer from prolonged sleep onset latency (SOL). Suppressed anger could contribute to the genesis of both TDCE and prolonged SOL. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis whether stereotypic feminine gender socialization (SFGS) is related to anger suppression (experienced anger inwards, Anger-In), which in turn could affect TDCE and SOL.

Methods

148 women, a sub-sample of a larger survey carried out in the Canton Basel-Stadt (Switzerland), sent back detailed postal questionnaires about SOL, TDCE, anger expression (STAXI, state -trait -anger -expression -inventory) and SFGS using a gender power inventory, estimating the degree of gender specific power expression explicitly within women by stereotypic feminine or male attribution. Statistics was performed by path analysis.

Results

A significant direct path was found from stereotypic feminine attribution to Anger-In and prolonged SOL. Additionally, a further indirect path from Anger-In via TDCE to SOL was found. In contrast, stereotypic male attribution was not related to Anger-In but was significantly associated with outwardly expressed anger.

Limitations

Self-reported data, retrospective cross-sectional survey, prospective studies are required including physiological measurements.

Conclusion

Stereotypic feminine gender socialization may play an important determinant for anger suppression, which subsequently can lead to thermal discomfort from cold extremities and prolonged sleep onset latency.
Deep short-read sequencing of chromosome 17 from the mouse strains A/J and CAST/Ei identifies significant germline variation and candidate genes that regulate liver triglyceride levels
Authors: Sudbery Ian , Stalker Jim , Simpson Jared T , Keane Thomas , Rust Alistair G , Hurles Matthew E , Walter Klaudia , Lynch Dee , Teboul Lydia , Brown Steve D , Li Heng , Ning Zemin , Nadeau Joseph H , Croniger Colleen M , Durbin Richard , Adams David J
Published: October 2009

Genome sequences are essential tools for comparative and mutational analyses. Here we present the short read sequence of mouse chromosome 17 from the Mus musculus domesticus derived strain A/J, and the Mus musculus castaneus derived strain CAST/Ei. We describe approaches for the accurate identification of nucleotide and structural variation in the genomes of vertebrate experimental organisms, and show how these techniques can be applied to help prioritize candidate genes within quantitative trait loci.
Long-Term Evaluation of Ifosfamide-Related Nephrotoxicity in Children
Authors: Oberlin Odile , Fawaz Oumaya , Rey Annie , Niaudet Patrick , Ridola Vita , Orbach Daniel , Bergeron Christophe , Defachelles Annie Sophie , Gentet Jean-Claude , Schmitt Claudine , Rubie Hervé , Munzer Martine , Plantaz Dominique , Deville Anne , Minard Veronique , Corradini Nadège , Leverger Guy , de Vathaire Florent
Published: October 2009

Purpose

Ifosfamide is widely used in pediatric oncology but its nephrotoxicity may become a significant issue in survivors. This study is aimed at evaluating the incidence of late renal toxicity of ifosfamide and its risk factors.

Patients and Methods

Of the 183 patients prospectively investigated for renal function, 77 treated for rhabdomyosarcoma, 39 for other soft tissue sarcoma, 39 for Ewing's sarcoma, and 28 for osteosarcoma were investigated at least 5 years after treatment. No patients had received cisplatin and/or carboplatin. Glomerular and tubular functions were graded according to the Skinner system.

Results

The median dose of ifosfamide was 54 g/m2(range, 18 to 117 g/m2). After a median follow-up of 10 years, 89.5% of patients had normal tubular function, and 78.5% had normal glomerular function rate (GFR). Serum bicarbonate and calcium were normal in all patients. Hypomagnesemia was observed in 1.2% and hypophosphatemia in 1%. The tubular threshold for phosphate was reduced in 24% of the patients (grade 1 in 15%, grade 2 in 8%, and grade 3 in 0.5%). Glycosuria was detected in 37% of the patients but was more than 0.5 g/24 hours in only 5%. Proteinuria was observed in 12%. Ifosfamide dose and interval from therapy to investigations were predictors of tubulopathy in univariate and multivariate analysis. In a multivariate analysis, an older age at diagnosis and the length of interval since treatment had independent impacts on the risk of abnormal GFR.

Conclusion

Renal toxicity is moderate with a moderate dose of ifosfamide. However, since it can be permanent and can get worse with time, repeated long-term evaluations are important, and this risk should be balanced against efficacy.
National Assessment of Melanoma Care Using Formally Developed Quality Indicators
Authors: Bilimoria Karl Y. , Raval Mehul V. , Bentrem David J. , Wayne Jeffrey D. , Balch Charles M. , Ko Clifford Y.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

There is considerable variation in the quality of cancer care delivered in the United States. Assessing care by using quality indicators could help decrease this variability. The objectives of this study were to formally develop valid quality indicators for melanoma and to assess hospital-level adherence with these measures in the United States.

Methods

Quality indicators were identified from available literature, consensus guidelines, and melanoma experts. Thirteen experts ranked potential measures for validity on the basis of the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Methodology. Adherence with individual valid indicators and a composite measure of all indicators were assessed at 1,249 Commission on Cancer hospitals by using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB; 2004 through 2005).

Results

Of 55 proposed quality indicators, 26 measures (47%) were rated as valid. These indicators assessed structure (n = 1), process (n = 24), and outcome (n = 1). Of the 26 measures, 10 are readily assessable by using cancer registry data. Adherence with valid indicators ranged from 11.8% to 96.5% at the patient level and 3.7% to 83.0% at the hospital level. (Adherence required that ≥ 90% of patients at a hospital receive concordant care.) Most hospitals were adherent with 50% or fewer of the individual indicators (median composite score, five; interquartile range, four to seven). Adherence was higher for diagnosis and staging measures and was lower for treatment indicators.

Conclusion

There is considerable variation in the quality of melanoma care in the United States. By using these formally developed quality indicators, hospitals can assess their adherence with current melanoma care guidelines through feedback mechanisms from the NCDB and can better direct quality improvement efforts.
Extensive Nodal Disease May Impair Axillary Reverse Mapping in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Ponzone Riccardo , Cont Nicoletta Tomasi , Maggiorotto Furio , Cassina Elisa , Mininanni Paola , Biglia Nicoletta , Sismondi Piero
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The aim of axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is to preserve arm lymphatics in patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical axillary staging.

Patients and Methods

From June 2007 to December 2008, 49 patients who required axillary dissection (AD) underwent ARM. One milliliter of patent blue dye was injected in the ipsilateral arm, and all blue nodes identified during AD were sent separately for pathologic examination. Main variables associated with the detection rates of blue lymphatics, the pathologic status of blue and nonblue nodes, and the complications of the procedure were analyzed.

Results

Identification rates of blue lymphatics and blue nodes were 73.5% and 55.1%, respectively. Blue node identification was influenced by the time elapsed between injection of blue dye and surgery (P = .002) but not by the learning curve of the procedure. Although the blue node was clear of metastases in 24 of 27 patients, three patients with extensive nodal metastatic involvement (ie, pN2a and pN3a) showed breast cancer metastatic cells in the blue nodes as well. The only adverse effect of the procedure was skin tattooing at the injection site, which disappeared within 4 months in almost 80% of the procedures.

Conclusion

In patients with clinically negative axillary nodes, additional study is warranted to assess whether ARM may be used to spare the lymphatics from the arm. In the presence of extensive nodal disease, this technique may identify metastatic blue nodes, which demonstrates that there is not reliable separation of arm and breast lymphatic pathways.
Role of Sensitivity Analyses in Assessing Progression-Free Survival in Late-Stage Oncology Trials
Authors: Bhattacharya Suman , Fyfe Gwen , Gray Robert J. , Sargent Daniel J.
Published: October 2009

Sensitivity analysis is an important statistical technique that assesses whether the results of phase III trials are robust and likely to be generalizable. Until recently, sensitivity analyses were rarely included in phase III trials, and they remain poorly understood by many oncologists. Sensitivity analyses are critical to understanding the strength of conclusions made in the primary analysis of a late-stage clinical trial. They examine the influence of protocol design errors, unintended biases, deviations from assumptions underlying statistical models, and any unanticipated treatment delivery or practice patterns on trial results. In trials with complex or subjective end points, they also allow an understanding of the extent to which a positive outcome is driven by a single, possibly subjective, and therefore biased, element of an end point. The purposes of this article are to explain how sensitivity analyses are performed, to discuss areas of a clinical trial where sensitivity analyses should focus, and to illuminate the importance of this technique in the rigorous evaluation of late-stage clinical trial data, using specific examples. This article focuses on late-stage trials that use progression-free survival or time to progression as their primary end point, because sensitivity analyses are particularly important in these cases for which the end point is potentially subject to bias. Three sources of potential bias are explored: assessment time, symptomatic (ie, nonradiologic) disease progression, and missing data. For each source of potential bias, case studies are presented to highlight the role that sensitivity analyses play in determining whether the trial's conclusions are robust.
Polymorphisms in the CASPASE Genes and Survival in Patients With Early-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Yoo Seung Soo , Choi Jin Eun , Lee Won-Kee , Choi Yi-Young , Kam Sin , Kim Min Jung , Jeon Hyo-Sung , Lee Eung-Bae , Kim Dong Sun , Lee Myung-Hoon , Kim In-San , Jheon Sanghoon , Park Jae Yong
Published: October 2009

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine the impact of potentially functional polymorphisms in the CASPASE (CASP) genes on the survival of early-stage non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

Patients and Methods

Four hundred eleven consecutive patients with surgically resected NSCLC were enrolled. Nine potentially functional polymorphisms in the CASP3, CASP7, CASP8, CASP9, and CASP10 genes were investigated. The genotype and haplotype associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were analyzed.

Results

Patients with the rs2227310 GG genotype had a significantly decreased OS and DFS compared with patients with the CC + CG genotype (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] for OS, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.35; P = .003; aHR for DFS, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.22; P = .002). The rs4645981C>T genotype also had a significant effect on OS and DFS (under a recessive model; aHR for OS, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.85; P = .04; aHR for DFS, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.58 to 4.80; P = .0003). When the rs2227310 and rs4645981 genotypes were combined, patients with one or two bad genotypes had worse OS and DFS compared with those who had zero bad genotypes (aHR for OS, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.45; P = .001; aHR for DFS, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.23 to 2.26; P = .001).

Conclusion

The CASP7 rs2227310 and CASP9 rs4645981 polymorphisms may affect survival in early-stage NSCLC. The analysis of these polymorphisms can help identify patients at high risk for a poor disease outcome.
Dynein and kinesin regulate stress-granule and P-body dynamics
Authors: Loschi Mariela , Leishman Claudia C. , Berardone Neda , Boccaccio Graciela L.
Published: October 2009

Stress granules (SGs) and P-bodies (PBs) are related cytoplasmic structures harboring silenced mRNAs. SGs assemble transiently upon cellular stress, whereas PBs are constitutive and are further induced by stress. Both foci are highly dynamic, with messenger ribonucleoproteins (mRNPs) and proteins rapidly shuttling in and out. Here, we show that impairment of retrograde transport by knockdown of mammalian dynein heavy chain 1 (DHC1) or bicaudal D1 (BicD1) inhibits SG formation and PB growth upon stress, without affecting protein-synthesis blockage. Conversely, impairment of anterograde transport by knockdown of kinesin-1 heavy chain (KIF5B) or kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1) delayed SG dissolution. Strikingly, SG dissolution is not required to restore translation. Simultaneous knockdown of dynein and kinesin reverted the effect of single knockdowns on both SGs and PBs, suggesting that a balance between opposing movements driven by these molecular motors governs foci formation and dissolution. Finally, we found that regulation of SG dynamics by dynein and kinesin is conserved in Drosophila.
Keratins modulate the shape and function of hepatocyte mitochondria: a mechanism for protection from apoptosis
Authors: Tao Guo-Zhong , Looi Kok Sun , Toivola Diana M. , Strnad Pavel , Zhou Qin , Liao Jian , Wei Yuquan , Habtezion Aida , Omary M. Bishr
Published: October 2009

Absence or mutation of keratins 8 (K8) or 18 (K18) cause predisposition to liver injury and apoptosis. We assessed the mechanisms of hepatocyte keratin-mediated cytoprotection by comparing the protein expression profiles of livers from wild-type and K8-null mice using two-dimensional differential-in-gel-electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry. Prominent among the alterations were those of mitochondrial proteins, which were confirmed using 2D-DIGE of purified mitochondria. Ultrastructural analysis showed that mitochondria of livers that lack or have disrupted keratins are significantly smaller than mitochondria of wild-type livers. Immunofluorescence staining showed irregular distribution of mitochondria in keratin-absent or keratin-mutant livers. K8-null livers have decreased ATP content; and K8-null mitochondria have less cytochrome c, increased release of cytochrome c after exposure to Ca2+ and oxidative stimulation, and a higher sensitivity to Ca2+-induced permeability transition. Therefore, keratins play a direct or indirect role in regulating the shape and function of mitochondria. The effects of keratin mutation on mitochondria are likely to contribute to hepatocyte predisposition to apoptosis and oxidative injury, and to play a pathogenic role in keratin-mutation-related human liver disease.
Drill string instability reduction by optimum positioning of stabilizers
Authors: Mahyari M F , Behzad M , Rashed G R
Published: October 2009

The main aim of this article is to find the optimum positions of the stabilizers that reduces the vibration and leads to the largest weight on bit (WOB) in drill strings. In this work, the potential energy of drill strings has been derived by considering the drill string weight and WOB. The potential energy of this continuous system is considered as a multi-degree-of-freedom system by the mode summation method. The equilibrium position of the system and its stability is determined by finding the roots of the first derivative and the sign of the second derivative of the potential energy, respectively. Using this formulation, the best positions of stabilizers that lead to the largest WOB can be found for different numbers of stabilizers. The best arrangement of the stabilizer's position on a drill string with one, two, and three stabilizers is investigated.
Rotor—frame contact in a centrifuge installed on board a ship
Authors: Grāpis O , Ohlson N-G , Andersons J
Published: October 2009

The criticality of rotor and stator contact in a large-size marine separator is studied by numerical modelling. Two plausible mechanisms leading to such contact, namely rolling of a ship in steady-state motion and a suddenly occurring unbalance in the rotor, are considered. It is found that contact due to sea motion may be tolerable, while sudden development of unbalance at operating speed can lead to unacceptably high contact forces. This agrees with experience of centrifugal separators operating on board of ships.
Stress-based binary differential evolution for topology optimization of structures
Authors: Wu C-Y , Tseng K-Y
Published: October 2009

Differential evolution (DE) is a heuristic optimization method used to solve many optimization problems in real-value search space. It has the advantage of incorporating a relatively simple and efficient form of mutation and crossover. However, the operator of DE is based on floating-point representation only, and is difficult to use in solving combinatorial optimization problems. In this article, a modified binary DE is developed using binary bit-string frameworks with a logical operation binary mutation mechanism. Further, a new stress-based binary mutation mechanism is also proposed to drive the binary DE search towards the optimal topology of the structure with higher performance and fewer objective function evaluations. The numerical results show that the performance of the proposed algorithm using stress-based binary mutation has high capability and efficiency in topology optimization of the structure.
Experiment and analysis for an improved design of the inlet and nozzle in Tesla disc turbines
Authors: Guha A , Smiley B
Published: October 2009

In this article, the performance of the inlet to a Tesla disc turbine has been studied. The losses in the inlet and nozzle are known to be a major reason why the overall efficiency of disc turbines is not high. A new nozzle utilizing a plenum chamber inlet has been designed and tested here. Experiments have demonstrated less than 1 per cent loss in total pressure in the new design compared to losses in the range 13–34 per cent for the original nozzle and inlet. Other than the dramatic improvement in loss reduction, the new plenum-integrated nozzle achieves a considerable enhancement in the uniformity of the jet. This has been demonstrated here both by experimental traverses of Pitot tubes as well as computational fluid dynamics studies. The greater uniformity of the jet means that a single Pitot measurement approximately positioned at the centre of the jet would record a value close to the true centre-line total pressure, and that calculations based on centre-line values of total pressure would give, to a good accuracy, the average loss coefficient of the nozzle—inlet assembly. The uniformity of the jet also means that all disc passages would receive uniform inlet conditions; this should improve the performance of the rotor thereby further enhancing the overall efficiency of the Tesla turbine.
Reversible Conversion of Tetranuclear, Trinuclear, and Mononuclear Palladium(II) Complexes with d-Penicillaminate
Authors: Yoshinari Nobuto , Hirai Yusuke , Kawamoto Tatsuya , Igashira-Kamiyama Asako , Tsuge Kiyoshi , Konno Takumi
Published: October 2009

The 1:1 reaction of [PdCl4]2− with d-penicillamine (d-H2pen) gave a S-bridged tetranuclear complex, [Pd4Cl4(d-Hpen)4] ([1]). Complex [1] was converted to a S-bridged trinuclear complex, [Pd3(d-pen)3] ([2]), which was further converted to a mononuclear complex, K2[Pd(d-pen)2] (K2[3]). The reverse conversion of [2] to [1] was also achieved.
Generations and Reactions of N-(t-Butylsulfonyl)aziridinyllithiums Using Microreactors
Authors: Nagaki Aiichiro , Takizawa Eiji , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: October 2009

N-tert-Butylsulfonyl(Bus)-α-phenylaziridinyllithium was effectively generated by the reaction of N-Bus-2-phenylaziridine with n-BuLi in a microflow system at −28 °C, although much lower temperatures such as −78 °C are needed for batch reactors. Subsequent reactions with various electrophiles gave the corresponding α-substituted N-Bus-2-phenylaziridines. Deprotonation of N-Bus-aziridine with s-BuLi was also achieved by using a microflow system at −78 °C, and the reaction of the resulting N-Bus-aziridinyllithium with electrophiles gave the substituted N-Bus-aziridines.
Bisphenol A Weakens Calcium Binding Affinity of Sites III and IV in C-Terminal Domain of Bovine Brain Calmodulin
Authors: Murayama Koichi , Sonoyama Masashi , Terada Tomoyoshi , Yokoyama Yasunori , Nara Masayuki , Tomida Mihoko , Matsuda Sadayuki
Published: October 2009

Ca2+-binding affinity of sites III and IV in C-terminal domain of calmodulin in the presence and absence of BPA using intrinsic Tyr fluorescence is reported. The titration curves were lower shifted for Ca2+ affinity in the presence of BPA, and Gibbs energy of calcium binding to both sites decreased. These results suggest that BPA weakens the Ca2+ affinity of domains III and IV of calmodulin.
Fabrication of a Thermoresponsive Surface by Photocrosslinking Amphiphilic Poly(amino acid)s
Authors: Takeuchi Yasushi , Tsujimoto Takashi , Uyama Hiroshi
Published: October 2009

A novel and convenient system to immobilize thermoresponsive poly(aspartic acid) derivatives on polystyrene surfaces was developed. Photoimmobilization of the thermoresponsive polymer was achieved by the partial introduction of cinnamoyl groups into the thermoresponsive poly(aspartic acid), following UV irradiation of the spin-coated thin layer. The thermoresponsive change of the surface properties was evaluated by the surface contact angle.
Design Visualization: A Media Effects Approach
Authors: Balakrishnan Bimal , Kalisperis Loukas N.
Published: October 2009

This paper proposes an integrative approach in the evaluative phase of the design process, incorporating concepts, methodologies and measurement strategies that are well established in media psychology. The paper suggests a variable-centered approach for conceptualizing visualization technologies and to evaluate their potential to simulate architectural experience. Psychophysiological measures are introduced to capture the affective component of the architectural experience facilitated by visualization tools such as virtual reality. These are important in order to empirically evaluate the experiential aspects of an architectural space through visualization. Ideas are illustrated with examples drawn from prior and ongoing research collaboration between an architectural visualization lab and a media effects research lab.
Space Making – between the Virtual and the Physical
Authors: Crotch Joanna , Mantho Robert , Horner Martyn
Published: October 2009

Digital technologies and processes have been used to generate architectural form for over two decades; recent advances in digital technologies have allowed virtual digital environments to be constructed from physical movement. But can a bridge that connects the physical and virtual realms be developed? Can this, currently arbitrary form making be grounded in human activity and subsequently be integrated into real time, space and place? This paper describes the preliminary explorations of research which attempts to address these questions.
Experiments with Stochastic Processes: Façade Subdivision based on Wind Motion
Authors: Datta Sambit , Hanafin Stuart , Pitts Gregory
Published: October 2009

Constraint based tools for architectural design exploration need to satisfy aesthetic and functional criteria as well as combine discrete and continuous modes of exploration. In this paper, we examine the possibilities for stochastic processes in design space exploration. Specifically, we address the application of a stochastic wind motion model to the subdivision of an external building envelope into smaller discrete components. Instead of deterministic subdivision constraints, we introduce explicit uncertainty into the system of subdivision. To address these aims, we develop a model of stochastic wind motion; create a subdivision scheme that is governed by the wind model and explore a design space of a façade subdivision problem. A discrete version of the façade, composed of light strips and panels, based on the bamboo elements deformed by continuous wind motion, is developed. The results of the experiments are presented in the paper.
Towards Morphogenesis in Architecture
Authors: Roudavski Stanislav
Published: October 2009

Procedural, parametric and generative computer-supported techniques in combination with mass customization and automated fabrication enable holistic manipulation in silico and the subsequent production of increasingly complex architectural arrangements. By automating parts of the design process, computers make it easier to develop designs through versioning and gradual adjustment. In recent architectural discourse, these approaches to designing have been described as morphogenesis. This paper invites further reflection on the possible meanings of this imported concept in the field of architectural designing. It contributes by comparing computational modelling of morphogenesis in plant science with techniques in architectural designing. Deriving examples from case-studies, the paper suggests potentials for collaboration and opportunities for bi-directional knowledge transfers.
Integral Morphological C-K Design Approach for Multi-Disciplinary Building Design
Authors: Zeiler Wim , Savanovic Perica
Published: October 2009

This paper presents a theoretical approach to collaborative design management. The goal is to integrate design and engineering knowledge in the conceptual phase of building design. Based on an integral design process model, morphological overviews are used as a tool to implement C-K (concept-knowledge) theory, to increase knowledge creation and to stimulate knowledge exchange within the building design team. The project was carried out in close cooperation with professional societies within the building design field. The set-ups of the workshops used to implement and to test the theoretical approach are presented as well as the experiences of the participants. More than 100 experienced professionals participated in the workshops and the workshops now have become part of the permanent professional training program of one of the professional societies.
Collective Intelligence: An Agent-Based Approach to Programmatic Organization in Architecture
Authors: Ophir Yaniv (Junno)
Published: October 2009

Architectural programming is the research and decision-making process that identifies the scope of work to be designed. Programming is difficult because it involves identifying, collecting, analyzing and updating information from different sources such as engineers, clients, users, consultants, and others. In this paper I propose a computational model for programming and describe its implementation, a tool called PENA that allows a programming expert to represent different processes and people involved in a project using intelligent agents. By delegating responsibility to agents, a programming expert can better organize and manage project data as well as find creative solutions to conflicting issues through agent negotiation. As a proof-of-concept, I show how an agent, called the Arch-Learner, manages adjacencies of rooms in a simple program for a house by clustering them into public and private rooms. I conclude with a discussion of future work and development of PENA.
Interactive Hemostasis Modeling in Urban Network Design
Authors: Taron Joshua M.
Published: October 2009

This paper describes a type of project that images a city as it might exist given the integration of hemostatic procedures within pedestrian networks during emergencies requiring full-scale egress from an urban core. It articulates the steps taken to integrate a pre-existing C++ hemostasis model (C. Jacob, 2008) into Maya software in order to describe how the project operates on a computational level. By projecting these agent-based logics directly into/onto each pedestrian in the city (the smallest unit of the system), egress-oriented infrastructure can shift from being extensively predetermined in form (concrete barriers, metal railing, police barricades, etc.), to something more intensively defined, real-time, and locally on-demand. These procedures are situated within a larger schema based on the structural principles of Norbert Wiener's cybernetic feedback loops, that acknowledge and allow for hybrid (top-down + bottom-up) awareness and control within systems. The project attempts to ally itself with emerging forms of network design with similar structural typologies supported through the use of personal mobile devices (PMDs) in urban environments.
Multiple Objective Linear Programming (MOLP) Problems with the Same Objective Space
Authors: Tantawy S.F. , Sallam R.H.
Published: October 2009

Under the linear mapping efficient extreme points in decision space of multiple objectives linear programming (MOLP) may not map to non dominated extreme points in objective space, condition that two or even more multiple objective linear programming (MOLP) problems to have the same objective space is given, the important of this study is that the Decision-Maker may depends on extreme points of the set of the objective space than that of the decision space since in most practical problems the number of objective is small compared to the number of the decision variables and so they have fewer extreme points. A simple production example is given to clarify this analysis.
Performance Analysis of the FCBSH Algorithm for Large-Scale Heterogeneous Computing Environments
Authors: Du Xiaoli , Jiang Changjun , Yin Fei
Published: October 2009

A fuzzy clustering based scheduling heuristic (FCBSH) is presented to solve the scheduling problem in large-scale heterogeneous computing environments. A group of features is defined to describe the synthetic performance of processing cells and distinguish their heterogeneousness in large-scale heterogeneous computing environments. This paper mainly focuses on the detail performance analysis of FCBSH. A task graph generator and a target system generator are presented to randomly produce task graphs and target systems according to custom-made parameters. Through experiments, this paper finally reduces features from 7 features to 3 notable features, which not only can effectively partition the target system with fuzzy clustering, but also greatly reduce the processing time of the clustering process. Finally, the FCBSH algorithm is compared with some algorithms in performance of make-span, runtime and proportion of producing better scheduling results.
Grid-Based Approaches for Distributed Data Mining Applications
Authors: Aouad Lamine M. , An-Lekhac Nhien , Kechadi Tahar
Published: October 2009

The data mining field is an important source of large-scale applications and datasets which are getting more and more common. In this paper, we present grid-based approaches for two basic data mining applications, and a performance evaluation on an experimental grid environment that provides interesting monitoring capabilities and configuration tools. We propose a new distributed clustering approach and a distributed frequent itemsets generation well-adapted for grid environments. Performance evaluation is done using the Condor system and its workflow manager DAGMan. We also compare this performance analysis to a simple analytical model to evaluate the overheads related to the workflow engine and the underlying grid system. This will specifically show that realistic performance expectations are currently difficult to achieve on the grid.
Evaluation of Compliance with Osteoporosis Treatment Guidelines After Initiation of a Pharmacist-Run Osteoporosis Service at a Family Medicine Clinic
Authors: Hall Larissa N , Shrader Sarah P , Ragucci Kelly R
Published: October 2009

Background:

Osteoporosis affects more than 10 million Americans, and fracture complications are devastating to patients and society. Despite the availability of guidelines and performance measures, osteoporosis is not optimally managed. Pharmacists have been pivotal in management of other disease states, and a multidisciplinary approach to osteoporosis management may improve patient outcomes.

Objective:

To establish a pharmacist-run osteoporosis service at a family medicine clinic and to evaluate short-term compliance with osteoporosis treatment guidelines before and after initiation of the service.

Methods:

A pharmacist-run osteoporosis service was established in October 2008. Adults with the diagnosis of osteoporosis before initiation of the service were included in evaluation of short-term compliance with treatment guidelines, including appropriate dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan frequency, pharmacotherapy, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and nonpharmacologic education. Of 42 referred patients, 22 were eligible for inclusion. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and patients served as their own controls, with data from before and after establishment of the service evaluated.

Results:

Of the 22 patients evaluated, 8 (36%) received DEXA scans at the appropriate frequency before the service was established, versus 18 (82%) after the service was initiated. Seven (32%) patients were taking appropriate pharmacotherapy before the service, versus 17 (77%) after the service. Nine (41%) patients were taking calcium and vitamin D before the service, versus 22 (100%) after the service. Three (33%) of these patients were taking the appropriate dose and salt of calcium before the service, versus 20(91%) after the service. Five (56%) of the 9 patients were taking the appropriate vitamin D dose before the service, versus 21 (95%) after the service. No patient had documented nonpharmacologic education prior to the service, compared with all patients after the service. All differences were significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A pharmacist-run osteoporosis service significantly improved short-term compliance with guidelines, including appropriate DEXA scan frequency, pharmacotherapy, calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and nonpharmacologic education.
On the Use of Spectroscopic Techniques for Interaction Studies, Part I: Complexation between Europium and Small Organic Ligands
Authors: Plancque Gabriel , Maurice Yoann , Moulin Valérie , Toulhoat Pierre , Moulin Christophe
Published: October 2009

In the framework of environmental studies, it is important to understand the interaction of humic substances with cations (heavy metals, radionuclides) and to determine their complexation constants in order to evaluate their potential impact on their fate. For this purpose, two techniques have been used: electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, a newly used technique in speciation studies, and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectrometry, a well-known technique for such studies. As a first step, for simplification purposes and to compare both techniques, simple molecules having functional groups present in humic substances have been selected, such as acetic, glycolic, and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acids. Both techniques have been used to obtain stoichiometries and complexation constants between these simple molecules and europium (III).