bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
OUTLINE: Issues on the Surface Integrity of Case Hardened Steel Materials
Authors: Alagumurthi N. 
Published: February 2010

The Utilization of surface engineered materials in various engineering applications has increased tremendously in recent
years. This in turn, has enthused many researchers to identify the right surface engineering process with right processing
variables for the right application. Surface heat treatment is one such surface engineering process which has been in vogue for
long time. But, unlike the other heat treatment processes – full hardening processes, surface heat treatment process requires
further research to obtain tailor made characteristics on the materials used. Because of the complexity and condition under
which the surface heat treatment process has to take place, it is difficult to conduct the study and fully understand and control
the process. For the requirements and difficulties expressed above, finding out the ways and means of obtaining appropriate
surface characteristics on the metallic (steel) components used in various applications, like automobiles and aerospace
engineering remains an active area of research.
This supplement issue is aimed at providing a recent update on the various issues related to surface integrity of Gas
carburized and Induction hardened Steel materials. It also covers the Modeling of Phase transformation in Induction Hardening.
Comparative effect of amidated pectin and psyllium on cholesterol homeostasis in rats
Authors: Marounek Milan , Volek Zdeněk , Skřivanová Eva , Tůma Jan , Dušková Dagmar 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe effects of amidated pectin and psyllium on serum, hepatic and faecal cholesterol concentration were compared in female rats fed diets supplemented with palm fat and cholesterol at 50 and 10 g/kg, respectively. Control rats were fed a diet supplemented with cellulose at 60 g/kg. In treated rats, cellulose was replaced with either amidated pectin or psyllium. Amidated pectin and psyllium intake significantly decreased serum cholesterol from 3.41 μmol/ml (control) to 1.68 and 2.04 μmol/ml, respectively, and hepatic cholesterol from 31.9 μmol/g (control) to 7.2 and 9.0 μmol/g, respectively. Histology with lipid-staining Sudan Black B revealed that liver tissue from control rats was infiltrated with lipids, but staining was absent in livers of treated rats. No hepatic pathophysiology was apparent in treated rats. Amidated pectin and psyllium intake significantly increased faecal fat content. Faecal cholesterol content was significantly increased in rats that were fed amidated pectin, and non-significantly increased in rats that were fed psyllium. Body weight and food intake did not differ among treatment groups. In conclusion, amidated pectin, a novel sequestrant of sterols, demonstrated a similar effect on rat serum and hepatic cholesterol concentration to psyllium, which is a well-established hypocholesterolaemic agent.
Ostwald ripening of nanoislands in semiconductor heterosystems and its influence on optical properties
Authors: Vengrenovich R. , Ivanskii B. , Moskalyuk A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractInfluence of the Ostwald ripening on character of the size distribution in semiconductor heterosystems with quantum dots as island films consisting of cylindrical, disclike islands of constant height is studied. Size distribution function and formulae for temporal changes of average island size are derived. Calculations are carried out within the LSW theory, in assumption of joint action of two (diffusion and Wagner) growing mechanisms. Comparison of the calculating results with experimental data proves validity of the accepted model approximations. Expectancy of correlation of the distribution function, growing mechanisms and properties of heterosystems is discussed.
Spectral properties of naphthalimide dyes mixed with 4-heptyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (7CB) in Langmuir-Blodgett films
Authors: Bielejewska N. , Chrzumnicka E. , Stolarski R. , Bauman D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractLangmuir-Blodgett (LB) films formed of some fluorescent dyes, namely derivatives of 4-aminonaphthalimide, and their binary mixtures with the liquid crystal 4-heptyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl (7CB) have been studied. The electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra were recorded. On the basis of these spectra, the spectral properties of the dyes and the intermolecular interactions in ultrathin ordered films were determined. The conclusions about the tendency to the creation of aggregates by dye molecules in LB films have been drawn. The measurements of absorption by using linearly polarised light have allowed us to determine the arrangement of the dye and liquid crystal molecules on the air-solid substrate interface.
Comparative analysis of interferogram noise filtration using wavelet transform and spin filtering algorithms
Authors: Zielinski B. , Patorski K. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to analyze 2D fringe pattern denoising performed by two chosen methods based on quasi-1D two-arm spin filter and 2D discrete wavelet transform (DWT) signal decomposition and thresholding. The ultimate aim of this comparison is to estimate which algorithm is better suited for high-accuracy measurements by phase shifting interferometry (PSI) with the phase step evaluation using the lattice site approach. The spin filtering method proposed by Yu et al. (1994) was designed to minimize possible fringe blur and distortion. The 2D DWT also presents such features due to a lossless nature of the signal wavelet decomposition. To compare both methods, a special 2D histogram introduced by Gutman and Weber (1998) is used to evaluate intensity errors introduced by each of the presented algorithms.
CEOs Remuneration in Corporate Governance Codes in EU Member Countries
Authors: Urbanek Piotr 
Published: February 2010

Over the past two decades corporate governance has become one of the key issues in business and academic debates. The appropriate standards of corporate governance constitute important components of successful market economies. At the same time it is widely emphasized that contemporary mechanisms by which enterprises are directed and controlled are seriously defective. There is a need for profound reforms in corporate governance mechanisms. The growing interest in corporate governance codes among OECD countries is a very important component of these reforms.
The purpose of the paper is to compare regulations in corporate governance codes in 27 EU countries concerning remuneration of top executives. It enables identifying two main mechanisms which are implemented in CG codes – market mechanism based on high level of remuneration transparency and hierarchical mechanism based on setting rules according to which corporate boards establish a formal procedure for fixing the remuneration packages of executives. The paper presents the discussion on determinants of these two mechanisms.
To Medicate Or Not to Medicate, When Diagnosis Is In Question: Decision-Making in First Episode Psychosis
Authors: Malhi Gin , Adams Danielle , Moss Beverley , Walter Garry 
Published: February 2010

Objective: This paper reports on a brief survey of clinicians' judgements when making treatment decisions in the context of diagnostic uncertainty. Specifically, attitudes and opinions were sought from practising consultant psychiatrists regarding two key areas of clinical decision-making in first episode psychosis (FEP), namely, when to initiate medication and, how long to continue treatment. Method: Interviews were conducted with consultant psychiatrists using a combination of structured and semi-structured questions that examined and explored pharmacological treatment decisions in FEP. Results: Twenty-three consultant psychiatrists participated in the interviews. The threshold to initiate pharmacological treatment was lower when a risk to self or others is present, when symptoms are primarily positive, when the patient is in distress, or where there is a family history of mental illness. Atypical antipsychotics are routinely used as front-line medication in FEP and the choice of medication is determined largely by their likely side effect profile. However, the greater the perceived efficacy, the greater the anticipated tolerability burden. The ideal duration of treatment is considered to be 1–2 years in instances of full remission, and 5 years where only a partial response has been achieved or where recovery has not been sustained. Conclusions: The ‘first episode’ represents a unique period in the management of psychosis where by definition there is no history of pattern of illness, diagnostic certainty is rare, and the patient usually does not have any prior exposure to medications. Therefore, each management decision needs to be considered following a risk benefit analysis which takes into account the context of the individual.
Time to ‘Get Real’: Preliminary Insights into the Long-Term Management of Schizophrenia
Authors: Malhi Gin , Adams Danielle , Bernardi Elsa , Miller Marta , Mulder Roger , Walter Garry , Smith Brendan 
Published: February 2010

Objective: A brief file and medication chart review was undertaken to examine the ‘real world’ treatment of schizophrenia, with a particular focus on long-term treatment strategies that extend beyond existing evidence-based guidelines. Method: Treatment strategies were identified through an audit of patient files and their medication charts for patients admitted 2–5 years in a non-acute psychiatric hospital. Results: Twenty-nine file reviews and 20 medication chart audits were conducted. High levels of diagnostic heterogeneity were identified with the presence of psychosis and mood-related diagnoses (primarily schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder) and high rates of comorbidity (86%). Functional impairment, poor insight and high levels of risk were present in most patients. Treatments largely consisted of combination strategies with 75% of patients prescribed two or more antipsychotics and an average of 3.4 psychotropic medications in total. While clozapine was commonly prescribed (65%), this was often in combination with, on average, two other psychotropic agents. Conclusions: Notwithstanding the limited sample, these findings provide a valuable glimpse into the management strategies employed in the long-term management of schizophrenia. Evidence-based guidelines are largely of limited value for this cohort that often has complex presentations and further research is urgently needed to provide guidance into management strategies that extend beyond 5 years, with particular emphasis on the utility of medication combinations.
Fruit and Vegetable Intake In Canadian Ethnic Populations
Authors: Quadir Tanvir , Akhtar-Danesh Noori 
Published: February 2010

Purpose: We explored whether Canada's diverse ethnic population consumes an adequate daily amount of fruit and vegetables. We also examined the association between fruit and vegetable consumption and long-term diseases. Methods: The Canadian Community Health Survey, Cycle 2.2 (CCHS 2.2), was used to determine the fruit and vegetable intake (FVI) of 13 racial groups, as well as of the entire population. Specifically, we determined median intake and proportions of the group consuming five or more daily servings. Multiple pairwise comparisons among the proportions were performed to detect ethnic groups with significantly low FVI. Logistic regression was also used to describe the risk of longterm diseases associated with FVI and ethnicity. Results: The percentages of Southeast Asian, Aboriginal (offreserve), and Chinese people who consumed five or more daily servings of fruit and vegetables were significantly lower than percentages in all other ethnic groups surveyed. Aboriginal people with the lowest FVI demonstrated the highest propensity for developing most of the long-term diseases. Conclusions: The majority of Canada's ethnic groups identified in the CCHS 2.2 fell short of the recommended FVI target. This low-intake status might be a risk factor for common long-term diseases.
Dietary Vitamin D Intake Among Elderly Residents in a Veterans’ Centre
Authors: Hall Kathryn L. , Denda Caroline E. , Yeung Helen 
Published: February 2010

Purpose: Dietary vitamin D intake was assessed among residents in a long-term care (LTC) facility, so that recommendations could be made about vitamin D supplementation. Methods: Three-day tray audits were completed for allmeals and snacks, including nutritional supplements (Boost™and/or high-protein pudding). Total daily and three-day vitamin D intake was calculated for each resident, and the total sample was compared with the recommended Adequate Intake (AI) of 600 IU. Vitamin D content was calculated using the Canadian Nutrient File and product labels. Resident charts were reviewed for micronutrient supplements and diagnoses. Results: The daily average vitamin D available to and consumed by 30 residents was 414 IU and 295 IU, respectively. Those provided with nutritional supplements received an average of 480 IU and consumed 357 IU, while those without received an average of 245 IU and consumed 207 IU. Thirty-three percent of residents were diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and falls and/or fractures. Vitamin Dmicronutrient supplementation varied from above 600 IU (43%) to below 600 IU (30%) to no supplementation (27%). Conclusions:None of the study participantsmet the recommended AI of 600 IU through dietary sources alone. Study results suggest that all LTC residents require vitamin Dmicronutrient supplementation of at least 400 IU to achieve the recommended AI of 600 IU.
Topography-guided Transepithelial Surface Ablation Followed by Corneal Collagen Cross-linking Performed in a Single Combined Procedure for the Treatment of Keratoconus and Pellucid Marginal Degeneration
Authors: Stojanovic Aleksandar , Zhang Jia , Chen Xiangjun , Nitter Tore A. , Chen Shihao , Wang Qinmei 
Published: February 2010

PURPOSE:
To evaluate a combination of topography-guided custom ablation and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in a single procedure for the treatment of keratectasia.

METHODS:
Twelve eyes of 12 patients with keratectasia were treated with topography-guided custom ablation and CXL. Topography-guided custom ablation was performed using a transepithelial technique with the iVIS Suite 1 kHz flying spot excimer laser. Collagen cross-linking was performed immediately after topography-guided custom ablation, according to standard protocol. Postoperative follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive change, corneal topography, and pachymetry were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS:
Mean UCVA increased from 20/1000 preoperatively to 20/125 12 months postoperatively. Mean BSCVA increased from 20/57 to 20/35, with no loss of lines of visual acuity. Mean astigmatism was reduced from 5.40±2.13 diopters (D) to 2.70±1.44 D, and keratometric asymmetry decreased from 6.38±1.02 D to 2.76±0.73 D. Only minor changes in posterior corneal surface elevation and stability of refraction were found, confirming that no progression of ectasia occurred during the observation time.

CONCLUSIONS:

A combination of topography-guided custom ablation and CXL improved patients' visual, refractive, and topography outcomes and halted the progression of keratectasia within the observation period of 12 months. This method may postpone or eliminate the need for corneal transplantation in suitable cases with keratectasia. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:145–152.]
Exploring the public health impact of an intensive exercise program for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A dissemination and implementation study
Authors: van der Giesen F. J. , van Lankveld W. , Hopman‐Rock M. , de Jong Z. , Munneke M. , Hazes J. M. W. , van Riel P. L. C. M. , Peeters A. J. , Ronday H. K. , Vlieland T. P. M. Vliet 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the implementation of an intensive group exercise program in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn 4 regions in The Netherlands, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Training exercise program was implemented on a limited scale. Evaluation using the RE‐AIM model included: Reach, the proportion of the target population participating; Efficacy, effects on muscle strength, aerobic capacity, functional ability, and psychological functioning; Adoption, program adoption by stakeholders; Implementation, intervention quality (quality audits); and Maintenance, stakeholders' willingness to continue the program in the future.ResultsTwenty‐five physical therapists from 14 practices were trained to provide the program. In total, 150 RA patients were recruited (by estimation, 2% of the target population). Of the 81 patients who had finished the 12‐month intervention and were available for followup directly after the intervention, 62 patients provided clinical data. Muscle strength improved significantly, whereas aerobic capacity, functional ability, psychological functioning, and disease activity did not change. All 9 informed local patient organizations facilitated patient recruitment, and 35 of 51 rheumatologists involved referred one or more patients. All 10 approached health insurance companies funded the program for 12 months. The quality audits showed sufficient quality in 9 of 12 practices. All of the providers of the program were willing to provide the program in the future, whereas future reimbursement by health insurance companies remained unclear.ConclusionThe implementation of an intensive exercise program for RA patients on a limited scale can be considered successful regarding its reach, adoption, and implementation. The limited effectiveness and the limited data regarding maintenance warrant additional research.
Comparison of radiographic joint space width with magnetic resonance imaging cartilage morphometry: Analysis of longitudinal data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Duryea Jeffrey , Neumann Gesa , Niu Jingbo , Totterman Saara , Tamez Jose , Dabrowski Christine , Le Graverand Marie‐Pierre Hellio , Luchi Monica , Beals Chan R. , Hunter David J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and radiography are established imaging modalities for the assessment of knee osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of our study was to compare the responsiveness of radiographic joint space width (JSW) with MRI‐derived measures of cartilage morphometry for OA progression in participants from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI).MethodsThis study examined the baseline and 12‐month visits of a subset of 150 subjects from the OAI. Measurement of radiographic JSW was facilitated by the use of automated software that delineated the femoral and tibial margins of the joint. Measures of medial compartment minimum JSW and JSW at fixed locations were compared with cartilage morphometry measures derived from MRI. The results were stratified by Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) scale grade and by tibiofemoral anatomic axis angle. In order to examine the relative responsiveness of various techniques, we calculated the standardized response mean (SRM) between the 2 visits.ResultsThe SRM for radiographic JSW measured at the optimal location was −0.32 compared with −0.39 for the most responsive MRI measure. For the subgroup with a K/L scale grade of 2 or 3, the most responsive SRM values were −0.34 for radiographic JSW and −0.42 for MRI.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that new measures using a software analysis of digital knee radiographic images are comparable with MRI in detecting OA progression, and potentially superior when considering the cost‐effectiveness of the 2 imaging modalities.
Minimal clinically important differences of disease activity indices in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Brunner Hermine I. , Higgins Gloria C. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa S. , Lapidus Sivia K. , Olson Judyann C. , Onel Karen , Punaro Marilynn , Ying Jun , Giannini Edward H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of validated measures of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease activity in childhood‐onset SLE.MethodsChildhood‐onset SLE patients (n = 98) were followed every 3 months for up to 7 visits (n = 623 total visits). Disease activity measures (European Consensus Lupus Activity Measure, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, Systemic Lupus Activity Measure, British Isles Lupus Assessment Group, and Responder Index for Lupus Erythematosus [RIFLE]) were completed at the time of each visit. Physician‐rated changes in the disease course (clinically relevant improvement, no change, clinically relevant worsening) between visits served as the criterion standard.ResultsMCIDs defined by mean change scores with improvement and worsening, or those based on the standard error of measurement with stable disease, were both small and did not discriminate well between disease courses (detection rates for improvement or worsening were all <55%). MCIDs based on discriminant and classification analyses yielded similar results. Alternative MCIDs, defined by a 70% predicted probability of improvement or worsening as per the discrimination analysis, were larger but underestimated the proportion of patients with change. The RIFLE only correctly identified 26% and 8% of episodes of clinically important worsening and improvement of childhood‐onset SLE, respectively.ConclusionThe MCIDs of childhood‐onset SLE disease activity measures are often small but similar to those reported for adults with SLE. Therefore, even small changes in disease activity scores can be clinically relevant. Low correct detection rates of these MCID thresholds for changes in disease course support the notion that worsening and improvement with childhood‐onset SLE, or its response to therapy, is unlikely to be captured adequately by validated measures of disease activity alone.
Claisen–Schmidt Condensation Catalyzed by Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Amarajothi , Alvaro Mercedes , Garcia Hermenegildo 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMetal‐organic framework [Fe(BTC) (BTC=1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid)] is a convenient heterogeneous catalyst for the carbon‐carbon bond forming reaction in toluene between acetophenone and benzaldehyde to give selectively chalcone in high yield. Fe(BTC) appears as a general catalyst able to synthesize selectively different chalcone derivatives bearing various functionalities. Fe(BTC) could be recycled with no significant loss of catalytic efficiency and crystallinity in subsequent runs.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 7‐Azaisoindigo Derivatives
Authors: Wang Zhao‐Hui , Wang Tao , Yao Shi‐Ning , Chen Jing‐cai , Hua Wei‐Yi , Yao Qi‐Zheng 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA series of novel 7‐azaisoindigo derivatives 3–14 were designed, synthesized, and structurally characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, mass spectra, and elemental analyses. Their antiproliferative activities were evaluated in a hormone‐independent prostate cancer cell line DU145. Among them, compounds 8, 9, 14 showed the highest activities. Our study also showed that compounds 7, 11, 12 exhibited higher inhibitory activities on CDK2/cyclin A than that of the positive control meisoindigo. Western blot analysis on DU145 cells treated with compounds 7 and 9 demonstrated that 7‐azaisoindigo derivatives could decrease the level of CDK2 activity (phosphorylation) and the expression of cyclin D1, and increase the expression of endogenous cyclin‐dependent inhibitor p27.