bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for continuous improvement in supplier selection in agile supply chains
Authors: Wu Chong , Barnes David 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis paper presents and tests a model designed to provide feedback and continuous improvement during the process of supplier selection in agile supply chains (ASCs). In ASCs suppliers typically need to be changed or added to frequently in response to dynamic market conditions. The model seeks to capitalise on the increased application of the supplier section process by applying principles of continuous improvement and organisational learning. Its aim is to support organisational decision‐makers in their efforts to optimise the performance of the supply chain by ensuring that only the most appropriate suppliers are selected at all times. The model was tested by application within two simulation groups of MBA and masters level international management students who have significant business experience. The results of a questionnaire, used to assess the efficacy of the model, showed that the participants found the model was likely to have significant benefits when used in practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of knowledge management in supply chain management: A study in Malaysian manufacturing companies
Authors: Sambasivan Murali , Loke Siew‐Phaik , Abidin‐Mohamed Zainal 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis research deals with two important aspects of Knowledge Management (KM) within the context of Supply chain Management (SCM): Knowledge Acquisition and Knowledge Application. Supply Chain Learning (SCL) and Applied Supply Chain Process Knowledge (Applied SCPK) are used as proxies for Knowledge Acquisition and Application. This study aims to test the relationship between Applied SCPK, SCL, and Organization Performance. This study also looks at the effect of Environment Knowledge as a moderating variable. About 1608 questionnaires were distributed to all the manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Path Analysis and ANOVA were used to study the various relationships. Results indicate existence of strong relationships between the variables. The combined effect of SCL and Applied SCPK on Organization Performance is more significant than looking at the effects separately. Furthermore, Environment Knowledge is found to have moderating effect on the relationship between Applied SCPK and Organization Performance. This paper demonstrates the application of KM in SCM and shows the effect on Organization Performance. This may guide supply chain managers to create an environment conducive to acquisition and application of knowledge. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer‐Peptide Block Copolymers – An Overview and Assessment of Synthesis Methods
Authors: Robson Marsden Hana , Kros Alexander 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIncorporating peptide blocks into block copolymers opens up new realms of bioactive or smart materials. Because there are such a variety of peptides, polymers, and hybrid architectures that can be imagined, there are many different routes available for the synthesis of these chimera molecules. This review summarizes the contemporary strategies in combining synthesis techniques to create well‐defined peptide‐polymer hybrids that retain the vital aspects of each disparate block. Living polymerization can be united with the molecular‐level control afforded by peptide blocks to yield block copolymers that not only have precisely defined primary structures, but that also interact with other (bio)molecules in a well defined manner.magnified image
Functions of bounded variation and polarization
Authors: Alberico Angela , Ferone Adele , Volpicelli Roberta 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIt is known that, ifuis a real valued function on ℝNof bounded variation, then its total variation decreases under polarization. In this paper we identify the difference between the total variation ofuand that one of its polaruΠ(© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrospray: From ions in solution to ions in the gas phase, what we know now
Authors: Kebarle Paul , Verkerk Udo H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThere is an advantage for users of electrospray and nanospray mass spectrometry to have an understanding of the processes involved in the conversion of the ions present in the solution to ions in the gas phase. The following processes are considered: Creation of charge droplets at the capillary tip; Electrical potentials required and possibility of gas discharges; Evolution of charged droplets, due to solvent evaporation and Coulomb explosions, to very small droplets that are the precursors of the gas phase ions; Production of gas phase ions from these droplets via the Ion Evaporation and Charge residue models; Analytical uses of ESIMS of small ions, qualitative and quantitative analysis; Effects of the ESI mechanism on the analysis of proteins and protein complexes; Determination of stability constants of protein complexes; Role of additives such as ammonium acetate on the observed mass spectra. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 28:898–917, 2009
Effect of vitrification on mitochondrial distribution and membrane potential in mouse two pronuclear (2‐PN) embryos
Authors: Zhao Xue‐Ming , Fu Xiang‐Wei , Hou Yun‐Peng , Yan Chang‐Liang , Suo Lun , Wang Yan‐Ping , Zhu Hua‐Bin , Dinnyés Andras , Zhu Shi‐En 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe present study was designed to investigate the effect of vitrification on mitochondrial distribution, membrane potential (Δψ) and microtubule distribution in mouse 2‐PN embryos, as well as to document the relationship between mitochondrial distribution and developmental ability of those embryos. Mitochondrial distribution was examined by fluorescence microscopy technology. Results indicated that: (1) The rate of mitochondrial ring formation around pronuclei in vitrified 2‐PN embryos was significantly lower than in fresh ones (67.3 ± 3.0% vs. 84.9 ± 3.1%) (P < 0.05). (2) Blastocyst development rate of vitrified 2‐PN embryos without mitochondrial rings (61.7 ± 4.5%) was significantly lower than that of vitrified embryos with mitochondrial rings (82.1 ± 2.8%). (3) Following staining by 5,5′,6,6′‐tetrachloro‐1,1′,3,3′‐tetraethyl‐imidacarbo‐cyanine iodide (JC‐1), most red‐colored mitochondria (high Δψ) were distributed peripherally around pronuclei and along cell membranes of fresh 2‐PN embryos. Conversely, red‐colored mitochondria were greatly diminished in vitrified embryos, with green mitochondria (low Δψ) evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. The proportion of fresh 2‐PN embryos with obvious aggregation of high Δψ mitochondria (84.2 ± 2.2%) was significantly higher than that of vitrified embryos (26.7 ± 3.0%) (P < 0.05). (4) The proportion of fresh embryos with microtubules distributed around pronuclei (83.5 ± 3.4%) was similar to that of vitrified embryos (74.7 ± 2.5%). In conclusion, vitrification affected mitochondrial distribution and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in mouse 2‐PN embryos, events which may affect subsequent developmental viability of such embryos. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1056–1063, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
WITHDRAWN; Impaired spermatogenesis in mice overexpressing stem cell protein Piwil2 (Mili)
Authors: Lee Jae Ho , De Rooij Dirk G. , Schweyer Stephan , Meinhardt Andreas , Müller Christian , Engel Wolfgang , Nayernia Karim 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNotice of withdrawal: The following article from Molecular Reproduction and Development, "Impaired spermatogenesis in mice overexpressing stem cell protein Piwil2 (Mili)" by Lee JH, De Rooij DG, Schweyer S, Meinhardt A, M�ller C, Engel W, Nayernia K, published online on 23 Jun 2009 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com), has been withdrawn from publication by agreement between the authors, the journal Editor in Chief Gary M. Wessel, and Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis in ovaries of sexually‐mature zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Lister Andrea L. , Van Der Kraak Glen J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis study investigates the regulation of prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the ovaries of sexually‐mature zebrafish (Danio rerio). We examined the ovarian expression of genes within the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway, and the ovarian levels of 17α,20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17α,20β‐P), 17β‐estradiol (E2), and PGF2α in spawning and nonspawning fish during the ovulatory cycle. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cpla2) and cyclooxygenases (COX)‐2 (ptgs2) in ovarian fragments and in isolated full‐grown follicles of spawning fish were highest at 6:00 when ovulation was expected to occur. In nonspawning fish, cpla2 expression levels declined over time while ptgs2 expression displayed the same temporal pattern as in spawning fish. Elevated levels of 17α,20β‐P in the spawning fish occurred at 3:30, but there were no changes in the nonspawning fish. In other studies conducted to investigate the hormonal regulation of AA pathway genes, fish exposed via the water for 24 or 96 hr to 17α,20β‐P or E2 exhibited reduced ovarian expression levels of COX‐1 (ptgs1) and PG E synthase‐2 (ptgsl), and E2 reduced the expression of cpla2. Injection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) (100 IU) led to increased expression levels of cpla2 and ptgs2 at 2 and 18 hr post‐treatment, but consistently reduced ptgs1 and ptgsl expression. In these fish, ovarian levels of 17α,20β‐P were elevated at all time points and PGF2α levels in the hCG‐treated group were significantly higher than the control fish at 18 hr. Collectively, these in vivo results suggest that gonadotropins and steroids are involved in the regulation of the AA pathway in ovarian follicles of zebrafish. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 1064–1075, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Element‐local level set method for three‐dimensional dynamic crack growth
Authors: Duan Qinglin , Song Jeong‐Hoon , Menouillard Thomas , Belytschko Ted 
Published: June 2009

AbstractAn approximate level set method for three‐dimensional crack propagation is presented. In this method, the discontinuity surface in each cracked element is defined by element‐local level sets (ELLSs). The local level sets are generated by a fitting procedure that meets the fracture directionality and its continuity with the adjacent element crack surfaces in a least‐square sense. A simple iterative procedure is introduced to improve the consistency of the generated element crack surface with those of the adjacent cracked elements. The discrete discontinuity is treated by the phantom node method which is a simplified version of the extended finite element method (XFEM). The ELLS method and the phantom node technology are combined for the solution of dynamic fracture problems. Numerical examples for three‐dimensional dynamic
crack propagation are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved subspace selection algorithm for meshless collocation methods
Authors: Ling Leevan , Schaback Robert 
Published: June 2009

AbstractChoosing data points is a common problem for researchers who employ various meshless methods for solving partial differential equations. On the one hand, high accuracy is always desired; on the other, ill‐conditioning problems of the resultant matrices, which may lead to unstable algorithms, prevent some researchers from using meshless methods. For example, the optimal placements of source points in the method of fundamental solutions or of the centers in the radial basis functions method are always unclear. Intuitively, such optimal locations will depend on many factors: the partial differential equations, the domain, the trial basis used (i.e. the employed method itself 1pt), the computational precisions, some user‐defined parameters, and so on. Such complexity makes the hope of having an optimal centers placement unpromising. In this paper, we provide a data‐dependent algorithm that adaptively selects centers based on all the other variables. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity of The Health Improvement Network (THIN) for epidemiologic studies of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Lo Re Vincent , Haynes Kevin , Forde Kimberly A. , Localio A. Russell , Schinnar Rita , Lewis James D. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurposeBefore using computerized databases to study hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology, the validity of the diagnosis must be assessed. We determined the accuracy of HCV diagnostic codes within The Health Improvement Network (THIN), an electronic database containing medical record data from general medical practices in the United Kingdom.MethodsPatients with initial diagnostic codes for HCV infection and nonspecific viral hepatitis between 2000 and 2007 in the THIN database were identified. Questionnaires were mailed to general practitioners caring for a random sample of 150 of these patients (75 with an HCV code; 75 with a nonspecific viral hepatitis code) to collect information on HCV and other hepatitis diagnoses. We determined the positive predictive value of the database's HCV diagnostic codes and its ability to identify the date of a new HCV diagnosis.ResultsUsable surveys were returned for 146 (97%) patients. Among 74 patients with an HCV code and questionnaire data, HCV was confirmed in 64 (positive predictive value, 86%; 95%CI, 77–93%). In 40 (63%), the first recorded diagnosis in THIN was within 30 days of the date reported in the questionnaire (median difference, 11 days; interquartile range, 0–362 days). Among 72 patients with a nonspecific viral hepatitis code, 16 (22%) had HCV, but manual review of the database's electronic records correctly identified 12/16 (75%).ConclusionsIn THIN, the HCV‐specific diagnostic codes are highly predictive of HCV infection. After manual review, few patients with a nonspecific viral hepatitis code were misclassified as having HCV infection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congenital abnormalities of 88 children born to mothers who attempted suicide with phenobarbital during pregnany: the use of a disaster epidemiological model for the evaluation of drug teratogenicity
Authors: Timmermann Gábor , Ács Nándor , Bánhidy Ferenc , Czeizel Andrew E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo study the effect of large doses of phenobarbital used for a suicide attempt during pregnancy for fetuses to estimate the teratogenic potential of phenobarbital.Design and settingComparative analysis of exposed children and their unexposed sibs born to pregnant patients who attempted suicide during pregnancy and admitted to the toxicological inpatient clinic, Budapest, 1960–1993.Study participantsOf 1044 self‐poisoned pregnant women, 88 used phenobarbital for suicide attempt and delivered newborn babies.Main outcome measuresStructural birth detects, i.e., congenital abnormalities (CAs).ResultsDoses ranged between 400 and 3000 mg of phenobarbital in 88 pregnant women who attempted suicide with this drug during pregnancy and later delivered live‐born babies. Twelve (13.6%) of 88 exposed children and eight (10.3%) of 78 sibs were affected with CAs (odds ratios (OR) with 95%CI: 1.4, 0.6–3.5). Of 88 exposed children, 34 were born to mothers who attempted suicide with phenobarbital between the 3rd and 12th postconceptional weeks, the critical period of most CAs; 3 had CAs (diaphragmatic defect, multiple CA, undescended testis), but only diaphragmatic defect might be associated with phenobarbital used for suicide attempt.ConclusionsThe use of phenobarbital once but extremely large doses in non‐epileptic pregnant women does not seem to pose a significant risk for CAs. Our experiences show the feasibility and benefits of the disaster epidemiological self‐poisoning model for estimating human teratogenic risks of drug exposure. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time trends in the use of anti‐hypertensive medications: results from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Delaney Joseph A. C. , McClelland Robyn L. , Furberg Curt D. , Cooper Richard , Shea Steven , Burke Gregory , Psaty Bruce M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackgroundPrevious reports have suggested that new evidence of the comparative effectiveness of different medication classes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) does not always alter treatment decisions for first‐line anti‐hypertensive therapy.ObjectivesTo evaluate the association of RCT evidence in December 2002 from the Anti‐hypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering treatment to prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) on use of anti‐hypertensive medications in a multi‐ethnic cohort.MethodsThe Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) study, a prospective cohort study of 6814 adults from four ethnic groups, had four separate assessments of drug use. Users of anti‐hypertensive medications at baseline were excluded. We evaluated temporal changes in the medication class reported by new users of anti‐hypertensive medications.ResultsAfter the exclusion of anti‐hypertensive drug users at baseline, 32% of new users of anti‐hypertensive drugs seen at exam 2 were prescribed a diuretic. The publication of ALLHAT was associated with a subsequent increase in the proportion of new users taking diuretics at exam 3 compared with exam 2 (relative risk (RR): 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–1.59). After the report from ALLHAT, the proportion of users of diuretics seen at exam 3 rose to 44% (starting in 2004) and 39% in exam 4 (starting in 2005). This increase in the proportion of diuretic use among new users of anti‐hypertensive medications declined slightly but could still be detected at exam 4 as compared to exam 2 (RR: 1.28; 95%CI: 1.04–1.57).ConclusionsThe randomized trial evidence from the ALLHAT study was temporally associated with a moderate increase in diuretic use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrocardiographic monitoring for QT prolongation in patients treated with ziprasidone—A claims database approach
Authors: Lin Yeong‐Liang , Wu Ya‐Chi , Tsai Guei‐Feng 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurposeDrug‐induced cardiac arrhythmia is a major safety concern for drugs with a potential to prolong the QT interval. The purpose of the study is to examine whether timely electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring has been performed for patients treated with ziprasidone.MethodsOut‐patient pharmacy claims data abstracted from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database were used to identify patients treated with ziprasidone. Based on the dataset sorted by the encrypted patient identifier and by date, the rates of ECG performed before and during treatment were examined. The intervals between treatment beginning and ECG examination during therapy were calculated.ResultsAmong 4789 patients ever treated with zipasidone, 229 (4.8%) had ECG performed before treatment. Among 2052 patients treated with a longer duration of ziprasidone, 394 (19.2%) had ECG performed during treatment. They included 64 (3.1%) patients who had it performed within the first 30 days of treatment, 124 (6.0%) within 60 days and 178 (8.7%) within 90 days. The mean interval was 157.4 days (95% confidence interval (CI), 143.0–171.8) between treatment beginning and the first on‐therapy ECG examination and was 210.4 days (95%CI, 178.6–242.2) between treatment beginning and the second ECG.ConclusionsLow rates of ECG examination before and during therapy were noted among patients treated with ziprasidone. It took significant length of time to perform ECG monitoring after treatment was started. Although the patients studied had few risk factors for cardiac arrhythmia, ECG monitoring for patients using ziprasdione could be improved. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiretroviral induced adverse drug reactions in Iranian human immunodeficiency virus positive patients
Authors: Khalili Hossein , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin , Mohraz Minoo , Etghani Atefeh , Almasi Farahnaz 
Published: June 2009

AbstractPurposeTo our knowledge, there is no report regarding antiretroviral induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Iranian patients who infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We have evaluated the frequency of antiretroviral therapy (ART) induced ADRs in this population and assessed some risk factors of these reactions.MethodsThis is a prospective cohort study that was performed in Iranian Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Research Center during years 2005–2007. Adult patients who infected with HIV and newly started on ART were included in this study and followed laboratory and clinically for the development of any ADRs for at least 6 months.ResultsDuring this study 87.6% of patients showed at least one ADR. Prevalence of ADRs based on affected organ was: gastrointestinal (GI) (63.7%), hematological (32.6%), neurological (30%), cutaneous (22%), musculoskeletal (21.3%), hepatic (20%), metabolic (18.6%), and renal (2.6%) adverse effects.ConclusionsThe most important results of this study were finding of hematological ADRs as the most common cause of ART interruption, supporting the hypersensitivity nature of antiretroviral induced hepatotoxicity especially cholestasis and new finding of the significant positive correlation between hepatitis C virus co‐infection and the occurrence of ART induced skin reactions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hyperbranched–linear–hyperbranched ABA‐type block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and polyglycerol
Authors: Wurm Frederik , Kemmer‐Jonas Ulrike , Frey Holger 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Until recently, hyperbranched polymers were thought to be ill‐defined materials that were not useful as building blocks for well‐defined complex polymer architectures. It is a current challenge to develop strategies that offer rapid access to well‐defined hyperbranched block copolymers.RESULTS: A convenient three‐step protocol for the synthesis of double‐hydrophilic hyperbranched–linear–hyperbranched ABA‐type triblock copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) is presented. The Bola‐type polymers exhibiting an aliphatic polyether structure were prepared from a linear (lin) linPG‐b‐PEO‐b‐linPG precursor triblock. The materials exhibit low polydispersities (Mw/Mn) in the range 1.19–1.45. The molecular weights of the block copolymers range from 6300 to 26 200 g mol−1, varying in the length of both the linear PEO chain as well as the hbPG segments. Detailed characterization of the thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry demonstrates nanophase segregation of the blocks.CONCLUSION: The first example of well‐defined ABA hyperbranched–linear–hyperbranched triblock copolymers with PEO middle block and hbPG A‐blocks is presented. The biocompatible nature of the aliphatic polyether blocks renders these materials interesting for biomedical purposes. These new materials are also intriguing with respect to their supramolecular order and biomineralization properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Brückenschlag mit Physik. Mineralische Bindemittelsysteme als Hochleistungsmaterialien
Authors: Nestle Nikolaus , Kutschera Michael , Nicoleau Luc , Leitl Michael , Bräu Michael 
Published: June 2009

AbstractProjekte wie Brücken über Meeresarme oder viele hundert Meter hohe Wolkenkratzer benötigen optimierte Baustoffe mit maßgeschneiderten Eigenschaften. Diese werden nicht zuletzt durch intensive physikalische Forschung an mineralischen Bindern erreicht. Der Artikel stellt einige bildgebende und spektroskopische Messtechniken vor, die tiefe Einblicke in ihre Materialeigenschaften ermöglichen. Zu den so gewonnenen neuen Erkenntnissen zählt die Rolle von Ionen‐Korrelationskräften zwischen elektrisch gleich geladenen Oberflächen von Calcium‐Silikat‐Partikeln. Diese sind entscheidend für die Festigkeit des verbreiteten Portlandzements.