bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study on the Use of Warfarin in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Shehab Abdulla , Elnour Asim , Abdulle Abdishakur , Souid Abdul-Kader 
Published: June 2012

Objectives:
The aims of this study were to evaluate adherence of patients and medical staff to warfarin guidelines and assess clinical outcome and predictors of treatment failure.

Methods:
This cross-sectional survey involved out- and in-patient subjects receiving warfarin. Patient attentiveness, compliance, co-morbidities, complications, and international normalized ratio (INR) as well as adherence of medical staff to established warfarin treatment guidelines were recorded.

Results:
One-hundred-sixty patients were recruited (mean ± SD age = 54 ± 1.3 years; 46% males; 77% overweight/obese). Indications for warfarin were atrial fibrillation (35%), deep vein thrombosis (28%), prosthetic heart valve (20%) and stroke or dilated cardiomyopathy (12%). “Warfarin booklets” were made available to 25% of the patients, and ~80% of the recipients reported inadequate understanding of its content. INR was strictly monitored in 23% of the patients; ~70% never received Information Leaflets; ~88% were unaware of warning labels; and ~58% were unaware that over-thecounter medications may affect warfarin. Therapeutic INR (2.9 ± 0.2; 76 days) was achieved in 73%; 20% had high INR (3.7 ± 0.1; 18.6 days) and 7% had low INR (1.6 ± 0.1; 16.7 days). Of the patients with high INR, 2.5% had major bleeding events. Of the patients with low INR, 5% had thromboembolic events. Poor compliance and co-morbidities were associated with adverse events (p=0.01).

Conclusions:
Attentiveness and adherence to warfarin treatment and monitoring guidelines are suboptimal among patients and medical staff. Novel strategies are necessary to alert patients, pharmacists and physicians on the seriousness of warfarin treatment failure.
FGF-23 Levels in Patients with AKI and Risk of Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Leaf David E. , Wolf Myles , Waikar Sushrut S. , Chase Herbert , Christov Marta , Cremers Serge , Stern Leonard 
Published: June 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Fibroblast growth factor 23 plays an important role in regulating phosphate and vitamin D homeostasis. Elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 are independently associated with mortality in patients with CKD and ESRD. Whether fibroblast growth factor 23 levels are elevated and associated with adverse outcomes in patients with AKI has not been studied.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study had 30 participants with AKI, which was defined as an increase in serum creatinine≥0.3 mg/dl or ≥50% from baseline, and 30 controls from the general hospital wards and intensive care units. Plasma levels of C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 and vitamin D metabolites were measured within 24 hours of AKI onset and 5 days later. The composite endpoint was death or need for renal replacement therapy.

Results
Enrollment fibroblast growth factor 23 levels were significantly higher among participants with AKI than controls (median [interquartile range]=1471 [224–2534] versus 263 [96–574] RU/ml, P=0.003). Enrollment fibroblast growth factor 23 correlated negatively with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (r=−0.43, P<0.001) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (r=−0.39, P=0.003) and positively with phosphate (r=0.32, P=0.02) and parathyroid hormone (r=0.37, P=0.005). Among participants with AKI, enrollment fibroblast growth factor 23 (but not other serum parameters) was significantly associated with the composite endpoint, even after adjusting for age and enrollment serum creatinine (11 events; adjusted odds ratio per 1 SD higher ln[fibroblast growth factor 23]=13.73, 95% confidence interval=1.75–107.50).

Conclusions
Among patients with AKI, fibroblast growth factor 23 levels are elevated and associated with greater risk of death or need for renal replacement therapy.
Associations Between the Ankle-Brachial Index and Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Are Similar in Individuals Without and With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Hanssen Nordin M.J. , Huijberts Maya S. , Schalkwijk Casper G. , Nijpels Giel , Dekker Jacqueline M. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE
In the general population, a low ankle-brachial index (ABI) (&lt;0.9) is strongly associated with (cardiovascular) mortality. However, the association between the ABI and mortality may be weaker in individuals with diabetes, as ankle pressures may be elevated by medial arterial calcification and arterial stiffening, which occur more frequently in diabetes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the association between ABI and mortality in individuals without and with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We studied the associations between ABI and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in 624 individuals from the Hoorn study, a population-based cohort of 50- to 75-year-old individuals (155 with diabetes and 469 without) followed for a median period of 17.2 years. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS
During the follow-up period, 289 of 624 (46.3%) participants died (97 of 155 with and 192 of 469 without diabetes and 52 of 65 with and 237 of 559 without ABI &lt;0.9): 85 (29.4%) of CVD (30 of 155 with and 55 of 469 without diabetes and 20 of 65 with and 65 of 559 without ABI &lt;0.9). A low ABI was strongly associated with cardiovascular mortality (relative risk 2.57 [95% CI 1.50–4.40]) and all-cause mortality (2.02 [1.47–2.76]), after adjustment for Framingham risk factors. The associations of the ABI with mortality did not differ between individuals without and with diabetes for cardiovascular (Pinteraction = 0.45) or all-cause (Pinteraction = 0.63) mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
In the Hoorn Study, associations between ABI and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were similar in individuals without and with diabetes. Future studies should investigate, in both individuals without and with diabetes, whether measurement of ABI can be used to guide treatment decisions.
Long-term radiosurgical control of subtotally resected adult pineocytomas
Authors: Wilson David A. , Awad Al-Wala , Brachman David , Coons Stephen W. , McBride Heyoung , Youssef Emad , Nakaji Peter , Shetter Andrew G. , Smith Kris A. , Spetzler Robert F. , Sanai Nader 
Published: June 2012

Object
The optimal management of pineocytomas remains controversial. Although the value of complete microsurgical removal is well accepted, gross-total resection is not always feasible. Data regarding the role of postoperative adjuvant stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for residual disease is limited and conflicting. Here, the authors review the largest single-institution experience with multimodal pineocytoma management in an effort to quantify the utility of adjuvant radiosurgical treatment of residual disease.

Methods
The medical records and radiographic studies for all patients with histologically confirmed pineocytoma at the Barrow Neurological Institute between 1999 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and radiographic data, including the volumetric extent of resection, were collected retrospectively, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to identify progression-free survival.

Results
Fourteen adults with newly diagnosed pineocytomas were surgically treated in the period from 1999 to 2011. The median clinical and radiographic follow-ups were 44 and 53 months, respectively. Twelve patients (86%) underwent microsurgical removal and 2 (14%) underwent endoscopic biopsy. Five patients (36%) had complete resections and 9 (64%) demonstrated residual disease. Three patients (21%) presented with radiographic recurrence at a median interval of 43 months after initial treatment (range 13–83 months). At the time of recurrence, the median preoperative tumor volume was 2.6 cm3. Adjuvant SRS was used to treat 3 subtotally resected tumors (33%) following initial presentation and 2 (66%) at the time of recurrence. Among patients with subtotally resected tumors, progression-free survival was significantly longer (p < 0.05) for those who did as compared with those who did not undergo adjuvant radiosurgery. To date, no patient who underwent adjuvant radiosurgery has demonstrated radiographic or clinical evidence of disease progression.

Conclusions
Microsurgical removal remains the definitive treatment for pineocytomas, yet residual disease can be effectively controlled using adjuvant SRS.
Review of KoreanLatibulus(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Cryptinae) and a key to the world species
Authors: Oh Seung-Ho , An Seung-Lak , Lee Jong-Wook 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe Korean species of the genusLatibulusGistel (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) are reviewed. Two new species and a key to nine species are presented:Latibulus argiolus(Rossi),Latibulus bilacunitusSheng and Xu,Latibulus flavopetiolusOh and Lee new species,Latibulus fulvusOh and Lee new species,Latibulus hokkaidensisLee and Oh,Latibulus lautus(Tosquinet),Latibulus liaoningensisShenget al.,Latibulus nigrinotum(Uchida), andLatibulus orientalisHorstmann. The genus is reported from Mongolia for the first time, based on the cocoon of an unidentified species.Polistes chinensis antennalisPérez andPolistes jadwigae jadwigaeDalla Torre (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) are reported as new host species for the genus andL. nigrinotum, respectively.
Models for Delamination
Authors: König Manfred , D'Ottavio Michele 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe chapter reviews some aspects of the broad and complex problem of delamination in composites. The focus is put on computational models for delamination predictions in the framework of a damage tolerance design. Both delamination initiation and its propagation under quasi‐static and cyclic loading are addressed, and their simulation by means of the Finite Element Method (FEM) is discussed. However, dynamic delamination propagation under impact loads, as well as the prediction of the effect of delamination on the ultimate failure, is not considered in this chapter.Basically, two modeling approaches are reviewed, namely Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) in the form of the Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) and Continuum Damage Mechanics (CDM) applied to interface problems, that is, Cohesive Zone Models. Both approaches have recently been implemented in commercially available FE software. A summary of the respective peculiarities and limitations is presented. The significance of 2D laminated plate/shell elements that ensure the capturing of relevant through‐thickness effects is emphasized.The authors believe that a comprehensive knowledge of where obsolescence can strike and how to plan to manage obsolescence must be incorporated into the earliest stages of design.
Structural Design: Weight Estimation
Authors: Elham Ali 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Weight estimation and calculation of aircraft structural and nonstructural weight is an important aspect of the aircraft design process. The estimation and calculation process is built on an aircraft weight breakdown method. The weight breakdown process is discussed based on several examples, with a focus on the structural weight breakdown principles. The weight estimation methods are categorized in four different classes. The low‐class methods are based on statistical data to estimate the structural weight while the high‐class methods use physics‐based calculations like beam theory and finite element modeling complemented with empirical methods to estimate the weight of the nonstructural parts. Statistical weight estimation methods are usually used in the early design stages when the knowledge of designers about the new aircraft is limited and the weight estimation process has to rely on previous experience. When the design matures there is an increasing understanding of the design and higher class weight estimation methods can be used. In the final design phase, weight estimation transfers into weight calculation.
Meshfree Methods
Authors: Li Shaofan , Ren Bo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this chapter, we briefly discuss the basic concepts, methodology, applications, and the history of meshfree methods. In particular, we have discussed a few representatives of meshfree method, such as the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and the reproducing kernel particle method (PKPM). The chapter is intended as a short introduction to meshfree methods, which may serve as starting reference point for anyone who may be interested in studying the method as well as applying the method to solve engineering problems.
Chromium: Biological Relevance
Authors: Lay Peter A. , Levina Aviva 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Despite popular claims in nutritional literature, there is no definitive evidence that chromium (Cr) is an essential element for human or animal nutrition. No functional Cr‐containing biomolecules have been unambiguously characterized thus far, and no Cr deficiency disease is known. The use of Cr supplementation (commonly in the form of Cr(III) picolinate) has been proved to be inefficient in improving glucose metabolism in nondiabetic humans, but pharmacological doses of Cr(III) may assist in the treatment of diabetes and related diseases. While Cr(III) complexes are relatively nontoxic because of their poor bioavailability, the oxidized form, Cr(VI), is a proven human carcinogen and a significant environmental pollutant. There is mounting evidence that the antidiabetic activity of Cr(III) complexes is caused by the formation of high‐oxidation‐state (Cr(VI) or Cr(V)) species during the reactions with biological oxidants (e.g. H
2
O
2
or ClO
−
) in blood plasma, rather than by a specific Cr(III)‐containing biomolecule. This hypothesis explains the efficacy of Cr(III) in poorly controlled diabetes, which is linked to oxidative stress. The changing views on the biological role of Cr(III), combined with its rather weak and variable antidiabetic activity, as well as safety concerns over the likely formation of carcinogenic Cr(VI) as a Cr(III) metabolite, mean that the promotion of Cr(III) compounds as nutritional supplements or antidiabetics may need to be reassessed.
C
us
BA
Heavy‐Metal Efflux Complex of Escherichia Coli
Authors: Su Chih‐Chia , Long Feng , Yu Edward W 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Gram‐negative bacteria, such as
Escherichia coli
, expel toxic chemicals via tripartite efflux pumps spanning both the inner and outer membranes. The three parts are: (i) a membrane fusion protein connecting (ii) a substrate‐binding inner membrane transporter to (iii) an outer membrane‐anchored channel in the periplasmic space. A crystallographic model of this tripartite efflux complex has been unavailable simply because co‐crystallization of different components of the system has proven to be extremely difficult. Previously, the crystal structures of both the inner membrane transporter CusA and membrane fusion protein CusB of the CusCBA tripartite efflux system from
E. coli
have been described. In addition, the co‐crystal structure of the CusBA adaptor‐transporter heavy‐metal efflux complex has been determined, revealing that the trimeric CusA efflux pump interacts with six CusB protein molecules at the upper half of the periplasmic domain. These six CusB protomers form a channel extending contiguously from the top of the pump. On the basis of the structural information, a three‐dimensional model of the CusCBA tripartite efflux assemblage was developed. This CusC3–CusB6–CusA3 model presents a 750 kDa efflux complex that spans the entire bacterial cell envelope of
E. coli
whose cellular role is to export Cu(I) and Ag(I) ions. Here, we summarize the structural information of these efflux proteins, and present the accumulated evidence that this efflux system utilizes methionine residues to bind and export Cu(I) and Ag(I).
Emerging Applications of Atomic Layer Deposition for Lithium‐Ion Battery Studies
Authors: Meng Xiangbo , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Sun Xueliang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractLithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are used widely in today's consumer electronics and offer great potential for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug‐in HEVs, pure EVs, and also in smart grids as future energy‐storage devices. However, many challenges must be addressed before these future applications of LIBs are realized, such as the energy and power density of LIBs, their cycle and calendar life, safety characteristics, and costs. Recently, a technique called atomic layer deposition (ALD) attracted great interest as a novel tool and approach for resolving these issues. In this article, recent advances in using ALD for LIB studies are thoroughly reviewed, covering two technical routes: 1) ALD for designing and synthesizing new LIB components, i.e., anodes, cathodes, and solid electrolytes, and; 2) ALD used in modifying electrode properties via surface coating. This review will hopefully stimulate more extensive and insightful studies on using ALD for developing high‐performance LIBs.
Symmetric and Asymmetric Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs)/Polybenzimidazole (PBI) Nanocomposite Membranes for Hydrogen Purification at High Temperatures
Authors: Yang Tingxu , Shi Gui Min , Chung Tai‐Shung 
Published: June 2012

AbstractHigh‐performance zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs)/polybenzimidazole (PBI) nanocomposites are molecularly designed for hydrogen separation at high temperatures, and demonstrate it in a useful configuration as dual‐layer hollow fibers for the first time. By incorporating as‐synthesized nanoporous ZIF‐8 nanoparticles into the high thermal stability but extremely low permeability polybenzimidazole (PBI), the resultant mixed matrix membranes show an impressive enhancement in H2 permeability as high as a hundred times without any significant deduction in H2/CO2 selectivity. The 30/70 ZIF‐8/PBI dense membrane has a H2 permeability of 105.4 Barrer and a H2/CO2 selectivity of 12.3. This performance is far superior to ZIF‐7/PBI membranes and is the best ever reported data for H2‐selective polymeric materials in the literature. Meanwhile, defect‐free ZIF‐8‐PBI/Matrimid dual‐layer hollow fibers are successfully fabricated, without post‐annealing and coating, by optimizing ZIF‐8 nanoparticle loadings, spinning conditions, and solvent‐exchange procedures. Two types of hollow fibers targeted at either high H2/CO2 selectivity or high H2 permeance are developed: i) PZM10‐I B fibers with a medium H2 permeance of 64.5 GPU (2.16 ×10−8 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1) at 180°C and a high H2/CO2 selectivity of 12.3, and, ii) PZM33‐I B fibers with a high H2 permeance of 202 GPU (6.77 ×10−8 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1) at 180°C and a medium H2/CO2 selectivity of 7.7. This work not only molecularly designs novel nanocomposite materials for harsh industrial applications, such as syngas and hydrogen production, but also, for the first time, synergistically combines the strengths of both ZIF‐8 and PBI for energy‐related applications.
Titania‐Coated Metal Nanostructures
Authors: Seh Zhi Wei , Liu Shuhua , Han Ming‐Yong 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe synergistic effect between metal and TiO2 nanoparticles brings about new, enhanced functionalities for a myriad of applications, ranging from labeling and sensing to catalysis and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering. Although extensive work has been done in the preparation of concentric TiO2‐coated metal nanostructures, current methods for the synthesis of noncentrosymmetric morphologies are still very limited. This Focus review summarizes the various methods used to prepare TiO2‐coated metal nanostructures, with a particular emphasis on noncentrosymmetric morphologies, their novel plasmonic properties, and their promising applications in the fields of catalysis and photocatalysis.
Improved rehandling strategies for the container retrieval process
Authors: Ünlüyurt Tonguç , Aydın Cenk 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYThe breakdown of trade barriers among countries led to an enormous increase in the volume of international trade. Consequently, the amount of bulk cargo carried in containers and transported overseas exploded because of flexibility and reliability of this type of transportation. So, the efficiency in container terminals has emerged as a major problem. In this work, we deal with an operational problem in container terminals. We try to develop strategies to minimize the total time required to retrieve the containers from a bay in a predetermined sequence. The problem is solved optimally using a branch and bound‐based algorithm, and alternative heuristics that give near‐optimal solutions are proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of vitexin and isovitexin in rat plasma after oral administration of Santalum album L. leaves extract by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Yan Chong , Liu Hongju , Lin Li 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTAn LC‐MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of vitexin and isovitexin in rat plasma, using puerarin as the internal standard (IS). Plasma samples extracted with protein precipitation procedure were separated on a Diamonsil® C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase composed of methanol and 0.1% formic acid (45:55, v/v). The detection was accomplished by multiple reaction monitoring mode in positive electrospray ionization source. The optimized mass transition ion‐pairs for quantitation were m/z 431.2 → 311.1 for vitexin and isovitexin, and m/z 415.1 → 295.1 for IS. The total run time was 7.5 min for each injection. The calibration curves were linear (r2 > 0.99) over the investigated concentration range (2.00–2000 ng/mL) and the lower limits of quantification were 2.00 ng/mL in rat plasma sample. The intra‐ and inter‐day relative standard deviations were no more than 14.9% and the relative errors were within the range of −3.2–2.1%. The extraction recoveries for both compounds were between 89.3 and 97.3%. The robust LC‐MS/MS method was further applied in the pharmacokinetic study in Sprague–Dawley rats after oral administration of Santalum album L. leaves extract at a dose of 116 mg/kg. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification and pharmacokinetics of Taiwanin E methyl ether in rats by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Qiu Feng , Fu Shujun , Zhou Shujun , Yang Shihai , Yang Meihua 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThis study firstly describes the development of an accurate and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) assay for the quantification of Taiwanin E methyl ether (TEME) in rat plasma. The assay involved a simple liquid–liquid extraction step with ethyl acetate and a gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of water containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Chromatographic separation was successfully achieved on an Agilent Zorbax‐C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 3.5 µm) with a flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. The multiple reaction monitoring was based on the transitions of m/z = 379.1 → 320.1 for TEME and 386.1 → 122.0 for buspirone (internal standard). The assay was validated to demonstrate the specificity, linearity, recovery, accuracy, precision and stability. The lower limit of quantification was 0.50 ng/mL in 50 μL of rat plasma. The developed and validated method was successfully applied to the quantification and pharmacokinetic study of TEME in rats after intravenous and oral administration of 1.45 mg/kg TEME. The oral absolute bioavailability of TEME was estimated to be 5.85 ± 1.41% with an elimination half‐life value of 2.61 ± 0.55 h, suggesting its poor absorption and/or strong metabolism in vivo. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.