bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An algorithm for fast optimal Latin hypercube design of experiments
Authors: Viana Felipe A. C. , Venter Gerhard , Balabanov Vladimir
Published: October 2009

This paper presents the translational propagation algorithm, a new method for obtaining optimal or near optimal Latin hypercube designs (LHDs) without using formal optimization. The procedure requires minimal computational effort with results virtually provided in real time. The algorithm exploits patterns of point locations for optimal LHDs based on the ϕp criterion (a variation of the maximum distance criterion). Small building blocks, consisting of one or more points each, are used to recreate these patterns by simple translation in the hyperspace. Monte Carlo simulations were used to evaluate the performance of the new algorithm for different design configurations where both the dimensionality and the point density were studied. The proposed algorithm was also compared against three formal optimization approaches (namely random search, genetic algorithm, and enhanced stochastic evolutionary algorithm). It was found that (i) the distribution of the ϕp values tends to lower values as the dimensionality is increased and (ii) the proposed translational propagation algorithm represents a computationally attractive strategy to obtain near optimum LHDs up to medium dimensions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A candidate for relegation? Corruption, governance approaches and the (re)construction of post‐war states
Authors: Doig Alan , Tisne Martin
Published: October 2009

The article discusses the place of anti‐corruption in the post‐war donor agendas. It uses examples from a set of country reports to demonstrate the divergence between the rhetoric and reality of donor‐led initiatives, and the delivery of reform through the governance approach of which addressing corruption has been a part. It suggests that dealing with corruption has often been diluted or downplayed within the wider approach. Within the debate to revise that approach, corruption may be relegated further down the agenda. While recognising the complexity of the post‐war reform process, and the demands from the multiple tasks and volume of funding being addressed by a range of domestic and external actors, the article suggests that failure to address corruption within any new approach in favour of what are considered more pressing reform issues may well cause problems for the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing capacity in fragile states
Authors: Brinkerhoff Derick W.
Published: October 2009

How can fragile states and the international community strengthen capacity and find a path from fragility to socio‐economic progress? This article offers some answers to this question. The discussion opens with brief overviews of capacity and capacity development (CD), and then turns to capacity targets in fragile states. Almost any CD choice involves trade‐offs and dilemmas. The article explores the following: state versus non‐state service provision, services now versus institutional strengthening, immediate security versus long‐term stability, technical versus political factors and external actors and local capacity. A model of CD intervention is presented. The model identifies three dimensions that can be used to characterise interventions to build capacity: the amount of time required, the degree of difficulty and complexity and the scope and depth of the change involved. The implications of the model are identified. The article concludes with some emerging guidance for CD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, mechanical properties, and in vitro biocompatibility of novel nanocomposites based on polyhexamethylene carbonate fumarate and nanohydroxyapatite
Authors: Sharifi Shahriar , Kamali Mehdi , Mohtaram Nima Khadem , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Rabiee Sayed Mahmood , Atai Mohammad , Imani Mohammad , Mirzadeh Hamid
Published: October 2009

In the current study a new biodegradable nanocomposite based on poly hexamethylene carbonate fumarate (PHMCF) and nano‐sized hydroxyapatite (nano‐HA) has been developed. A silane coupling agent γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane, was used to achieve a good interfacial adhesion between nano‐HA and PHMCF matrix. PHMCF with different nano‐HA contents were characterized using dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and hardness test. The effect of frequency on storage modulus, glass transition temperature (Tg) and the damping were investigated. In vitro cytotoxicity and proliferation were performed using G292 cell lines by MTT assay. The addition of nano‐HA resulted in an increment on the storage modulus and decrement on the damping. Along with improvement in mechanical properties of composites, the addition of nano‐HA resulted in enhanced cell proliferation. Following these results, the newly developed nano‐PHMCF composite scaffold may be considered for bone tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced CRYL1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma confers cell growth advantages and correlates with adverse patient prognosis
Authors: Cheng Ibis K‐C , Ching Arthur K‐K , Chan Tsz‐Choi , Chan Anthony W‐H , Wong Chun‐Kwok , Choy Kwong‐Wai , Kwan Man , Lai Paul B‐S , Wong Nathalie
Published: October 2009

Homozygous deletion screening has been widely utilized to define tumour suppressor genes (TSGs) in cancers. Although these biallelic deletions are infrequent, their identification has facilitated the discovery of many important TSGs. We have systematically examined the genome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly malignant tumour that is rapidly fatal, for the presence of homozygous deletions. Array‐CGH analysis on early passage of HCC cultures and cell lines led us to identify six homozygous deleted (HD) regions. A high concordance between array‐CGH and expression of HD genes was demonstrated, where crystallin Lambda1 (CRYL1; located on chromosome 13q12.11) displayed the most frequent down‐regulation. We found that reduced mRNA expression of CRYL1 was common in HCC tumours when compared with their adjacent non‐tumoural liver (p = 0.0097). Significant associations could also be drawn between repressed CRYL1 and advanced tumour staging, increased tumour size, and shorter disease‐free survival of patients (p < 0.037). Moreover, homozygous deletions on CRYL1 could be detected in 36% of HCC cases, where recurrent HDs were identified on exons 1, 5, and 8. Examination of other causal events suggested histone deacetylation and promoter hypermethylation to be likely inactivating mechanisms as well. Re‐expression of CRYL1 in the SK‐Hep1 cell line, where biallelic loss of CRYL1 was found, induced profound inhibition of cellular proliferation and cell growth (p < 0.0015). By Annexin V staining, CRYL1 restoration readily increased pro‐apoptotic cells with an induction of PARP cleavage. Flow cytometry further revealed that CRYL1 could prolong the G2–M phase, possibly through interruption of the Cdc2/cyclin B pathway. Given that regional chromosome 13q12–q14 loss is a causal genomic event in HCC tumourigenesis, our finding may have implications for identifying a novel TSG CRYL1 within this important locus. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of a WiT49 cell line derived orthotopic model of Wilms tumor
Authors: Li Mei‐Hong , Yamase Harold , Ferrer Fernando
Published: October 2009

Wilms tumor is the most common malignant renal tumor in children. However, to date no Wilms tumor mouse model is available due to the lack of Wilms tumor cell lines. Herein for the first time we report an orthotopic xenograft mouse model utilizing the recently described Wilms tumor cell line WiT49. It has a high tumor occurrence rate (85%) without metastasis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed it is subcapsular in location and mainly biphasic with stromal and epithelial components while blastemal component is unappreciable. This model provides the prerequisite for the screening and development of new anti‐tumor agents for Wilms tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:316–318. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and curing behavior of macrocycle‐terminated poly(aryl ether ketone)s
Authors: Yue Xigui , Zhang Haibo , Liu Baijun , Wang Lifeng , Wang Guibin , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: The introduction of poly(ether ether ketone)‐based carbon‐fiber composites accelerated the application of poly(ether ether ketone)s in advanced composite materials. In order to improve the compatibility and processability with reinforced components, polymers with low melt viscosity are preferable.

RESULTS: Novel fully aromatic macrocycle‐terminated poly(aryl ether ketone)s (MCPAEKs) were prepared by condensation of macrocyclic aryl ether ketone dimers containing hydroxyphenyl groups and fluorine end‐capped poly(aryl ether ketone) oligomers. Compared with liner poly(aryl ether ketone)s, MCPAEKs showed much lower melt viscosities at low temperature. In the presence of caesium fluoride, the crosslinking reaction of MCPAEKs afforded fully aromatic thermoset poly(aryl ether ketone)s by ring‐opening reaction.

CONCLUSION: The MCPAEKs exhibited high thermal stability due to their wholly aromatic structures. After crosslinking, the glass transition temperatures and complex melt viscosities of the polymers were increased greatly. Although there was some residual cesium fluoride or phenoxides produced by ring‐opening reaction, the thermoset poly(aryl ether ketone)s obtained had good thermal stability with temperatures at 5% weight loss above 475 °C. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Preserving the yeast proteome from sample degradation
Authors: Grassl Julia , Westbrook Jules A. , Robinson Aisling , Borén Mats , Dunn Michael J. , Clyne Rosemary K.
Published: October 2009

Sample degradation is a common problem in all types of proteomic analyses as it generates protein and peptide fragments that can interfere with analytical results. An important step in preventing such artefacts is to preserve the native, intact proteome as early as possible during sample preparation prior to proteomic analysis. Using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we have evaluated the effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and thermal treatments prior to protein extraction as a means to minimise proteolysis. TCA precipitation is commonly used to inactivate proteases; thermal stabilisation is used to heat samples to approximately 95°C to inactivate enzyme activity. The efficacy of these methods was also compared with that of protease inhibitors and lyophilisation. Sample integrity was assessed by 2‐D PAGE and a selection of spots was identified by MS/MS. The analysis showed that TCA or thermal treatment significantly reduced the degree of degradation and that these pre‐treatment protocols were more effective than treatment with either protease inhibitors or lyophilisation. This study establishes standardised sample preparation methods for the reproducible analysis of protein patterns by 2‐D PAGE in yeast, and may also be applicable to other proteomic analyses such as gel‐free‐based quantitation methods.
Analysis of Candida albicans plasma membrane proteome
Authors: Cabezón Virginia , Llama‐Palacios Arancha , Nombela César , Monteoliva Lucía , Gil Concha
Published: October 2009

The opportunistic human fungal pathogen Candida albicans causes a wide variety of infections including deep systemic syndromes. The C. albicans plasma membrane is an important interface in the host–pathogen relationship. The plasma membrane proteins mediate a variety of functions, including sensing and signalling to the external environment, in which the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐anchored membrane proteins play a crucial role. A subproteomic approach to obtain a global picture of the protein composition of the C. albicans plasma membrane was developed, and different strategies were tested in order to extract the largest number of yeast plasma membrane proteins and GPI‐anchored membrane proteins. These methods involved: (i) protoplast generation, (ii) mechanical disruption, (iii) ultracentrifugation in sucrose gradients, and (iv) Na2CO3 treatments. To isolate GPI‐anchored proteins two additional steps were performed: two‐phase separation and phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C treatment. After LC‐MS/MS analysis using both a MALDI‐TOF/TOF and a linear ion trap quadrupole, a total of 214 membrane proteins were identified, including 41 already described as plasma membrane proteins, 20 plasma membrane associated proteins, and 22 proteins with unknown membrane localisation. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that this set of C. albicans membrane proteins is highly enriched in proteins involved in biopolymer biosynthesis or transport processes. Furthermore, after phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C treatment, 12 GPI‐anchored membrane proteins were released and identified; most of them are associated with cell wall β‐glucan synthesis and maintenance or are virulence factors, such as phospholipases or aspartyl proteinases.
A new donor–acceptor double‐cable carbazole polymer with perylene bisimide pendant group: Synthesis, electrochemical, and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Koyuncu Sermet , Zafer Ceylan , Koyuncu Fatma Baycan , Aydin Banu , Can Mustafa , Sefer Emre , Ozdemir Eyup , Icli Siddik
Published: October 2009

We report here electrochemical synthesis of novel soluble donor–acceptor (D–A) polymer with suitably functionalized perylenetetracarboxylic diimide dye derivative covalently linked to carbazole moiety (Cbz‐PDI). The band gap, Eg was measured using UV–Vis spectroscopy and compared with that obtained by cyclic voltammetry (CV). Efficient intramolecular electron transfer from carbazole‐donor to perynediimide‐acceptor leads to remarkable fluorescence quenching of the perylene core. Furthermore, spectroelectrochemical property and surface morphology of the polymer film were investigated. Characteristic monoanion and dianion radical bands on the UV–Vis absorption spectra attributed to the electrochemical reduction of the neutral polymer were observed. During the reduction process, red color of the film turned into blue and violet, respectively. Finally, the photovoltaic performance of the D–A double‐cable polymer was checked and nearly 0.1% electrical conversion efficiency is obtained under simulated AM 1.5 solar light with 100 mW/cm2 radiation power. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6280–6291, 2009
Self‐assembly of well‐defined amphiphilic polymeric miktoarm stars, dendrons, and dendrimers in water: The effect of architecture
Authors: Lonsdale Daria E. , Whittaker Michael R. , Monteiro Michael J.
Published: October 2009

Five polymeric architectures with a systematic increase in architectural complexity were synthesized by “click” reactions from a toolbox of functional linear polymers and small molecule linkers. The amphiphilic architectures ranged from a simple 3‐miktoarm star block copolymer to the more complex third generation dendrimer‐like block copolymer, consisting of polystyrene (PSTY) and polyacrylic acid (PAA). Micellization of these architectures in water at a pH of 7 under identical ionic strength gave spherical micelles ranging in size from 9 to 30 nm. Subsequent calculations of the PSTY core density, average surface area per PAA arm on the corona‐core interface, and the relative stretching of the PAA arms provided insights into the effect of architecture on the self‐assembly processes. A particular trend was observed that with increased architectural complexity the hydrodynamic diameter, radius of the core in the dry state and the aggregation number also increased with the exception of the third generation dendrimer. On the basis of these observations, we postulate that thermodynamic factors controlling self‐assembly were the entropic penalty of forming PSTY loops in the core counterbalanced by the reduction in repulsive forces through chain stretching. This results in a greater number of aggregating unimers and consequently larger micelle sizes. The junction points within the architecture also play an important role in controlling the self‐assembly process. The G3 dendrimer showed results contradictory to the aforementioned trend. We believe that the self‐assembly process of this architecture was dominated by the increased attractive forces due to stretching of the PSTY core chains to form a more compact core. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6292–6303, 2009
Single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in fluoroalcohol: Dual control over molecular weight and tacticity
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Zhang Zhengbiao , Zhu Jian , Zhou Nianchen , Zhu Xiulin
Published: October 2009

The Cu(0)‐mediated single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using ethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (EBiB) as an initiator with Cu(0)/N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as a catalyst system in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) was studied. The polymerization showed some living features: the measured number‐average molecular weight (Mn,GPC) increased with monomer conversion and produced polymers with relatively low polydispersities. The increase of HFIP concentration improved the controllability over the polymerization with increased initiation efficiency and lowered polydispersity values. 1H NMR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS spectra, and chain extension reaction confirmed that the resultant polymer was end‐capped by EBiB species, and the polymer can be reactivated for chain extension. In contrast, in the cases of dimethyl sulfoxide or N,N‐dimethylformamide as reaction solvent, the polymerizations were uncontrolled. The different effects of the solvents on the polymerization indicated that the mechanism of SET‐LRP differed from that of atom transfer radical polymerization. Moreover, HFIP also facilitated the polymerization with control over stereoregularity of the polymers. Higher concentration of HFIP and lower reaction temperature produced higher syndiotactic ratio. The syndiotactic ratio can be reached to about 0.77 at 1/1.5 (v/v) of MMA/HFIP at −18 °C. In conclusion, using HFIP as SET‐LRP solvent, the dual control over the molecular weight and tacticity of PMMA was realized. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6316–6327, 2009
Psychometric properties of the Dutch version of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer scale in Dutch cancer patients
Authors: Braeken Anna P. B. M. , Kempen Gertrudis I. J. M. , Watson Maggie , Houben Ruud M. A. , Gils Francis C. J. M. v. , Lechner Lilian
Published: October 2009

Objectives: The measurement of adjustment to cancer is relevant for research purposes and daily practice. In this study, the psychometric properties of the original five subscales and the two recently proposed summary scales of the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale were examined in Dutch cancer patients.

Methods: Data from 289 cancer patients were assessed with the Dutch version of the MAC scale and the Hospital and Anxiety Depression scale (HADS); 259 patients completed the MAC scale for a second time.

Results: In total, 85.5% of the participants completed the full MAC scale. The internal consistency of the five subscales and the summary scales were mostly similar to the original versions. The test–retest reliability of the Fighting Spirit, Helplessness/Hopelessness, Anxious Preoccupation, Summary Positive Adjustment and Summary Negative Adjustment subscales were moderate and the test–retest reliability of the Fatalism and Avoidance subscales were low. Correlations between the original and the two summary scales of the MAC scale and the depression and anxiety subscales of the HADS indicated good convergent validity. The structure of the five original subscales as well as the structure of the two proposed summary scales was adequate as shown by construct validity using confirmatory factor analyses.

Conclusion: The Dutch version of the MAC scale is a feasible questionnaire and appeared to have comparable psychometric properties as demonstrated by studies in the UK. The psychometric properties of the summary scales and Fighting Spirit and Helplessness/Hopelessness subscales seem to be acceptable. This supports the cross‐national usefulness of the MAC scale. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of a cancer genetic‐specific measure of coping: the GRACE
Authors: Phelps C. , Bennett P. , Jones H. , Hood K. , Brain K. , Murray A.
Published: October 2009

Objective: Generic measures of coping fail to capture the process of undergoing specific health processes such as cancer genetic risk assessment. The Genetic Risk Assessment Coping Evaluation (GRACE) has been developed to provide greater specificity of measurement.

Method: Based upon previous research findings, the GRACE measures the degree of stress associated with 11 recognised sources of stress for individuals undergoing the early stages of cancer genetic risk assessment, and the use of up to eight coping strategies they may elicit. This paper reports preliminary data from the piloting of the GRACE within a randomised trial of a coping intervention.

Results: Of the 265 participants who completed and returned their baseline questionnaire (prior to being informed of their level of genetic risk), 257 completed the GRACE. The most highly endorsed sources of stress involved concerns relating to family members, endorsed by over 60% of respondents, and concerns about how the participants would cope if found to be at increased risk (59%). Participants made use of multiple coping strategies across different sources of stress. The most frequently reported coping strategies were emotion‐focused, which may reflect the stage of the assessment process.

Conclusion: The completion rates for the matrix and specificity of responses provided suggest that the GRACE may be an acceptable measurement tool. Further data collection and validation is ongoing. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is emotional dissonance more prevalent in oncology care? Emotion work, burnout and coping
Authors: Kovács Mariann , Kovács Eszter , Hegedűs Katalin
Published: October 2009

Objectives: Emotional burden on oncology care workers is considerable. These workers develop confidential relationship with the patient through interpersonal communication, which entails managing their own emotions as well as the emotions displayed by their patients, and it involves a great deal of emotion work. The objectives in our study were to assess the prevalence of burnout and emotional dissonance and to investigate the interrelationship among burnout, emotion work and coping in oncology care.

Method: A cross‐sectional survey with anonymous questionnaires was conducted among oncology health care workers (N = 48) and non‐oncology health care workers (N = 151).

Results: The comparison revealed differences primarily in emotion work and coping. Emotional dissonance as stress factor was more prevalent among oncology health care workers. Caregivers dealing with cancer patients felt that they have to display negative emotions less frequently, yet at the same time they frequently have to show understanding and express sympathy to the patient. When certain coping strategies were examined, we found that humour as potential resource in coping is used less frequently among oncology health care workers.

Conclusion: In order to devise effective interventions to oncology personnel, we need to focus on the interaction between the carer and the cancer patient and have more evidence on emotional dissonance in oncology staff. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experiences and concerns about ‘returning to work’ for women breast cancer survivors: a literature review
Authors: Tiedtke Corine , de Rijk Angelique , Dierckx de Casterlé Bernadette , Christiaens Marie‐Rose , Donceel Peter
Published: October 2009

Objective: To explore how female breast cancer patients experience work incapacity during the treatment and return‐to‐work phases and how interactions between patients and stakeholders affect this experience.

Method: Database search for full text articles published between January 1995 and January 2008 that focused on employed female breast cancer patients, factors related to work incapacity, and returning to work. Only results based on self‐report data were included. Studies focusing on treatment, financial factors, rate of return, or absence were excluded.

Results: Six articles met the inclusion criteria. Women with breast cancer receive varied reactions but little advice about returning to work. Women were primarily concerned with disclosing the diagnosis to their employer and to relatives. Uncertainties about physical appearance, ability to work, and possible job loss affected the women's decisions about working during the treatment phase. After treatment, most women wanted to regain their ‘normal life’, but concentration and arm or fatigue problems potentially interfered. Although supportive work environments were helpful, the individual needs of women differed. Employers and employees need to find a balance in defining accommodating work. Many women received favourable support, but some reported feeling discriminated against. Many women re‐evaluated the role of work in their lives after being confronted with breast cancer.

Conclusion: Work adjustments could help women to keep their jobs during illness and recovery. To resolve women's concerns about returning to work, employers, physicians, and insurance institutions should consider increasing and improving communication with breast cancer patients and playing a more active and supportive role. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) in the management of pulmonary complications of an infant with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Nino Gustavo , McNally Paul , Miske Laura J. , Hickey Eileen , Panitch Howard B.
Published: October 2009

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by abnormal collagen formation and short stature. These patients present with frequent vertebral, rib, and long bone fractures. There are many respiratory complications associated with OI including pneumonia, the most common cause of mortality in the severe forms of the disease. We present a case of an infant with OI (type III/IV) and significant tracheobronchomalacia who had required multiple hospitalizations for recurrent atelectasis and respiratory failure in the setting of acute respiratory infections. External chest percussion and vibration were avoided because of the risk of rib fractures. intrapulmonary percussive ventilation (IPV) was initiated during an acute illness with good effect, and continued successfully after discharge from hospital. We conclude that IPV represents a safe and effective alternative to airway clearance in infants with OI. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1151–1154. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Add‐on salmeterol compared to double dose fluticasone in pediatric asthma: A double‐blind, randomized trial (VIAPAED)
Authors: Gappa Monika , Zachgo Wolfgang , von Berg Andrea , Kamin Wolfgang , Stern‐Sträter Catrin , Steinkamp Gratiana
Published: October 2009

Rationale

In asthmatic children whose symptoms are uncontrolled on standard doses of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS), guidelines recommend to either increase the ICS dose or to add further controller medication, e.g. a long acting ß2‐agonist (LABA). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of doubling the dose of ICS (fluticasone proprionate FP 200 µg twice daily) with adding a long‐acting beta‐2 agonist to the ICS (SFC, salmeterol 50 µg/ FP 100 µg twice daily) in children with uncontrolled asthma.

Methods

Children between 4 and 16 years of age were eligible for this multicenter, randomized, double blind, double dummy, parallel‐group study. During a 14‐day run‐in phase, all children inhaled FP 100 µg b.i.d. Patients with persistent symptoms on ≥7 of 14 days were randomized to 8 weeks treatment with a Diskus® containing either SFC 50 µg/100 µg b.i.d. or FP 200 µg b.i.d.. The primary endpoint was the mean change in morning (a.m.) PEF from baseline. The initial statistical hypothesis of non‐inferiority of SFC vs. FP was confirmed in an adaptive interim analysis, so that the study was terminated prematurely.

Results

441 patients from 39 centers entered the run‐in phase, and 64% of these were randomized to treatment (N = 138 to SFC and N = 145 to FP). After 8 weeks, patients on SFC had significantly better results for primary and secondary endpoints: The mean increase in morning PEF was 30.4 ± 34.1 L/min in the SFC group and 16.7 ± 35.8 L/min in the fluticasone group, and the mean (95% CI) improvement from baseline a.m. PEF in the ITT group was significantly larger after SFC (+8.6 L/min, CI: [1.3; ∞]). Patients in the SFC group experienced 8.7% (CI: [1.2;16.3]) more days without asthma symptoms and 8.0% (CI: [0.6;15.3]) more days without salbutamol than patients receiving FP. Good asthma control was achieved for a longer period in the SFC (3.4 ± 2.7 weeks) group than in the FP group (2.7 ± 2.7, P = 0.02). Both treatments were generally well tolerated. Asthma exacerbations were recorded in 3 and 6 and SAEs in 2 and 1 patients from the SFC and FP groups, respectively.

Conclusions

In children with persistent asthma inadequately controlled on low dose ICS alone, adding a long acting beta‐2‐agonist to ICS in a single inhaler was more effective than doubling the ICS dose. These results support recommendations of adding LABA to low‐dose ICS as the preferred controller option for children older than 4 years with symptomatic asthma. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1132–1142. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nocturnal hypoxia and sleep disturbances in cystic fibrosis
Authors: de Castro‐Silva Claudia , de Bruin Veralice Meireles Sales , Cavalcante Antonio George Matos , Bittencourt Lia Rita Azeredo , de Bruin Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo
Published: October 2009

Disrupted sleep and nocturnal hypoxia are common in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, the predictors of nocturnal hypoxia in CF are still controversial. In order to identify the risk factors for nocturnal desaturation and sleep disturbances, we carried out a clinical and polysomnographic investigation of CF patients. We studied 30 clinically stable CF cases with clinical lung disease (mean age = 12.8; mean FEV1 = 65.2), 10 CF cases without significant lung disease (mean age = 13.3; mean FEV1 = 99.8), and 20 controls (mean age = 15.5). Patients were evaluated by spirometry, 6‐min walk test, the Shwachman–Kulczycki (S–K) score, and full overnight polysomnography. Cases with clinical lung disease had lower body mass index, forced vital capacity, and S–K scores. During sleep, five CF cases with clinical lung disease (15%) had SaO2 <90% during more than 30% of total sleep time and 11 cases (36.6%) had a nadir SaO2 below 85%. FEV1 values for CF cases with clinical lung disease were related to nadir SaO2 (P < 0.03) and to mean SaO2 (P = 0.02). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis determined FEV1 at 64% to be predictive of nocturnal desaturation as defined by minimum SaO2 <85% (sensitivity = 92.3%; specificity = 77.3%) or SaO2 <90% for 30% of sleep time (sensitivity = 81.8%; specificity = 85.2%). Frequency of impaired sleep was not different in CF cases with (N = 2) and without significant lung disease (N = 5, P = 0.53). Sleep architecture was not significantly different between the two groups. Sleep apnea was present in three CF cases with clinical lung disease and in one case without significant lung disease. In summary, desaturation during sleep can be predicted by FEV1 <64% with good sensitivity and specificity. There are no significant differences in sleep architecture between clinically stable CF cases with and without significant lung disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:1143–1150. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantum 2‐body Hamiltonian for topological color codes
Authors: Bombin H. , Kargarian M. , Martin‐Delgado M.A.
Published: October 2009

We introduce a two‐body quantum Hamiltonian model with spins‐${1 \over 2}$ located on the vertices of a 2D spatial lattice. The model exhibits an exact topological degeneracy in all coupling regimes. This is a remarkable non‐perturbative effect. The model has a Z2× Z2 gauge group symmetry and string‐net integrals of motion. There exists a gapped phase in which the low‐energy sector reproduces an effective topological color code model. High energy excitations fall into three families of anyonic fermions that turn out to be strongly interacting. All these, and more, are new features not present in honeycomb lattice models like Kitaev model.
Transition features in quantum communication channels with correlated noise
Authors: Macchiavello C.
Published: October 2009

We review some recent results on the performance of quantum communication channels in the presence of correlated noise for classical information transfer. We show in particular how the onset of a transition behavior in the optimal input entanglement depends crucially on the form of the correlations introduced by the noise process.
Bromadiolone susceptibility in wild and laboratory Mus musculus L.(house mice) in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Guidobono Juan S , León Vanina , Gómez Villafañe Isabel E , Busch María
Published: October 2009

BACKGROUND: Rodents are major pests in many agricultural systems, where they can cause significant economic losses and involve a sanitary risk. The application of anticoagulant rodenticides for rodent control has showed a decrease in effectiveness through time because of the development of resistant populations and the development of aversion behaviour. The goal of the present study was to test the susceptibility to bromadiolone and the existence of anticoagulant resistance in Mus musculus L. (house mouse) in Argentina. We conducted a feeding test with wild animals captured in poultry farms and a laboratory strain that were fed with bromadiolone bait.

RESULTS: Three animals of the field experimental group survived the 21 days study period, while for laboratory animals mortality was 100%. Control field animals which were fed without anticoagulant showed 100% survival.

CONCLUSION: We found evidence of the presence of anticoagulant resistant M. musculus L. in the study area. Feeding behaviour may have contributed to increasing the time of survival, and may be a mechanism that allows metabolic clearance of the bromadiolone. Under field conditions control with anticoagulants would be less effective because animals have alternative food. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Auxin herbicides: current status of mechanism and mode of action
Authors: Grossmann Klaus
Published: October 2009

Synthetic compounds that act like phytohormonal ‘superauxins’ have been among the most successful herbicides used in agriculture for more than 60 years. These so‐called auxin herbicides are more stable in planta than the main natural auxin, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and show systemic mobility and selective action, preferentially against dicot weeds in cereal crops. They belong to different chemical classes, which include phenoxycarboxylic acids, benzoic acids, pyridinecarboxylic acids, aromatic carboxymethyl derivatives and quinolinecarboxylic acids. The recent identification of receptors for auxin perception and the discovery of a new hormone interaction in signalling between auxin, ethylene and the upregulation of abscisic acid biosynthesis account for a large part of the repertoire of auxin‐herbicide‐mediated responses, which include growth inhibition, senescence and tissue decay in sensitive dicots. An additional phenomenon is caused by the quinolinecarboxylic acid quinclorac, which also controls grass weeds. Here, the accumulation of phytotoxic levels of tissue cyanide, derived ultimately from quinclorac‐stimulated ethylene biosynthesis, plays a key role in eliciting the herbicidal symptoms in sensitive grasses. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Fungal skin infections: tips and pitfalls in management
Authors: Fuller Claire
Published: October 2009

Although fungal skin infections are common, they can be challenging to treat. Our Drug review provides useful tips and warns of the pitfalls in management, followed by sources of further information. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
GP guide to the management of haematological malignancies
Authors: Matthey Francis
Published: October 2009

Dr Matthey describes the GP's important role in diagnosis, referral, monitoring, treatment and supportive care in the management of patients with haematological malignancies. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Recommended management of diarrhoea and vomiting
Authors: Rao Arati , Sanderson Ian
Published: October 2009

Our series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for successful management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the authors describe the assessment of dehydration and the recommended management of diarrhoea and vomiting in this age group. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd
Agomelatine: first melatonergic agonist for depression
Authors: Deakin Bill
Published: October 2009

Agomelatine (Valdoxan) is a new antidepressant with unique melatonin receptor agonist activity. In our New products review, Professor Bill Deakin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and safety, and describes its place in the treatment of depression. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd.
Convergent solid‐phase and solution approaches in the synthesis of the cysteine‐rich Mdm2 RING finger domain
Authors: Vasileiou Zoe , Barlos Kostas , Gatos Dimitrios
Published: October 2009

The RING finger domain of the Mdm2, located at the C‐terminus of the protein, is necessary for regulation of p53, a tumor suppressor protein. The 48‐residues long Mdm2 peptide is an important target for studying its interaction with small anticancer drug candidates. For the chemical synthesis of the Mdm2 RING finger domain, the fragment condensation on solid‐phase and the fragment condensation in solution were studied. The latter method was performed using either protected or free peptides at the C‐terminus as the amino component. Best results were achieved using solution condensation where the N‐component was applied with the C‐terminal carboxyl group left unprotected. The developed method is well suited for large‐scale synthesis of Mdm2 RING finger domain, combining the advantages of both solid‐phase and solution synthesis. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chemical composition and bonding structure of B–C–N–H thin films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering
Authors: Chen Youming , Yang Shengrong , Zhang Junyan
Published: October 2009

The chemical composition and bonding structures of B–C–N–H films fabricated by medium frequency magnetron sputtering, with N2+CH4+Ar gas mixture sputtering the boron target, were investigated. XPS and FTIR spectrometric analyses show that the increase of CH4 flow rate during deposition causes an increase of the C content in the films. The increase in the CH4 flow rate promotes an increase in the B–C, C–N single and CN double bonds which are the components of the hybridized B–C–N bonding structure. From the results of Raman spectroscopy analysis, it is seen that the intensity of the D band of the films' Raman spectrum decreases with increasing CH4 flow rate, indicating a decrease of the sp2‐phase content or the sp2 C cluster size. The decreases of ID/IG also reflect the formation of more boron‐ or nitrogen‐ bound sp3‐coordinated carbons in the films. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and anti‐corrosion property of superhydrophobic hybrid film on copper surface and its formation mechanism
Authors: Chen Yan , Chen Shougang , Yu Fei , Sun Weiwei , Zhu Haiying , Yin Yansheng
Published: October 2009

Compact and uniform superhydrophobic films were prepared on copper substrates using one‐step solution‐immersion process, and the appropriate preparation conditions were selected for mixed solutions. SEM shows that the hybrid film of 1‐dodecanethiol and tetradecanoic acid on copper substrate is more compact with the contact angle of 160°. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and polarization test demonstrate that the anti‐corrosion property of surface‐modified copper substrate is greatly improved, especially for the hybrid film. Moreover, the competitive adsorption process and adsorptive geometry of hybrid film were well explained based on the results of quantum chemistry calculations, SEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capability of aTES microcalorimeter SEM‐EDS system for forensic analysis of automotive paint and gunshot residue
Authors: Nakai Izumi , Ono Yuki , Li Qinghui , Nishiwaki Yoshinori , Tanaka Keiichi , Nakayama Satoshi
Published: October 2009

The analytical performance of a scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) system equipped with a transition edge sensor (TES) microcalorimeter (µ‐cal) in forensic analysis is examined. The TES microcalorimeter shows much better energy resolution than the conventional solid‐state detector (SSD). We solved some identification problems caused by peak overlaps when forensic samples were analyzed by a conventional SEM‐EDS system based on SSD. The microcalorimeter ED spectrum can reveal the coexistence of Ba and S in a paint layer of an automotive white paint fragment containing TiO2 as pigment and this may indicate the existence of BaSO4. The coexistence of K, Mg, Al, Si and Ti in the surface layer suggests the use of titanium dioxide (TiO2)‐coated mica as a pearlescent pigment in paint. GSR particles are successfully discriminated by detecting Ba, Sb, Pb and S. An elemental mapping function of the TES microcalorimeter system was introduced for the first time and revealed the accumulation of Pb‐ and Sb‐rich particles in GSR. These results suggest that the microcalorimeter SEM–EDS system offers analysis with both high‐energy resolution and high‐spatial resolution at low‐excitation voltages. These advantages are fully utilized as powerful analytical tools in forensic laboratories. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A modified approach to estimating sample size for simple logistic regression with one continuous covariate
Authors: Novikov I. , Fund N. , Freedman L. S.
Published: October 2009

Different methods for the calculation of sample size for simple logistic regression (LR) with one normally distributed continuous covariate give different results. Sometimes the difference can be large. Furthermore, some methods require the user to specify the prevalence of cases when the covariate equals its population mean, rather than the more natural population prevalence. We focus on two commonly used methods and show through simulations that the power for a given sample size may differ substantially from the nominal value for one method, especially when the covariate effect is large, while the other method performs poorly if the user provides the population prevalence instead of the required parameter. We propose a modification of the method of Hsieh et al. that requires specification of the population prevalence and that employs Schouten's sample size formula for a t‐test with unequal variances and group sizes. This approach appears to increase the accuracy of the sample size estimates for LR with one continuous covariate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence intervals for a difference between proportions based on paired data
Authors: Tang Man‐Lai , Ling Man‐Ho , Ling Leevan , Tian Guoliang
Published: October 2009

We construct several explicit asymptotic two‐sided confidence intervals (CIs) for the difference between two correlated proportions using the method of variance of estimates recovery (MOVER). The basic idea is to recover variance estimates required for the proportion difference from the confidence limits for single proportions. The CI estimators for a single proportion, which are incorporated with the MOVER, include the Agresti–Coull, the Wilson, and the Jeffreys CIs. Our simulation results show that the MOVER‐type CIs based on the continuity corrected Φ coefficient and the Tango score CI perform satisfactory in small sample designs and spare data structures. We illustrate the proposed CIs with several real examples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimized Structural Designs for Stretchable Silicon Integrated Circuits
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hyeong , Liu Zhuangjian , Kim Yun‐Soung , Wu Jian , Song Jizhou , Kim Hoon‐Sik , Huang Yonggang , Hwang Keh‐chih , Zhang Yongwei , Rogers John A.
Published: October 2009

Materials and design strategies for stretchable silicon integrated circuits that use non‐coplanar mesh layouts and elastomeric substrates are presented. Detailed experimental and theoretical studies reveal many of the key underlying aspects of these systems. The results shpw, as an example, optimized mechanics and materials for circuits that exhibit maximum principal strains less than 0.2% even for applied strains of up to ≈90%. Simple circuits, including complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor inverters and n‐type metal–oxide–semiconductor differential amplifiers, validate these designs. The results suggest practical routes to high‐performance electronics with linear elastic responses to large strain deformations, suitable for diverse applications that are not readily addressed with conventional wafer‐based technologies.
Generation of Thymic Epithelial Cell Progenitors by Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Lai Laijun , Jin Jingjun
Published: October 2009

Thymopoiesisis regulated by the thymic microenvironment, of which epithelial cells are the major components. Both cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (TECs) have been shown to arise from a common progenitor cell. Here we show for the first time that mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) can be selectively induced in vitro to differentiate into cells that have the phenotype of thymic epithelial progenitors (TEPs). When placed in vivo, these mESC-derived TEPs self-renew, develop into TECs, and reconstitute the normal thymic architecture. Functionally, these ESC-derived TEPs enhanced thymocyte regeneration after bone marrow transplantation and increased the number of functional naive splenic T cells. In addition to providing a model to study the molecular events underlying thymic epithelial cell development, the ability to selectively induce the development of TEPs in vitro from mESCs has important implications regarding the prevention and/or treatment of primary and secondary T-cell immunodeficiencies.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Smart Buffering for seamless handover in Proxy Mobile IPv6
Authors: Choi Hyon‐Young , Kim Kwang‐Ryoul , Lee Hyo‐Beom , Min Sung‐Gi , Han Youn‐Hee
Published: October 2009

Proxy Mobile IPv6 (PMIPv6) is proposed as a new network‐based mobility protocol and it does not require MN's involving in mobility management. MN can handover relatively faster in PMIPv6 than in Mobile IPv6 (MIPv6) because it actively uses link‐layer attachment information and reduces the movement detection time, and eliminates duplicate address detection procedure. However, the current PMIPv6 cannot prevent packet loss during the handover period. We propose the Smart Buffering scheme for seamlessness in PMIPv6. The Smart Buffering scheme prevents packet loss by proactively buffering packets that will be lost in a current serving mobile access gateway (MAG) by harnessing network‐side information only. It also performs redundant packet elimination and packet reordering to minimize duplicate packet delivery and disruption of connection‐oriented flows. To fetch buffered packets from a previous MAG, a new MAG discovers the previous MAG by using a discovery mechanism without any involvement of an MN. We verified the effectiveness of Smart Buffering via simulation with various parameters. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.