bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improper coloring of unit disk graphs
Authors: Havet Frédéric , Kang Ross J. , Sereni Jean‐Sébastien 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMotivated by a satellite communications problem, we consider a generalized coloring problem on unit disk graphs. A coloring is k‐improper if no more than k neighbors of every vertex have the same colour as that assigned to the vertex. The k‐improper chromatic number χk(G) is the least number of colors needed in a k‐improper coloring of a graph G. The main subject of this work is analyzing the complexity of computing χk for the class of unit disk graphs and some related classes, e.g., hexagonal graphs and interval graphs. We show NP‐completeness in many restricted cases and also provide both positive and negative approximability results. Because of the challenging nature of this topic, many seemingly simple questions remain: for example, it remains open to determine the complexity of computing χk for unit interval graphs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2009
The β‐reliable minimax and maximin location problems on a network with probabilistic weights
Authors: Wang Jiamin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe study the β‐reliable minimax and maximin location problems on a network when the weights associated with the nodal points are random variables. In the β‐reliable minimax (maximin) problem, we locate a single facility so as to minimize (maximize) the upper (lower) bound on the maximum (minimum) weighted distance from the nodes to the facility with a probability greater than or equal to a pre‐specified level β. It is shown that under some conditions the two probabilistic models are equivalent to their deterministic counterparts. Solution procedures are developed to solve the problems with weights of continuous and discrete probability distributions. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Sufficient conditions for a graph to be λk‐optimal with given girth and diameter
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Liu Qinghai 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAn edge set S is a k‐restricted edge cut of a connected graph G if G‐S is no longer connected and every component of G‐S has at least k vertices. The k‐restricted edge connectivity of G, denoted by λk(G), is the cardinality of a minimum k‐restricted edge cut. A graph G with λk(G) = ξk(G) is called λk‐optimal, where ξk(G) = min{∣U,Ū∣ ∣ U ⊂ V(G),∣U∣ = k and GU is connected}, ∣U,Ū∣ is the number of edges between U and Ū, GU is the subgraph of G induced by U. In this article, we give a sufficient condition for a graph to be λk‐optimal: for any integer k ≥ 3, every graph G with girth g ≥ 5, minimum degree δ ≥ k, and diameter D ≤ g ‐ 4 when g is even and D ≤ g ‐ 3 when g is odd is λk‐optimal. Furthermore, if δ ≥ 2k ‐ 3, the diameter condition can be relaxed a little to D ≤ g ‐ 3 no matter whether g is even or odd. This generalizes a result of Balbuena et al. [Sufficient conditions for λ′‐optimality in graphs with girth g, J Graph Theory 52 (2006) 73–86], and improves a result of Fàbrega and Fiol in a sense [On the extraconnectivity of graphs, Discrete Math 155 (1996) 49–57]. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Study on superabsorbent of maleic anhydride/acrylamide semi‐interpenetrated with poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Zhao Lu , Xiong Yun , Liu Mingzhu , Qi Xiaohua 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA series of superabsorbents of maleic anhydride (MAH)/acrylamide (AM) interpenetrated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by aqueous polymerization, using N,N‐methylenebiacrylamide (NNMBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of reaction variables on the water absorbency of the superabsorbents in distilled water and in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution were investigated. In addition, the effect of the PVA content on the swelling rate and sensitivity to saline of the superabsorbents were also investigated. The results showed that the absorbency, both in 0.9 wt% NaCl solution and in distilled water, first decreased and then increased with increasing PVA content. Moreover, the resultant superabsorbent had a higher absorption rate and it became less sensitive to saline by incorporating certain amount of PVA into the network of the hydrogel. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective, blinded analysis of A‐PROTEIN (recoverin or CAR protein) levels in pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors
Authors: Manley Peter , Li Xiaochun , Turner Christopher , Chi Susan , Zimmerman Mary Ann , Chordas Christine , Gordon Amanda , Baker Amanda , Ullrich Nicole J. , Goumnerova Liliana , Marcus Karen , Hoffman Ken , Kieran Mark W. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundAbnormal expression of A‐PROTEIN has been identified in a number of tumors including carcinoma of the lung, breast, colon, prostate, and cervix. Brain tumors have been reported to express high plasma levels of A‐PROTEIN, suggesting that it may be of significant diagnostic and prognostic value.ProcedureThis prospective study evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of A‐PROTEIN levels in pediatric brain tumor patients. Patients included those with newly diagnosed disease pre‐ and post‐surgery, during treatment, during routine follow‐up, and at recurrence or progression. A total of 154 A‐PROTEIN levels from 54 patients were evaluated.ResultsFor patients without evidence of disease, 42% had normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 35% were elevated, and 23% were equivocal. For patients with stable disease, 53% demonstrated normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 19% were elevated, and 28% were equivocal. For patients with progressive disease, 53% had normal A‐PROTEIN levels, 35% were elevated, and 12% were equivocal. The sensitivity was 35% and the specificity was 50%. A correlation of increased A‐PROTEIN levels in patients with increased disease in glial tumors was also identified.ConclusionsA‐PROTEIN levels were not predictive of disease status in children with most brain tumors. However, in patients with glial tumors there was a correlation with increased disease and elevated A‐PROTEIN levels. This could represent variability of A‐PROTEIN during growth, development, or tumor cell origin and needs further evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:343–347. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A prolonged neonatal jaundice associated with a rare G6PD mutation
Authors: Minucci Angelo , Concolino Paola , De Luca Daniele , Giardina Bruno , Zuppi Cecilia , Capoluongo Ettore 
Published: May 2009

AbstractGlucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a X‐linked hereditary deficiency, is one of most common clinically significant enzyme defects. Despite its largely known role in acute and life‐threatening haemolytic crises, G6PD deficiency may be also associated with neonatal jaundice that, when severe and untreated, may lead to the potential of bilirubin encephalopathy. A prolonged neonatal jaundice was found to be associated with a rare G6PD mutation (c.383T>G; p.L128R), the latter simply annotated in literature database. In this article, we clinically and phenotipically describe a case of an Italian neonate carrying the c.383T>G G6PD mutation. Finally, we named this variant “G6PD Salerno.” Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:475–478. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multi‐modal intervention and prospective implementation of standardized sickle cell pain admission orders reduces 30‐day readmission rate
Authors: Frei‐Jones Melissa J. , Field Joshua J. , DeBaun Michael R. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIntroductionThe National Association of Children's Hospitals (NACHRI) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced 30‐day hospital readmission rate as a quality care indicator in children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Based on previous research identifying risk factors for 30‐day readmission in our patient population, we designed and implemented a multi‐modal intervention to reduce 30‐day readmission rate in children with SCD and pain.MethodsA before‐and‐after study design was performed to evaluate an intervention containing three components: (1) standardized SCD‐pain admission orders; (2) monthly SCD‐pain in‐service for house physicians for the first 6‐months; and (3) continuous patient/caregiver education. Following order implementation, we prospectively collected data on all children admitted for SCD‐pain over a 6‐month period. We compared the 30‐day readmission rate after the intervention to the rate during the same 6‐month interval in the previous calendar year prior to the availability of pre‐specified SCD‐pain orders.ResultsA total of 89 admissions, in 68 individuals, were eligible for the standardized orders during the prospective time period and were compared to 85 admissions in 56 individuals during the control period. Pre‐specified SCD‐pain orders were used in 93% of eligible admissions during the intervention. Readmission rate within 30 days was lower for the intervention cohort than the control cohort, 11% (10/89) versus 28% (24/85), P = 0.007, 95% CI 0.1–0.7.ConclusionsA multi‐modal intervention was successful in decreasing 30‐day hospital readmission rate for children with SCD and pain. Provider education was the most important component of the multi‐modal intervention. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:401–405. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimizing bactericidal exposure for β‐lactams using prolonged and continuous infusions in the pediatric population
Authors: Courter Joshua D. , Kuti Joseph L. , Girotto Jennifer E. , Nicolau David P. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundAdministration of β‐lactams via prolonged or continuous infusion has been utilized in adults to optimize drug exposure and clinical outcomes. As children exhibit increased drug clearance, this may further the benefit of prolonged or continuous infusions. This dosing approach was applied to several β‐lactams commonly utilized in children.ProcedureA variety of cefepime, ceftazidime, imipenem/cilastatin, meropenem, and piperacillin/tazobactam regimens using administration times of 0.5, 3, or 24 hr infusions were simulated in populations of 2‐ and 12‐year‐old children using Monte Carlo techniques. The probability of target attainment (PTA) was calculated for each dosing regimen. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) frequencies for Pseudomonas aeruginosa were obtained for two pediatric acute care institutions in order to calculate cumulative fractions of response (CFR).ResultsStandard 0.5 hr infusions resulted in poor PTA for most study agents at their susceptibility breakpoint, whereas 3 hr infusions markedly improved PTA for cefepime (79 to 100%), ceftazidime (80 to 100%), imipenem (41 to 91%), and meropenem (33 to 97%). Piperacillin/tazobactam could not achieve a PTA > 21% for any dosing regimen at its breakpoint, though large improvements were observed at lower MICs. Continuous infusion regimens resulted in similar PTA results to the same dose administered as 3 hr infusions. CFR values for all drugs at both institutions improved when 3 hr or continuous infusions were employed.ConclusionsProlonged and continuous infusion dosing strategies improved the likelihood of obtaining bactericidal targets for these β‐lactams in a simulated pediatric population. Based on these data, pediatric studies employing these strategies are warranted. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:379–385. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adverse drug reactions in medical intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Joshua Lisha , Devi Padmini , Guido Shoba 
Published: May 2009

AbstractPurposePatients in the intensive care unit (ICU) have multiorgan dysfunction as well as altered pharmacokinetic parameters. Hence they are susceptible to adverse drug reactions (ADRs). The objective of the study is to assess the characteristics of ADRs among inpatients in the medical ICU and to compare the same with patients who have not experienced ADRs.MethodsProspective, observational study for a period of 1 year in medical ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Relevant data of patients with ADRS were analysed. Characteristics of patients with and without ADRs were compared.ResultsOf 728 patients admitted in medical ICU, 222 (28.4%) had ADRs. Multiple ADRs (38.7%) implicated by the same drug and serious ADRs (37%) were noticed. Renal/electrolyte system (21%) was most commonly involved. Clinical spectrum included acute renal failure (ARF, 11.4%), hepatic injuries (5.4%), haematological dysfunction (4.2%), seizures (3.3%), upper gastrointestinal bleed (3.3%) and cutaneous ADRs (3.3%). Antimicrobials (27%) were the commonly implicated drug class. The most commonly implicated drug was furosemide (6.8%). Infrequently reported ADRs included azithromycin‐induced erythema multiforme, leflunamide‐induced erythema multiforme and vasculitis, ceftazidime‐induced seizures and ceftriaxone‐induced hepatitis. Co‐morbidity, polypharmacy and duration of stay were significantly higher in patients with ADRs compared to those who have not experienced ADRs. Three patients died.ConclusionHigh incidence of serious and multiple ADRs noticed. A wide clinical spectrum of ADRs and infrequently reported ADRs to newer drugs were also observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics of SNAr reactions of 1‐phenoxy‐nitrobenzenes with aliphatic amines in toluene: ring substituent and solvent effects on reaction pathways
Authors: Isanbor Chukwuemeka , Babatunde Alice Ibitola 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRate constants are reported for the reactions of a series of 4‐substituted‐1‐phenoxy‐2,6‐dinitrobenzenes 1 and 6‐substituted‐1‐phenoxy‐2,4‐dinitrobenzenes 2 activated by CF3, COOCH3, CN, NO2 groups or by ring‐nitrogen with n‐butylamine, pyrrolidine or piperidine in toluene. The results are compared with those reported previously for reactions of the same substrates and nucleophiles in acetonitrile [Crampton et al., Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2006, 1222–1230]. Plots of the overall second‐order rate constant, kA versus [Am] for the reactions with n‐butylamine and pyrrolidine followed a similar kinetic pattern to that obtained for the same reactions in acetonitrile whereas for reactions with piperidine, an upward (convex) curvature is observed, an indication that a small third order term in amine may be present. Overall reactivity is lower in toluene than in acetonitrile. Mechanisms for the overall substitution process have been rationalised in terms of the proton transfer mechanism and cyclic transition mechanism, for reactions involving third‐order kinetics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Consistent Simulations of Plasma and Gas Dynamics in Microplasmas with Metallic and Dielectric Electrodes
Authors: Jugroot Manish 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe present paper discusses a self‐consistent model of plasma and gas dynamics for atmospheric microcavities in helium. A self‐consistent and time‐dependant model is described and applied with emphasis on terms involved in the close coupling among charged species, neutral species and the electric field, including space charge. The microplasmas are studied from an initial cloud until the stages of charged particle over‐amplification and breakdown in small‐spaces, where transients are particularly important. Both metallic and dielectric electrodes are compared in terms of spatial and temporal evolution of the plasma and gas dynamics. Gas heating, neutral depletion initiation and electric field reversal are observed, highlighting the close interaction between neutral gas and charged species in governing the evolution of the microplasma.magnified image
Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Nitride Layer Formed by Duplex Coating of Barrel Nitriding and Plasma Nitriding
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Okumiya Masahiro , Ichiki Ryuta , Khalifa Waleed , Tekmen Cagri , Tsunekawa Yoshiki , Hara Tamio , Tanaka Kazushi 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAluminum nitride layers on aluminum are formed by the barrel nitriding in nitrogen gas, and duplex coatings are performed with the plasma nitriding in nitrogen and argon gas after the barrel nitriding. Aluminum nitride films with high thickness, high surface hardness, and good adhesion can be obtained on aluminum surfaces by using the above process. Hardness and Young's modulus of the AlN formed by the barrel nitriding is estimated by means of the rules of mixture. The microstructure of the AlN is proved to be composed of Al and AlN. It is suggested that the AlN formed by the barrel nitriding can play a role as the adhesion improvement of the AlN formed by the plasma nitriding. Furthermore, a microindentation test, which can obtain indentation load–penetration displacement curves, is performed in order to investigate the film fracture of the AlN.
Selective Surface Modification of Polypropylene using Underwater Plasma Technique or Underwater Capillary Discharge
Authors: Joshi Ranjit , Schulze Rolf‐Dieter , Meyer‐Plath Asmus , Wagner Manfred H. , Friedrich Jörg F. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAmong new types of plasma processes, the underwater plasma is one of the most attractive methods for functionalization of polymer surfaces. The interesting features of plasma solution system are that the material surfaces to be modified remain in contact with the plasma‐moderated solution. The role of plasma‐moderated liquids, allows the reach of the reactive species through solution onto the geometrically hindered sites. The UV radiation produced in plasma formation helps in generating additional excited, ionized, and dissociated molecules and species in the reaction solution. An interesting feature of the technique is its flexibility to use a wide variety of additives as or in solution system. This allows us to create a selective or monotype functionalization of material surfaces. Such system was studied for the selective hydroxyl functionalization of polypropylene surface. The oxidation of polymer surfaces and the introduction of O‐containing functional groups by underwater plasma was found to exceed concentrations typically achieved in oxygen low‐pressure gas discharge plasmas up‐to two‐folds (maximal 56 O/100 C). The fraction of OH groups among all O‐containing moieties amounts from 25 to 40% in comparison to that in the gas plasma of about 10% OH groups. Addition of hydrogen peroxide into this same system increases the fraction of CO bonds up to 75% (27‐OH/100 O). A study was focused to optimize the role of hydrogen peroxide on the efficiency of oxidation and selectivity with chemical derivatization with respect to the formation of mono‐sort hydroxyl functionalities, calculated using a chemical derivatization technique.
Comparison of Magnetron Deposited N‐Alloyed Stainless Steel Coatings and Low Temperature Plasma Nitrided Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Grigore Eduard , Ruset Cristian , Li Xiao , Dong Hanshan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a comparative scientific research concerning the properties of the S‐phase produced by plasma nitriding treatment and nitrogen alloyed austenitic stainless steel coatings deposited by a magnetron sputtering method assisted by a high voltage pulse discharge. The characteristics of the coatings (chemical composition, structure, and morphology) were evaluated by GDOES, XRD, and SEM investigations. Depending on the deposition parameters, the nitrogen content within the coating raised up to 31.5 at.‐%. At the same time, an increase in microhardness up to 1400 HV 0.1 was noticed. The corrosion tests were performed in Ringer's solution and the results were comparatively analyzed with plasma nitrided austenitic stainless steel samples considered as reference.
Ion Energy Distributions in Magnetron Sputtering of Zinc Aluminium Oxide
Authors: Welzel Thomas , Kleinhempel Ronny , Dunger Thoralf , Richter Frank 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIon energy distributions have been measured with an energy‐dispersive mass spectrometer during magnetron sputtering of Al doped ZnO. A d.c. and a pulsed d.c. discharge have been investigated. Different positive ions from the target material have been observed with low energies in d.c. and a second energy peak of about 30 eV in pulsed d.c. with only weak additional energy due to the sputter process. Negative ions are mainly O− with energies corresponding to the target voltage of several 100 eV. They originate from the target and barely from the (O2) gas and hit the substrate opposite the race track. In pulsed d.c., due to the varying target voltage, energies of up to 500 eV have been observed. With increasing pressure, negative ions at the substrate are reduced exponentially in their density but not in their energy.
Arc Ion Plating Process Monitoring by Optical Emission Spectroscopy Exemplified for Chromium Containing Coatings
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Bagcivan Nazlim , Immich Philipp , Theiß Sebastian 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe coating process stability is one of the key features for a constant performance of coated tools. Common parameters monitored during the coating deposition in conventional AIP PVD processes are cathode voltage and current, deposition pressure, substrate temperature, and gas flow. However, these external recorded parameters do not reveal the plasma composition and its influence on the coating properties. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) measurements were carried out to close this gap. The OES values measured during the deposition of (Cr,Al)N and (Cr,Al)ON were correlated with their thin film composition and mechanical properties. Film properties were determined by nanoindentation, adhesion test, calo test, and EDS. The experiments have shown a strong correlation between partial pressure, ionization of nitrogen atoms, and film properties.
Continuous Plasma Treatment of Ultra‐High‐Molecular‐Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Fibres for Adhesion Improvement
Authors: Teodoru Steluta , Kusano Yukihiro , Rozlosnik Noemi , Michelsen Poul K. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractA dielectric barrier discharge in Ar, He, He/O2, N2 or O2 at atmospheric pressure was used for the continuous plasma treatment of UHMWPE fibres. The influence of the input power of the discharge and the gas flow rate on surface modification is studied with the aim of adhesion improvement. Surface characterization using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy shows a significant increase in polar functional groups and roughness at the surfaces after plasma treatment, indicating that adhesive properties can be improved.
Silicon Oxide Permeation Barrier Coating and Plasma Sterilization of PET Bottles and Foils
Authors: Deilmann Michael , Halfmann Helmut , Steves Simon , Bibinov Nikita , Awakowicz Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe results of silicon oxide permeation barrier coating and plasma sterilization are shown using a low‐pressure microwave plasma reactor system based on a Plasmaline antenna developed for the treatment of polyethylene terephthalate bottles and foils. The influence of the coating composition on the barrier properties is analyzed and a good correlation is found. The optimized barrier coatings are analyzed regarding coating defects, which are visualized by means of capacitively coupled oxygen plasma etching of the coated substrates. The capabilities of plasma sterilization are exemplarily demonstrated for spores of Bacillus atrophaeus allowing for a spore reduction according to today's regulations for aseptic food packaging.