bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability of capturing foot parameters using digital scanning and the neutral suspension casting technique
Authors: Carroll Matthew , Annabell Mary‐Ellen , Rome Keith 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackgroundA clinical study was conducted to determine the intra and inter‐rater reliability of digital scanning and the neutral suspension casting technique to measure six foot parameters. The neutral suspension casting technique is a commonly utilised method for obtaining a negative impression of the foot prior to orthotic fabrication. Digital scanning offers an alternative to the traditional plaster of Paris techniques.MethodsTwenty one healthy participants volunteered to take part in the study. Six casts and six digital scans were obtained from each participant by two raters of differing clinical experience. The foot parameters chosen for investigation were cast length (mm), forefoot width (mm), rearfoot width (mm), medial arch height (mm), lateral arch height (mm) and forefoot to rearfoot alignment (degrees). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the intra and inter‐rater reliability. Measurement error was assessed through the calculation of the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and smallest real difference (SRD).ResultsICC values for all foot parameters using digital scanning ranged between 0.81‐0.99 for both intra and inter‐rater reliability. For neutral suspension casting technique inter‐rater reliability values ranged from 0.57‐0.99 and intra‐rater reliability values ranging from 0.36‐0.99 for rater 1 and 0.49‐0.99 for rater 2.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that digital scanning is a reliable technique, irrespective of clinical experience, with reduced measurement variability in all foot parameters investigated when compared to neutral suspension casting.
Impact of de-escalation therapy on clinical outcomes for intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Joung Kyong Mi , Lee Jeong-a , Moon Soo-youn , Cheong Hae Suk , Joo Eun-Jeong , Ha Young-Eun , Sohn Kyung Mok , Chung Seung Min , Suh Gee Young , Chung Doo Ryeon , Song Jae-Hoon , Peck Kyong Ran 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Introduction
De-escalation therapy is a strategy currently used for the management of nosocomial pneumonia. In this study, we evaluated clinical outcomes and risk factors related to de-escalation therapy in patients with intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired pneumonia.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational cohort study of ICU patients who developed pneumonia more than 48 hours after admission to the ICU at Samsung Medical Center from September 2004 to December 2007.

Results
The 137 patients comprised 44 (32.1%) who received de-escalation therapy and 93 in the non-de-escalation group. The de-escalation group showed a lower pneumonia-related mortality rate than the non-de-escalation group by day 14 (2.3% vs. 10.8%, respectively; P = 0.08) and by day 30 (2.3% vs. 14%, respectively; P = 0.03) after the diagnosis of pneumonia. The variables independently associated with ICU-acquired pneumonia-related mortality included the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and the modified Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (CPIS) after 5 days with pneumonia. The non-de-escalation group had significantly higher APACHE II score and modified CPIS after 5 days with ICU-acquired pneumonia compared to the de-escalation group. Among all patients, 20.4% (28 of 137) had negative cultures for pathogens, and 42.9% (12 of 28) received de-escalation therapy. The latter 12 patients received de-escalation therapy and survived 30 days after the diagnosis of pneumonia.

Conclusions
Patients in the de-escalation group showed a significantly lower mortality rate compared to patients in the non-de-escalation group. De-escalation therapy can be safely provided to patients with ICU-acquired pneumonia if they are clinically stable by day 5, even in those whose respiratory specimen cultures yield no specific pathogens.
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) Iα mediates the macrophage inflammatory response to sepsis
Authors: Zhang Xianghong , Guo Lanping , Collage Richard D , Stripay Jennifer L , Tsung Allan , Lee Janet S , Rosengart Matthew R 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTDysregulated Ca2+ handling is prevalent during sepsis and postulated to perpetuate the aberrant inflammation underlying subsequent organ dysfunction and death. The signal transduction cascades mediating these processes are unknown. Here, we identify that CaMKIα mediates the Mφ response to LPS in vitro and the inflammation and organ dysfunction of sepsis in vivo. We show that LPS induced active pThr177-CaMKIα in RAW 264.7 cells and murine peritoneal Mφ, which if inhibited biochemically with STO609 (CaMKK inhibitor) or by RNAi, reduces LPS-induced production of IL-10. Transfection of constitutively active CaMKIα (CaMKI293), but not a kinase-deficient mutant (CaMKI293K49A), induces IL-10 release. This production of IL-10 is mediated by CaMKIα-dependent regulation of p38 MAPK activation. CaMKIα activity also mediates the cellular release of HMGB1 by colocalizing with and regulating the packaging of HMGB1 into secretory lysosomes. During endotoxemia, mice receiving in vivo CaMKIαRNAi display reduced systemic concentrations of IL-10 and HMGB1 in comparison with mice receiving NTRNAi. These data support the biological relevance of CaMKIα-dependent IL-10 production and HMGB1 secretion. In a CLP model of sepsis, CaMKIαRNAi mice display reduced systemic concentrations of IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α, and HMGB1 in comparison with NTRNAi mice, which correlate with reductions in the development of renal dysfunction. These data support that CaMKIα signaling is integral to the Mφ responding to LPS and may also be operant in vivo in regulating the inflammation and organ dysfunction consequent to sepsis.
Odd–Even Effect and Unusual Behavior of Dodecyl-Substituted Analogue Observed in the Crystal Structure of Alkyltrimethylammonium–[Ni(dmit)2]− Salts
Authors: Dai Kotaro , Nomoto Kuniharu , Ueno Shinji , Tomono Kazuaki , Miyamura Kazuo 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
A series of [Ni(dmit)2]− (dmit: 1,3-dithiole-2-thione-4,5-dithiolato) salts of alkyltrimethylammonium (Cn: n represents the alkyl chain length; n = 3 and 5–18) have been prepared and analyzed by X-ray structural analysis. All complex salts have been found to be composed of alternate sheets of [Ni(dmit)2]− anions and sheets of cations with a pronounced interdigitation of the alkyl chains. However, molecular arrangement differed between (C3)[Ni(dmit)2] and other (Cn)[Ni(dmit)2] (n = 5–18). Adjacent cations were aligned along the long axis of [Ni(dmit)2]− anion in C3 complex salt, while in others (C5–C18 complex salts), they were aligned toward the short axis. Such a difference in arrangement arose from correlativity between the lengths of the long axis of cation and anion, namely CLCA. Furthermore, relative orientation between the alkyl chain of cation and [Ni(dmit)2]− anion differed between the odd- and even-numbered cations for C10–C18. Whereas the plane of alkyl chain for odd-numbered cation was normal to the plane of [Ni(dmit)2]− anion, that of even-numbered cation was parallel. It was also found that C12 analog behaved like odd-numbered cations. However, in C12 salt, the end methyl group of the dodecyl group adopted unusual end-gauche conformation.
A Volume of Fluid Phase Change Model on Adaptive Octree Grids
Authors: Akhtar Mohammad W. , Kleis Stanley J. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
A three-dimensional phase change model using finite volume has been developed. Interface thermal conditions that are consistent with the mixture formulation within the volume tracking framework are introduced. The computational grid is dynamically adapted near the interface using an octree based structure. Up to three levels of adaption are used to provide improved accuracy in regions of steep gradients of flow variables near the liquid-vapor interface at a reduced computational cost. Interface jump conditions are imposed by specifying mass, momentum, and energy sources for the mixture variables in the interface cells. Second order accurate liquid and vapor temperature gradients at cell faces are calculated based on the location and orientation of the interface (sharp interface approach). These estimates are then used to calculate the mass source terms, which are distributed in the interface cells consistent with the mixture formulation. Such an approach maintains the interface at saturation while the mixture temperatures of the liquid and vapor in the interface cells can be superheated. A one-dimensional cavity flow problem is used to test for the proper coupling of vapor generation rate with energy and momentum flux effects. Three-dimensional bubble growth rates at 5°C uniform superheat (Ja=8.6, density ratio ∼140, and conductivity ratio ∼2.3) of refrigerant FC-87 are compared with theory in the diffusion controlled regime. The analytical solution of Mikic et al. for bubble radius as a function of time with a non-zero initial radius is used to validate the numerical solution. The numerical solution is validated against theoretical prediction of bubble radius as a function of time for a more complete validation of the balances of mass, momentum, and energy at the liquid-vapor interface.
Experimental Investigation of Irradiation Creep and Growth of Recrystallized Zircaloy-4 Guide Tubes Pre-Irradiated in PWR
Authors: McGrath Margaret A. , Yagnik Suresh 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Re-crystallized Zircaloy-4 guide tubes were irradiated in commercial pressurized water reactors (PWRs) at three different temperatures to fluences near 1×1022 n/cm2 E&gt;1 MeV (15 displacements per atom), resulting in moderate corrosion and three different hydrogen contents (approximately 135, 240, and 700 parts per million). Sections of the guide tubes were re-irradiated in the Halden reactor to assess the irradiation creep and growth behaviors. Three conditions were applied: Bellows-loaded axial compression creep; zero stress growth; and zero stress, zero flux (control specimens). The guide tube sections were re-irradiated under simulated PWR conditions by utilizing a pressurized light water loop operating with normal PWR water chemistry at approximately 320°C. Axial length changes were measured in-reactor by linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs), and post-irradiation hot cell measurements were done to confirm the LVDT elongation measurements. After minor corrections were made to account for reactor testing variables, it was shown that the LVDT measurements were accurate, thus creep and growth or free growth rates were established for each guide tube section. Hot cell examinations were also performed to establish the state of corrosion of each specimen, including hydrogen content, both before and after the re-irradiation in the Halden reactor. The results showed that stress free irradiation growth was different for each specimen and correlated qualitatively with the hydrogen content and commercial irradiation temperatures of the guide tubes. The higher hydrogen content, or higher commercial irradiation temperature, gave rise to higher subsequent growth rates. After subtracting the growth strain from the measured creep and growth strain values, the magnitude of creep and creep rates were essentially the same for all specimens: No effect of commercial reactor irradiation temperature or hydrogen content was observed. The results give important new data on irradiation creep and growth and on the correlation between hydrogen content and irradiation temperature on growth rates.
Abstentions in the German Bundesrat and ternary decision rules in weighted voting systems
Authors: Birkmeier Olga , Käufl Andreas , Pukelsheim Friedrich 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Ternary decision rules allowing for abstentions,besides Yea- and Nay-votes, are analyzed. The German Bundesrat serves as a prime example. We show that the decision-making efficiency of the Bundesrat would increase if abstentions were allowed. A general formula for the mean success margin of a ternary decision rule is derived assuming selfdual and permutationally invariant distributions. The ternary Penrose–Banzhaf model is discussed in detail, and the influence probabilities of voters and a rule´s influence sensitivity are evaluated.
Robust replication in H-self-similar Gaussian market models under uncertainty
Authors: Gapeev Pavel V. , Sottinen Tommi , Valkeila Esko 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
We consider the robust hedging problem in the framework of model uncertainty, where the log-returns of the stock price are Gaussian and H-self-similar with H∈(1/2,1). These assumptions lead to two natural but mutually exclusive hypotheses, both being self-contained to fix the probabilistic model for the stock price. Namely, the investor may assume that either the market is efficient, that is the stock price process is a continuous semimartingale, or that the centred log-returns have stationary distributions. We show that to be able to super-hedge a European contingent claim with a convex payoff robustly, the investor must assume that the markets are efficient. If it turns out that the stationarity hypothesis is true, then the investor can actually super-hedge the option and thereby receive some net profit.
A note on moment convergence of bootstrap M-estimators
Authors: Kato Kengo 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This paper studies the consistency of bootstrap moment estimators for a general M-estimator. We establish a theorem on the uniform integrability of the bootstrap M-estimator, thereby giving sufficient conditions for the consistency of the bootstrap moment estimators. As an application of our theorem, we provide sufficient conditions for the consistency of the bootstrap variance estimator for the quantile regression estimator, which has been considered as an important unsolved problem in the literature. We also discuss a justification of a bootstrap information criterion.
Low Physical Activity and Risk of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Zelle Dorien M. , Corpeleijn Eva , Stolk Ronald P. , de Greef Mathieu H.G. , Gans Rijk O.B. , van der Heide Jaap J. Homan , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J.L. 
Published: March 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Low physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for mortality in the general population. This is largely unexplored in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). We studied whether PA is associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a prospective cohort of RTR.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Between 2001 and 2003, 540 RTRs were studied (age, 51 ± 12 years; 54% male). PA was assessed using validated questionnaires (Tecumseh Occupational Activity Questionnaire and the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire). Cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were recorded until August 2007.

Results
Independent of age, PA was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, history of cardiovascular disease, fasting insulin, and triglyceride concentration, and positively associated with kidney function and 24-hour urinary creatinine excretion (i.e., muscle mass). During follow-up for 5.3 years (range, 4.7 to 5.7 years), 81 RTRs died, with 37 cardiovascular deaths. Cardiovascular mortality was 11.7, 7.2, and 1.7%, respectively, according to gender-stratified tertiles of PA (P = 0.001). All-cause mortality was 24.4, 15.0, and 5.6% according to these tertiles (P < 0.001). In Cox regression analyses, adjustment for potential confounders including history of cardiovascular disease, muscle mass, and traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease did not materially change these associations.

Conclusions
Low PA is strongly associated with increased risk for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in RTRs. Intervention studies are necessary to investigate whether PA improves long-term survival after renal transplantation.
Template-free hydrothermal synthesis of tubular ZnO clusters and rods
Authors: Shen Xiong , Zhang Gaoke , Yang Yanqing , Yu Shujie 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Tubular ZnO clusters and rods have been fabricated using a simple template-free hydrothermal method by controlling the reaction temperature, pH value and reaction time. The obtained ZnO products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence spectra and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that the formation of the tubular ZnO clusters and rods involves both a growth process and a dissolution process. The reaction temperature and reaction time play important roles in the formation of the ZnO clusters and rods with tubular morphologies. The possible formation mechanism of tubular ZnO is discussed.
Re-evaluation of activities of magnesium and zinc components in the magnesium—zinc binary system from very low to high temperature
Authors: Morishita Masao , Yamamoto Hiroaki , Shikada Shinichi , Kusumoto Minoru , Matsumoto Yasutomo 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
The activities of zinc, a
Zn, and magnesium, a
Mg, from very low to high temperatures in the Mg–Zn binary system were evaluated for the first time from the relationship between the Gibbs energies of formation, δf
G¯
o

T
, of Mg48Zn52, Mg2Zn3, MgZn2 and Mg2Zn11 and their phase equilibria. The δf
G¯
o

T
values adopted were determined in our previous calorimetric studies. It was found that the a
Zn and a
Mg values in the compounds steeply changed from the minimum to maximum as a function of the composition in a narrow solubility range. Such a change was more emphasized toward low temperatures (3 K). Since one of the dominant factors for the composition change in a narrow solubility range in Mg48Zn52 and Mg2Zn3 is the formation of vacancies at the Zn site, the relative partial molar Gibbs energies of the vacancy formation, δG
Zn vacancy
Zn, were estimated from the obtained a
Zn values. At 298 K, the δG
Zn vacancy
Zn values of Mg48Zn52 and Mg2Zn3 were 73.5 and 344.3 kJ mol−1, consistent with about the same order of the enthalpy of the vacancy formation in Ni3Al (= 173.7 kJ mol−1) as determined by positron annihilation spectroscopy. When the symmetric atomic configuration at the stoichiometric composition was violated by the formation of vacancies, the change in relative partial molar value of lattice defects was found to be large.
Development of highly cube textured nickel superconductor substrate tapes by Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB)
Authors: Bhattacharjee Pinaki P. , Tsuji Nobuhiro 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Development of cube texture ({001}〈100〉) has been investigated in pure Ni (99.97%) deformed to ultrahigh straining (e = 6.4) by accumulative roll bonding and then annealed at different temperatures for use as coated superconductor substrate. The as accumulative roll bonding processed sheets reveal a typical pure metal or copper type homogeneous deformation texture. After annealing at different temperatures, strong cube texture formation is observed and a nearly 100% cube textured tape with almost twin-free microstructure is obtained after annealing at 800°C for 1 h. The development of a sharp cube texture is accompanied by the development of a predominantly low angle boundary network. The very sharp cube texture formation in this material appears to be due to the oriented nucleation of cube grains at early stages of recrystallization and selective growth of these grains with progressing recrystallization. The results obtained indicate that accumulative roll bonding could be a very attractive route for fabricating highly cube textured superconductor substrate tapes from Ni.
Microstructual evolution of AZ80 magnesium alloy during multi-directional compression deformation at elevated temperature
Authors: Yan Hongge , Chen Jihua , Guo Qiang , Su Bin , Wu Yuanzhi 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Microstructural evolution of AZ80 magnesium alloy during multi-directional compression deformation at elevated temperature was systematically investigated. The effects of deformation variables on the as-compressed microstructures and the deformation behavior were analyzed. Grain splitting that developed in various directions due to the formation of microbands was the main characteristic of microstructural evolution during hot multi-directional compression, which was different from that of the continuous uniaxial compression. Such microbands intersected each other, resulting in continuous subdivision of the coarse grains into misoriented fine domains, thus contributing to grain refinement. Further deformation led to increases in the number and misorientation of these boundaries and finally almost full development of fine equiaxed grains at high strain. A more homogeneous microstructure with fine dynamic recrystallization grains could be attained with the applied strain up to a critical strain, and after that, it was difficult to achieve further grain refinement. However, the higher reduction in each pass and the lower deformation temperature in the certain range aided grain refinement. The second phase Mg17Al12 with large particle size that remained after solution treatment experienced a series of changes with the process of breaking up, dissolving, precipitating and then re-dissolving. Fine precipitates were located at the grain boundaries, suppressing dislocation movement and preventing grain growth.
Hot rolling of binary Ti–Nb alloys Part II: mechanical properties anisotropy
Authors: Banumathy S. , Mandal R. K. , Singh A. K. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
This work describes the nature of anisotropy in mechanical properties of three alloys, namely Ti-8Nb, Ti-12Nb and Ti-16Nb in the hot rolled condition. The work hardening curves of the alloys Ti-8Nb and Ti-12Nb exhibit a single slope and follow the Ludwik relation. The alloy Ti-16Nb displays two slopes in work hardening curves. This indicates that two different mechanisms are operative during tensile testing. The work hardening curves follow a modified Ludwik equation. The alloy Ti-16Nb exhibits the lowest anisotropy index and percentage in plane anisotropy. The alloy Ti-12Nb exhibits the highest values of both the anisotropy index and percentage in plane anisotropy. The low percentage in plane anisotropy of the alloy Ti-16Nb has been attributed to the presence of fibre textures. The yield loci of the hot rolled alloys have been determined using the Knoop hardness method. The results show that hot rolling induces anisotropy in yield strength and changes the shape and size of yield locus plots.
Study on Melt Spinning of Shaped Hollow Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Prahsarn C. , Roungpaisan N. , Klinsukhon W. , Srisawat N. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract
Influences of polymer and processing parameters on melt spinning, features, and structures of circular and triangular shaped hollow fibers were investigated. Spinnability of triangular hollow fibers was found to be more sensitive to polymer viscosity and processing conditions than that of circular hollow counterparts such that fiber breakage occurred when polypropylene with high viscosity was employed. Relatively low temperature due to high cooling at tip of triangular shape may cause stress concentration developed in spin-line, and lead to fiber breakage. Increasing temperature enabled continuous spinning in triangular hollow fibers. The obtained triangular hollow fibers possessed slightly larger diameters but smaller percent hole areas, compared to the circular ones. Results showed that diameters and percent hole areas of both circular and triangular hollow fibers tended to decrease with increasing spinning temperature and take up velocity, but tended to increase with increasing throughput rate. From WAXD results, crystalline orientation in hollow fibers was found affected by take up velocity, and slightly by fiber configuration.