bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No Difference in Pubertal Growth and Final Height between Treated Hypogonadal and Non-Hypogonadal Thalassemic Patients
Authors: Caruso-Nicoletti Manuela , De Sanctis Vincenzo , Raiola Giuseppe , Skordis Nicos , Mancuso Michele , Coco Marilena , Wonke Beatrix
Published: April 2004

Background: Many factors can negatively affect growth in thalassemic patients, and hypogonadism has been considered as the main factor responsible for their pubertal growth failure. Objective: To evaluate the influence of hypogonadism and its treatment on pubertal growth and final height in thalassemic patients. Methods: We compared the growth of 28 hypogonadal thalassemic patients in whom puberty was induced to that of 25 patients in whom puberty occurred spontaneously. Results: In both groups of patients we observed reduced peak height velocity (induced puberty: females 4.9 ± 2.1, males 6.0 ± 1.8 cm/year; spontaneous puberty: females 6.1 ± 1.5, males 7.3 ± 2.1 cm/year) and pubertal height gain (induced puberty: females 11.3 ± 4.0, males 18.0 ± 4.5 cm/year; spontaneous puberty: females 15.8 ± 2.7, males 18.1 ± 5.3 cm/year) and a short final height (induced puberty: females –1.8 ± 0.7, males –2.1 ± 1.0 SDS; spontaneous puberty: females –2.3 ± 1.0, males –1.9 ± 1.0 SDS). Conclusions: Poor pubertal growth is present in thalassemic patients regardless of hypogonadism. Other factors are responsible for the reduced growth spurt and the final short stature observed in these patients.
Rosuvastatin-Induced Arrest in Progression of Renal Disease
Authors: Vidt Donald G. , Cressman Michael D. , Harris Susan , Pears John S. , Hutchinson Howard G.
Published: April 2004

Preclinical and limited clinical data suggest that statins decrease the progressive decline in renal function that occurs in patients with renal disease. Pooled analysis of data obtained from a population of hyperlipidemic patients enrolled in the rosuvastatin (Crestor®) clinical development program permitted assessment of its effects on renal function both early and later in the course of treatment. Study participants were initially included in controlled clinical trials that evaluated the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin when compared with placebo or other lipid-lowering agents (i.e., atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, cholestyramine, fenofibrate or extended-release niacin). The median duration of treatment with the various doses of statins in these trials was approximately 8 weeks. Following completion of a controlled clinical trial, patients were permitted to enter an open-label extension trial and received rosuvastatin treatment. These data permitted assessment of renal function in a diverse group of over 10,000 patients who received rosuvastatin in its recommended dose range (5–40 mg) for up to 3.8 years. Mean serum creatinine concentrations were lower when compared with baseline both early and later in the course of rosuvastatin treatment. In contrast, no change in mean serum creatinine was observed with placebo. Mean glomerular filtration rates (GFR) predicted from the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation were higher when compared with baseline both early and later in the course of rosuvastatin treatment. No change in GFR was observed in the placebo group. Among patients who received long-term rosuvastatin treatment (≧96 weeks), GFR was unchanged or tended to increase, rather than decrease, when compared with baseline irrespective of age, gender, hypertensive or diabetic status, level of renal function (GFR ≧60 vs. <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) at entry or urine dipstick protein status prior to or during the period of treatment. These findings suggest that rosuvastatin may arrest the progression of renal disease.
Alcohol and Tobacco Use in the Elder Emergency Department Patient: Assessment of Rates and Medical Care Utilization
Authors: Girard Daren D. , Partridge Robert A. , Becker Bruce , Bock Beth
Published: April 2004

Objectives: To determine rates of alcohol and tobacco use among independent elder emergency department (ED) patients and assess the extent of health care use of this population. Methods: A convenience sample of independent elders (age ≥65 years) in an urban academic ED was enrolled. Patients were excluded if they were medically unstable or had a change in mental status. The Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scales were used to measure tobacco and alcohol use. Subjects completed questionnaires about their health and use of the health care system. Data were analyzed by using t‐tests to compare independent variables. Results: A total of 565 subjects completed the study. Of these, 296 (52.4%) were male and 269 (47.6%) were female; mean age was 77.1 years. Fifty‐four (9.5%) were smokers, and 22 (3.9%) were nicotine‐dependent by the Fagerstrom test (Fagerstrom+). Alcohol use was reported at least once monthly by 176 (31.2%) and twice monthly by 76 (13.5%) patients; 12 (2.1%) were alcohol‐dependent by the AUDIT scale (AUDIT+). Two (0.35%) were both Fagerstrom+ and AUDIT+. Fagerstrom+ subjects visited a physician less often than Fagerstrom− subjects (3.9 vs. 4.6 annual visits, p < 0.0009). AUDIT+ subjects visited a primary care physician less (3.3 vs. 4.2 annual visits, p < 0.007) or “any” physician less (3.9 vs. 4.6 annual visits, p < 0.01) than AUDIT− subjects. AUDIT+ and Fagerstrom+ subjects did not differ from AUDIT− and Fagerstrom− subjects in number of annual ED visits, self‐reported general health, physical symptoms (except nervousness, p < 0.004), comorbid illnesses, hospital admissions, and injuries requiring treatment. Conclusions: Elder ED patients have low rates of nicotine and alcohol dependence. Nicotine‐ or alcohol‐dependent elders use outpatient providers less often than nondependent elders but use EDs at the same rate and report similar health patterns.
Bacteremic Elder Emergency Department Patients: Procalcitonin and White Count
Authors: Caterino Jeffrey M. , Scheatzle Mark D. , Forbes Michael L. , D'Antonio Joyce A.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: To assess serum procalcitonin (PCT) and white blood cell (WBC) count in detecting bacteremia in elder emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: A prospective, observational study of ED patients aged ≥65 years in whom blood cultures were drawn was conducted at an urban, tertiary care, academic ED. Serum for PCT and WBC count was obtained at the time of ED visit. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves, proportions, and likelihood ratios were calculated. Results: One hundred eight patients met entry criteria, 14 with bacteremia. In comparing bacteremic patients versus all others, PCT > 0.2 ng/mL was 93% sensitive (95% confidence interval [CI] = 79% to 100%) and 38% specific (95% CI = 28% to 48%) with a negative likelihood ratio (LR(−)) of 0.18. Abnormal WBC count was 64% sensitive (95% CI = 39% to 89%) and 54% specific (95% CI = 44% to 64%) with an LR(−) of 0.78. The presence of either abnormal WBC count or left shift was 93% sensitive (95% CI = 74% to 100%) but 11% specific (95% CI = 4% to 11%) with an LR(−) of 0.64. When considering only bacteremic patients versus noninfected patients, PCT at a cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL had an LR(−) of 0.12. Area under a ROC curve was significantly greater for PCT (0.7; 95% CI = 0.6 to 0.9) than for abnormal WBC count (0.5; 95% CI = 0.3 to 0.7; p < 0.05). Conclusions: In elder ED patients, a PCT level of 0.2 ng/mL is sensitive for bacteremia and, based on its negative likelihood ratio, is moderately helpful in ruling out the diagnosis. WBC count with or without left shift performed poorly in the diagnosis of bacteremia.
Pharmaceutical Advertising in Emergency Departments
Authors: Marco Catherine A.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: Promotion of prescription drugs represents a growing source of pharmaceutical marketing expenditures. This study was undertaken to identify the frequency of items containing pharmaceutical advertising in clinical emergency departments (EDs). Methods: In this observational study, emergency physician on‐site investigators quantified a variety of items containing pharmaceutical advertising present at specified representative times and days, in clinical EDs. Results: Measurements were obtained by 65 on‐site investigators, representing 22 states. Most EDs in this study were community EDs (87% community and 14% university or university affiliate), and most were in urban settings (50% urban, 38% suburban, and 13% rural). Investigators measured 42 items per ED (mean = 42; median = 31; interquartile range of 14–55) containing pharmaceutical advertising in the clinical area. The most commonly observed items included pens (mean 15 per ED; median 10), product brochures (mean 5; median 3), stethoscope labels (mean 4; median 2), drug samples (mean 3; median 0), books (mean 3.4), mugs (mean 2.4), and published literature (mean 3.1). EDs with a policy restricting pharmaceutical representatives in the ED had significantly fewer items containing pharmaceutical advertising (median 7.5; 95% CI = 0 to 27) than EDs without such a policy (median 35; 95% CI = 27 to 47, p = 0.005, nonparametric Wilcoxon two‐sample test). There were no differences in quantities of pharmaceutical advertising for EDs in community compared with university settings (p = 0.5), rural compared with urban settings (p = 0.3), or annual ED volumes (p = 0.9). Conclusions: Numerous items containing pharmaceutical advertising are frequently observed in EDs. Policies restricting pharmaceutical representatives in the ED are associated with reduced pharmaceutical advertising.
D‐Dimers in the Emergency Department Evaluation of Aortic Dissection
Authors: Perez Alberto , Abbet Philippe , Drescher Michael J.
Published: April 2004

Aortic dissection (AD) is the most common acute aortic condition requiring urgent surgery. AD, if not diagnosed in the emergency department (ED), is frequently fatal. AD is a difficult antemortem diagnosis. Objectives: To determine if acute AD is associated with an elevation of fibrin degradation products, D‐dimers. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed as having AD in the ED in whom a D‐dimer determination was obtained in the ED, prior to any therapeutic intervention. The study was conducted in an urban Level I trauma center between October 1996 and September 2000. Exclusion criteria were referred patients with known diagnosis of AD. The D‐dimer assay used was the semiquantitative latex agglutination assay, with a normal range up to 0.5 μg/mL. Results: One hundred fifty‐six patients were diagnosed as having AD in the ED. Seven patients had a D‐dimer assay during their workup. All seven had a positive test. Conclusions: All seven patients with an AD who had D‐dimer assays performed in the ED had positive results by latex agglutination.
Compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Authors: Kane Bryan G. , Degutis Linda C. , Sayward Helen K. , D'Onofrio Gail
Published: April 2004

Little is known about gaps in quality and the extent to which clinical standards are used in emergency department (ED) practice. Objectives: To determine whether ED practitioners comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for diagnosing and treating sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Methods: A retrospective chart review of ED visits was conducted at an urban teaching hospital. Using ICD‐9 codes, urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gonorrhea, and chlamydia cases seen from May 1, 2000, to February 28, 2001, were identified. Documentation of components of the history, physical examination, diagnostic testing, prescribed antibiotics, and discharge instructions necessary to comply with the CDC guidelines were abstracted. This set of comprehensive criteria was compared with a less stringent subset of selected criteria. Results: Two hundred forty‐six patient visits were identified, and 203 (83%) were included. Forty‐eight men and 155 women were included: 48 (24%) with urethritis, 34 (17%) with cervicitis, and 121 (60%) with PID. For urethritis, cervicitis, and PID, respectively, there was documentation of compliance with indicators related to the following: history 73%, 15%, and 14%; physical examinations 63%, 15%, and 22%; diagnostic testing 79%, 71%, and 71%; antibiotic use 33%, 32%, and 32%; and safe sex instructions 50%, 18%, and 15% of the time. Men were more likely to receive safe sex instructions (p ≤ 0.01). Total (100%) compliance in all five domains occurred 8% of the time for urethritis, 3% for cervicitis, and never for PID. The rates of 100% compliance were not significantly different when a subset of selected criteria was used. Conclusions: Deficits in adherence to recommended guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of STDs exist in ED practice.
A Case Study in Medical Error: The Use of the Portfolio Entry
Authors: Chisholm Carey D. , Croskerry Pat
Published: April 2004

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Practice‐Based Learning and Improvement competency incorporates lifelong learning techniques and self‐reflection. Resident portfolios have received attention as a useful method for addressing this competency. A recent patient encounter provided an experienced clinical educator with the opportunity to develop a portfolio entry that was distributed to all of the residents and faculty in an emergency medicine residency. This report may assist educators in explaining how one could approach the development of the portfolio as a tool for self‐assessment. A candid discussion by a senior faculty member about issues that contributed to medical error has been underreported in the medical literature.
Practice Variation among Pediatric Emergency Departments in the Treatment of Bronchiolitis
Authors: Plint Amy C. , Johnson David W. , Wiebe Natasha , Bulloch Blake , Pusic Martin , Joubert Gary , Pianosi Paul , Turner Troy , Thompson Graham , Klassen Terry P.
Published: April 2004

Objectives: Bronchiolitis is the most common disease of the lower respiratory tract in the first year of life. Treatment is controversial, with studies giving conflicting views on the benefits of bronchodilators and steroids. The objectives of this study were 1) to characterize the management of bronchiolitis in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in Canada, 2) to determine patient outcomes following emergency department (ED) visits, and 3) to provide descriptive data regarding bronchiolitis symptoms and family/personal medical history of these patients. Methods: A prospective consecutive cohort of children with bronchiolitis presenting to seven Canadian PEDs was enrolled during a seven‐to‐21‐day period. Standardized interviews with parents provided data regarding symptoms, previous treatment, and past history. Charts were reviewed for treatment, investigations, and disposition. Telephone follow‐up at two to three weeks collected information regarding duration of illness and return visits. Results: Two hundred thirty‐seven (91%) of 260 eligible patients were enrolled. One hundred eighty‐nine patients (80%) had both an interview and chart review, and 48 (20%) had only chart reviews; follow‐up was completed for 163 (69%) patients. One hundred fifteen (63%) had seen their primary care provider during their illness prior to the ED visit. Seventy‐three percent of patients (range per site 59–100%) were treated in the ED with bronchodilators (usually salbutamol or epinephrine) and 5% (range per site 0–14%) with oral steroids. Twenty‐four percent (58/237) were prescribed bronchodilators on discharge, 3% (7/237) inhaled steroids, and 2% (5/237) oral steroids. Chi‐square tests indicated significant practice variation by site in ED bronchodilator use (p < 0.001) and bronchodilator use at discharge (p = 0.0003). Admission rate was 31% (range by site 22–43%), 17% of patients had more than one ED visit, and 1% were admitted more than once. Admission rates were increased in younger children, children with comorbidities, and children with lower oxygen saturation. Viral studies were obtained in 53%, with 76% of these positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Median duration of cough was 12 days, poor sleeping and irritability eight days, and wheeze and poor feeding seven days. Conclusions: This study prospectively describes the treatment of bronchiolitis in the pediatric ED. The findings are consistent with the literature regarding the reported use of bronchodilators; however, use of steroids was found to be much lower than reported in other studies. Bronchodilator use in the ED and at discharge varied significantly by site. The results capture variation in treatment practices in Canadian PEDs, which may be the result of discordant randomized controlled trial evidence. Further research is needed to establish best practices.
The Development of a Non-Fluorocarbon-Based Extruded Polystyrene Foam Which Contains a Halogen-Free Blowing Agent
Authors: Ohara Youichi , Tanaka Kenkichi , Hayashi Takahiro , Tomita Haruo , Motani Shigeru
Published: April 2004

This technology is concerned with a new type of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), which gives high performance of thermal insulation without containing any fluorocarbons as a blowing agent. Avoiding such typically harmful materials will help solve global environmental problems like ozone layer depletion and global warming. Kaneka Corporation developed this technology for the first time in the world. As a blowing agent of this new XPS in place of fluorocarbons we adopted isobutane, an excellent green gas that helps prevent ozone layer depletion and global warming. However, there is a problem: it is difficult to secure high performance of thermal insulation and flame retardation when isobutane is used. This originates from the fact that isobutane has a higher thermal conductivity than fluorocarbons, and is highly flammable. To overcome the former problem, we found a novel cell structure to secure high performance of thermal insulation, and we developed new technologies to control it. To solve the latter problem, namely securing flame retardation, we clarified the mechanism to suppress combustion of isobutane, and developed a new flame retardation technology by the addition of specific compounds. As a result of a combination of these technologies, we were able to develop and commercialize a new XPS with high performance of thermal insulation. These technologies directly contribute to prevent adverse effects on the global environment such as ozone layer depletion and global warming, by not using fluorocarbons. And, in addition, these technologies indirectly but more greatly contribute to global warming prevention by the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions through a high effect of energy conservation as a thermal insulator. Therefore, the thermal insulator with these technologies is valuable for environmental protection. And as the needs for a material for better energy conservation will increase, the contribution of this technology will expand much more in the future.
Correlation of the Mutual Viscosity and the NMR Spin-Lattice Relaxation Time in Several Substituted Benzoic Acids
Authors: Singh Anupam , Singh Ajay Kumar , Mehrotra Nand Kumar
Published: April 2004

The present communication reports on the experimental values of the mutual viscosity (η12) and NMR spin-lattice time (T1) of o-nitrobenzoic acid, m-nitrobenzoic acid, p-nitrobenzoic acid, o-hydroxybenzoic acid, m-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and m-chlorobenzoic acid. The small difference between the values of η12 and η1 suggests that the basic model of the dielectric relaxation process does not suffer any major changes even when η12 is used instead of η1. The experimental values of the NMR spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) have been correlated with the calculated values of T1 obtained using various equations of the dielectric relaxation time (τ). It has been concluded that the equations of Writz and Murty are better representations of the dielectric relaxation phenomenon.
Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation during the Photo-Oxidation of Toluene: Dependence on Initial Hydrocarbon Concentration
Authors: Sato Kei , Klotz Björn , Hatakeyama Shiro , Imamura Takashi , Washizu Yuuki , Matsumi Yutaka , Washida Nobuaki
Published: April 2004

Aerosol formation in toluene–NOx–air–photoirradiation systems was examined in a 6-m3 photochemical reaction chamber. The initial toluene concentration was varied between 2 and 16 ppmv, whereas the initial NOx concentration was kept constant. The aerosol mass concentrations were plotted as a function of the concentration of toluene reacted. The aerosol profiles showed a curved feature at low toluene consumptions, and merged into a single line at longer reaction times. The observed characteristics were explained by assuming condensable products were formed through reactions of ozone with primary toluene photo-oxidation products.
Effects of Na+ on Dynamics of p-Nitroaniline Molecules in Zeolite ZSM-5 Studied by Solid-State NMR
Authors: Komori Yoshihiko , Hayashi Shigenobu
Published: April 2004

The dynamics of deuterated p-nitroaniline (pNA-d) molecules in zeolite ZSM-5 including Na+ (NaZSM-5) were investigated by means of 2H and 13C solid-state NMR to clarify the effects of Na+ and hydrated Na+. The adsorbed amount of pNA-d was four molecules per unit cell of NaZSM-5. 2H NMR spectra of a dehydrated sample indicated that the motion of pNA-d in the micropore is a 180°flip-flop around the C2 axis of the molecule. Another species with a faster flip-flop motion was distinguishable and assigned to pNA-d on the outer surface. When the sample adsorbed water molecules, 2H spectra showed that the flip-flop motion of pNA-d was largely suppressed in the micropore and that pNA-d on the outer surface underwent an isotropic motion. These results indicated that the dynamics of pNA-d in NaZSM-5 depended on the interactions with Na+ and hydrated Na+ as well as on the location.
Charge-Transfer Molecular Complexes of Guanazole and Some 1,2,4-Triazoles with σ- and π-Acceptors Involving a New Acceptor: Resulting In Situ; DDQH2
Authors: Rabie Usama Mohamed , Salman Hasan Mahmoud Ali , Abou-El-Wafa Moustafa Hassan Mohamed
Published: April 2004

Charge-transfer complexes of 1,2,4-triazole (1T), 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (2T), 4-amino-4H-1,2,4-triazole (3T), and guanazole (3,5-diamino-1,2,4-triazole) (4T) with iodine as a typical σ-type acceptor and with typical π-type acceptors (tetracyanoethene (TCNE) and 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ)) have been synthesized and characterized. The spectral characteristics and thermodynamic properties of such CT complexes were investigated. The system triazoles/iodine is characterized by the formation of triiodide ions (I3−), which is proposed to occur via the initial formation of outer-sphere charge-transfer complexes. The systems (1T–4T)/TCNE and (1T–4T)/DDQ produced the corresponding anion radicals, TCNE•− and DDQ•−, respectively. The time dependency of the spectral bands due to the 4T/TCNE system is discussed in terms of the scope of transformation from outer-sphere CT complexes to inner-sphere ones. Meanwhile, for the system 4T/DDQ the time dependency is accounted for by the stepwise reduction of DDQ to its anion radicals, and then to the corresponding hydroquinone (2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanohydroquinone), DDQH2. However, because the resulting in situ (DDQH2) was an unconventional new acceptor, it formed a CT complex with the donor (4T). The results show that the formed complexes are strong kinds of n–σ and n–π types in a 1:2 and 1:1 stoichiometry for the complexes of triazoles donors with iodine and DDQ, respectively.
The Hydrogen Bond of the One-Dimensional Assembled Complex [Ni(2,2′-biimidazole)2]: The Effect of Transition Metals on the Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Mori Hirotoshi , Miyoshi Eisaku
Published: April 2004

The topologies of hydrogen-bond potential energy surfaces of one-dimensional assembled 2,2′-biimidazole (H2bim) and its deprotonated Ni complex ([NiII(Hbim)2]) were investigated by density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/CEP-31G(d,p) level. It was revealed that the formation of coordination bonds between Hbim and Ni makes the N–H···N hydrogen bond between Hbim units linear and strong.
Hot Water Induces an Acid-Catalyzed Reaction in Its Undissociated Form
Authors: Nagai Yasuharu , Matubayasi Nobuyuki , Nakahara Masaru
Published: April 2004

Hot water in its undissociated form has been kinetically proven to induce a chemical reaction that does not undergo under ambient conditions in the absence of a strong acid. The water-induced and acid-catalyzed rate constants were separately determined for the dehydration of 1,4-butanediol by varying the oxonium ion (H+) concentration. It was found on the kinetic level over a wide range of temperature from moderate to supercritical that the undissociated form of water promotes the reaction at an effective acid concentration of 10−4–10−6 M. A strong density dependence of the reaction rate constant was further observed under supercritical condition, and is related to the anomalous temperature dependence of the rate constant near the critical point.
Immobilization of a Metal Complex in Y-Zeolite Matrix: Synthesis, X-ray Single-Crystal, and Catalytic Activities of a Copper (Schiff-Base)–Y Zeolite Based Hybrid Catalyst
Authors: Saha Pratap Kumar , Banerjee Surajit , Saha Sandip , Mukherjee Alok Kumar , Sivasanker Subramanian , Koner Subratanath
Published: April 2004

A new zeolite-immobilized copper(II) complex catalyst has been prepared by entrapping [CuL] [LH2 = N,N′-(1,1-dimethylethylene)bis(salicylaldiimine)] on NaY zeolite matrix. The reaction of Cu–NaY and molten LH2 affords a green mass of crude catalyst that upon a treatment with CH3CN gives a gray-colored hybrid catalyst (CuL–NaY). The prepared catalyst has been characterized by IR and UV–vis spectroscopic and EPR spectrometric measurements, TG–DTA analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and surface-area measurements. To ascertain the structure of the immobilized complex, a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [CuL] was performed. Spectroscopic measurements showed that the green crude of CuL–NaY contains a penta- or hexa-coordinated copper(II) moiety, while the CuL–NaY catalyst contains a distorted square-planar [CuL] complex moiety. A remarkable catalytic activity of the prepared hybrid catalyst has been observed in oxidation reactions of 1-naphthol and norbornene.
Structure and Physical Properties of Molecule-Based Magnets Including Transition Metal Complexes of Crown Thioethers
Authors: Nishijo Junichi , Miyazaki Akira , Enoki Toshiaki
Published: April 2004

A new series of molecule-based magnets, including crown thioether (9S3 = 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane) complexes of transition metals (Ni, Co, Cu), are presented. TCNQ salts [M(9S3)2](TCNQ)2 (M = Ni, Co) are one-dimensional (1D), antiferromagnetic (AF) complexes with an intra-chain interaction J = −3.9 K and −1.3 K for M = Ni and Co, respectively, despite its long intermolecular distance, for which the large spin density on the sulfur atom in the magnetic [M(9S3)2]2+ cation is responsible. The mixed valence salt [M(9S3)2](TCNQ)3 (M = Ni, Co) is a paramagnetic semiconductor. 1D AF magnet [Cu(9S3)Br2] does not undergo any magnetic transition because of the weak inter-chain interaction. Substituting a very small amount (∼5%) of Cu with Ni causes a structural change. The change decreases the distances of inter-chain S–S contacts, resulting in the generation of an AF transition at TN = 4.5 K. [M(9S3)2][Ni(bdt)2]2 (M = Ni, Co; bdt = 1,2-benzenedithiolato) are weak-ferromagnets with TN = 6.2 K and 2.6 K for M = Ni and Co, respectively. In the crystals, [M(9S3)2]2+–[Ni(bdt)2]− alternate chains and [Ni(bdt)2]− uniform chains coexist. The appearance of weak-ferromagnetism is associated with a competition between two kinds of inter-chain AF interactions between [M(9S3)2]2+–[Ni(bdt)2]− alternate chains, where the stronger one is an indirect inter-chain interaction through [Ni(bdt)2]− uniform chains, while the weaker is a direct inter-chain interaction.
Glucosamine and Galactosamine in Terrestrial Organic Matter and Their Correlation with Other Biochemical Indicators
Authors: Takano Yoshinori , Gupta Lallan P , Kawahata Hodaka , Marumo Katsumi , Ishikawa Yoji , Kobayashi Kensei
Published: April 2004

Core samples of sediments at depths of 0–300 cm at Rikubetsu, Hokkaido, Japan were analyzed for hexosamine (HA) of glucosamine (Gluam) and galactosamine (Galam). The Gluam and Galam contents were highest at the surface, and drastically decreased with increasing depth: the Gluam and Galam contents were 7.98 and 3.19 μmol/g at a depth of 0–5 cm, respectively. Highly positive correlations for Gluam and Galam versus the microbial cell density, total organic carbon, and total hydrolyzed amino acids were observed. The present results suggest that an exponential degradation for amino compounds on the early stage of diagenesis had occurred, and then the amino compounds decreased asymptotically with time. The degradation rate of amino sugars was slower than that of amino acids in the terrestrial diagenetic pathway. The present study shows the vertical distribution of amino sugars with the trends of other biochemical indicators.
Strong Interaction between Carbonyl and Dioxolene Ligands Caused by Charge Distribution of Ruthenium–Dioxolene Frameworks of Mono- and Dicarbonylruthenium Complexes
Authors: Wada Tohru , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Tomori Mizuno , Ooyama Dai , Tanaka Koji
Published: April 2004

Monocarbonylruthenium complexes with a semiquinone ligand, ([Ru(CO)(sq)(L)]n+ (sq = 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzosemiquinone, n = 1 or 0, L = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ([1]+), 2,6-bis(N,N-dimethylaminomethyl)pyridine ([2]+), 2,6-di-2′-pyridylphenyl ([3]0), or 2-(2,2′-bipyridin-6-yl)phenolato ([4]0)), and dicarbonylruthenium complexes with two semiquinone ligands, [Ru(CO2)2(sq)2] ([5]0) and [Ru(CO)2(phsq)2] (phsq = 9,10-phenanthrasemiquinone, [6]0), were synthesized and the structures of [1]+ and [6] were determined by X-ray crystal analysis. Monocarbonyl Ru(II)–dioxolene complexes displayed the ligand localized catecholato/semiquinone and semiquinone/quinone redox couples, and two sets of those redox couples were observed in the dicarbonyl Ru(II)–bis(dioxolene) complexes. Spectroelectrochemical study revealed that the Ru(II)–catecholato and Ru(II)–semiquinone complexes were stable in solutions, while the Ru(II)–quinone complexes underwent fragmentation in solutions. One-electron reduction of the monocarbonyl Ru(II)–semiquinone complexes caused a red shift of the ν(CO) bands in a range of 41 to 56 cm−1, which was substantially larger than those of carbonyl Ru(II)–polypyridyl complexes. Two ν(CO) bands of dicarbonyl Ru(II)–bis(semiquinone) complexes also shifted to lower wavelength in a range of 53 to 99 cm−1 upon two electron reduction of the complexes. The unusually large red shift of ν(CO) bands upon reduction of carbonyl Ru(II)–dioxolene complexes compared with those of Ru(II)–polypyridyl complex is ascribed to a strong electronic interaction between carbonyl and dioxolene ligands.
A Synthesis and Luminescence Study of Ir(ppz)3 for Organic Light-Emitting Devices
Authors: Nam Eun Jeong , Kim Jun Ho , Kim Bong-Ok , Kim Sung Min , Park No Gill , Kim Young Sik , Kim Young Kwan , Ha Yunkyoung
Published: April 2004

Tris(1-phenyl-κC1-pyrazolato-κN2)iridium (Ir(ppz)3) was prepared and its luminescence properties were investigated for the application to organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs). The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Ir(ppz)3 in dichloromethane showed a peak at 437 nm at room temperature. The luminescent lifetime of an Ir(ppz)3 film doped in CBP was found to be 218 ns, which indicated that its emission is phosphorescent. OLEDs were fabricated with doped films of Ir(ppz)3 in several hosts, and the electroluminescence (EL) peak was observed at 450 nm. The luminance of OLEDs was pure blue, with the CIE coordinates of x = 0.158, y = 0.139 at 100 cd/m2, but luminous efficiencies were low since the LUMO of Ir(ppz)3 is higher than those of the hosts used.
Thermal and Photo-Responsibility of Axial Semi-Coordination Bonds in a Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Akitsu Takashiro , Einaga Yasuaki
Published: April 2004

The thermal and photo-responsibility of the axial semi-coordination Cu–O bonds in [Cu(en)2](ClO4)2 (1) (en = ethylenediamine) have been investigated. We discovered a new photoresponsive behavior that was attributed to photo-induced ClO4− cleavage accompanied by compression of the Cu–O bonds using the structural degree of freedom of the semi-coordination bonds.
Near Ultraviolet Absorption Arising from Lysine Residues in Close Proximity: A Probe to Monitor Protein Unfolding and Aggregation in Lysine-Rich Proteins
Authors: Homchaudhuri Lopamudra , Swaminathan Rajaram
Published: April 2004

There is a need for an intrinsic spectral probe to monitor key events like protein unfolding and aggregation in a rapid and unambiguous manner. Protein aggregation is an important issue, but ironically there is a dearth of simple techniques to directly detect the presence of aggregates in solution. We report here the hitherto undiscovered electronic absorption around 300–350 nm in aqueous solutions (pH 7) of human serum albumin (HA), calf thymus histone, and poly-l-lysine. The above spectra were significantly absent in controls like subtilisin carlsberg, mutant barstar, and lysozyme. The possibilities that Rayleigh scattering or impurities could account for the above spectra were checked and ruled out. Based on the analysis of available three-dimensional structures from PDB and our earlier work on the lysine amino acid, an intramolecular interaction between lysine side chains in close spatial proximity was deduced to be the origin for the above spectra. The utility of Lys–Lys interaction in detecting protein unfolding and aggregation in a lysine-rich protein like calf thymus histone using near-ultraviolet absorption is demonstrated.
Resemblance of Carbocycle Formation from Carbohydrates between Archaea and Eucarya/Eubacteria. Biosynthesis of Calditol, the Characteristic Lipid-Content Molecule in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Yamauchi Noriaki , Ueoka Hideyoshi , Kamada Norisuke , Murae Tatsushi
Published: April 2004

We investigated the biosynthesis of the unique structure of calditol, a part of the characteristic lipid molecules in the major part of thermophilic archaea, Sulfolobus sp. Deuterium-labeling experiments with deuterated glucose substrates, were carried out. The results clarified that calditol was biosynthesized from glucose with C–C bond formation between C-1 and C-5, and no loss of deuterium at C-6 of glucose was observed. Two reaction mechanisms were possible when these experimental findings, and conventional reports were considered. Among these, the course that assumes C-4 oxidation as the starting point would be preferable from the resemblance to myo-inositol biosynthesis. Furthermore, the high deuterium incorporation at C-1 of calditol from C-1 of glucose suggests that activation, such as oxidation at C-1, is not involved in the ether C–O bonding.
Photochemical Reactions of α-Bromoacetylarenes Studied by Product Analysis and Laser Flash Photolysis
Authors: Suzuki Toshiaki , Kaneko Yuji , Ikegami Masashi , Arai Tatsuo
Published: April 2004

The hydrogen abstraction reaction and rearrangement reaction of aroylmethyl radicals were studied by product analyses and transient absorption spectroscopies. The α-bromoacetylarenes examined in this study gave aroylmethyl radicals by C–Br bond cleavage upon photoirradiation. According to the results of the product analysis, the rearrangement reaction takes place in the aroylmethyl radicals produced on irradiation of 1-bromoacetylnaphthalene (1-BAN) and 9-bromoacetylanthracene (9-BAA). The rate constants of the rearrangement reaction resulting in an arylmethyl radical and the hydrogen abstraction reaction resulting in an acetylarene for aroylmethyl radicals were estimated based on the results of laser flash photolysis and product analysis.
The Synthesis and Photo-Induced Deprotection Reaction of Calix[4]resorcinarene Derivatives Containing t-Butyl Ester Moieties
Authors: Kudo Hiroto , Mitani Kouji , Nishikubo Tadatomi , Mitsuishi Masaya , Miyashita Tokuji
Published: April 2004

The syntheses and photoinduced deprotection reactions of calix[4]resorcinarene derivatives with pendant t-butyl ester moieties were examined. Calix[4]resorcinarenes, 1a–1h, were prepared by the condensation reaction of resorcinol with certain aldehydes in the presence of hydrochloric acid as a catalyst in ethanol at 80 °C for 30 min in good yields. The substitution reaction of 1a–1h with t-butyl bromoacetate using cesium carbonate as a base and tetrabutylammmonium bromide (TBAB) as a phase transfer catalyst was performed to afford the corresponding calix[4]resorcinarene derivatives, 2a–2h with pendant t-butyl ester groups. It was found that 2a, 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h had film forming properties. The photo-induced deprotection reaction of calixarene derivatives 2a, 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h was examined in the presence of bis-[4-(diphenylsulfonio)phenyl] sulfide (DPSP) as a photoacid generator in the film state upon UV irradiation for 5 min followed by heating at 170 °C. It was found that the deprotection reaction of the t-butyl ester groups of 2a, 2e, 2f, 2g, and 2h proceeded smoothly to produce the corresponding calixarene derivatives, 3a, 3e, 3f, 3g, and 3h with carboxylic acid groups, quantitatively.
On Measuring Supplier Performance Under Vendor-Managed-Inventory Programs in Capacitated Supply Chains
Authors: Choi Ki-Seok , Dai J. G. , Song Jing-Sheng
Published: April 2004

As widely accepted performance measures in supply chain management practice, frequency-based service levels such as fill rate and stockout rate are often considered in supply contracts under vendor-managed-inventory (VMI) programs. Using a decentralized two-party capacitated supply chain model consisting of one manufacturer and one supplier in a VMI environment, we demonstrate that supplier's service level is in general insufficient for the manufacturer to warrant the desired service level at the customer end. The method by which the supplier achieves her service level to the manufacturer also affects customer service level.

By developing bounds on the customer service level, we show that the expected backorders at the supplier should also be taken into account. We suggest a supply contract that offers a menu of different combinations of supplier's service level and expected backorders according to a linear function. Under this contract, the manufacturer can control the end customer service regardless of how the supplier manages her inventory. The supplier has complete flexibility on which combination of the two quantities on the menu to choose according to her own cost functions. Because it does not require any detailed information on supplier's operational characteristics nor her costs, this kind of contract is expected to be easily implementable. In addition, we derive an estimate of the customer service level in terms of the new measures.

Our findings have direct implications to supply chain metrics in general: The local service levels are insufficient measures to guarantee the system wide performance. Alternative local measures and/or coordination mechanisms should be employed to achieve desired system performance. Our analysis illustrates a possible way to explore such alternative measures.
Strategically Seeking Service: How Competition Can Generate Poisson Arrivals
Authors: Lariviere Martin A. , Van Mieghem Jan A.
Published: April 2004

We consider a simple game in which strategic agents select arrival times to a service facility. Agents find congestion costly and, hence, try to arrive when the system is underutilized. Working in discrete time, we characterize pure-strategy Nash equilibria for the case of ample service capacity. In this case, agents try to spread themselves out as much as possible and their self-interested actions will lead to a socially optimal outcome if all agents have the same well-behaved delay cost function. For even modest sized problems, the set of possible pure-strategy Nash equilibria is quite large, making implementation potentially cumbersome. We consequently examine mixed-strategy Nash equilibria and show that there is a unique symmetric Nash equilibrium. Not only is this equilibrium independent of the number of agents and their individual delay cost functions, the arrival pattern it generates approaches a discrete-time Poisson process as the number of agents and arrival points gets large. Our results extend to the case of time varying preferences. With an appropriate initialization, the results also extend to a system with limited capacity. Our model lends support to the traditional literature on managing service systems. This work has generally ignored customers strategically choosing arrival times. Rather it is commonly assumed that customers seek service according to some well-behaved process (e.g., that interarrival times follow a renewal process). We show that assuming Poisson arrivals is an acceptable assumption even with strategic customers if the population is large and the horizon is long.
The MSOM Society Student Paper Competition: Extended Abstracts of 2003 Winners
Authors: Sapra Amar , Chod Jiri , Alptekinoğlu Aydιn , Chen Li , Kök A. Gürhan , Martínez-de-Albéniz Victor
Published: April 2004

As is our tradition at the journal, we are pleased to publish the extended abstracts from the winners of the 2003 MSOM Society Student Paper Competition. We do this to celebrate the achievements of these young scholars and provide you with the opportunity to learn about their work in more detail.

The 2003 prize committee was chaired by Professor Gerard Cachon from the University of Pennsylvania. The other committee members were: Dan Adelman (University of Chicago), Narendra Agrawal (Santa Clara University), Yossi Aviv (Washington University), Rene Caldentey (New York University), Wedad Elmaghraby (Georgia Institute of Technology), Noah Gans (University of Pennsylvania), Roman Kapuscinski (University of Michigan), Pinar Keskinocak (Georgia Institute of Technology), Constantinos Maglaras (Columbia University), Joe Mazzola (Georgetown University), Serguei Netessine (University of Pennsylvania), Michael Pinedo (New York University), Erica Plambeck (Stanford University), Nils Rudi (University of Rochester), Sergei Savin (Columbia University), Kevin Shang (Duke University), Terry Taylor (Columbia University), Christian Terwiesch (University of Pennsylvania), Brian Tomlin (University of North Carolina), Tunay Tunca (Stanford University).
In this issue
Authors: van Ryzin Garrett J.
Published: April 2004

A regular feature of Manufacturing & Service Operation Management, “In this issueℓ” briefly describes each issue's articles and highlights their contributions.
Polymer Intercalation in Mesostructured Carbon
Authors: Kim C. H. , Kim S.‐S. , Guo F. , Hogan T. P. , Pinnavaia T. J.
Published: April 2004

The intercalation of polypyrrole (ppy) into hexagonal mesostructured carbon at 6.80–12.6 wt.‐% levels results in substantial shrinkage of the framework structure (Δd100 = 0.8–1.0 nm) and the pore size (from 3.7 nm initially to 2.9–2.5 nm upon ppy binding). The surface areas (718–960 m2 g–1) and electrical conductivities (0.1–1.0 S cm–1) for compressed powders, however, are largely retained over a wide temperature range, providing potential applications in sensing.
UV photosynthesis of nickel carbonyl
Authors: Guo Xuming , Sturgeon Ralph E. , Mester Zoltan , Gardner Graeme
Published: April 2004

In the presence of low‐molecular‐weight organic acids, such as formic, acetic, and propionic, inorganic nickel salts in aqueous solutions are converted to the volatile tetracarbonyl by UV irradiation. Experiments were performed using a flow‐through photoreactor, consisting of a 6 m length polytetrafluoroethylene tubing wrapped around a low‐pressure mercury vapor UV lamp (254 nm, 15 W). The efficiency of transformation was estimated to be 95%. As no carbon monoxide or external reductant is required, photochemical synthesis may prove to be useful in material chemistry and applicable to the extractive metallurgy of nickel, as well as its refining and recycling. Copyright © 2004 Crown in the right of Canada. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of fitness functions on genetic programming‐based ranking discovery for Web search
Authors: Fan Weiguo , Fox Edward A. , Pathak Praveen , Wu Harris
Published: April 2004

Genetic‐based evolutionary learning algorithms, such as genetic algorithms (GAs) and genetic programming (GP), have been applied to information retrieval (IR) since the 1980s. Recently, GP has been applied to a new IR task—discovery of ranking functions for Web search—and has achieved very promising results. However, in our prior research, only one fitness function has been used for GP‐based learning. It is unclear how other fitness functions may affect ranking function discovery for Web search, especially since it is well known that choosing a proper fitness function is very important for the effectiveness and efficiency of evolutionary algorithms. In this article, we report our experience in contrasting different fitness function designs on GP‐based learning using a very large Web corpus. Our results indicate that the design of fitness functions is instrumental in performance improvement. We also give recommendations on the design of fitness functions for genetic‐based information retrieval experiments.
Parental lead exposure and total anomalous pulmonary venous return
Authors: Jackson Leila W. , Correa‐Villaseñor Adolfo , Lees Peter S.J. , Dominici Francesca , Stewart Patricia A. , Breysse Patrick N. , Matanoski Genevieve
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Investigators from the Baltimore‐Washington Infant Study (BWIS) reported an association between self‐reported maternal lead exposure and total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) in their offspring. This association was further evaluated in the BWIS population using a more sensitive exposure estimate.

METHODS

Cases included 54 live‐born infants with TAPVR; controls were a stratified random sample of 522 live‐born infants from the BWIS control group. Parental lead exposure was based on three assessment methods, including: an industrial hygiene assessment, an a priori job exposure matrix, and self‐reported exposures. A parent was classified as exposed to lead if he/she was classified as exposed by any one of the assessment methods.

RESULTS

Approximately 17% of case mothers and 11% of control mothers were classified as exposed to lead during the three months prior to conception through the first trimester (odds ratio [OR], 1.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–3.47). Among fathers, 61% of case fathers and 46% of control fathers were classified as exposed to lead during the six months prior to conception (paternal critical period) (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.00–3.42). During the paternal critical period, when only the father was exposed compared to neither parent exposed, the OR for any lead exposure and TAPVR was 1.65 (95% CI, 0.84–3.25).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports a possible association between paternal lead exposure and TAPVR. Further studies are warranted using validated assessment methods for occupational and nonoccupational lead exposures to corroborate this association and to elucidate the possible biological mechanism. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.