bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single‐shot halfk‐space high‐resolution gradient‐recalled EPI for fMRI at 3 tesla
Authors: Jesmanowicz Andrzej , Bandettini Peter A. , Hyde James S.
Published: March 2007

Halfk‐space gradient‐recalled echo‐planar imaging (GR‐EPI) is discussed in detail.T2* decay during fullk‐space GR‐EPI gives rise to unequal weighting of the lines ofk‐space, loss of signal intensity at the center ofk‐space, and a point‐spread function that limits resolution. In addition, the long readout time for high‐resolution fullk‐space acquisition gives rise to severe susceptibility effects. These problems are substan tially reduced by acquiring only half ofk‐space and filling the empty side by Hermitian conjugate formation. Details of the pulse sequence and image reconstruction are presented. The point‐spread function is 3½times narrower for half than fullk‐space acquisition. Experiments as well as theoretical con siderations were carried out in a context of fMRI using a whole‐brain local gradient and an RF coil at 3 Tesla. Using a bandwidth of ±83 kHz, well‐resolved single‐shot images of the human brain, as well as good quality fMRl data sets were obtained with a matrix of 192 × 192 over 16 × 16 cm2FOV using halfk‐space techniques. The combination of high spa tial resolution using the methods presented in this article and the high temporal resolution of EPI opens opportunities for research into fMRl contrast mechanisms. Increase of percent signal change as the resolution increases is attributed to reduction of partial volume effects of activated voxels. Histo grams of fMRl pixel responses are progressively weighted to higher percent signal changes as the resolution increases. The conclusion has been reached that halfk‐space GR‐EPI is generally superior to fullk‐space GR‐EPI and should be used even for low‐resolution (64 × 64) EPI.
Automated spectral analysis II: Application of wavelet shrinkage for characterization of non‐parameterized signals
Authors: Young Karl , Soher Brian J. , Maudsley Andrew A.
Published: March 2007

An iterative method for differentiating between known resonances and uncharacterized baseline contributions in MR spectra is described. The method alternates parametric modeling, using a priori knowledge of spectral parameters, with non‐parametric characterization of remaining signal components, using wavelet shrinkage and denoising. Rapid convergence of the iterative method is demonstrated, and examples are shown for analysis of simulated data and an in vivo 1H spectrum from the brain. Results show good separation between metabolite signals and strong baseline contributions.
High‐accuracy MR tracking of interventional devices: The overhauser marker enhancement (OMEN) technique
Authors: Joensuu Raimo P. , Sepponen Raimo E. , Lamminen Antti E. , Savolainen Sauli E. , Standertskjöld‐Nordenstarn Carl‐Gustaf M.
Published: March 2007

A new technique for visualization of interventional devices in magnetic resonance imaging is presented. Determination of the position of an invasive device is made possible by incorporating into the device a small marker that emits the NMR signal. This signal is enhanced by the use of the Overhauser phenomenon. This technique differs from the earlier reported techniques for marking interventional instruments in the sense that the contrast between the marker and tissue is not based on different relaxation rates, but on NMR signal enhancement. A prototype marker was constructed and inserted into an inductively fed loop‐gap resonator that couples saturation energy with the marker. Circuit analogies are presented that model the Overhauser phenomenon and the coupling circuit. In vifm experiments demonstrated that the marker is visible in MR images up to a slice thickness of 50 mm when inserted in excised animal liver and fat tissues.
Capillary transfer constant of Gd‐DTPA in the myocardium at rest and during vasodilation assessed by MRI
Authors: Fritz‐Hansen Thomas , Rostrup Egill , Sørndergaard Lars , Ring Pod B. , Amtorp Ole , Larsson Henrik B. W.
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the capillary transfer constant (Ki) of gadolinium‐DTPA was sensitive to perfusion changes and whether ischemic regions in the myocardium could be identified using the modified Kety formula. Ki was measured at rest and during dipyridamole‐induced vasodilation in 10 healthy volunteers and in 10 patients with ischemic heart disease. Ki increased by a factor of 2.5 ± 1.2 (mean ± SD) from 55 ± 16 ml 100 g−1min−1 at rest to 136 ± 46 ml 100 9−1min−1 (P < 0.01) during vasodilation in the healthy subjects. In the patients, there were no changes in Ki during vasodilation in ischemic regions (50 ± 18 versus 49 ± 30 ml 100 g−1min−1 (P > 04)). Ki increased in nonischemic regions by a factor of 2.0 ± 0.8 from 44 ± 17 to 81 ± 32 ml 100 g−1min−1 during vasodilation (P < 0.02). It is concluded that the capillary transfer constant is sensitive to perfusion changes and that regional ischemia can be detected with MRI. This noninvasive and quantitative method may prove useful in the evaluation of patients with ischemic heart disease.
Single‐shot, motion insensitive cardiac imaging on a standard clinical system
Authors: Meyerand M. Elizabeth , Moritz Chad H. , Wong Eric C.
Published: March 2007

The overall goal of this study was the development and application of a less motion sensitive, single‐shot MRI technique for use on a standard clinical system in a dynamic imaging setting, such as cardiac scanning. Time encoding, a single‐shot line scanning technique, has been used to produce single‐shot, small field‐of‐view cardiac images without the use of presaturation pulses. The major advantages of this method are: (1) as a line scanning technique, time encoding is minimally sensitive to motion when compared with 2D Fourier methods, and (2) aliasing will not occur if the object being imaged extends beyond the field of view.
Lightweight electromagnetic shields using optimized polyaniline composites in the microwave band
Authors: Hoang N. H. , Wojkiewicz J.‐L. , Miane J.‐L. , Biscarro R. S.
Published: March 2007

A genetic algorithm (GA) was used to optimize a multilayer electromagnetic shield of polyaniline (PANI)–polyurethane (PU) conducting composites in the microwave band. First, the electronic properties of freestanding films with different mass fractions of polyaniline were studied. A very low percolation threshold (0.2%) was found, with a maximum of conductivity of 104 S/m. Second, the electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the films were investigated in the X and Ku bands (8.2–18 GHz), showing an attenuation increase of 1–40 dB with the mass fraction of polyaniline in the blends. Then, the electromagnetic shielding properties of multi‐layered PAni–PU composites were investigated in order to obtain an attenuation superior to 40 or 80 dB, depending on the application. To improve the performances of the electromagnetic shields, three‐layered PAni–PU composites were made, using an optimization method. The intrinsic physical parameters of the composites were used as a database for the optimization calculation. The optimization results showed that materials with a thickness of <500 µm could answer many industrial or military shielding applications. As the electronic properties can be tuned easily with the mass fraction of polyaniline in the blends, conducting multi‐layered composite materials can be made following the results of the optimization. Their electromagnetic shielding effectiveness was measured, showing good agreement between the measurements and modeling. These results demonstrated that the genetic algorithm allows us to conceive lightweight and high performance electromagnetic shields using intrinsically conducting polymers. The mass per unit of surface of the shield was <200 g/m2, giving potential applications in the aeronautics domain. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blood cell separation using crosslinkable copolymers containing N,N‐dimethylacrylamide
Authors: Natori Shizue Hayashi , Kurita Keisuke
Published: March 2007

Amphiphilic copolymers using hydrophilic N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA), hydrophobic methyl methacrylate (MMA) and a crosslinkable monomer, 3‐methacryloyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MTSi), were synthesized and evaluated as coating materials for leukocyte removal filters for whole blood. When filters composed of non‐woven fabrics were coated with crosslinked synthesized copolymers, the elution ratios of the copolymers to water were adequately low because of the crosslinking with trimethoxysilane groups of MTSi units in the copolymers. Filters coated with crosslinked poly(DMA‐co‐MTSi) having a 0.96 mole fraction of DMA units showed a 0.35 ± 0.44% platelet permeation ratio and a logarithmic reduction of 4.0 ± 0.68 for leukocytes. On the other hand, an increase in the content of MMA units in the DMA‐containing copolymers improved the permeation ratio of the platelets dramatically. Filters coated with crosslinked poly(DMA‐co‐MMA‐co‐MTSi) containing a 0.39 mole fraction of MMA units and a 0.58 mole fraction of DMA units showed an 86 ± 3.0% platelet permeation ratio and a logarithmic reduction of 2.1 ± 1.2 for leukocytes. This indicates that an adequate content of hydrophobic monomer units, such as MMA units, is necessary for effective platelet permeation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation, characterization and tableting properties of two new pachyman‐based pharmaceutical aids: I. disintegrants in dispersible tablets
Authors: Xiao Yuling , Liang Shucai , Qiu Guofu , Wu Jianyuan , Zhang Junbo , Hu Xianming
Published: March 2007

Linear pachyman was isolated from the sclerotium of Poria cocos. Its hydroxypropyl and carboxymethyl derivatives, with considerable hydrophilicities, were synthesized. Their chemical structures, biocompatibilities, powder and tableting properties were determined. To exploit their novel applications in tablet excipients, ampicillin and probenecid dispersible tablets were compressed using the two derivatives as disintegrants, respectively. The detailed characterization of the tablets indicated the great potential of the two synthesized derivatives to be used as pharmaceutical excipients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The reduction of oxidative stress, anticoagulation of platelets, and inhibition of lipopolysaccharide by conjugated linoleic acid bonded on a polysulfone membrane
Authors: Kung Fu‐Chen , Chang Jung‐Jhih , Yang Ming‐Chien
Published: March 2007

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was covalently bonded onto the surface of a polysulfone (PSF) membrane via esterification. The surface was characterized with contact angle measurement and FT‐IR spectrometery. The capability of bonded CLA on the suppression of oxidative stress was evaluated. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured by the chemiluminescence (CL) method to evaluate the oxidative stress. Furthermore, the removal of bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) by CLA‐bonding PSF was measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The reduction in the platelet adhesion on the PSF surface was evaluated using a SF‐3000 automated hematology analyzer. The result indicates that CLA‐bonding PSF can reduce the adhesion of platelets by 73%. The concentration of LPS can be reduced by CLA‐bonding PSF 1.6 times more than unmodified PSF membrane. In addition, the level of ROS against CLA‐bonding PSF membrane was 23% of that against unmodified PSF membrane. Therefore CLA‐bonding PSF membrane could offer protection for patients against oxidative stress and could also inhibit LPS for clinical applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitroxide mediated living radical polymerization of styrene onto poly (vinyl chloride)
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Entezami Ali Akbar
Published: March 2007

Nitroxide‐mediated ‘living’ free radical polymerisation (LREP) was employed for the first time to prepare graft copolymer by having arylated poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC‐Ph) as a backbone and polystyrene (PS) as branches. The graft copolymerization of styrene was initiated by arylated PVC carrying 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) groups as a macroinitiator. Thus, the arylated PVC was prepared in the mild conditions and these reaction conditions could overcome the problem of gelation and crosslinking in polymers. Then, 1‐hydroxy TEMPO was synthesized by the reduction of TEMPO with sodium ascorbate. This functional nitroxyl compound was coupled with brominated arylated PVC (PVC‐Ph‐Br). The resulting macro‐initiator (PVC‐Ph‐TEMPO) for ‘living’ free radical polymerization was then heated in the presence of styrene to form graft copolymer. DSC, GPC, 1HNMR, and FT‐IR spectroscopy were employed to investigate the structure of the polymers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of well‐designed polymers carrying saccharide moieties via RAFT miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Al‐Bagoury Mohamed , Buchholz Klaus , Yaacoub Emile‐Joseph
Published: March 2007

Two hydrophobic vinyl saccharide monomers based on D‐glucose and D‐fructose were polymerized by employing the reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) miniemulsion polymerization technique to prepare well‐designed glycopolymers. Three dithiobenzoate‐RAFT agents [SC(Ph)SR], 1‐phenylethyl dithiobenzoate (PED), 2‐phenylprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate (PPD), and 2‐cyanoprop‐2‐yl dithiobenzoate (CPD), were used to control the growth of polymer chains. The best results were obtained in the presence of the PPD‐RAFT agent and the formed polymers have polydispersity index's (PDI) lower than 1.15. Under adequate miniemulsion polymerization conditions, a glycopolymer with PDI of 1.1 and molecular weight of 5 × 104 g/mol has been successfully synthesized in a short reaction time of 100 min. Furthermore, some block copolymers containing saccharide segment with butyl or methyl methacrylate were prepared. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of polypyrrole films for the development of ammonia sensor
Authors: Kharat H. J. , Kakde K. P. , Savale P. A. , Datta K. , Ghosh P. , Shirsat M. D.
Published: March 2007

In the present investigation, we have synthesized a polypyrrole films by chemical polymerization technique for the development of ammonia sensor. The polypyrrole films were synthesized in an aqueous acidic medium on glass substrate with mild oxidation of ferric chloride at temperature 29°C. The concentrations (molar) of monomer (pyrrole), oxidant (ferric chloride), and dopant (polyvinyl sulfonate) have been optimized for the uniform and porous surface morphology of the synthesized polypyrrole film. The synthesized films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet‐visible, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Ammonia gas sensing behavior of polypyrrole films was studied by using indigenously developed gas sensing chamber. The synthesized polypyrrole film with optimized process parameters shows excellent and reproducible response to low concentration (100 ppm) of ammonia gas. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High performance polyethersulfone UF membrane for manufacturing spiral wound module: preparation, morphology, performance, and chemical cleaning
Authors: Rahimpour A. , Madaeni S. S. , Mansourpanah Y.
Published: March 2007

Large sheet asymmetric polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared via phase inversion process in a continuous conveyor system with addition of PVP to the casting solution. Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol (70/30 v%) were used as solvent and non‐solvent respectively. The prepared membrane was 0.96 m wide and 3 m long. The pieces of the membrane were selected randomly for characterization in terms of performance using cross flow filtration for milk concentration, image analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and cleaning procedures. It was found that the prepared membrane has high porosity and high water flux during milk filtration. In addition, cleaning experiments indicated that NaOH/HCl/NaOH sequence is an effective procedure for cleaning the fouled membrane during milk concentration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan–hyaluronic acid hybrid film as a novel wound dressing: in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Xu Haitang , Ma Lie , Shi Haifei , Gao Changyou , Han Chunmao
Published: March 2007

Wound dressing with high quality is a kind of highly demanded wound‐repairing products. In this article, chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were used to fabricate a novel wound dressing. CS/HA composite films with high transparency could be fabricated on glass or poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) substrates, but not on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) plate. Along with the increase of HA amount, the resulting films became rougher as detected by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Increased also are water contact angle and water‐uptake ratio. By contrast, increase of the HA amount weakened the water vapor permeability (WVP), bovine albumin adsorption, and fibroblast adhesion, which are desirable characteristics for wound dressing. In vivo animal test revealed that compared with the vaseline gauge the CS/HA film could more effectively accelerate the wound healing, and reduce the occurrence of re‐injury when peeling off the dressing again. These results demonstrate that the CS mixed with a little amount of HA may produce inexpensive wound dressing with good properties for practical applications. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose–titania hybrid nanocomposite as seen by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Halamus Tomasz , Wojciechowski Piotr
Published: March 2007

The nanocomposite of the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose–titania hybrid was prepared using the (hydroxypropyl)cellulose (HPC) and (tetra‐isopropyl)orthotitanate (TIPT) modified by the methacrylic acid (MAA) as a sol–gel precursor. The Raman investigations of the TIPT with MAA mixtures revealed that these mixtures formed an intermolecular complex determined by the non‐hydrolytic condensation of the constituents. In spite of this, the MAA/TIPT precursor can be used as a solvent for the HPC. The high viscosity of the homogenous liquid of HPC in the TIPT/MAA system was obtained and the sol–gel process under an influence of the moisture from the air could be conducted. The Raman investigations of HPC–titania hybrid showed octahedrally coordinated titania atoms [TiO6] embodied in the HPC environment. Although the chelating bond between the octahedrally coordinated titania [TiO6] and the MAA still occurred. The nanosize properties of TiO2 prepared by calcinations of HPC–titania hybrids were studied by the Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray investigations and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and dielectric properties of polyimide/silica nanocomposite films prepared from sol–gel and blending process
Authors: Liu Wei‐Dong , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Zhang Jian , Xu You‐Yi
Published: March 2007

Using poly(amic acid) (PAA) as a precursor followed by thermal imidization, the polyimide/silica nanocomposite films were prepared via an improved sol–gel process and a blending process, respectively. FT‐IR, TEM and TGA measurements were used to characterize the structure and properties of the obtained films. The results confirmed that the introduction of silica did not yield negative effects on the conversion of the PAA precursor to the polyimide. With the increase of silica content, the aggregation of silica appeared in the polyimide matrix, and the thermal stability decreased slightly for both kinds of films. The dielectric constant (ε) of both films increased slowly with the increase of the silica concentration. The dielectric constant of the obtained polyimide/silica nanocomposite films displayed good stability within a wide range of temperatures or frequency. Based on modeling relation between ε and silica content, the difference in dielectric properties for two kinds of nanocomposites are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Channelling of COX‐2 inhibitors to patients at higher gastrointestinal risk but not at lower cardiovascular risk: the Cox2 inhibitors and tNSAIDs description of users (CADEUS) study
Authors: Depont F. , Fourrier A. , Merlière Y. , Droz C. , Amouretti M. , Bégaud B. , Bénichou J. , Moride Y. , Velo G. P. , Sturkenboom M. , Blin P. , Moore N.
Published: March 2007

Purpose

To describe the characteristics of users of cyclo‐oxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors and traditional nonselective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs) in France.

Methods

Between 1 August 2003 and 31 July 2004, patients who received at least one dispensing of celecoxib, rofecoxib or tNSAIDs were randomly sampled with a 1:1:2 target ratio within the French National Healthcare Insurance database. Patients and prescribers were asked to fill a questionnaire on socio‐demographic characteristics, NSAID indication and use and previous medical history. For each respondent, healthcare resources used in the 6 months before inclusion were extracted from the database. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the determinants of a first COX‐2 inhibitor dispensing.

Results

Of the 45 217 patients included, 13 065 COX‐2 inhibitors and 13 553 tNSAID users had prescriber data. Ninety seven per cent of COX‐2 inhibitor prescriptions were for ‘rheumatological’ indications, whereas 37% of tNSAIDs use was for benign diseases (n = 2643) or analgesia (n = 2318). Among patients with rheumatological indications (n = 4730) and a first COX‐2 inhibitor (n = 2427) or tNSAID (n = 2303) dispensing, multivariate analysis of factors associated with COX‐2 inhibitors dispensing showed that, compared to new tNSAID users, new COX‐2 inhibitor users were older, more often female, on sick leave or unemployed. COX‐2 use was also associated with previous gastrointestinal history and previous gastroprotective agent dispensing, but not with previous cardiovascular (CV) history.

Conclusion

The choice of NSAID depended largely on indication and on previous gastrointestinal history, in line with the recommendations of the French health authorities. Possible knowledge of CV risk associated with COX‐2 inhibitors did not influence prescribing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the ideal support group? Views of Australian people with cancer and their carers
Authors: Butow Phyllis N. , Kirsten Laura T. , Ussher Jane M. , Wain Gerard V. , Sandoval Mirjana , Hobbs Kim M. , Hodgkinson Katharine , Stenlake Annie
Published: March 2007

Aims: To explore views on the ideal structure and process of support groups for cancer patients.

Patients and methods: From 184 cancer support groups identified in NSW, Australia, 50 were randomly selected within strata of five variations in group structure: homogenous versus heterogenous participants; urban versus rural; community versus hospital setting, leader with cancer experience or not; and with professional training or not. Four hundred and seventy‐six group members completed a questionnaire.

Results: Participants valued being with others like them, gaining information about cancer and having an effective leader. Groups were seen to be currently failing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and links with oncology health professionals were inadequate. Few clear preferences for structure were expressed, except for the non‐exclusion of those with a poor prognosis. Patients tended to prefer the structure of their own group, but patients longer since diagnosis, those with better informal support and carers preferred to meet in the community setting, while men with prostate cancer preferred a medical setting.

Conclusions: Some suggestions for group structure and process can be made on the basis of these findings; however, individual variation suggests that a needs analysis should be made by individual groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Art therapy improved depression and influenced fatigue levels in cancer patients on chemotherapy
Authors: Bar‐Sela Gil , Atid Lily , Danos Sara , Gabay Naomi , Epelbaum Ron
Published: March 2007

Introduction: Cancer patients are particularly vulnerable to depression and anxiety, with fatigue as the most prevalent symptom of those undergoing treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether improvement in depression, anxiety or fatigue during chemotherapy following anthroposophy art therapy intervention is substantial enough to warrant a controlled trial.

Material and methods: Sixty cancer patients on chemotherapy and willing to participate in once‐weekly art therapy sessions (painting with water‐based paints) were accrued for the study. Nineteen patients who participated in ⩾4 sessions were evaluated as the intervention group, and 41 patients who participated in ⩽2 sessions comprised the participant group. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) were completed before every session, relating to the previous week.

Results: BFI scores were higher in the participant group (p=0.06). In the intervention group, the median HADS score for depression was 9 at the beginning and 7 after the fourth appointment (p=0.021). The median BFI score changed from 5.7 to 4.1 (p=0.24). The anxiety score was in the normal range from the beginning.

Conclusion: Anthroposophical art therapy is worthy of further study in the treatment of cancer patients with depression or fatigue during chemotherapy treatment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Between traditional and modern perceptions of breast and cervical cancer screenings: a qualitative study of Arab women in Israel
Authors: Azaiza Faisal , Cohen Miri
Published: March 2007

Arab women have undergone major modernization processes in recent years and the effect of these processes on attitudes to screening should be examined. Fifty‐one Israeli Arab women participated in focus groups in five representative communities. The women expressed a combination of traditional beliefs and modern biomedical knowledge concerning risk and preventive factors related to cancer. Special importance was given to birth and breast‐feeding as protective factors, integrating modern views with traditional concepts of motherhood as a woman's principal role in society. A major theme on who or what was responsible for one's health emerged, opinions ranging across fate and God's will, physicians and health services, or, as a substantial number of participants asserted, taking personal responsibility for one's health. A related theme that emerged was the perception of cancer as either a punishment or as a test devised by God. Fears of stigma related to breast or gynecological examinations, worries about the spouse's reaction once a lump is detected, and worries regarding the violation of religious and cultural requirements of modesty, were expressed. However, there was firm agreement that although these created emotional difficulties, they were not sufficiently important to cause women to forgo screenings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to provide insomnia interventions to people with cancer: insights from patients
Authors: Davidson Judith R. , Feldman‐Stewart Deb , Brennenstuhl Sarah , Ram Shefali
Published: March 2007

Chronic insomnia affects approximately one quarter of cancer patients. Non‐pharmacologic interventions are the treatment of choice for chronic insomnia, yet they are rarely offered to people with cancer. The study question was how to make these interventions available to cancer patients. Twenty‐six cancer patients who had sleep difficulty participated in focus groups or one‐to‐one interviews. The key questions included: What would be the best way for you to find out about a service for insomnia treatment? What would make it easy/difficult for you to participate? Transcripts were examined independently by three readers who identified participants' answers to the questions, as well as themes that emerged from participants' reflections on their experience with cancer and sleep difficulty. The readers then worked together to reach consensus on a final classification system for describing the content of patients' responses. Participants provided many practical answers to our specific questions. In addition, the following themes emerged: sleep difficulty needs greater recognition by health professionals; patients wish to receive more information about sleep and sleep difficulty; and that although patients perceive sleep as being important, they are reluctant to report sleep problems to doctors. Furthermore, participants recommended that the assessment and treatment of sleep difficulty be integrated into the health care system while considering the cancer‐treatment status and energy level of patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nocturnal body position in sleeping children with and without obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Dayyat Ehab , Maarafeya Muna M.A. , Capdevila Oscar Sans , Kheirandish‐Gozal Leila , Montgomery‐Downs Hawley E. , Gozal David
Published: March 2007

Objectives

To assess whether body position during sleep differs among children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) and controls, and to assess the effects of body position, obesity, and tonsillar size on respiratory disturbance. Four hundred and thirty consecutive children with polysomnographically demonstrated OSAS. And 185 age‐, gender‐, and ethnically matched children (Controls) were compared. The effect of sleep body position on respiratory disturbance was examined in OSAS, and also in relation to obesity and tonsillar size. Children with OSAS spent more time in the supine position than Controls (P < 0.01), with less time spent in the side position (P < 0.005). Obstructive apnea and hypopnea index (AHI) was similar in the three sleep‐related positions, but apnea index (AI) was significantly greater (4.6 ± 0.7/hr TST) in the supine position than in the side position (2.7 ± 0.3/hr TST; P < 0.001) or prone position (3.3 ± 0.5/hr TST; P < 0.01). Tonsillar size was not a contributing factor to positional differences in AI or AHI. Obese OSAS children had increased prone position (20.4 ± 2.0%TST vs. non‐obese: 10.9 ± 2.5%TST; P < 0.05), and displayed increased AHI and AI while supine. Non‐obese OSAS increased AHI in prone or side positions compared to supine (P < 0.01), with no significant differences in position‐dependent AI. Children with OSAS spend more time sleeping supine and less time on the side. Obese children with OSAS are more likely to sleep prone, suggesting that this position may promote upper airway patency in the presence of obesity. Although tonsillar size is not associated with positional differences in breathing, the presence or absence of obesity markedly modifies the effect of body position on respiratory disturbance. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:374–379. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Crystal structure of Helicobacter pylori spermidine synthase: A Rossmann‐like fold with a distinct active site
Authors: Lu Po Kai , Tsai Jia‐Yin , Chien Hsiang Yi , Huang Haimei , Chu Chen‐Hsi , Sun Yuh‐Ju
Published: March 2007

Spermidine synthase (putrescine aminopropyltransferase, PAPT) catalyzes the transfer of the aminopropyl group from decarboxylated S‐adenosylmethionine to putrescine during spermidine biosynthesis. Helicobacter pylori PAPT (HpPAPT) has a low sequence identity with other PAPTs and lacks the signature sequence found in other PAPTs. The crystal structure of HpPAPT, determined by multiwavelength anomalous dispersion, revealed an N‐terminal β‐stranded domain and a C‐terminal Rossmann‐like domain. Structural comparison with other PAPTs showed that HpPAPT has a unique binding pocket between two domains, numerous non‐conserved residues, a less acidic electrostatic surface potential, and a large buried space within the structure. HpPAPT lacks the gatekeeping loop that facilitates substrate binding in other PAPTs. PAPTs are essential for bacterial cell viability; thus, HpPAPT may be a potential antimicrobial drug target for H. pylori owing to its characteristic PAPT sequence and distinct conformation. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hypertension: an overview of recommended treatment
Authors: Jones John Vann
Published: March 2007

Professor Vann Jones provides an overview of the wide range of antihypertensive agents available and discusses the latest manage ment guidelines. Further sources of informa tion are provided in Resources. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
GaInAsPSb/GaSb heterostructures for mid‐infrared light emitting diodes
Authors: Smirnov V. M. , Batty P. J. , Jones R. , Krier A. , Vasil'ev V. I. , Gagis G. S. , Kuchinskii V. I.
Published: March 2007

GaInAsPSb is a new narrow gap semiconductor material which is suitable for the fabrication of semiconductor light sources for the mid‐infrared spectral range. Photoluminescence emission spectra from GaInAsPSb grown by LPE and lattice‐matched onto GaSb substrates were investigated. Homojunction p–i–n light‐emitting diodes in this pentenary alloy were fabricated and electroluminescence peaking near 4.0 μm at room temperature was observed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterisation of high quality MBE grown InNxSb1–x
Authors: Jefferson P. H. , Buckle L. , Walker D. , Veal T. D. , Coomber S. , Thomas P. A. , Ashley T. , McConville C. F.
Published: March 2007

The growth, structural and optical characterisation of dilute nitride alloys of InSb grown by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy is presented. The layers were characterised by high‐resolution X‐ray diffraction indicating high crystalline quality and nitrogen incorporations up to 0.68%. Fourier‐transform infrared absorption measurements reveal the position of the absorption edge to be a result of the competing effects of bandgap reduction (due to nitrogen incorporation and bandgap renormalisation) and Moss–Burstein band filling.

magnified image

The bandgap of InNSb as a function of nitrogen incorporation (using a 5‐band k · p Hamiltonian and parameters from tight binding calculations) highlighting the applicability of the material in exploiting the atmospheric transmission window [S. D. Lord, NASA Technical Memorandum (1992) 103957] for long wavelength applications.

(© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of the likelihood ratios of two binary diagnostic tests in paired designs
Authors: Nofuentes José Antonio Roldán , del Castillo Juan de Dios Luna
Published: March 2007

The performance of two binary diagnostic tests is traditionally compared by their respective sensitivities and specificities. Other measures to describe the performance of a binary diagnostic test are likelihood ratios, defined as the ratio between the likelihood of a diagnostic test result in a group of diseased patients and the likelihood of a diagnostic test result in a group of non‐diseased patients. In this study, we propose a method, based on the log‐transformation of the ratio of the likelihood ratios, to compare the likelihood ratios of two binary diagnostic tests in paired designs. We have deduced hypothesis tests to compare the likelihood ratios and we have carried out simulation experiments to study the power and the type I error of the hypothesis tests deduced. We have also deduced a joint hypothesis test to simultaneously compare the likelihood ratios. The procedure used has been extended to the situation in which more than two binary diagnostic tests are applied to the same sample, and the situation in which two diagnostic tests with multilevel results are compared. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tunable Film Degradation and Sustained Release of Plasmid DNA from Cleavable Polycation/Plasmid DNA Multilayers under Reductive Conditions
Authors: Chen Jun , Huang Shi‐Wen , Lin Wen‐Hai , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: March 2007

The controllable and sustained release of DNA from the surfaces of biomaterials or biomedical devices represents a new method for localized gene delivery. We report the synthesis of a novel polycation containing disulfide bonds in its backbone and the fabrication of polycation/plasmid DNA multilayered thin films by layer‐by‐layer assembly. The films are very stable during preparation and in storage, however, they gradually degrade and release the incorporated DNA when incubated in PBS buffer containing dithiothreitol (DTT), which results from the degradation of a disulfide‐contained polymer under reductive conditions. The film degradation rate and DNA release rate can be tuned by the concentration of reducing agent. This approach will be useful in gene therapy and tissue engineering by controlled administration of therapeutic DNA deposited on the surface of implantable biomedical devices or tissue engineering scaffolds.
Collecting and publishing large multiscale geographic datasets
Authors: Brisaboa N. R. , Cotelo‐Lema J. A. , Fariña A. , Luaces M. R. , Parama J. R. , Viqueira J. R. R.
Published: March 2007

In this paper we present our experience in the development of a geographic information system that includes a large database (over 7 GB) with information about the infrastructure and facilities of the municipalities in the province of A Coruña (northwestern Spain). Three interesting aspects of the whole project are described in some detail due to their intrinsic interest for the development of this kind of system. These aspects are: (1) the design of the data model and the system architecture, which is oriented to support some advanced features such as multiscale active maps; (2) the problem of designing appropriate workflows to populate the database; and (3) the design of a Web‐based application to exploit the geographic database through a user‐friendly interface. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual machine support for zero‐loss Internet service recovery and upgrade
Authors: Chang Da‐Wei , Hsieh Cheng‐En , Chen Yan‐Pai , Chiu Kwo‐Cheng
Published: March 2007

Software is critical for Internet service availability since an Internet service may become unavailable due to software faults or software maintenance. In this paper, we propose a framework to allow zero‐loss recovery and online maintenance for Internet services. The framework is based on the virtual machine (VM) technology and a connection migration technique called FT‐TCP. It can recover transient application/operating system faults and it allows fault recovery and online maintenance on a single host. The framework substantially enhances FT‐TCP so that it can be run efficiently in the VM environment. Specifically, we propose techniques to reduce the inter‐VM switches and communication. Moreover, we propose service‐specific optimizations to reduce the recovery time of FT‐TCP. Finally, the framework provides an interface for the service designers to implement more service‐specific optimizations. The framework was implemented by modifying an open source VM monitor, Xen, and the Linux kernel running on top of Xen. The effectiveness and efficiency of the framework were evaluated by running two Internet services, WWW proxy and FTP, on the proposed framework and measuring the impact on their performance. According to the experimental results, our approach causes only slight performance overhead (i.e. less than 4%) and memory overhead (i.e. less than 750 KB) for both the services. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a software toolkit for urban traffic modeling
Authors: Wainer Gabriel
Published: March 2007

ATLAS is a modeling language that permits a static view of a city section to be defined for simulating traffic in closed areas. We propose a methodology that is focused on the user while being able to improve the software development activities. The models are formally specified, avoiding a high number of errors in the application, thus reducing the problem solving time. Streets are characterized by their traffic direction, number of lanes, etc. Once the urban section is outlined, the traffic flow is automatically set up. Specialized behavior is included to model traffic lights, trucks, traffic signs, railways, etc. The basic idea is to provide a mapping into DEVS and Cell‐DEVS models that can be easily executed with a simulation tool. As the modelers can focus on the problem to solve, development times for the simulators can be dramatically reduced. A front‐end system allows the user to draw city sections (and then parse the drawing to create a valid ATLAS file), and an output subsystem permitting cars to be shown with realistic 3D graphics. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constraint solver for discrete lattices, its parallelization, and application to protein structure prediction
Authors: Dal Palù Alessandro , Dovier Agostino , Pontelli Enrico
Published: March 2007

This paper presents the design, implementation and application of a constraint programming framework on 3D crystal lattices. The framework provides the flexibility to express and resolve constraints dealing with structural relationships of entities placed in a 3D lattice structure in space. Both sequential and parallel implementations of the framework are described, along with experiments that highlight its superior performance with respect to the use of more traditional frameworks (e.g. constraints on finite domains and integer programming) to model lattice constraints. The framework is motivated and applied to address the problem of solving the protein folding prediction problem, i.e. predicting the 3D structure of a protein from its primary amino acid sequence. Results and comparison with performance of other constraint‐based solutions to this problem are presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The simple and powerful yfx operator precedence parser
Authors: Favero E. L.
Published: March 2007

Dynamic operator declarations were introduced in the first Prolog system in the early 1970s. Today several other logical and functional languages adopt the Prolog style of dynamic operators. Despite this widespread use, there are no guidelines to assist the development of dynamic operator parsers. This paper presents an in‐depth study of the built‐in classical dynamic operator parser in Prolog systems. It is a powerful operator precedence parser covering pre/in/postfix operators; it is table‐driven, allowing operators to be redefined at run‐time; it is encoded in a simple, small and fast code; and, finally, it is widely used as a standard parser by the logic programming community. In a stepwise refinement approach (from specification to implementation and evaluation), this paper presents a detailed analysis of this parser. As an additional contribution, it is also shown how to encode the parser as a plug‐in component in procedural languages. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Operational risk management in financial institutions: Process assessment in concordance with Basel II
Authors: Di Renzo B. , Hillairet M. , Picard M. , Rifaut A. , Bernard C. , Hagen D. , Maar P. , Reinard D.
Published: March 2007

The improvement of banks' operational risk management frameworks concerns new requirements addressed in the Basel II Framework, a new capital adequacy regulation proposed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS). Basel II will apply to internationally active banks and to all banks and investment firms in the EU via transposition of a new Directive into national regulations.

By doing so, the national financial supervisory authority, Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF) in Luxembourg, and a public research centre, Centre de Recherche Public Henri Tudor (CRPHT), have engaged in a joint research project that investigates solutions conformant to ISO/IEC 15504 for assessing operational risk management frameworks implemented in banks.

The ISO/IEC 15504 requirements can meet the CSSF's expectation on consistent, transparent and sound risk assessments, as well as the expectation on promoting enhancements in institutions' risk management practices without dictating the form or operational detail of their policies and practices.

Moreover, although the domain is largely outside the scope of software and systems engineering, the ISO/IEC 15504 process assessment standard provides for an adequate solution to the so‐called supervisory review process. This adequacy is validated through the structure of Basel II and financial domain requirements. Last but not least, we will show that ISO/IEC 15504 provides an adequate approach to assessing institutions in two sub‐domains, namely, the domain of credit operational risk management and the domain of IT risk management (including IT security risks management). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of the self‐efficacy beliefs of successful men and women in mathematics, science, and technology careers
Authors: Zeldin Amy L. , Britner Shari L. , Pajares Frank
Published: March 2007

The purpose of this study was to explore the personal stories of men who selected careers in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to better understand the ways in which their self‐efficacy beliefs were created and subsequently influenced their academic and career choices. Analysis of 10 narratives revealed that mastery experience was the primary source of the men's self‐efficacy beliefs. These results are compared to those from Zeldin and Pajares' earlier study involving women in STEM careers. For women, social persuasions and vicarious experiences were the primary sources of self‐efficacy beliefs. Together, these findings suggest that different sources are predominant in the creation and development of the self‐efficacy beliefs of men and women who pursue STEM careers. The self‐efficacy beliefs of men in these male‐dominated domains are created primarily as a result of the interpretations they make of their ongoing achievements and successes. Women, on the other hand, rely on relational episodes in their lives to create and buttress the confidence that they can succeed in male‐dominated domains. Findings were consistent with the theoretical tenets of A. Bandura's social cognitive theory. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 1036–1058, 2008
Characterisation of a potyvirus from Centrosema pubescens Benth.
Authors: Odedara OO , Hughes J d'A , Tarawali SA , Odebode AC , Winter S
Published: March 2007

A virus, 750 × 18 nm, was isolated from Centrosema pubescens from Nigeria, causing leaf malformation, mosaic and mottling on the plant. When inoculated on to various test plants, it failed to produce necrotic or chlorotic lesions on Chenopodium amaranticolor, but symptoms of mottling were observed. The virus did not infect cowpea (Vigna unguiculata varieties IT82E‐10, IT84S‐2114, Ife brown, TVU 76 or TVU 2657), but produced chlorotic spots, vein clearing and mottling on soybean (Glycine max cultivars Malayan and Samsoy‐2). Protein‐A sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) shows that the virus is serologically closely related to Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) genus Potyvirus, Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) genus Potyvirus and Tobacco etch virus (TEV) genus Potyvirus. Comparison of amino acid sequences of the coat protein of the virus with several potyvirus coat protein sequences, using BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) analysis, confirmed the relationships. The antiserum raised against the virus had a titre value greater than 1 : 16,000, using antigen‐coated plate ELISA. The name Centrosema mosaic virus (CenMoV) for this apparently new Potyvirus is suggested. The consequences of infection of forage legumes with this virus are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Effect of irrigation, fertiliser and manure on yield and economic return of okra/pepper intercrops
Authors: Lawal AB , Rahman SA
Published: March 2007

In an experimental trial in northern Nigeria, intercrops of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) and pepper (Capsicum annuum) gave better yields and economic returns with application of 400 kg ha−1 of inorganic fertiliser, 5 t ha−1 of manure and 10‐day irrigation intervals. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd