bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solving the irregular strip packing problem via guided local search for overlap minimization
Authors: Umetani Shunji , Yagiura Mutsunori , Imahori Shinji , Imamichi Takashi , Nonobe Koji , Ibaraki Toshihide 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe irregular strip‐packing problem (ISP) requires a given set of non‐convex polygons to be placed without overlap within a rectangular container having a fixed width and a variable length, which is to be minimized. As a core sub‐problem to solve ISP, we consider an overlap minimization problem (OMP) whose objective is to place all polygons into a container with given width and length so that the total amount of overlap between polygons is made as small as possible. We propose to use directional penetration depths to measure the amount of overlap between a pair of polygons, and present an efficient algorithm to find a position with the minimum overlap for each polygon when it is translated in a specified direction. Based on this, we develop a local search algorithm for OMP that translates a polygon in horizontal and vertical directions alternately. Then we incorporate it in our algorithm for OMP, which is a variant of the guided local search algorithm. Computational results show that our algorithm improves the best‐known values of some well‐known benchmark instances.
New Prescription Medication Gaps: A Comprehensive Measure of Adherence to New Prescriptions
Authors: Karter Andrew J. , Parker Melissa M. , Moffet Howard H. , Ahmed Ameena T. , Schmittdiel Julie A. , Selby Joe V. 
Published: June 2009

Objective. Describe a novel approach to comprehensively summarize medication adherence.Data Sources/Study Setting. Kaiser Permanente Northern California Diabetes Registry (n∼220,000)Study Design. In a new prescription cohort design (27,329 subjects prescribed new medications), we used pharmacy utilization data to estimate adherence during 24 months follow‐up. Proportion of time without sufficient medications (medication gaps) was estimated using a novel measure (New Prescription Medication Gaps [NPMG]) and compared with a traditional measure of adherence.Data Collection/Extraction Methods. Data derived from electronic medical records and survey responses.Principal Findings. Twenty‐two percent of patients did not become ongoing users (had zero or only one dispensing of the new prescription). The proportion of newly prescribed patients that never became ongoing users was eightfold greater than the proportion who maintained ongoing use, but with inadequate adherence. Four percent of those with at least two dispensings discontinued therapy during the 24 months follow‐up. NPMG was significantly associated with high out‐of‐pocket costs, self‐reported adherence, and clinical response to therapy.Conclusions. NPMG is a valid adherence measure. Findings also suggest a larger burden of inadequate adherence than previously thought. Public health efforts have traditionally focused on improving adherence in ongoing users; clearly more attention is needed to address nonpersistence in the very first stages after a new medication is prescribed.
Nitroxyl anion – the universal signalling partner of endogenously produced nitric oxide?
Authors: Martin William 
Published: June 2009

Although it is generally assumed that the primary product of the three isoforms of NO synthase is the nitric oxide radical (NO•), growing evidence suggests that the one‐electron reduced form of nitrogen monoxide, nitroxyl anion (NO‐), may be a natural co‐product. Thus, evidence from conduit and resistance arteries and nitrergically innervated tissues indicates that NO‐ exerts widespread signalling functions alongside NO• in the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems, and perhaps beyond. In this issue of the BJP Andrews et al. add to this debate by providing strong evidence that NO• and HNO both contribute to the EDRF‐mediated component of in mouse (MMA) and rat (RMA) mesenteric resistance arteries. British Journal of Pharmacology (2009) 157, 537–539; doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2009.00153.xThis article is a commentary on Andrews et al., pp. 540–550 of this issue and is part of a themed section on Endothelium in Pharmacology. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Endothelium‐dependent contractions and endothelial dysfunction in human hypertension
Authors: Versari Daniele , Daghini Elena , Virdis Agostino , Ghiadoni Lorenzo , Taddei Stefano 
Published: June 2009

The endothelium is a crucial regulator of vascular physiology, producing in healthy conditions several substances with a potent antiatherosclerotic properties. Accordingly, the presence of endothelial dysfunction is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and with an increased future risk of cardiovascular events. A large body of evidence supports the fundamental role of nitric oxide (NO) as the main endothelium‐derived relaxing factor. However, in the presence of pathological conditions, such as hypertension, endothelial cells, in response to a number of agents and physical stimuli, become also a source of endothelium‐derived contracting factors (EDCFs), including endothelins and angiotensin II and particularly cyclooxygenase‐derived prostanoids and superoxide anions. These latter were at first identified as responsible for impaired endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in patients with essential hypertension. However, cyclooxygenase‐dependent EDCFs production is characteristic of the aging process, and essential hypertension seems to only anticipate the phenomenon. It is worth noting that both in aging and hypertension EDCF production is associated with a parallel decrease in NO availability, suggesting that this substance could be oxygen free radicals themselves. Accordingly, in hypertension both indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and vitamin C, an antioxidant, increase the vasodilation to acetylcholine by restoring NO availability. In conclusion, hypertension is characterized by a decline in endothelial function, associated with a progressive decrease in NO bioavailability and increase in the production of EDCF. The mechanisms that regulate the balance between NO and EDCF, and the processes transforming the endothelium from a protective organ to a source of vasoconstrictor, proaggregatory and promitogenic mediators remain to be determined.British Journal of Pharmacology(2009)157,527–536; doi:10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2009.00240.xThis article is part of a themed section on Endothelium in Pharmacology. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit:http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Risk Factors for Death in Elderly Emergency Department Patients with Suspected Infection
Authors: Caterino Jeffrey M. , Kulchycki Lara K. , Fischer Christopher M. , Wolfe Richard E. , Shapiro Nathan I. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To identify independent risk factors for death in elderly emergency department (ED) patients admitted for infection and to derive and validate a mortality‐prediction rule for such patients.DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.SETTING: Tertiary hospital ED with 55,000 annual visits.PARTICIPANTS: ED patients aged 65 and older admitted for infection between December 2003 and September 2004 in the derivation cohort and October 2005 and October 2006 in the validation cohort.MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome: 28‐day in‐hospital mortality. Data were extracted from charts, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify independent mortality predictors. A prediction model was constructed and then validated in a second cohort.RESULTS: Nine hundred thirty‐five patients were included in the derivation cohort and 2,015 in the validation cohort. Mortality was 6% in the derivation cohort and 7% in the validation cohort. In the derivation cohort, logistic regression revealed five independent mortality predictors: respiratory compromise (respiratory rate >20 breaths per minute or hypoxemia) (odds ratio (OR)=4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.7–9.4), tachycardia (heart rate ≥120 betas per minute; OR=3.2, 95% CI=1.6–6.3), cardiovascular failure (systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg despite fluid challenge or lactate ≥4.0; OR=9.0, 95% CI=4.7–17), preexisting terminal illness (OR=5.7, 95% CI=2.2–15), and platelet count less than 150,000/mm3 (OR=2.7, 95% CI=1.3–5.6). Mortality increased with the number of factors: 0.51% for no factors, 3.1% for one factor, 14% for two factors, 47% for three or more risk factors. The c‐statistic was 0.87 for the derivation model and 0.74 for the validation model. Almost 80% of patients in both cohorts were in low‐risk groups (0 or 1 factor).CONCLUSION: A rule derived from five readily available variables predicts mortality in infected elderly ED patients and allows identification of a large low‐risk subgroup.
Effect of Inflammation in the Periodontium in Early Old Age on Mortality at 21‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Avlund Kirsten , Schultz‐Larsen Kirsten , Krustrup Ulla , Christiansen Niels , Holm‐Pedersen Poul 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVES: To analyze whether inflammatory processes in the periodontium in early old age are related to subsequent mortality during 21 years of follow‐up in a nondisabled 70‐year‐old population.SETTING: Community‐based population in Copenhagen.DESIGN: The study was based on the Glostrup Aging Study of the 1914 population, with baseline in 1984 when the participants were 70 years old and follow‐up 21 years later.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred thirty‐five dentate men and women participated in the clinical oral health examination.MEASUREMENTS: Severe periodontal inflammation was measured for all teeth present as the number of teeth with inflammation and periodontal pockets 6 mm deep or more. Mortality data were obtained from the Danish Death Register at 21‐year follow‐up. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used. Covariates were measured at baseline and included number of teeth, caries, sex, education, income, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, arteriostenosis, myocardial infarction, comorbidity, fatigue, and ability to brush teeth.RESULTS: The analyses showed that severe periodontal inflammation in at least three teeth at age 70 was marginally related to mortality during 21‐year follow‐up (crude hazard ratio (HR)=1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.91–1.78). The estimate increased slightly when adjusted for sex, income, fatigue, and smoking (adjusted HR=1.37, 95% CI=0.97–1.92). The estimates were attenuated when adjusted for the specific diseases, especially arteriostenosis and osteoarthritis.CONCLUSION: Inflammation in the periodontium in early old age tends to be associated with mortality in older age.
A Systematic Review of Dowel (Post) and Core Materials and Systems
Authors: Theodosopoulou Joanna N. , Chochlidakis Konstantinos M. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this systematic review was to determine which dowel (post) and core system is the most successful when used in vivo to restore endodontically treated teeth. Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE, a Cochrane, and an EMBASE search (three specified searches) were conducted to identify randomized (RCT) and nonrandomized controlled clinical trials (CCT), cohort (CS), and case control studies (CCS) until January 2008, conducted on humans, and published in English, German, and French, relating to dowel and core systems for restoring endodontically treated teeth. Also, a hand search was conducted, along with contact with the authors when needed. Results: The MEDLINE, Cochrane, and EMBASE searches identified 997, 141, and 25 published articles, respectively. Ten articles from the MEDLINE and seven articles from the Cochrane search (that were also identified in the MEDLINE search) met the inclusion and validity assessment criteria. Six out of the ten studies were RCTs, two were CCTs, and two CSs. The RCT studies suggest that carbon fiber in resin matrix dowels are significantly better than precious alloy cast dowels (number needed to treat, NNT = 8.30). Tapered gold alloy cast dowels are better than ParaPost® gold alloy cast dowels (NNT = 13.15). ParaPost® prefabricated dowels are slightly better than ParaPost® cast dowels (NNT = 175.4). Glass fiber dowels are significantly better than metal screw dowels (NNT = 5.46), but worse than titanium (NNT =−21.73) (moderately). Carbon fiber dowels are worse than gold alloy cast dowels (significantly) (NNT =−5.81) and than amalgam dowels (NNT =−125) (slightly). The CCT studies suggest that metal dowels are better (NNT = 21.73) but also worse than cast dowels (NNT =−33.33) depending on the remaining amount of coronal hard tissue. Quartz fiber dowels show success rates similar to and worse than glass fiber‐reinforced dowels (NNT =−37.03). The results from the CS studies suggest that carbon fiber in resin matrix dowels are better (moderately) than carbon fiber + quartz and quartz fiber dowels. Titanium dowels with a composite build‐up are better (moderately) than gold alloy cast dowels. Conclusions: According to the studies of the highest levels of evidence, carbon fiber in resin matrix dowels are significantly better than precious alloy cast dowels (RCT). Glass fiber dowels are significantly better than metal screw dowels (RCT) and moderately better than quartz fiber dowels (CCT). Carbon fiber dowels are significantly worse than metal dowels (of precious alloy) (RCT). Prefabricated metal dowels are slightly better than cast dowels (RCT), but moderately worse when no collar of the dentin above the gingiva could be achieved (CCT).
Effects of Ethanol on the Surface and Bulk Properties of a Microwave‐Processed PMMA Denture Base Resin
Authors: Regis Rômulo Rocha , Soriani Natércia Carreira , Azevedo Alessandra Miranda , Silva‐Lovato Cláudia Helena , Oliveira Paranhos Helena Freitas , De Souza Raphael Freitas 
Published: June 2009

Abstract Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of different concentrations of ethanol on hardness, roughness, flexural strength, and color stability of a denture base material using a microwave‐processed acrylic resin as a model system. Materials and Methods: Sixty circular (14 × 4 mm) and 60 rectangular microwave‐polymerized acrylic resin specimens (65 × 10 × 3 mm3) were employed in this study. The sample was divided into six groups according to the ethanol concentrations used in the immersion solution, as follows: 0% (water), 4.5%, 10%, 19%, 42%, and 100%. The specimens remained immersed for 30 days at 37°C. The hardness test was performed by a hardness tester equipped with a Vickers diamond penetrator, and a surface roughness tester was used to measure the surface roughness of the specimens. Flexural strength testing was carried out on a universal testing machine. Color alterations (ΔE) were measured by a portable spectrophotometer after 12 and 30 days. Variables were analyzed by ANOVA/Tukey's test (α= 0.05). Results: For the range of ethanol‐water solutions for immersion (water only, 4.5%, 10%, 19.5%, 42%, and 100%), the following results were obtained for hardness (13.9 ± 2.0, 12.1 ± 0.7, 12.9 ± 0.9, 11.2 ± 1.5, 5.7 ± 0.3, 2.7 ± 0.5 VHN), roughness (0.13 ± 0.01, 0.15 ± 0.07, 0.13 ± 0.05, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.23 ± 0.05, 0.41 ± 0.19 μm), flexural strength (90 ± 12, 103 ± 18, 107 ± 16, 90 ± 25, 86 ± 22, 8 ± 2 MPa), and color (0.8 ± 0.6, 0.8 ± 0.3, 0.7 ± 0.4, 0.9 ± 0.3, 1.3 ± 0.3, 3.9 ± 1.5 ΔE) after 30 days. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that the ethanol concentrations of tested drinks affect the physical properties of the investigated acrylic resin. An obvious plasticizing effect was found, which could lead to a lower in vivo durability associated with alcohol consumption.
Market Uncertainty and Socially Embedded Reputation
Authors: Kim Harris H. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBoth economists and sociologists generally recognize the importance of reputation in coordinating economic transactions. In a perfectly competitive and anonymous market characterized by faceless buyers and sellers, the issue of reputation would be irrelevant and unnecessary. In reality, however, markets are often filled with varying degrees of information asymmetry, which can threaten the very existence of the market system itself. In critical reaction to the standard neoclassical model, some economists, on the one hand, argue that when there is an information problem, reputation serves as a valuable source of market signal of quality. Sociologists of economic life similarly contend that reputation, along with trust, is critical in lowering transaction costs and thereby facilitating various economic activities among individual actors. The purpose of this article is to apply this broad theoretical observation to a specific empirical phenomenon. It does so by highlighting the role of social networks that connect actors on both demand and supply sides of the market. Specifically, this study examines how interpersonal networks in the market for legal services affect the duration of ties between buyers and sellers. Quantitative analysis based on a random sample of Chicago lawyers, a project funded by the American Bar Foundation, reveals thatceteris paribusthe lawyer‐client relations are significantly driven by social network factors.
Private Property and the Law of Nature in Locke's TwoTreatises: The Best Advantage of Life and Convenience
Authors: Reno B. Jeffrey 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe study of policy lies at the intersection of economics and ethics, dealing, to a great extent, with private property. Policy design therefore assumes an understanding of the relationship between property and human nature, a matter of great interest to John Locke. Locke's teaching, however, is far from clear, often composed of a set of dual arguments. Yet close attention to the dualistic arguments is revealing: the two objects Locke associates with property—life and convenience—correspond to the two bases upon which he grounds the right to property: labor and consent. His argument reflects the changing economic nature of property, and also provides insight into the poles within which people behave according to the Law of Nature. Thus, a full explication of the relationship between Locke's Law of Nature and doctrine of property illuminates the economic and ethical principles that ought to inform policymakers and analysts.
The Western Expansion as a Common Pool Problem: The Contrasting Histories of the Brazilian and North American Pioneers
Authors: Zanella Fernando , Westley Christopher 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBefore the year 1600, Brazil and the United States were very similar regions in terms of geographic development and colonial status, and yet both countries developed in remarkably different ways. In this article, we apply institutional analysis and the common pool approach to explain differences in the western expansion of Brazil and the United States. We find that (i) such analysis complements much of the previous literature that heretofore explained differences in these regions using sociological and ideological analytical tools, and (ii) the theory that the distinctive behavior between the Brazilianbandeirantesand the North American pioneers is due to sociological factors is refuted.
Distortion of Right Superior Pulmonary Vein Anatomy by Balloon Catheters as a Contributor to Phrenic Nerve Injury
Authors: OKUMURA YASUO , HENZ BENHUR D. , BUNCH T. JARED , DALEGRAVE CHARLES , JOHNSON SUSAN B. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. 
Published: June 2009

Introduction:
Cryothermal, HIFU, and laser catheter‐based balloon technologies have been developed to simplify ablation for AF. Initial enthusiasm for their widespread use has been dampened by phrenic nerve (PN) injury. The interaction between PN and pulmonary vein (PV) geometry contributing to PN injury is unclear.
Methods and Results:
After right thoracotomy, the PN course along the epicardial right atrial surface was mapped directly in 10 dogs. The location of the PN and its relationship with the right superior (RS) PV, and potential RSPV surface distortions after balloon inflation were established by electroanatomic mapping. In 5 dogs, the PN was captured within the RSPV, but could not be stimulated in the remaining 5 dogs. The distance between the RSPV and the PN was significantly shorter in the captured group than in the noncaptured group (6.3 ± 3.1 mm vs 10.2 ± 3.2 mm, P < 0.001). Importantly, 96% of the captured sites within the RSPV were observed at a distance >5 mm into the PV. The inflated balloon surface anteriorly extended 5.6 ± 3.7 mm outside the PV diameter, with distortion of anatomy narrowing the distance from the balloon surface to the PN to 4.8 ± 2.3 mm. (Distance of the original RSPV‐to‐PN: 9.4 ± 2.7 mm, P < 0.001.)
Conclusion:
PN injury with balloon technologies may stem from anatomic distortion of the PV orifice/PN relationship, through increasing contact or shortening the relative distance between the ablation site and the PN, even without displacement of the balloon into the PV. These data are important in the refinement of these technologies to improve procedural safety.
Use of a Urine Dipstick and Brief Clinical Questionnaire to Predict an Abnormal Serum Creatinine in the Emergency Department
Authors: Firestone Daniel N. , Band Roger A. , Hollander Judd E. , Castillo Edward , Vilke Gary M. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractObjectives:  Prior data demonstrated that a urine dipstick used alone was a sensitive predictor of abnormal creatinine, but not sufficiently enough to forego screening of serum creatinine prior to administration of contrast for diagnostic studies. The authors hypothesized that a brief historical questionnaire coupled with a urine dipstick would have high sensitivity for renal dysfunction, potentially eliminating the need for a serum creatinine prior to contrast administration.Methods:  This was a prospective study of a convenience sample of patients at two academic tertiary‐care emergency departments (EDs) during 2006–2007. Subjects included patients who had both a serum creatinine result reported by the laboratory and a urine dipstick result reported in the medical record. Data included triage vital signs, basic demographic data, 14 medical history items, dipstick urinalysis, and serum creatinine results. The main outcome measure was an abnormal serum creatinine, defined as greater than 1.5 mg/dL.Results:  Complete data sets were collected on 1,354 patient visits. Of these, there were 161 (12%) with a serum creatinine of >1.5 mg/dL. Logistic regression analysis identified the following independent predictors associated with elevated creatinine: age greater than 60 years, known renal insufficiency, diabetes, hypertension, diuretic use, vomiting, and proteinuria. Nearly all patients with abnormal creatinine (98%) had at least one of these seven predictors. A decision tool combining these predictors would have identified 158 of 161 patients with an abnormal creatinine (sensitivity, 98.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 95.8% to 99.9%) and a specificity of 21.2% (95% CI = 18.8% to 23.2%).Conclusions:  The absence of six historical factors and absence of proteinuria can be safely used to identify patients who are unlikely to have an abnormal creatinine.