bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hemodynamics, Diuretics, and Nesiritide: A Retrospective VMAC Analysis
Authors: Young James B. , Cheng Mei , Mills Roger M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHypothesisHypotension has been proposed as the cause of nesiritide‐associated increases in serum creatinine (SCr); however, this hypothesis has not been tested.MethodsThis retrospective evaluation of patients who had a pulmonary artery catheter and received nesiritide in the Vasodilation in the Management of Acute Congestive Heart Failure (VMAC) trial assessed hypotension, SCr elevation, concomitant therapy, and mortality. Patients were categorized by baseline pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) and analyzed both for overall population and by diuretic dose.ResultsCompared with patients with PCWP > 23 mm Hg (n = 105), patients with PCWP ≤ 23 mm Hg (n = 49) had more hypotension within 24 hours of initiating nesiritide (16% vs 7%), but neither more SCr elevation by nominal day 30 (29% vs 28%) nor higher mortality (30 days: 8.2% vs 7.7%; 6 months: 29.0% vs 29.3%). The risk of hypotension was directly related to high dose diuretics (25% vs 6%; relative risk [RR]: 4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–15.82) and was not significantly increased in patients without this concomitant treatment (10% vs 7%; RR: 1.4; 95% CI: 0.34–5.93). Additionally, high dose diuretics significantly increased the risk of SCr elevation (RR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.03–6.64) and 6 month mortality (hazard ratio: 3.6; 95% CI: 1.19–10.63) in patients with PCWP ≤ 23 mm Hg.ConclusionsHypotension is not the primary etiology for nesiritide‐associated increases in SCr. High dose diuretics increase the risk of adverse outcomes in patients with PCWP ≤ 23 mm Hg and should be reserved for patients in whom PCWPs are known to be markedly elevated. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy for Heart Failure Patients: Is Combination Treatment a Feasible Prospect?
Authors: Mehta P.A. , McDonagh S. , Phillips J. , Grocott‐Mason R. , Dubrey S.W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe addition of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) candesartan to a angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) has been associated with improved clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure. However many do not tolerate combination therapy and concerns have been raised regarding excessive neurohormonal inhibition.HypothesisThe majority of patients with chronic heart failure are not eligible or do not tolerate combination therapy with an ACEEI and ARB.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 115 consecutive patients with heart failure (median age 74 y; 74% males; mean left ventricular ejection fraction 30%) within a district general hospital for eligibility and tolerance to combination therapy using candesartan in addition to recommended doses of an ACEI.ResultsOverall, 109 (95%) were ineligible to initiate candesartan. The most frequent reasons were that, despite best efforts at optimization, 77% of patients were unable to achieve recommended doses of an ACEI, 29% were relatively asymptomatic, 20% had symptomatic hypotension, and 35% were already taking an ARB due to previous ACEI “intolerance.” Overall, 6 (5%) of patients satisfied the eligibility criteria of whom 3 (3% of total) were already taking “optimal” doses of an ARB in addition to an ACEI. The remaining 3 patients commenced the titration schedule with candesartan. All 3 patients failed the first titration phase (4 mg once daily) within 2 weeks of initiation, due to the development of hyperkalemia.ConclusionsThe use of combination therapy with an ARB in addition to recommended doses of ACEI does not appear feasible in patients with heart failure in the general population, as the vast majority are not eligible. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐Term Clinical Outcomes After Angiographically Defined Very Late Stent Thrombosis of Drug‐Eluting Stent
Authors: Kim Ung , Kim Dong‐Kie , Kim Young‐Bok , Seol Sang‐Hoon , Yang Tae‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Kyeong , Kim Doo‐Il , Kim Dong‐Soo , Lee Sang‐Hee , Hong Geu‐Ru , Park Jong‐Seon , Shin Dong‐Gu , Kim Young‐Jo , Cho Yoon‐Kyung , Kim Hyung‐Seop , Nam Chang‐Wook , Hur Seung‐Ho , Kim Kwon‐Bae 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe advent of drug‐eluting stent (DES) use has raised concerns regarding later occurring stent thrombosis, especially very late stent thrombosis (VLST), and little is known about long‐term clinical outcomes after VLST occurrence.HypothesisLong‐term clinical outcomes after detection of VLST may be poor.MethodWe evaluated 3572 consecutive patients who received DES implantation from May 2004 to July 2007 at 3 hospitals. The primary outcomes were a composite of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), target‐lesion revascularization (TLR), and target‐vessel revascularization (TVR) after VLST occurrence.ResultsWe identified 19 patients (0.53%) with angiographically documented stent thrombosis developing over 1 year after DES implantation. The mean time to VLST occurrence was 899 days (899 ± 353). Discontinuation of antiplatelet drugs was noted in 4 (21%) patients and the average duration of discontinuation was 4 days. Clinical presentations of VLST were mainly MI (17 patients, 89%). Balloon angioplasty was only performed in 12 patients (63%) and stent implantation in 7 patients (37%). Mean follow‐up duration from VLST occurrence was 620 days (620±256). During clinical follow‐up after VLST occurrence, no cardiac deaths or MIs were detected. Target‐vessel revascularization was done in 2 (11%) patients and TLR in 1 patient (6%). Major adverse cardiac events occurred in 3 (16%) patients during long‐term clinical follow‐up.ConclusionsClinical presentation of VLST after DES implantation is associated with serious adverse events, such as MI. Long‐term follow‐up outcomes after VLST occurrence appear unfavorable and more data from larger studies are warranted. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen Therapy–Use and Abuse in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Richard Conti C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn August 2008, an article was published in Heart entitled, “The Routine Use of Oxygen in the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction.”1 This article stimulated me to opine on this topic, which has been an interest of mine for many years. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth and dissolution kinetics of potassium sulfate in pure solutions and in the presence of Cr3+ ions
Authors: Gougazeh M. , Omar W. , Ulrich J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe growth and dissolution kinetics of potassium sulfate was studied based on single crystal measurements. The growth rate is correlated to the supersaturation with power low equation. At all the temperatures studied, the growth rate order lies in the range of 1‐1.5 with the surface integration process as the controlling step. The estimated value of the activation energy of growth is 39.4 kJ/mol. The dissolution rate order decreases with increasing the temperature. The diffusion step is controlling the dissolution process. The addition of 5 ppm Cr3+ ions reduces the growth rate. Both growth rate dispersion and dissolution rate dispersion occur in the growth and dissolution processes of potassium sulfate. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Minerals as advanced materials
Authors: Depmeier W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA resume is given on relationships between minerals and materials. It is shown that Nature has many advantages over technology which can be profitably exploited for finding new materials with useful properties. However, Nature has also inherent limitations. Therefore, it seems advisable to use the knowledge of minerals as a treasure which can be tapped for getting inspired on the way to finding new materials. Several examples are given, including those of zorite/ETS‐4/ETS‐10, boracites, zircon, kesterite, a natural quasicrystal, opals, ultramarine and mayenite. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spatially resolved X‐ray diffraction as a tool for strain analysis in laterally modulated epitaxial structures
Authors: Wierzbicka A. , Domagala J. Z. , Sarzynski M. , Zytkiewicz Z. R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSpatially resolved X‐ray diffraction (SRXRD) is applied for micro‐imaging of strain in laterally modulated epitaxial structures. In GaAs layers grown by liquid phase epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) on SiO2‐masked GaAs substrates a downward tilt of ELO wings caused by their interaction with the mask is observed. The distribution of the tilt magnitude across the wings width is determined with μm‐scale spatial resolution. This allows measuring of the shape of the lattice planes in individual ELO stripes. If a large area of the sample is studied the X‐ray imaging provides precise information on the tilt of an individual wing and its distribution. In heteroepitaxial GaSb/GaAs ELO layers local mosaicity in the wing area is found. By the SRXRD the size of microblocks and their relative misorientation were analyzed. Finally, the SRXRD technique was applied to study distribution of localized strain in AlGaN epilayers grown by MOVPE on bulk GaN substrates with AlN mask. X‐ray mapping proves that by mask patterning strain in AlGaN layer can be easily engineered, which opens a way to produce thicker, crack‐free AlGaN layers with a higher Al content needed in GaN‐based laser diodes. All these examples show that high spatial and angular resolutions offered by SRXRD makes the technique a powerful tool to study local lattice distortions in semiconductor microstructures. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antimicrobial combined action of terpenes against the food‐borne microorganisms Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus
Authors: Gallucci M. N. , Oliva M. , Casero C. , Dambolena J. , Luna A. , Zygadlo J. , Demo M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aims of this work were to study the antimicrobial activity of nine monoterpenes and the synergistic or antagonistic associations between them, and to relate water solubility, H‐bonding and pKa values with antimicrobial activity. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBCs) were determined. The MIC of carvacrol against S. aureus was 3.2 g/l and of thymol was 7.5 g/l. E. coli was resistant. Carvacrol and thymol were bactericidal. The associations geraniol/menthol against S. aureus and B. cereus and thymol/menthol against B. cereus were totally synergistic. Eugenol/geraniol displayed partial synergism against B. cereus. The other groups did not show any synergistic effect. Eugenol had the lowest pKa, followed by thymol and carvacrol. Eugenol had the highest total area and polar area and intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding capacity, while carvacrol and thymol only had intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding capacity. The terpenes alone and in combination were effective against microorganisms. Phenolic compounds were the most active terpenes. Associations between terpenes were related to the chemical structure. Studies on the antimicrobial activity of associations of terpenes will advance the search for new alternatives for food preservation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A volume‐based discrete test filter for conducting large eddy simulations with application to physiological flow in a constricted tube
Authors: Bahramian F. , Straatman A. G. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA discrete test‐filtering operation that takes advantage of a volume‐averaging procedure, as opposed to the more popular line‐interpolation technique, has been developed to enable mixed‐scale and dynamic LES simulations on general unstructured grids. Simulations of fully developed turbulent flow in a square duct show that the proposed test filter gives the results of similar accuracy to the best modern filters developed for non‐uniform orthogonal grids, but a second‐order correction is required to produce solutions of sufficient accuracy. The discrete filter technique is also used to simulate stationary and pulsatile turbulent flow in a 75% constricted tube, in which the flow undergoes transition to turbulence. Comparisons to previous published results confirm that the results obtained using the proposed discrete test filter are in a good agreement with the existing experimental and numerical results. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Forecasting volatility with support vector machine‐based GARCH model
Authors: Chen Shiyi , Härdle Wolfgang K. , Jeong Kiho 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRecently, support vector machine (SVM), a novel artificial neural network (ANN), has been successfully used for financial forecasting. This paper deals with the application of SVM in volatility forecasting under the GARCH framework, the performance of which is compared with simple moving average, standard GARCH, nonlinear EGARCH and traditional ANN‐GARCH models by using two evaluation measures and robust Diebold–Mariano tests. The real data used in this study are daily GBP exchange rates and NYSE composite index. Empirical results from both simulation and real data reveal that, under a recursive forecasting scheme, SVM‐GARCH models significantly outperform the competing models in most situations of one‐period‐ahead volatility forecasting, which confirms the theoretical advantage of SVM. The standard GARCH model also performs well in the case of normality and large sample size, while EGARCH model is good at forecasting volatility under the high skewed distribution. The sensitivity analysis to choose SVM parameters and cross‐validation to determine the stopping point of the recurrent SVM procedure are also examined in this study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating volatility dynamics and the forecasting ability of Markov switching models
Authors: Parikakis George S. , Merika Anna 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper uses Markov switching models to capture volatility dynamics in exchange rates and to evaluate their forecasting ability. We identify that increased volatilities in four euro‐based exchange rates are due to underlying structural changes. Also, we find that currencies are closely related to each other, especially in high‐volatility periods, where cross‐correlations increase significantly. Using Markov switching Monte Carlo approach we provide evidence in favour of Markov switching models, rejecting random walk hypothesis. Testing in‐sample and out‐of‐sample Markov trading rules based on Dueker and Neely (Journal of Banking and Finance, 2007) we find that using econometric methodology is able to forecast accurately exchange rate movements. When applied to the Euro/US dollar and the euro/British pound daily returns data, the model provides exceptional out‐of‐sample returns. However, when applied to the euro/Brazilian real and the euro/Mexican peso, the model loses power. Higher volatility exercised in the Latin American currencies seems to be a critical factor for this failure.  Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclosporine A inhibits hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 2 through cyclophilin A #
Authors: Ciesek Sandra , Steinmann Eike , Wedemeyer Heiner , Manns Michael P. , Neyts Johann , Tautz Norbert , Madan Vanesa , Bartenschlager Ralf , von Hahn Thomas , Pietschmann Thomas 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Numerous anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) drugs targeting either the viral nonstructural 3 (NS3) protease or NS5B polymerase are currently in clinical testing. However, rapid resistance development is a major problem and optimal therapy will clearly require a combination of multiple mechanisms of action. Cyclosporine A (CsA) and its nonimmunosuppressant derivatives are among the more promising drugs under development. Based on work with subgenomic HCV replicons it has been thought that they act as NS5B-inhibitors. In this study we show that CsA inhibits replication of full-length HCV Japanese Fulminant Hepatitis (JFH1) genomes about 10-fold more efficiently than subgenomic replicons. This effect is dependent on the presence of NS2 in the viral polyprotein and mediated through cellular cyclophilin A. NS2 is either an additional target for CsA-dependent inhibition or modulates the antiviral activity against NS3 to NS5B proteins. CsA is thus the first anti-HCV drug shown to act through NS2. Conclusion: CsA inhibits replication of JFH1 full-length genomes much more efficiently than subgenomic replicons by targeting cleavage at the NS2/NS3 junction and possibly other nonreplication lifecycle steps. (Hepatology 2009.)
In vitro and in vivo platelet targeting by cyclic RGD‐modified liposomes
Authors: Srinivasan Rekha , Marchant Roger E. , Gupta Anirban Sen 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCell‐selective delivery using ligand‐decorated nanoparticles is a promising modality for treating cancer and vascular diseases. We are developing liposome nanoparticles surface‐modified by RGD peptide ligands having targeting specificity to integrin GPIIb‐IIIa. This integrin is upregulated and stimulated into a ligand‐binding conformation on the surface activated platelets. Activated‐platelet adhesion and aggregation are primary events in atherosclerosois, thrombosis, and restenosis. Hence, platelet‐targeted nanoparticles hold the promise of vascular site‐selective delivery of drugs and imaging probes. Here, we report in vitro and ex vivo microscopy studies of platelet‐targeting by liposomes surface‐modified with a cyclic RGD peptide. The peptide‐modified liposomes were labeled either with a lipophilic fluorophore or with lipid‐tethered Nanogold®. For in vitro tests, coverslip‐adhered activated human platelets were incubated with probe‐labeled liposomes, followed by analysis with fluorescence microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For in vivo tests, the liposomes were introduced within a catheter‐injured carotid artery restenosis model in rats and post‐euthanasia, the artery was imaged ex vivo by fluorescence microscopy and SEM. All microscopy results showed successful platelet‐targeting by the peptide‐modified liposomes. The in vitro SEM results also enabled visualization of nanoscopic liposomes attached to activated platelets. The results validate our nanoparticle design for site‐selective vascular delivery. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Friction properties of novel PVP/PVA blend hydrogels as artificial cartilage
Authors: Ma Ruyin , Xiong Dangsheng , Miao Feng , Zhang Jinfeng , Peng Yan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this work, novel polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)/polyvinylalcohol (PVA) blend hydrogels were prepared by repeated freezing‐thawing cycles. The factors that influenced friction properties of blend hydrogels, such as PVP content, contact load, sliding speed, and lubrication condition, were mainly studied by sliding with stainless steel ball. The results showed that friction coefficients of the PVP/PVA blend hydrogels were definitely dependent on such influence factors. The friction system consisting of blend hydrogel and stainless steel ball nearly exhibited a mixed lubrication regime especially under bovine serum lubrication, and it can be proposed as a promising method to reduce wear of the prosthesis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Computer simulation of flow‐sheets for the solvent extraction of uranium: a new route to delay the effect of chemical degradation of the organic phase during uranium recovery from acidic sulfate media
Authors: Chagnes Alexandre , Courtaud Bruno , Thiry Jacques , Cote Gérard 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The extractants used in solvent extraction processes undergo degradation under thermal, chemical and radiolytical stresses. In the case of uranium plants, tri‐n‐octylamine, used as an extractant, slowly degrades into di‐n‐octylamine. Such degradation causes a gradual depletion of the uranium extraction isotherms and as a result, of the efficiency of uranium recovery from feed solutions. The present work highlights a new route to delay this depletion of the extraction efficiency, merely by optimizing the flow‐sheets involved in the process. Five flow‐sheets have been compared for uranium recovery from acidic sulfate media by a solution of 0.146 mol L−1 tri‐n‐octylamine in kerosene modified with 5% w/w 1‐tridecanol and stripping with a 199 g L−1 Na2CO3 solution. These five flow‐sheets include the classical counter‐current flow‐sheet with four mixers–settlers in extraction and three mixers–settlers in stripping and four unusual combined solvent extraction flow‐sheets with two independent extraction stripping loops and with one or two feed inlets.RESULTS: Computer simulation supplied evidence of the strong influence of the studied flow‐sheets on the sturdiness of the process. More precisely, the unusual combined solvent extraction flow‐sheets appeared to be significantly more efficient than the classical counter‐current one and it is shown that an advantage of this can be to delay the negative impact of gradual degradation of tri‐n‐octylamine on uranium recovery efficiency from acidic sulfate media.CONCLUSION: The replacement of classical counter‐current flow‐sheets with a unique extraction‐stripping loop in unusual combined flow‐sheets with two or more independent extraction‐stripping loops and with one or more feed inlets is a fruitful approach to delay the periodic addition of fresh tri‐n‐octylamine necessary for counter‐balancing the progressive degradation of the extraction solvent and, as a result, to delay the gradual depletion of the efficiency of uranium recovery. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
When does benevolent leadership lead to creativity? The moderating role of creative role identity and job autonomy
Authors: Wang An‐Chih , Cheng Bor‐Shiuan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe present study identified creative role identity and job autonomy as two moderators that influence the relationship between benevolent leadership, a leadership style that prevails in paternalistic contexts, and creativity. Using 167 dyads of supervisor and subordinate as a sample, we found that both creative role identity and job autonomy have significant moderating effects: When each moderator is high, the positive relationship between benevolent leadership and creativity is stronger; when each moderator is low, this relationship is weaker. Our results suggest that the effect of benevolent leadership upon creativity is dependent on the coexistence of important individual and contextual factors. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.