bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolated human and animal stratum corneum as a partial model for the 15 steps of percutaneous absorption: emphasizing decontamination, part II
Authors: Hui Xiaoying , Lamel Sonia , Qiao Peter , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTCutaneously directed chemical warfare agents can elicit significant morbidity and mortality. The optimization of prophylactic and therapeutic interventions counteracting these agents is crucial, and the development of decontamination protocols and methodology of post dermal exposure risk assessments would be additionally applicable to common industrial and consumer dermatotoxicants. Percutaneous (PC) penetration is often considered a simple one‐step diffusion process but presently consists of at least 15 steps. The systemic exposure to an agent depends on multiple factors and the second part of this review covers absorption and excretion kinetics, wash and rub effects, skin substantivity and transfer, among others. Importantly, the partitioning behavior and diffusion through the stratum corneum (SC) of a wide physicochemical array of compounds shows that many compounds have approximately the same diffusion coefficient which determines their percutaneous absorption in vivo. After accounting for anatomical variation of the SC, the penetration flux value of a substance depends mainly on its SC/vehicle partition coefficient. Additionally, the SC acts as a ‘reservoir’ for topically applied molecules, and tape stripping methodology can quantify the remaining chemical in the SC which can predict the total molecular penetration in vivo. The determination of ideal decontamination protocols is of utmost importance to reduce morbidity and mortality. However, even expeditious standard washing procedures post dermal chemical exposure often fails to remove chemicals. The second part of this overview continues to review percutaneous penetration extending insights into the complexities of penetration, decontamination and potential newer assays that may be of practical importance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scale considerations in using diatoms as indicators of sea‐level change: lessons from Alaska
Authors: Watcham Emma P. , Shennan Ian , Barlow Natasha L. M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper assesses variations in quantitative reconstructions of late Holocene relative sea‐level (RSL) change arising from using modern diatom datasets from different spatial scales, applied to case studies from Alaska. We investigate the implications of model choice in transfer functions using local‐, sub‐regional‐ and regional‐scale modern training sets, and produce recommendations on the creation and selection of modern datasets for reconstructing RSL change over Holocene timescales in tidal marsh environments comparable with those in Alaska. We show that regional modern training sets perform best in terms of providing fossil samples with good modern analogues, and in producing reconstructions that most closely match observations, where these are available. Local training sets are frequently insufficient to provide fossil samples with good modern analogues and may over‐estimate the precision of RSL reconstructions. This is particularly apparent when reconstructing RSL change for periods beyond the last century. For reconstructing RSL change we recommend using regional modern training sets enhanced by local samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of dicationic gemini surfactants 16–s‐16 (s = 4, 5, 6) on the ninhydrin‐dipeptide (glycyl‐tyrosine) reaction
Authors: Akram Mohd. , Kumar Dileep , Kabir‐Ud‐Din  
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe effect of dicationic gemini surfactants H33C16(CH3)2N+‐(CH2)s‐N+(CH3)2 C16H33, 2Br− (s= 4, 5, 6) on the reaction of a dipeptide glycyl–tyrosine (Gly–Tyr) with ninhydrin has been studied spectrophotometrically at 70°C and pH 5.0. The reaction follows first‐ and fractional‐order kinetics, respectively, in [Gly–Tyr] and [ninhydrin]. The gemini surfactant micellar media are comparatively more effective than their single chain–single head counterpart cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelles. Whereas typical rate constant (kΨ) increase and leveling‐off regions, just like CTAB, are observed with geminis, the latter produces a third region of increasing kΨ at higher concentrations. This subsequent increase is ascribed to the change in the micellar morphology of the geminis. The pseudophase model of micelles was used to quantitatively analyze the kΨ − [gemini] data, wherein the micellar‐binding constants KS for [Gly–Tyr] and KN for ninhydrin were evaluated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 800–809, 2012
Securely Joining Plastic Components
Authors: Brunnecker Frank 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe transmission laser welding of plastics is a well‐established industrial joining method whose reliability makes it particularly suitable for applications where very high weld seam quality is specified. A number of quality assurance methods are available when using this technology to safeguard the specifications. These quality assurance methods are suitable for implementing a zero‐error strategy, under very economically attractive conditions.
Chain Transfer to 2‐Mercaptoethanol in Methacrylic Acid Polymerization in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Wittenberg Nils F. G. , Buback Michael , Stach Marek , Lacík Igor 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe chain‐transfer constant, CS = ktr/kp, of 2‐mercaptoethanol (ME) for methacrylic acid (MAA) polymerization in aqueous solution has been measured at MAA concentrations between 5 and 30 wt% to be 0.12 ± 0.01 at 50 °C. Analysis has been carried out via both the Mayo and the chain‐length distribution (CLD) methods. No change of CS with monomer concentration is observed. The chain‐transfer rate coefficient, ktr, thus exhibits the same strong dependence on monomer concentration as the propagation rate coefficient, kp.
Assessment of the relevance of the antibiotic 2‐amino‐3‐(oxirane‐2,3‐dicarboxamido)‐propanoyl‐valine from Pantoea agglomerans biological control strains against bacterial plant pathogens
Authors: Sammer Ulrike F. , Reiher Katharina , Spiteller Dieter , Wensing Annette , Völksch Beate 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe epiphyte Pantoea agglomerans 48b/90 (Pa48b) is a promising biocontrol strain against economically important bacterial pathogens such as Erwinia amylovora. Strain Pa48b produces the broad‐spectrum antibiotic 2‐amino‐3‐(oxirane‐2,3‐dicarboxamido)‐propanoyl‐valine (APV) in a temperature‐dependent manner. An APV‐negative mutant still suppressed the E. amylovora population and fire blight disease symptoms in apple blossom experiments under greenhouse conditions, but was inferior to the Pa48b wild‐type indicating the influence of APV in the antagonism. In plant experiments with the soybean pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea both, Pa48b and the APV‐negative mutant, successfully suppressed the pathogen. Our results demonstrate that the P. agglomerans strain Pa48b is an efficient biocontrol organism against plant pathogens, and we prove its ability for fast colonization of plant surfaces over a wide temperature range.
Cause‐related marketing campaigns with luxury firms: An experimental study of campaign characteristics, attitudes, and donations
Authors: Boenigk Silke , Schuchardt Viktoria 
Published: October 2012

Cause‐related marketing (CRM) partnerships between luxury firms and charitable organizations have grown in popularity, yet no study has examined such luxury CRM campaigns thus far. Using a fictitious campaign by the Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin and the Plan International Germany charity, the authors conducted an experimental CRM study among 281 actual luxury consumers. Realizing CRM campaigns in the luxury segment can be promising for luxury firms and charities. In particular, a CRM campaign works best when the donation magnitude is high (25% vs. 1%) and the price of the luxury service offering is moderate (€180 vs. €450). Furthermore, luxury campaigns enhance the attitudes of luxury customers toward charitable organizations, especially if they are unknown brands. Yet this study also offers a warning that luxury campaigns can be risky if consumers who have previously supported the charitable organization perceive the campaign as too high profile. Ultimately, this study reveals that CRM luxury campaigns play a major role for fundraising success.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positioning new treatments in the management of immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Arnold Donald M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractImmune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a syndrome characterized by low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding. For most children, ITP is a self‐limiting disease; however, for some children and most adults, thrombocytopenia can become chronic. Newer therapies for ITP include rituximab and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonists. Rituximab is a useful second‐line therapy and may be splenectomy‐sparing. Thrombopoeitin receptor agonists have demonstrated large treatment effects with respect to increasing platelet levels; however, they require maintenance dosing. This review summarizes how these new agents might be positioned in the management of patients with chronic ITP. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 60: S19–S22. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peripheral blood stem‐cell harvest using percutaneous arterial lines in children
Authors: Even‐Or Ehud , Grunspan Anna , Swerdlow Yakov , Kodman Yona , Yahel Anat , Katz Jacob , Krauss Aviva , Yaniv Isaac , Stein Jerry 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundAutologous peripheral blood stem‐cell collection (PBSCC) in children has become an integral part of contemporary treatment protocols, but the procedure is often complicated due to technical issues related to vascular access. Central line placement is often implemented to surmount this problem, but is associated with complications such as bleeding, thrombosis and pneumothorax. As an alternative we have introduced the use of radial arterial lines for PBSCC in children.ProcedureData from autologous stem cell collections performed from October 2002 to December 2011 using a radial arterial line were collected.ResultsA total of 372 PBSCC procedures were performed during the study period; an arterial line was used in 311 PBSCC's in 208 children. The average patient age and weight were 7.9 years (SD 5.4) and 28.3 kg (SD 20.4), respectively. The smallest patient was 9 months old and weighed 7 kg. The mean total volume processed was 8,593 cm3 (SD 4,854), and the mean number of blood volumes processed was 4.3. Mean collection time for a single blood volume was 55 minutes (SD 15.5). The mean number of CD34+ cells collected per donation was 5.8 × 106/kg. Ninety‐seven patients (46%) required more than one collection to meet the requested CD34+ cell target. No serious adverse effects associated with vascular access occurred in this cohort.ConclusionPercutaneous placement of radial artery catheters can be rapidly and safely performed in very small infants and in children with difficult venous access. This technique provides a reliable platform for efficient PBSCC. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 946–948. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive prenatal aneuploidy testing of chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y, using targeted sequencing of polymorphic loci
Authors: Zimmermann Bernhard , Hill Matthew , Gemelos George , Demko Zachary , Banjevic Milena , Baner Johan , Ryan Allison , Sigurjonsson Styrmir , Chopra Nikhil , Dodd Michael , Levy Brynn , Rabinowitz Matthew 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to develop a noninvasive prenatal test on the basis of the analysis of cell‐free DNA in maternal blood to detect fetal aneuploidy at chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y.MethodsA total of 166 samples from pregnant women, including 11 trisomy 21, three trisomy 18, two trisomy 13, two 45,X, and two 47,XXY samples, were analyzed using an informatics‐based method. Cell‐free DNA from maternal blood was isolated, amplified using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting 11 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms on chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, and Y in a single reaction, and sequenced. A Bayesian‐based maximum likelihood statistical method was applied to determine the chromosomal count of the five chromosomes interrogated in each sample, along with a sample‐specific calculated accuracy for each test result.ResultsThe algorithm correctly reported the chromosome copy number at all five chromosomes in 145 samples that passed a DNA quality test, for a total of 725/725 correct calls. The average calculated accuracy for these samples was 99.92%. Twenty‐one samples did not pass the DNA quality test.ConclusionsThis informatics‐based method noninvasively detected fetuses with trisomy 13, 18, and 21, 45,X, and 47,XXY with high sample‐specific calculated accuracies for each individual chromosome and across all five chromosomes. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of abuse and dependence cases through a hospital database
Authors: Daveluy A , Miremont‐Salamé G , Kostrzewa A , Couret A , Lacoin L , Lecomte C , Moore N , Gilleron V , Haramburu F 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTComputerized hospital databases are used for clinical and economic research. In France, the hospital administrative database, Programme de médicalisation des systèmes d'information (PMSI), could be an interesting means for identifying cases of abuse and dependence in hospitals.PurposeTo assess the capability of PMSI to identify cases of abuse and dependence (medicines or illicit drugs; tobacco and alcohol not included).MethodsCross‐sectional study, from October 1 to December 31, 2008, in teaching hospitals of Bordeaux. All hospitalizations with an ICD‐10 code related to possible abuse or dependence were selected. Cases were validated by a committee composed of three pharmacologists using discharge summaries.ResultsAmong the 34 816 patients registered in the PMSI during the study period, a total of 227 patients were pre‐selected as potential cases; 21 patients, hospitalized for abuse or dependence, or complications of which, were included in the analysis. Mean age was 35 years. Substances implicated were buprenorphine (n = 8), benzodiazepines (n = 7), cannabis (n = 6), cocaine (n = 4), heroin (n = 3), amphetamine, ecstasy, morphine, codeine, and tramadol (n = 1, respectively); there was polydrug use in six cases.ConclusionsThe PMSI database can be useful to identify certain cases of abuse and dependence. This pilot study has been conducted at a local level; as the PMSI is available in all hospital settings in France, further analysis could be done at the regional and national levels. Such data could be a valuable indicator to analyze trends and assess the medical consequences of substance abuse. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot Study of a Novel Patient Self‐Management Program for Warfarin Therapy Using Venipuncture‐Acquired International Normalized Ratio Monitoring
Authors: Simmons Brandon J. , Jenner Kathleen M. , Delate Thomas , Clark Nathan P. , Kurz Deanna , Witt Daniel M. 
Published: October 2012

Study ObjectiveTo compare clinical and safety outcomes of warfarin therapy before and after implementation of a novel patient self‐management (PSM) program in which patients received their venipuncture‐derived international normalized ratio (INR) results through a secure online messaging system and adjusted their warfarin dosages and follow‐up visits according to provided support tools.DesignProspective, open‐label, 3‐month, pilot study.SettingCentralized clinical pharmacy anticoagulation service.PatientsForty‐four patients with atrial fibrillation who were receiving warfarin for more than 6 months were enrolled in the trial between January 1, 2011, and February 28, 2011; 39 patients completed the trial. Patients acted as their own controls.InterventionPatients received dosing decision support tools during a 2‐hour live PSM training class. Those who then demonstrated proficiency in PSM assumed responsibility for their warfarin therapy management.Measurements and Main ResultsOutcomes of warfarin therapy were measured in each patient before and after implementation of the PSM program. Study variables included time in the therapeutic INR range (TTR), numbers of INR tests performed, and episodes of major bleeding or thrombosis. No significant difference in TTR occurred between the 90 days before PSM program participation and the 90 days of PSM (82.9% vs 81.2%, p=0.65). The mean number of INR tests performed for each patient increased from 2.97 before PSM program participation to 4.38 during PSM (p<0.01). No bleeding or thrombotic events occurred during the PSM phase.ConclusionPatients were trained to engage in PSM using support tools and venipuncture‐derived INR results received by an online messaging system to adjust warfarin dosage and frequency of INR testing. No significant difference in TTR occurred in these patients before and during the PSM. This novel PSM model appears to be a feasible method of managing warfarin therapy in carefully selected patients; however, a larger, randomized controlled trial is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the model and its effect on anticoagulation service workload.
High‐efficiency thin‐film silicon solar cells with improved light‐soaking stability
Authors: Matsui Takuya , Sai Hitoshi , Saito Kimihiko , Kondo Michio 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTHydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si : H) films are prepared by plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with a triode electrode configuration in which a SiH4–H2 glow‐discharge plasma is confined spatially away from the substrate. Although the deposition rate (0.1–0.5 Å/s) is lower than that of the conventional diode PECVD process (2.5 Å/s), the light‐induced degradation in conversion efficiency (Δη/ηini) of a single‐junction solar cell is substantially reduced (e.g., Δη/ηini ~ 10% at an absorber thickness of ti = 250 nm), and efficiencies after light soaking (LS) maintain >9% for ti = 180–390 nm. By applying the improved a‐Si : H layers as top cell absorbers in a‐Si : H/hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon (µc‐Si : H) tandem solar cells, the light‐induced degradation can be reduced further (e.g., Δη/ηini ~ 5% at ti = 250 nm). As a result, we obtain confirmed stabilized efficiencies of 9.6% (LS condition: 100 mW/cm2, 50 °C, 1000 h) and 11.9% (LS condition: 125 mW/cm2, 48 °C, 310 h) for a‐Si : H single‐junction and a‐Si : H/µc‐Si : H tandem solar cells, respectively. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes of cancer patients in a university teaching hospital in southeast Nigeria on disclosure of cancer information
Authors: Nwankwo K. C. , Anarado Agnes N. , Ezeome E. R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe attitudes of cancer patients from southeast Nigeria on disclosure of cancer information were studied to ascertain their information needs and what information was disclosed to them by their physicians.MethodsStructured questionnaires were administered on all consenting cancer patients that were managed at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu between July and October 2011. The data collected were analysed with Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 18.ResultsTwo hundred and forty‐four patients participated in the study. Ninety‐five per cent of the participants wanted to know the nature of their diagnosis, but 76.7% admitted to being informed of the diagnosis by their doctors. Nearly 54% of participants will like to be informed of a bad prognosis, but only 1.8% was informed. The word cancer was used to disclose the diagnosis to 69.4% of the patients, but 108 (44.3%) patients did not have any idea what cancer meant, 39.8% knew it as an incurable disease whereas 8.6% described it as a tumour or abnormal growth. Patient factors that significantly improved the disclosure of diagnostic information were education (p = 0.044) and site of the cancer (p = 0.043).ConclusionsMost of the surveyed cancer patients in University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Enugu desire to know the truth about the diagnosis of their disease, and more than 50% of them desire to know when the disease becomes terminal and death is imminent. Physicians in southeast Nigeria should consider the information needs of the individual patients and tailor their disclosure practices to meet these individual needs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transparent caesium bromide storage‐phosphors for radiation imaging
Authors: Winch Nicola M. , Edgar Andrew 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSemi‐transparent discs of polycrystalline CsBr:Eu2+ storage phosphor for X‐ray imaging have been produced using a room temperature milling/pressing technique, and have been studied using infrared, and photoluminescence spectroscopies, together with scanning electron microscopy. The pressed discs are very sensitive to water vapour, and scanning electron microscopy shows that material undergoes a complete recrystallization following exposure to humid air for a few minutes through a room temperature hydration/crystallization process. Discs prepared by a simple mixture of CsBr and EuBr2 show photostimulated luminescence (PSL) at 440 nm without further processing, and the conversion efficiency is sufficient that X‐ray imaging can be demonstrated. Discs which have been prepared by first sintering at 600 °C, then pressed, and finally hydrated at room temperature show very strong PSL with a conversion efficiency of ∼36 pJ mR−1 mm−3. A model is proposed for the generation of the active PSL centres in CsBr by the milling/hydration process.
Effect of conducting polymer layer on microwave absorption properties of BaFe12O19TiO2 composite
Authors: Akman O. , Durmus Z. , Kavas H. , Aktas B. , Kurtan U. , Baykal A. , Sözeri H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBa‐hexaferrite (BaM) particles, synthesized by a sol–gel route, have been mixed with TiO2 powders with different mass ratios. The obtained BaMTiO2 composites have been coated with a conducting polymer layer of polypyrrole (PPy). Structural, magnetic and microwave absorption properties of the PPy‐coated and uncoated BaMTiO2 composites have been investigated by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning/tunneling electron microscopy, magnetization, and near‐field microwave measurements in the frequency range of 8–18 GHz. The dielectric loss of the PPy‐coated composites appeared to be higher compared to the uncoated samples in the whole frequency range. A single matching frequency was observed for each of the coated and uncoated samples in the frequency range between 16 and 18 GHz. Despite their relatively low absorption properties of uncoated composites (∼−30 dB), PPy‐coated ones have wide absorption bandwidths at −20 dB. The main absorption mechanism in all samples, coated and uncoated, is dielectric loss.