bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training and testing music skills in a boy with autism using a matching‐to‐sample format
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Halstadtro Lill‐Beathe , Bjerke Eli , Halstadtro Monica
Published: March 2010

A 16‐year old boy with autism was taught music skills using a matching to sample procedure. He was trained and subsequently tested for the formation of four 4‐member classes, including different visual music stimuli, and Norwegian and Vietnamese labels for different major and minor chords. Four different stimuli sets were trained both in one‐to‐many (OTM) and many‐to‐one (MTO) training structures. Further, we explored if the reaction times to comparison stimuli increased from training to testing. Results showed that the participant formed equivalence classes with music relations. Furthermore, there were small differences only between OTM and MTO with respect to stimulus equivalence responding. The reaction times to comparison stimuli increased from training to testing, and were most pronounced for the equivalence trials. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel method for sensing of methimazole using gold nanoparticle‐catalyzed chemiluminescent reaction
Authors: Sheng Zonghai , Han Heyou , Yang Gaodong
Published: March 2010

Based on the inhibition effect of methimazole (MMI) on the reaction of luminol–H2O2 catalyzed by gold nanoparticles, a novel chemiluminescence (CL) method was developed for the determination of MMI. Under the optimum conditions, the relative CL intensity was linearly related to MMI concentration in the range from 5.0 × 10−8 to 5.0 × 10−5 mol L−1. The detection limit was 1.6 × 10−8 mol L−1 (S/N = 3), and the RSD for 6.0 × 10−6 mol L−1 MMI was 4.83 (n = 11). This method has high sensitivity, wide linear range, inexpensive instrumentation and has been applied to detect MMI in pharmaceutical tablets and pig serum samples. Furthermore, a possible reaction mechanism is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of a modified clinical signs and symptoms of infection checklist for leg ulcer management
Authors: Dennis L A , Dumville J C , Cullum N , Bland J M
Published: March 2010

Background

The aim of this study was to analyse the validity of a modified Clinical Signs and Symptoms Checklist used to measure infection in a sample of patients with a leg ulcer.

Methods

Data from patients recruited to a randomized controlled trial evaluating larval therapy (VenUS II) were analysed using factor analysis to identify the underlying checklist structure. Linear regression analysis identified whether checklist items, patient characteristics and subjective judgement of infection could predict bacterial load.

Results

There were several redundant checklist items when implemented in this sample and items forming the scale had low internal consistency (α = 0·27). No clear structure to the checklist was detected, with only one underlying theme revealed which had low internal consistency (α = 0·45). Predictions of bacterial count were possible using the emerged theme, some checklist items and ankle circumference, but not using clinicians' subjective judgement alone (P = 0·315).

Conclusion

The modified Clinical Signs and Symptoms Checklist does not currently represent a valid tool to measure infection in leg ulcers. Some checklist items may predict bacterial load and may be better than subjective judgement alone.
Self-expanding metal stents as an alternative to surgical bypass for malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Shaw J M , Bornman P C , Krige J E J , Stupart D A , Panieri E
Published: March 2010

Background

Gastroduodenal obstruction due to malignancy can be difficult to palliate. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are gaining acceptance as an effective alternative to surgical bypass.

Methods

Patients not suitable for surgical bypass, with complete gastric outlet obstruction as a result of malignancy, were offered palliation with SEMS from November 2004 to December 2008. The procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guidance and conscious sedation. Data were collected prospectively.

Results

Seventy patients underwent SEMS placement (hepatobiliary and pancreatic malignancy, 44; antral gastric carcinoma, 19; other, seven). Follow-up was complete in 69 patients (99 per cent). Technical and clinical success rates were 93 and 95 per cent respectively. Median hospital stay was 2 (range 1–18) days, median survival was 1·8 (0·1–19·0) months, and 87 per cent had improved intake after SEMS placement, as determined by Gastric Outlet Obstruction Severity Score before and after stenting (P < 0·001). Complications included two episodes of minor bleeding.

Conclusion

The use of SEMS to alleviate complete malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with limited life expectancy is successful in re-establishing enteral intake in most patients, with minimal morbidity, no mortality and a short hospital stay.
Endogenous morphine levels after laparoscopic versus open colectomy
Authors: Madbouly K M , Senagore A J , Delaney C P
Published: March 2010

Background

Endogenous morphine may be a component of the acute-phase response to surgical trauma that affects both hospital stay and gastrointestinal motility. The purpose of this study was to assess the responses of endogenous morphine, stress hormones and cytokines following laparoscopic and open colectomy.

Methods

Twenty patients who underwent a laparoscopic colectomy were compared with ten who had an open procedure. Data collected included operative blood loss, operating time and time to pass flatus. Plasma endogenous morphine was measured before and immediately after operation, and 3, 24 and 48 h later.

Results

Age was comparable in the two groups. Operating time (mean 92·2 versus 61·3 min), time to tolerance of solid food (56·8 versus 103·6 h) and hospital stay (median 4 versus 6 days) were all significantly longer in the open group. Endogenous morphine levels rose immediately after open colectomy only and were higher than those after laparoscopic colectomy (8·69 versus 1·97 ng/ml; P < 0·001). Levels remained significantly higher in the laparoscopic group at 3 h (10·36 versus 0·52 ng/ml; P < 0·001) and 24 h, but were similar in both groups after 48 h.

Conclusion

There is a greater degree of morphine synthesis after open than laparoscopic colectomy.
Two different pathways for suprascapular intraneural ganglion cysts along two distinct articular branches from the glenohumeral joint
Authors: Spinner Robert J. , Hébert‐Blouin Marie‐Noëlle , Dahm Diane L. , Amrami Kimberly K.
Published: March 2010

No abtract.
Enhancing students' perception of single‐sideband suppressed‐carrier principles by using cooperative and computer‐based learning
Authors: Swart Arthur James
Published: March 2010

Single‐sideband systems are the preferred modulation format in analogue voice transmission for two‐way radio communications on the high‐frequency portion of the radio spectrum. Recent literature has presented methods of conveying other modulation formats (such as frequency and amplitude modulation) to engineering students by means of computer‐based learning. However, little has been documented on assisting senior engineering students to grasp fundamental communication principles related to single‐sideband suppressed‐carrier (SSB‐SC) systems, which include suppressed‐carrier generation and sideband filtering. This article presents such a method, which is based on cooperative and computer‐based learning. It presents the structure of a practical assignment (PA) designed to assist students to grasp SSB‐SC principles in a well‐equipped laboratory at a university of technology. The throughput rate of this PA is contrasted to the theoretical assessment of this section of the syllabus in a module termed radio engineering III. Throughput rate is defined as the number of students who are enrolled for a module in Higher Education compared to the number of students who successfully complete that same module within a given semester, expressed as a percentage. The theoretical assessment involves a written test on the fundamental principles of single‐sideband systems. A high success rate has been maintained for the past 7 years of instruction. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 332–338, 2012
Molecular Template Assisted Growth of Ultrathin Silicon Carbide Nanowires with Strong Green Light Emission and Excellent Field‐Emission Properties
Authors: Xi Guangcheng , He Yanting , Wang Chao
Published: March 2010

A novel molecule template assisted chemical co‐reduction method has been successfully developed for the controlled synthesis of ultrathin β‐SiC single‐crystalline nanowires on a large scale. The ultrathin β‐SiC single‐crystalline nanowires are about 8 nm in diameter and 200–800 nm in length. The resulting thin β‐SiC single‐crystalline nanowire is new in the family of β‐SiC one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures. A synergistic action of π‐stacking and steric hindrance result from the 1,10‐phenanthroline molecule template are proposed to explain the growth mechanism of the ultrathin β‐SiC single‐crystalline nanowires based on the experimental observation. Importantly, such ultrathin β‐SiC nanowire has shown a strong structure‐induced enhancement of photoluminescence properties and has exhibited a very strong green light emission, which can be seen by naked eye. Furthermore, the unique β‐SiC ultrathin nanowire structure exhibits a low turn‐on field (3.57 V μm−1) and a large field‐emission current density (20 mA cm−2). These results suggest that the ultrathin β‐SiC nanowires can be expected to find promising applications as field emitters and photoelectronic devices.
A Series of Open‐Framework Aluminoborates Templated by Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Zhou Jian , Fang Wei‐Hui , Rong Cheng , Yang Guo‐Yu
Published: March 2010

A series of open‐framework aluminoborates (ABOs) [M(dien)2][AlB6O11(OH)] (M=Co (I a), Ni (I b), Cd (I c), Zn (I d); dien=diethylenetriamine) and [M(en)3][AlB7O12(OH)2]⋅ (H2O)0.25 (M=Co (II a), Ni (II b); en=ethylenediamine) have been made under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and nonlinear optical determination. These compounds were classified as two structural types: Type I (I a–d) contains AlO4 tetrahedra and B6O11(OH) clusters, which link to form a new 3D framework with 7‐/9‐ring helical channels and large 13‐ring channels; whereas type II (II a,b) is composed of AlO4 tetrahedra, chainlike B4O6(OH)2 tetramer, and crablike B6O12 clusters, which interconnect to form other new 3D frameworks with 8‐ring helical channels, rare 16‐ring double‐helical channels, and larger odd 15‐ring channels. These compounds represent the first examples of 3D ABOs templated by transition‐metal complexes (TMCs). I c,d present good second harmonic generation (SHG) properties. UV/Vis spectral investigation indicates that I a–d and II a,b are wide‐band‐gap semiconductors.
A Triphenylphosphonium‐Functionalised Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complex as a Nucleolus‐Specific Two‐Photon Molecular Dye
Authors: Koo Chi‐Kin , So Leo K.‐Y. , Wong Ka‐Leung , Ho Yu‐Man , Lam Yun‐Wah , Lam Michael H.‐W. , Cheah Kwok‐Wai , Cheng Chopen Chan‐Wut , Kwok Wai‐Ming
Published: March 2010

An organometallic cyclometalated platinum(II) complex, [Pt(L3)Cl][PF6], has been synthesised from a specially designed cyclometalating ligand, HL3 (triphenyl{5‐[3‐(6‐phenylpyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl]pentyl}phosphonium chloride), that contains a pendant carbon chain carrying a terminal cationic triphenylphosphonium moiety. Aside from its room temperature single‐photon luminescent properties in solution, [Pt(L3)Cl]+ can also produce two‐photon‐induced luminescence at room temperature upon excitation at 700 nm from a mode‐locked Ti:sapphire laser. Its two‐photon absorption cross‐section in DMF at room temperature was measured to be 28.0×10−50 cm4 s photon−1. [Pt(L3)Cl]+ is able to selectively stain the cell nucleolus. This has been demonstrated by two‐photon confocal imaging of live and methanol‐fixed HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) and 3T3 (mouse skin fibroblasts) cells. This organelle specificity is likely to be related to its special affinity for proteins within cell nucleoli. As a result of such protein affinity, [Pt(L3)Cl]+ is an efficient RNA transcription inhibitor and shows rather profound cytotoxicity. On the other hand, the organelle‐specific labelling and two‐photon‐induced luminescent properties of [Pt(L3)Cl]+ renders it a useful nuclear dye for the 3‐dimensional reconstruction of optical sections of thick tissues, for example, mouse ileum tissues, by multiphoton confocal microscopy.
Borohydrides from Organic Hydrides: Reactions of Hantzsch’s Esters with B(C6F5)3
Authors: Webb Jonathan D. , Laberge Véronique S. , Geier Stephen J. , Stephan Douglas W. , Crudden Cathleen M.
Published: March 2010

We report herein that the reaction between a series of Hantzsch’s ester analogues 1 a–d with the Lewis acidic species B(C6F5)3 results in facile transfer of hydride to boron. The main products of this reaction are pyridinium borohydride salts 2 a–d, which are obtained in high to moderate yields. The N‐substituted substrates (N‐Me, N‐Ph) reacted in high yield 90–98 % and the connectivity of the products were confirmed by an X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the N‐Me borohydride salt 2 a. Unsubstituted Hanztsch’s ester 1 a reacted less effectively generating only 60 % of the corresponding borohydride salt, with the balance of the material sequestered as the ester‐bound Lewis acid–base adduct 3 a. Formation of the Lewis acid–base adduct could be minimized by increasing the steric bulk about the ester groups as in 1 d. The connectivity of the carbonyl‐bound adduct was confirmed by an X‐ray crystallographic analysis of 3 e the product of the reaction of methyl ketone 1 e with B(C6F5)3. We also explored the generation of these pyridinium salts by employing frustrated Lewis pair methodology. However, the reaction of mixtures of the corresponding pyridine and B(C6F5)3 with hydrogen gas only resulted in formation of trace amounts of the pyridinium borohydride, along with the Lewis acid–base adduct of the starting material and B(C6F5)3. The 1,2‐dihydropyridine adduct was the final product of this reaction. This was ascribed to the low basicity of the pyridine nitrogen and the complicating formation of an ester bound Lewis acid–base adduct.
A Colorimetric Sensor Array for the Detection of the Date‐Rape Drug γ‐Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB): A Supramolecular Approach
Authors: Baumes Laurent A. , Buaki Sogo Mireia , Montes‐Navajas Pedro , Corma Avelino , Garcia Hermenegildo
Published: March 2010

γ‐Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), a colourless, odourless and tasteless chemical, has become one of the most dangerous illicit drugs of abuse today. At low doses, this drug is a central nervous system depressant that reduces anxiety and produces euphoria and relaxation, sedating the recipient. There is an urgent need for simple, easy‐to‐use sensors for GHB in solution. Here, we present a colorimetric sensor array based on supramolecular host–guest complexes of fluorescent dyes with organic capsules (cucurbiturils) for the detection of GHB.
Effect of Bulkiness on Reversible Substitution Reaction at MnII Center with Concomitant Movement of the Lattice DMF: Observation through Single‐Crystal to Single‐Crystal Fashion
Authors: Das Madhab C. , Bharadwaj Parimal K.
Published: March 2010

The porous coordination polymer ({[Mn(L)H2O](H2O)1.5(dmf)}n, 1) (DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) exhibits variety of substitution reactions along with movement of lattice DMF molecule depending upon bulkiness of the external guest molecules. If pyridine or 4‐picoline is used as a guest, both lattice and coordinated solvent molecules are simultaneously substituted (complexes 6 and 7, respectively). If a bulky guest like aniline is used, a partial substitution at the metal centers and full substitution at the channels takes place (complex 8). If the guest is 2‐picoline (by varying the position of bulky methyl group with respect to donor N atom), one MnII center is substituted by 2‐picoline, whereas the remaining center is substituted by a DMF molecule that migrates from the channel to the metal center (complex 9). Here, the lattice solvent molecules are substituted by 2‐picoline molecules. For the case of other bulky guests like benzonitrile or 2,6‐lutidine, both the metal centers are substituted by two DMF molecules, again migrating from the channel, and the lattice solvent molecules are substituted by these guest molecules (complex 10 and 11, respectively). A preferential substitution of pyridine over benzonitrile (complex 12) at the metal centers is observed only when the molar ratio of PhCN:Py is 95:5 or less. For the case of an aliphatic dimethylaminoacetonitrile guest, the metal centers remain unsubstituted (complex 13); rather substitutions of the lattice solvents by the guest molecules take place. All these phenomena are observed through single crystal to single crystal (SC–SC) phenomena.
BF3⋅OEt2‐Catalyzed Intermolecular Reactions of Vinylidenecyclopropanes with Bis(p‐alkoxyphenyl)methanols: A Novel Cationic 1,4‐Aryl‐Migration Process
Authors: Wu Lei , Shi Min , Li Yuxue
Published: March 2010

BF3⋅OEt2‐catalyzed reactions of vinylidenecyclopropanes (VDCPs) 1 with bis(aryl)methanols 2 were thoroughly investigated. When VDCPs 1 reacted with electron‐rich bis(aryl)methanols 2, diastereomeric rotamers of indene derivatives formed in excellent yields by a novel cationic 1,4‐aryl migration between two carbon atoms and the subsequent intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction pathways in the presence of BF3⋅OEt2 under mild conditions. As for electron‐deficient or less‐electron‐rich bis(aryl)methanols 2, either trialkene products formed in good yields by direct deprotonation, or another type of indene derivative was produced by direct intramolecular Friedel–Crafts reaction, depending on the substituents on the cyclopropane of VDCPs. In addition, DFT calculations were carried out to explain the experimental results. Plausible mechanisms for all these transformations are proposed on the basis of the experimental and computational results.
Evolution of a Constitutional Dynamic Library Driven by Self‐Organisation of a Helically Folded Molecular Strand
Authors: Lao Luciana Lisa , Schmitt Jean‐Louis , Lehn Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2010

Conversion of macrocyclic imine entities into helical strands was achieved through three‐ and four‐component exchange reactions within constitutionally dynamic libraries. The generation of sequences of the intrinsic helicity codon, based on the hydrazone–pyrimidine fragment obtained by condensation of pyrimidine dialdehyde A with pyrimidine bis‐hydrazine B, shifted the equilibrium between all the possible macrocycles and strands towards the full expression (>98%) of helical product [A/B]. Furthermore, it was shown that chain folding accelerated the dynamic exchange reactions among the library members. Lastly, in four‐component experiments (involving A, B, E and either C or D), even though the macrocyclic entities ([A/C], [B/E]; [A/D], [B/E]) were the kinetically preferred products, over time dialdehyde A relinquished its initial diamine partners C or D to opt for bis‐hydrazine B, which allowed the preferential formation of the helically folded strand. The present results indicate that self‐organisation pressure was able to drive the dynamic system towards the selective generation of the strand undergoing helical folding.
A 4‐Hydroxypyrrolidine‐Catalyzed Mannich Reaction of Aldehydes: Control of anti‐Selectivity by Hydrogen Bonding Assisted by Brønsted Acids
Authors: Gómez‐Bengoa Enrique , Maestro Miguel , Mielgo Antonia , Otazo Itziar , Palomo Claudio , Velilla Irene
Published: March 2010

An anti‐selective Mannich reaction of aldehydes with N‐sulfonyl imines has been developed by using a 4‐hydroxypyrrolidine in combination with an external Brønsted acid. The catalyst design is based on three elements: the α‐substituent of the pyrrolidine, the 4‐hydroxy group, and the Brønsted acid, the combination of which is essential for high chemical and stereochemical efficiency. The reaction works with aromatic aldehyde‐derived imines, which have rarely been employed in previously reported enamine‐based anti‐Mannich reactions. Additionally, both N‐tosyl and N‐nosyl imines can be successfully used and the Mannich adducts can be easily reduced or oxidized, and after N‐deprotection the corresponding β‐amino acids and β‐amino alcohols can be obtained with good yields. The results also show that this ternary catalytic system may be practical in other enamine‐based reactions.
Trace Element Levels in the Groundwater of Mediterranean Coastal Plains – The Case of Silifke, Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Turan , Seckin Galip , Sari Bulent
Published: March 2010

The Silifke plain is located near the coast of the Mediterranean Sea in Turkey. The delta in the plain is a highly fertile land that supports the agriculture of more than twenty types of crop. Some trace element content of the groundwater samples taken from the existing wells in this area are analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). The mean levels (ppm) of boron (B), barium (Ba), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), total chromium (TCr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), and nickel (Ni) were obtained for the sampling points in the area for four seasons. Groundwater samples taken in the study area don't exhibit significantly elevated levels of these elements during a period of twelve months between December 2007 and November 2008. Furthermore, all of the elements exhibit values lower than 0.005 ppm, with the exception of B, Ba, and Fe. The results demonstrate that although these three elements produce the highest values, most are found to be appropriate for activities such as irrigation and human consumption in terms of trace elements.
Wavelet and Neuro‐fuzzy Conjunction Approach for Suspended Sediment Prediction
Authors: Rajaee Taher
Published: March 2010

Simulation approaches employed in suspended sediment processes are important in the areas of water resources and environmental engineering. In the current study, neuro‐fuzzy (NF), a combination of wavelet transform and neuro‐fuzzy (WNF), multi linear regression (MLR), and the conventional sediment rating curve (SRC) models were considered for suspended sediment load (S) modeling in a gauging station in the USA. In the proposed WNF model, the discrete wavelet analysis was linked to a NF approach. To achieve this aim, the observed time series of river flow discharge (Q) and S were decomposed to sub time series at different scales by discrete wavelet transform. Afterwards, the effective sub time series were added together to obtain a useful Q and S time series for prediction. Eventually, the obtained total time series were imposed as inputs to the NF method for daily S prediction. The results illustrated that the predicted values by the proposed WNF model were in good agreement with the observed S values and gave better results than other models. Furthermore, the WNF model satisfactorily estimated the cumulative suspended sediment load and produced relatively reasonable predictions for extreme values of S, while NF, MLR, and SRC models provided unacceptable predictions.
Degradation of Rhodamine B and Safranin‐T by MoO3:CeO2 Nanofibers and Air Using a Continuous Mode
Authors: Zhao Shun , Li Junzi , Wang Lei , Wang Xiaohong
Published: March 2010

One‐dimensional MoO3 nanofibers doped with Ce (MoO3 : CeO2) are synthesized by a method combining a sol‐gel process and an electrospinning technique. The resulting MoO3 : CeO2 is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic degradation of rhodamine B and safranin‐T with MoO3 : CeO2 nanofiber catalyst is investigated in a continuous flowing mode using air (O2) as an oxidant. The results show that rhodamine B and safranin‐T are degraded effectively and the removal efficiencies are 98.3%, and 98.5%, respectively. In addition, the organic dyes are totally mineralized to simple inorganic species such as CO3–, Cl– and NO3–.
Regeneration and Reuse of a Seaweed‐Based Biosorbent in Single and Multi‐Metal Systems
Authors: Bakir Adil , McLoughlin Peter , Fitzgerald Eddy
Published: March 2010

A seaweed‐waste material resulting from the processing of Ascophyllum nodosum was previously shown to be very efficient at removing Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III) both in single and multi‐metal waste streams. In this study, the regeneration of the biosorbent using an acid wash resulted in the release of high metal concentrations during multiple desorption cycles. Maximum desorption efficiencies (DE) of 183, 122 and 91% were achieved for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively, for subsequent metal loading cycles, significantly exceeding the desorption rates observed for conventional sorbents. The regeneration of the sorbent was accomplished with very little loss in metal removal efficiency (RE) for both single and multi‐metal systems. Values of 92, 96 and 94% RE were achieved for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively, for the 5th sorption cycle in single metal aqueous solutions. A slight decrease was observed for the same metals in multi‐metal systems with maximum REs of 85, 82 and 82% for Zn(II), Ni(II) and Al(III), respectively. This study showed that the novel sorbent derived from a seaweed industrial waste would be suitable for multiple metal sorption cycles without any significant loss in RE.
Removal of Cr(VI) by Zero‐valent, Iron‐encapsulated Alginate Beads
Authors: Wang Xue Song , Tang Yu Jun , Chen Li Fang , Li Fei Yan , Wan Wen Ya , Tan Ye Bin
Published: March 2010

Zero‐valent, iron‐encapsulated alginate beads were synthesized and were applied for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. The effects of several important parameters including solution pH, contact time, initial concentration and reaction temperature on Cr(VI) removal levels were investigated in batch studies. An initial solution pH of 1.0 was seen to be most favorable for Cr(VI) removal. The removal process was quick and almost 80% of the removal was attained within 60 min. The kinetic data followed the second‐order equation well. The Cr(VI) removal was almost reaction temperature‐independent and decreased with an increase in Cr(VI) initial concentration. The removal of Cr(VI) by iron‐encapsulated alginate beads was found to be significantly higher than that of non‐encapsulated alginate beads.
Prostate cancer‐specific mortality and the extent of therapy in healthy elderly men with high‐risk prostate cancer
Authors: Hoffman Karen E. , Chen Ming‐Hui , Moran Brian J. , Braccioforte Michelle H. , Dosoretz Daniel , Salenius Sharon , Katin Michael J. , Ross Rudi , D'Amico Anthony V.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

The risk of prostate cancer‐specific mortality (PCSM) in healthy elderly men may depend on extent of treatment. The authors of this report compared the use of brachytherapy alone with combined brachytherapy, external‐beam radiation to the prostate and seminal vesicles, and androgen‐suppression therapy (CMT) in this population.

METHODS:

The study cohort comprised 764 men aged ≥65 years with high‐risk prostate cancer (T3 or T4N0M0, prostate‐specific antigen >20 ng/mL, and/or Gleason score 8‐10) who received either brachytherapy alone (n = 206) or CMT (n = 558) at the Chicago Prostate Cancer Center or at a 21st Century Oncology facility. Men either had no history of myocardial infarction (MI) or had a history of MI treated with a stent or surgical intervention. Fine and Gray regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with PCSM.

RESULTS:

The median patient age was 73 years (interquartile range, 70‐77 years). After a median follow‐up of 4.9 years, 25 men died of prostate cancer. After adjusting for age and prostate cancer prognostic factors, the risk of PCSM was significantly less (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.12‐0.68; P = .004) for men who received CMT than for men who received brachytherapy alone. Other factors that were associated significantly with an increased risk of PCSM included a Gleason score of 8 to 10 (P = .017).

CONCLUSIONS:

Elderly men who had high‐risk prostate cancer without cardiovascular disease or with surgically corrected cardiovascular disease had a lower risk of PCSM when they received CMT than when they received brachytherapy alone. These results support aggressive locoregional treatment in healthy elderly men with high‐risk prostate cancer. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Patterns of care for early stage bladder cancer
Authors: Strope Seth A. , Ye Zaojun , Hollingsworth John M. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Early stage bladder cancer is a heterogeneous disease with a variable risk of progression and mortality. Uncertainty surrounding the optimal care for these patients may result in a mismatch between disease risk and treatment intensity.

METHODS:

Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results‐Medicare data, we identified patients diagnosed with early stage bladder cancer (n = 24,980) between 1993 and 2002. We measured patients' treatment intensity by totaling all Medicare payments made for bladder cancer in the 2 years after diagnosis. Using multiple logistic regression, we assessed relationships between clinical characteristics and treatment intensity. Finally, we determined the extent to which a patient's disease risk matched with their treatment intensity.

RESULTS:

The average per capita expenditures increased from $6,936 to $7,642 over the study period (10.2% increase; P < .01). This increase was driven by greater use of intravesical therapy (2.6 vs 3.7 instillations per capita, P < .01) and physician office visits (3.0 vs 4.8 visits per capita, P < .01). Generally, treatment intensity was appropriately aligned with many clinical characteristics, including age, comorbidity, tumor stage, and grade. However, treatment intensity matched disease risk for only 55% and 49% of the lowest and highest risk patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

The initial treatment intensity of early stage bladder cancer is increasing, primarily through greater use of intravesical therapy and office visits. Treatment intensity matches disease risk for many, but up to 1 in 5 patients may receive too much or too little care, suggesting opportunities for improvement. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer prevention
Authors: Scarinci Isabel C. , Garcia Francisco A.R. , Kobetz Erin , Partridge Edward E. , Brandt Heather M. , Bell Maria C. , Dignan Mark , Ma Grace X. , Daye Jane L. , Castle Philip E.
Published: March 2010

Cervical cancer is the second most common female tumor worldwide, and its incidence is disproportionately high (>80%) in the developing world. In the United States, in which Papanicolaou (Pap) tests have reduced the annual incidence to approximately 11,000 cervical cancers, >60% of cases are reported to occur in medically underserved populations as part of a complex of diseases linked to poverty, race/ethnicity, and/or health disparities. Because carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infections cause virtually all cervical cancer, 2 new approaches for cervical cancer prevention have emerged: 1) HPV vaccination to prevent infections in younger women (aged ≤18 years) and 2) carcinogenic HPV detection in older women (aged ≥30 years). Together, HPV vaccination and testing, if used in an age‐appropriate manner, have the potential to transform cervical cancer prevention, particularly among underserved populations. Nevertheless, significant barriers of access, acceptability, and adoption to any cervical cancer prevention strategy remain. Without understanding and addressing these obstacles, these promising new tools for cervical cancer prevention may be futile. In the current study, the delivery of cervical cancer prevention strategies to these US populations that experience a high cervical cancer burden (African‐American women in South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi; Haitian immigrant women in Miami; Hispanic women in the US‐Mexico Border; Sioux/Native American women in the Northern Plains; white women in the Appalachia; and Vietnamese‐American women in Pennsylvania and New Jersey) is reviewed. The goal was to inform future research and outreach efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer in underserved populations. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Phase 1 study of INNO‐406, a dual Abl/Lyn kinase inhibitor, in Philadelphia chromosome‐positive leukemias after imatinib resistance or intolerance
Authors: Kantarjian Hagop , Coutre Phillipp le , Cortes Jorge , Pinilla‐Ibarz Javier , Nagler Arnon , Hochhaus Andreas , Kimura Shinya , Ottmann Oliver
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

INNO‐406, a dual v‐abl Abelson murine leukemia viral oncogene homolog (Abl)/v‐yes‐1 Yamaguchi sarcoma viral‐related oncogene homolog (Lyn) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has demonstrated specific Lyn kinase inhibitory activity with no or limited activity against other sarcoma (Src) family member kinases. Several breakpoint cluster region (Bcr)‐Abl kinase domain mutations are sensitive to INNO‐406 in vitro, including mutations that involve a phenylalanine‐to‐leucine or phenylalanine‐to‐valine substitution at codon 317 (F317L and F317V, respectively). In the current study, the authors evaluated the use of INNO‐406 in patients with Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome‐positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) or acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) after imatinib resistance or intolerance.

METHODS:

A dose‐escalation study was conducted at a starting dose of oral INNO‐406 30 mg once daily. Cohorts of at least 3 patients were treated at each dose level until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached. Twice‐daily dosing also was evaluated. Therapy was allowed to continue for a maximum of 24 months.

RESULTS:

INNO‐406 was administered to 56 patients with imatinib resistance (n = 40) or intolerance (n = 16). Other previous treatments included nilotinib (n = 20 patients), dasatinib (n = 26 patients), and dasatinib/nilotinib (n = 9 patients). Common mutations at the time of study entry included a tyrosine‐to‐histidine substitution at codon 253 (Y253H) (n = 6 patients), a glycine‐to‐glutamic acid substitution at codon 250 (G250E) (n = 4 patients), a threonine‐to‐isoleucine substitution at codon 315 (T315I) (n = 4 patients), and F317L (n = 3 patients). Of 31 patients with CML in chronic phase who received INNO‐406, the major cytogenetic response rate was 19%. No responses were observed in patients who had CML in accelerated phase, CML in blastic phase, or Ph‐positive ALL. The dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) at an INNO‐406 dose of 480 mg twice daily were liver function abnormalities and thrombocytopenia.

CONCLUSIONS:

INNO‐406 had anti‐CML efficacy in a heavily pretreated study population. On the basis of the classic determinations of both DLT and MTD, the recommended phase 2 dose of oral INNO‐406 was 240 mg twice daily. Lower doses of INNO‐406 may be equally effective and should be explored. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Race versus place of service in mortality among Medicare beneficiaries with cancer
Authors: Onega Tracy , Duell Eric J. , Shi Xun , Demidenko Eugene , Goodman David C.
Published: March 2010

BACKGROUND:

Evidence suggests that excess mortality among African‐American cancer patients is explained in part by the healthcare setting. The objective of this study was to compare mortality among African‐American and Caucasian cancer patients and to evaluate the influence of attendance at a National Cancer Institute (NCI)‐designated comprehensive or clinical cancer center.

METHODS:

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare beneficiaries with an incident diagnosis of lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer between 1998 and 2002 who were identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the impact of NCI cancer center attendance and race on all‐cause and cancer‐specific mortality at 1 year and 3 years after diagnosis.

RESULTS:

The likelihood of 1‐year and 3‐year all‐cause and cancer‐specific mortality was higher for African Americans than for Caucasians in crude and adjusted models (cancer‐specific adjusted: Caucasian referent, 1‐year odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐1.19; 3‐year OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.30). By cancer site, cancer‐specific mortality was higher among African Americans at 1 year for breast and colorectal cancers and for all cancers at 3 years. NCI cancer center attendance was associated with significantly lower odds of mortality for African Americans (1‐year OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.56‐0.76; 3‐year OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62‐0.81). With Caucasians as the referent group, the excess mortality risk among African Americans no longer was observed for all‐cause or cancer‐specific mortality risk among patients who attended NCI cancer centers (cancer‐specific mortality:1‐year OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.76‐1.19; 3‐year OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.82‐1.21).

CONCLUSIONS:

African‐American Medicare beneficiaries with lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers had higher mortality compared with their Caucasian counterparts; however, there were no significant differences in mortality by race among those who attended NCI cancer centers. The results of this study suggested that place of service may explain some of the cancer mortality excess observed in African Americans. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Corporate response to CSO criticism: decoupling the corporate responsibility discourse from business practice
Authors: Ählström Jenny
Published: March 2010

The general objective of this paper is to further research on the interaction between civil society organizations (CSOs) and corporations. The aim is to analyze how corporations are responding to demands to enlarge the responsibility sphere. A case is presented in which CSOs are putting pressure on the garment retailer Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) to be responsible for safeguarding workers' rights in the outsourced production of H&M garments. The conclusion of the paper, derived from analyzing the empirical context using discourse theory, is that: (1) CSOs represent a challenging discourse (responsible business) attempting to change the dominant corporate discourse (profitable business); (2) If the challenging discourse is threatening the legitimacy of the corporation, a responsible business discourse is created; and (3) Responding to the demands of the CSOs is done to keep the business practice intact, hence practice is decoupled from the responsible business discourse. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Improved control‐to‐output characteristics of a PWM buck‐boost converter
Authors: Lo Yu‐Kang , Chen Jun‐Ting , Lin Chung‐Yi , Ou Sheng‐Yuan
Published: March 2010

An indirect control variable for improving the control‐to‐output characteristics of a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) buck‐boost converter is introduced in this letter. The voltage gain and the small‐signal model of the buck‐boost converter are reviewed. The actual voltage command at one input of the PWM comparator is from the proposed indirect control variable and the peak value of the high‐frequency PWM carrier. The resulted voltage gain function appears proportional to this indirect control command. Also the dependence of the DC gain of the control‐to‐output transfer function on the duty cycle is eliminated. Experimental results conform well to the theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive chaos control of DC–DC converter and its optimization
Authors: Wei‐Guo Lu , Luo‐Wei Zhou , Quan‐Ming Luo , Jun‐Ke Wu
Published: March 2010

The frequency‐domain‐based realization condition related to a novel non‐invasive chaos control is presented in this paper. According to the common piecewise‐linear characteristics of PWM‐controlled DC–DC converter system, a general expression for its Jacobian matrix is derived for optimizing the control parameters of the proposed non‐invasive chaos control. The relevant simulation and experiment results about the application of the chaos control to a voltage‐mode Buck converter are given, which confirm the feasibility of the parameter‐optimization method and the validity of the proposed non‐invasive chaos control. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of steady‐state solution of parallel‐connected buck converters with active current sharing and its parameter sensitivity
Authors: Li Ming , Tse Chi K. , Ma Xikui
Published: March 2010

In this paper, the effect of active current‐sharing control on the steady‐state operation of parallel‐connected buck converters is investigated. The system under study consists ofNvoltage‐mode‐controlled buck converters connected in parallel. Three kinds of active current‐sharing schemes are considered, namely, master–slave scheme with automatic master, master–slave scheme with dedicated master, and democratic scheme. Using the principle of charge balance, the mechanism of the operating point drift arising from active current sharing is examined. A general formulation of the steady‐state solution under active current sharing is derived. Moreover, detailed parameter sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the effect of parameters' variation on the operating point. The results from sensitivity analysis can be used to categorize parameters for facilitating practical design. Computer simulations are presented to verify the analytical results. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relation of Tellegen's theorem to the continuous field equations revisited
Authors: Jakoby B.
Published: March 2010

Tellegen's theorem for networks is directly derived from Maywell's equations. As for general circuits including capacitors and inductances, non‐vanishing displacement currents and temporally varying magnetic fluxes are present, in the presented approach domains containing lumped elements are treated such that the utilization of an electric potential and of Kirchhoff's current law can be maintained in the considered field domain. The procedure works for the general form of Tellegen's theorem including nonlinear elements and relating topologically equal but otherwise different networks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of Kerwin‐Huelsman‐Newcomb biquad filter circuits using nodal admittance matrix expansion
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: March 2010

Nodal admittance matrix (NAM) expansion is used to generate a family of grounded passive component Kerwin Huelsman Newcomb (KHN) circuits. The generated KHN circuits have independent control on the selectivity factor and the radian frequency as in the original KHN, besides they have independent control on the gain, which is not achievable in the original KHN circuit. The NAM expansion is based on using nullor elements and voltage mirror and current mirror as well. Two types of the KHN circuit are considered, each includes four classes. For each class it is found that there are 32 different KHN circuit; therefore, there is a total of 128 circuits that belong to type‐A KHN and a similar number for type‐B KHN circuits. Simulation results are included to support the generation method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Square‐root domain linear transformation filters
Authors: Stoumpou Eleni , Psychalinos Costas
Published: March 2010

A new systematic method for designing square‐root domain (SRD) linear transformation (LT) filter is introduced in this paper. For this purpose, a substitution table containing the SRD LT equivalent of each passive element has been introduced. The proposed equivalents have been realized by employing appropriate SRD building blocks with low‐voltage operation capability. As a design example, a 3rd‐order SRD LT filter has been realized and its performance has been evaluated through simulation results. In addition, the most important performance factors of the SRD filter have been compared with those achieved by the SRD filters derived according to the leapfrog, wave, and topological emulation methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deposition of Bio‐Integration Ceramic Hydroxyapatite by Pulsed‐Pressure MOCVD Using a Single Liquid Precursor Solution
Authors: Krumdieck Susan P. , Reyngoud Benjamin P. , Barnett Anne D. , Clearwater Deborah J. , Hartshorn Richard M. , Bishop Catherine M. , Redwood Benjamin P. , Palmer Ellen L.
Published: March 2010

Pulsed‐pressure (PP) metal‐organic(MO)CVD is used to deposit layers of calcium phosphate onto flat bio‐medical grade titanium (Ti6Al4V) substrates. Inexpensive calcium lactate and trimethyl phosphate (TMP), combined in a methanol solution, forms the precursor. A range of precursor mixtures is studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to assess reaction pathways. The surface topography, morphology, composition, and crystallinity are studied over a range of deposition temperatures and precursor concentrations. The resulting films are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy (RS), and micro‐indentation. The films are continuous and the size of surface structures increases at higher temperatures and precursor concentration. The films consist of amorphous calcium phosphate in elemental Ca/P ratios similar to the standard bio‐ceramic, hydroxyapatite (1.66).
Enumeration of the absolute CD4 T‐lymphocyte count by cell‐bead assay
Authors: Nantakomol Duangdao , Nuchnoi Pornlada , Noulsri Egarit , Lerdwana Surada , Krisin Sririma , Chanprasert Supantitra , Pattanapanyasat Kovit
Published: March 2010

Background:

We have previously developed an alternative approach for undertaking absolute cell counting based upon flow‐rate calibration using cell bead (FCB), in which cell bead (CB) can be used as a flow‐rate calibration material for generating the absolute microparticle counts. Here, we extended our work of counting CD4+ T‐lymphocytes in HIV‐infected blood samples with the FCB method.

Methods:

CD4+ T‐lymphocyte counts in EDTA blood samples from 30 healthy subjects and 80 HIV‐1‐infected patients were determined using TriTEST reagent. The absolute CD4+ T‐lymphocytes were measured by FCB, and the results were compared with the absolute counting by commercial latex bead (CLB) or with flow rate‐based calibration method (FR). Statistical correlation and agreement were analyzed using linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis.

Results:

There was no significant difference in the absolute number of CD4+ T‐lymphocyte counts enumerated by FCB when compared with those two reference methods (CLB and FR). The absolute CD4+ T‐lymphocyte counts obtained from FCB method was highly correlated with those obtained from CLB [r2= 0.99, y = 1.04x − 12.37, P < 0.001, and mean bias 11.96 cell/μl, limit of agreement (LOA) −57.82 – 81.74 cell/μl], FR method (r2 = 0.98; y = 0.97x − 3.13, P < 0.001, and mean bias −24.15 cell/μl, LOA −114.44 − 66.13 cell/μl).

Conclusions:

The use of FCB is comparable with the use of CLB and FR. This approach showed the effective in reducing cost for generating the absolute CD4+ T‐lymphocyte counts. Such an approach should facilitate and ensure the success of the ongoing antiretroviral therapy program in resource‐limited countries. © 2010 Clinical Cytometry Society