bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A note on Steiner tree games
Authors: Skorin‐Kapov Darko , Skorin‐Kapov Jadranka 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe investigate the cost allocation strategy associated with the problem of providing some service of common interest from some source to a number of network users, via the minimum cost directed Steiner tree (ST) network that spans the source and all the receivers. The cost of such ST is distributed among its receivers who may be individuals or organizations with possibly conflicting interests. The objective of this article is to develop a reasonably fair and efficient cost allocation scheme associated with the above cost allocation problem. Since finding the optimal Steiner tree is an NP‐hard problem, the input to our cost allocation problem is the best known Steiner tree obtained using some heuristic. To allocate the cost of this Steiner tree to the users (receiver nodes), we formulate the associated Modified Steiner Tree Network (MSTN) game in characteristic function form. Then we construct a primal‐dual cost allocation algorithm which finds some points in the core of the MSTN game and thus results in subsidy‐free cost allocations. Moreover, for the given Steiner tree, our cost allocation scheme is efficient and finds the above “fair” cost allocations in polynomial time. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Three‐dimensional numerical modelling by XFEM of spring‐layer imperfect curved interfaces with applications to linearly elastic composite materials
Authors: Zhu Q.‐Z. , Gu S.‐T. , Yvonnet J. , Shao J.‐F. , He Q.‐C. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe spring‐layer interface model is widely used in describing some imperfect interfaces frequently involved in materials and structures. Typically, it is appropriate for modelling a thin soft interphase layer between two relatively stiff bulk media. According to the spring‐layer interface model, the displacement vector suffers a jump across an interface whereas the traction vector is continuous across the same interface and is, in the linear case, proportional to the displacement vector jump. In the present work, an efficient three‐dimensional numerical approach based on the extended finite element method is first proposed to model linear spring‐layer curved imperfect interfaces and then applied to predict the effective elastic moduli of composites in which such imperfect interfaces intervene. In particular, a rigorous derivation of the linear spring‐layer interface model is provided to clarify its domain of validity. The accuracy and convergence rate of the elaborated numerical approach are assessed via benchmark tests for which exact analytical solutions are available. The computated effective elastic moduli of composites are compared with the relevant analytical lower and upper bounds. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plerixafor plus granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor for autologous hematopoietic stem cell mobilization in patients with metastatic neuroblastoma
Authors: Modak Shakeel , Cheung Irene Y. , Kushner Brian H. , Kramer Kim , Reich Lilian , Cheung Nai‐Kong V. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractCurrent therapies for high‐risk neuroblastoma (NB) necessitate the availability of several aliquots of autologous peripheral blood stem cells to reverse‐associated myelosuppression. Priming with the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor plus G‐CSF was associated with successful stem cell harvest in 5/7 heavily prior‐treated patients with stage 4 NB who had previously failed G‐CSF priming. Minimal residual disease was not detected in harvested cells from any patient despite the presence of disease in bone/bone marrow in 6/7. Hematopoietic reconstitution was achieved in all three patients receiving plerixafor‐primed stem cells after myeloablative therapy. Plerixafor is an effective and safe agent for stem cell collection in patients with NB. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 469–471. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Zhang Ying , Cai Ailu , Sun Wei , Guo Yajun , Zhao Yili 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundFetal congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries (ccTGA) is a rare cardiac anomaly and the diagnosis remains a challenge for many sonographers in routine screening programs. We describe a new method of diagnosis by four‐dimensional (4D) echocardiography and spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC).MethodsWe reviewed retrospectively 11 cases of fetal ccTGA complicated with ventricular septal defect. The four‐chamber view (4CV) and the cardiac outflow tract views were obtained by conventional two‐dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Atrioventricular connections were observed in the 4CV and ventriculoarterial connections in the cardiac outflow tract views. 4D volume data sets were acquired at the 4CV level and then analyzed by STIC. All volume data sets were displayed using the multiplanar modality, which allows simultaneous display of images in three orthogonal planes. The correlation of the three planes was used to reveal the spatial relationship of the two great arteries. The diagnosis was confirmed by postnatal echocardiography or by autopsy.ResultsBy 4D echocardiography and STIC, the origin, course and relationship of the two great arteries could be revealed by moving the reference dot in the three correlated orthogonal planes: in ccTGA, the aorta could be seen to arise from the right ventricle, anterior and to the left of the pulmonary artery, and its course was upward and parallel to the pulmonary artery.Conclusions4D echocardiography and STIC technique can assist 2D echocardiography in the diagnosis of ccTGA by revealing the spatial relationship of the transposed great arteries, improving the understanding of the anomaly and facilitating the examination. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental site in the second trimester of pregnancy and its association with subsequent obstetric outcome
Authors: Fung Tak Yuen , Sahota Daljit Singh , Lau Tze Kin , Leung Tak Yeung , Chan Lin Wai , Chung Tony Kwok Hung 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine if placental location in the second trimester of pregnancy is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on 16 236 patients having ultrasound examination at 14 to 23 weeks of gestation between 2000 and 2007. The placental location was classified into one of four groups: ‘central’, ‘fundal’, ‘lateral’ and ‘covering Os’. Obstetric outcomes of non‐central placenta were compared to those with ‘central’ placenta.ResultsWomen with a ‘fundal’ placenta were at increased risk of developing pre‐eclampsia (PET) (odds ratios (OR) = 2.27; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.31–3.93), a preterm delivery before 34 weeks (OR = 2.23; 95% CI, 1.18–4.22), a non‐vertex presentation (OR = 3.48; 95% CI, 2.49–4.86), undergoing a manual removal of placenta (MROP) following a vaginal delivery (OR = 7.1; 95% CI, 4.24–11.85) and small for gestational age (SGA) (OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.03–1.79). Women with a ‘lateral’ placenta were at increased risk of developing PET (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.28–3.25), spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 weeks (OR = 2.04; 95% CI, 1.04–3.98), MROP (OR = 6.75; 95% CI, 4.4–10.33) and SGA (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.48–2.23). Five women with a ‘cover Os’ placenta had an increased risk of postpartum haemorrhage (>1000 mL) (OR = 6.18; 95% CI 2.29–16.65) if they had a vaginal delivery.ConclusionNon‐central placental location in the second trimester is associated with an increase risk of adverse obstetric outcome. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive network‐grafted hydrogels formed by macrocrosslinker as drug delivery system
Authors: Pan Ting‐Ting , He Wei‐Dong , Li Li‐Ying , Jiang Wen‐Xing , He Chen , Tao Jing 
Published: March 2011

AbstractDual thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive network‐grafted hydrogels made of poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) network and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) grafting chains were successfully synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and click chemistry. PNIPAM having two azide groups at one chain end [PNIPAM‐(N3)2] was prepared with an azide‐capped ATRP initiator of N,N‐di(β‐azidoethyl) 2‐chloropropionylamide. Alkyne‐pending poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate‐co‐propargyl acrylate) [P(DMAEMA‐co‐ProA)] was obtained through RAFT copolymerization using dibenzyltrithiocarbonate as chain transfer agent. The subsequent click reaction led to the formation of the network‐grafted hydrogels. The influences of the chemical composition of P(DMAEMA‐co‐ProA) on the properties of the hydrogels were investigated in terms of morphology and swelling/deswelling kinetics. The dual stimulus‐sensitive hydrogels exhibited fast response, high swelling ratio, and reproducible swelling/deswelling cycles under different temperatures and pH values. The uptake and release of ceftriaxone sodium by these hydrogels showed both thermal and pH dependence, suggesting the feasibility of these hydrogels as thermo‐ and pH‐dependent drug release devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Structural physiology based on electron crystallography
Authors: Fujiyoshi Yoshinori 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThere are many questions in brain science, which are extremely interesting but very difficult to answer. For example, how do education and other experiences during human development influence the ability and personality of the adult? The molecular mechanisms underlying such phenomena are still totally unclear. However, technological and instrumental advancements of electron microscopy have facilitated comprehension of the structures of biological components, cells, and organelles. Electron crystallography is especially good for studying the structure and function of membrane proteins, which are key molecules of signal transduction in neural and other cells. Electron crystallography is now an established technique to analyze the structures of membrane proteins in lipid bilayers, which are close to their natural biological environment. By utilizing cryo‐electron microscopes with helium cooled specimen stages, which were developed through a personal motivation to understand functions of neural systems from a structural point of view, structures of membrane proteins were analyzed at a resolution higher than 3 Å. This review has four objectives. First, it is intended to introduce the new research field of structural physiology. Second, it introduces some of the personal struggles, which were involved in developing the cryo‐electron microscope. Third, it discusses some of the technology for the structural analysis of membrane proteins based on cryo‐electron microscopy. Finally, it reviews structural and functional analyses of membrane proteins.
Monitoring the conformational changes of an intrinsically disordered peptide using a quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Shur Oren , Wu Jun , Cropek Donald M. , Banta Scott 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIntrinsically disordered peptides (IDPs) have recently garnered much interest because of their role in biological processes such as molecular recognition and their ability to undergo stimulus‐responsive conformational changes. The block V repeat‐in‐toxin motif of the Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase is an example of an IDP that undergoes a transition from a disordered state to an ordered beta roll conformation in the presence of calcium ions. In solution, a C‐terminal capping domain is necessary for this transition to occur. To further explore the conformational behavior and folding requirements of this IDP, we have cysteine modified three previously characterized constructs, allowing for attachment to the gold surface of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). We demonstrate that, while immobilized, the C‐terminally capped peptide exhibits similar calcium‐binding properties to what have been observed in solution. In addition, immobilization on the solid surface appears to enable calcium‐responsiveness in the uncapped peptides, in contrast to the behavior observed in solution. This work demonstrates the power of QCM as a tool to study the conformational changes of IDPs immobilized on surfaces and has implications for a range of potential applications where IDPs may be engineered and used including protein purification, biosensors, and other bionanotechnology applications.
Air flow assisted ionization for remote sampling of ambient mass spectrometry and its application
Authors: He Jiuming , Tang Fei , Luo Zhigang , Chen Yi , Xu Jing , Zhang Ruiping , Wang Xiaohao , Abliz Zeper 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAmbient ionization methods are an important research area in mass spectrometry (MS) analysis. Under ambient conditions, the gas flow and atmospheric pressure significantly affect the transfer and focusing of ions. The design and implementation of air flow assisted ionization (AFAI) as a novel and effective, remote sampling method for ambient mass spectrometry are described herein. AFAI benefits from a high extracting air flow rate. A systematic investigation of the extracting air flow in the AFAI system has been carried out, and it has been demonstrated not only that it plays a role in the effective capture and remote transport of charged droplets, but also that it promotes desolvation and ion formation, and even prevents ion fragmentation during the ionization process. Moreover, the sensitivity of remote sampling ambient MS analysis was improved significantly by the AFAI method. Highly polar and nonpolar molecules, including dyes, pharmaceutical samples, explosives, drugs of abuse, protein and volatile compounds, have been successfully analyzed using AFAI‐MS. The successful application of the technique to residue detection on fingers, large object analysis and remote monitoring in real time indicates its potential for the analysis of a variety of samples, especially large objects. The ability to couple this technique with most commercially available MS instruments with an API interface further enhances its broad applicability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial distributions of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope ratios in human hair across the central United States
Authors: Valenzuela Luciano O. , Chesson Lesley A. , O'Grady Shannon P. , Cerling Thure E. , Ehleringer James R. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe present data on the carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulfur (δ34S) isotope ratios of human hair collected in the central portions of the USA. These elements are incorporated into hair from the diet and thus provide a record of dietary inputs that may also document geospatial patterns. We detected regional differences in hair δ34S values across the USA, with the lowest values in the northern Great Plains and increasing values towards the east, west and south. In contrast, no statistically significant patterns were detected in the spatial variation of human hair δ13C and δ15N values. Using δ34S values and a Geographic Information System approach, we created a map (‘sulfur isoscape’). The accuracy of the map was tested using hair samples not included in its generation. We conclude that sulfur isotope analysis may represent a new tool to investigate the movements and/or region‐of‐origin of humans. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in the analysis of pyrethroid insecticides in environmental and food samples
Authors: Feo M. L. , Eljarrat E. , Barceló D. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe performance of gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS) was tested for the simultaneous determination of twelve pyrethroid insecticides. First, a comparison of two different ionization modes, electron ionization (EI) and negative chemical ionization (NCI), was carried out using MS and MS/MS. NCI‐MS/MS provided the best results in terms of selectivity and sensitivity giving very low detection limits of 0.11 to 450 fg injected. The reliability of the method was confirmed through the evaluation of quality parameters such as accuracy (70–100%), and repeatability and reproducibility, with coefficients of variation below 15% and 10%, respectively.The applicability of the GC/MS/MS method to real samples and influence of matrix effects were evaluated through the analysis of spiked water, sediment and milk at 0.25 ng L−1, 5 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) and 25 ng g−1 (dw), respectively, of each pyrethroid insecticide considered. Using GC/NCI‐MS/MS, matrix spectral interferences were minimized providing method limits of detection (MLODs) of 0.05–2.59 ng L−1, 0.10–87.7 pg g−1 dw, 2.29–1071 pg g−1 lipid weight (lw) for water, sediment and milk, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the MLOD values found in our study were better than those reported in previous studies; in particular for sediment and food samples, they were one order of magnitude lower. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robot‐assisted laparoscopic management of cardia carcinoma according to Siewert recommendations
Authors: Patriti Alberto , Ceccarelli Graziano , Ceribelli Cecilia , Bartoli Alberto , Spaziani Alessandro , Cisano Claudio , Cigliano Silvia , Casciola Luciano 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundResection of cardia and upper gastric carcinoma is considered a demanding procedure in laparoscopic surgery. Robotics could aid laparoscopic dissection of the oesophago–gastric junction and oesophageal anastomosis, enlarging indications for a minimally invasive approach to these tumours.MethodsData from 17 consecutive patients with histologically proved cardia carcinoma were collected in a prospective database to assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic robot‐assisted radical surgery, using the four‐arm da Vinci surgical system. The type of surgery was chosen according to Siewert recommendations. Outcome measures were conversion rate, intra‐ and post‐operative morbidity and mortality, operative time, blood loss, number of lymph nodes harvested and macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of resection margins.ResultsSeventeen laparoscopic operations were completed without conversion (14 extended gastrectomies, two transhiatal distal oesophagectomies and one transthoracic distal oesophagectomy). Extended lymph node dissection and oesophago–jejunal anastomosis were successfully carried out using the da Vinci system. Mean operative time was 327.2 ± 93.4 min and blood loss 279 ± 199 ml. The mean number of nodes retrieved was 28 ± 9 and all resection margins were negative. There was no mortality and overall morbidity was acceptably low (41.1%). During a mean follow‐up time of 20 months, four recurrences were recorded (two multivisceral, one to the lung and one nodal), with two recurrence‐related deaths.ConclusionsRobot‐assisted laparoscopic radical surgery of the oesophago–gastric junction is feasible and safe. Longer follow‐up time and randomized studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term outcome and advantages for the patient of this new technology. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cardioids‐based faster authentication and diagnosis of remote cardiovascular patients
Authors: Sufi Fahim , Khalil Ibrahim , Habib Ibrahim 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTIn recent times, dealing with deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has been one of the most challenging issues. The usage of mobile phones and portable Electrocardiogram (ECG) acquisition devices can mitigate the risks associated with CVD by providing faster patient diagnosis and patient care. The existing technologies entail delay in patient authentication and diagnosis. However, for the cardiologists minimizing the delay between a possible CVD symptom and patient care is crucial, as this has a proven impact in the longevity of the patient. Therefore, every seconds counts in terms of patient authentication and diagnosis. In this paper, we introduce the concept of Cardioid based patient authentication and diagnosis. According to our experimentations, the authentication time can be reduced from 30.64 s (manual authentication in novice mobile user) to 0.4398 s (automated authentication). Our ECG based patient authentication mechanism is up to 4878 times faster than conventional biometrics like, face recognition. The diagnosis time could be improved from several minutes to less than 0.5 s (cardioid display on a single screen). Therefore, with our presented mission critical alerting mechanism on wireless devices, minute's worth of tasks can be reduced to second's, without compromising the accuracy of authentication and quality of diagnosis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Techniques in the Study of Carbon Transfer in Ironmaking
Authors: Longbottom Raymond J. , Monaghan Brian J. , Chapman Michael W. , Nightingale Sharon A. , Mathieson John G. , Nightingale Robert J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this paper two new approaches to the study of carburisation/decarburisation of iron are detailed. Firstly, a new experimental method focusing on understanding carbon transfer in a non‐traditional ironmaking process, and secondly, a new carbonaceous material (coke analogue) for use in coke laboratory investigations are detailed. The new experimental method was developed to assess the decarburising effects of high titania slags, typical of ironmaking with titaniferous ores or sands. Preliminary experiments found that carbon was being consumed from the metal as it passed through the slag. The coke analogue was developed to address material complexity and heterogeneity issues that often limit and mask important coke phenomena in laboratory studies. Preliminary dissolution experiments using the coke analogue to carburise iron showed that rate of dissolution was consistent with that published for both graphite and industrial coke.
Klaus – an exceptional winter storm over northern Iberia and southern France
Authors: Liberato Margarida L. R. , Pinto Joaquim G. , Trigo Isabel F. , Trigo Ricardo M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThe synoptic evolution and impacts of storm ‘Klaus’ that affected Europe on 23–24 January 2009 are assessed. Klaus was the costliest weather hazard event worldwide during 2009. Peak wind gusts reached 55ms‐1 (107kn), accompanied by heavy rain, snow and flooding across Northern Iberia and southern France. Klaus underwent explosive development between the Azores and the Iberian Peninsula at an unusually low latitude. This development was supported by an extended and intense polar jet across the North Atlantic Basin, strong upper‐air divergence associated with a second jet streak and an extraordinary export of tropical moisture into the genesis region. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society