bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal burn‐in procedure for periodically inspected systems
Authors: Cha Ji Hwan , Mi Jie 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBurn‐in is a widely used method to improve the quality of products or systems after they have been produced. In this paper, we study burn‐in procedure for a system that is maintained under periodic inspection and perfect repair policy. Assuming that the underlying lifetime distribution of a system has an initially decreasing and/or eventually increasing failure rate function, we derive upper and lower bounds for the optimal burn‐in time, which maximizes the system availability. Furthermore, adopting an age replacement policy, we derive upper and lower bounds for the optimal age parameter of the replacement policy for each fixed burn‐in time and a uniform upper bound for the optimal burn‐in time given the age replacement policy. These results can be used to reduce the numerical work for determining both optimal burn‐in time and optimal replacement policy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
On Frobenius normwise condition numbers for Moore–Penrose inverse and linear least‐squares problems
Authors: Diao Huaian , Wei Yimin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractCondition numbers play an important role in numerical analysis. Classical condition numbers are normwise: they measure the size of both input perturbations and output errors using norms. In this paper, we give explicit, computable expressions depending on the data, for the normwise condition numbers for the computation of the Moore–Penrose inverse as well as for the solutions of linear least‐squares problems with full‐column rank. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A priori error analysis of the mortar finite element method for variational inequalities
Authors: Jiang Bin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe mortar finite element method is a special domain decomposition method, which can handle the situation where meshes on different subdomains need not align across the interface. In this article, we will apply the mortar element method to general variational inequalities of free boundary type, such as free seepage flow, which may show different behaviors in different regions. We prove that if the solution of the original variational inequality belongs to H2(D), then the mortar element solution can achieve the same order error estimate as the conforming P1 finite element solution. Application of the mortar element method to a free surface seepage problem and an obstacle problem verifies not only its convergence property but also its great computational efficiency. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Zielstrukturen für Antiepileptika: Molekulare Neurobiologie der Epilepsie
Authors: Böhme Ingo , Lüddens Hartmut 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDank der Entwicklungen auf den Gebieten der Molekularbiologe und der Elektrophysiologie in den letzten Jahrzehnten verstehen wir viele Details der neuronalen Reizleitung und ‐verarbeitung. Damit verbunden ist unser Wissen über die Wirkmechanismen der Antiepileptika angestiegen, insbesondere seit wir ihre Zielmoleküle isoliert in Zellkultur untersuchen und in Mausmodellen genetisch manipulieren können. Mehrere neuronale Rezeptoren, Kanäle und Enzyme, die bislang pharmazeutisch wenig beachtet wurden, stellen potentielle Ziele für neuartige Substanzen dar, die insbesondere für bisher therapierefraktäre Epilepsien bedeutsam sein könnten.
Antiepileptika – Wirkprinzipien und strukturelle Parameter. Wissenswertes zur Pharmakokinetik und Pharmakodynamik
Authors: Dannhardt Gerd , Kiefer Werner 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBereits im ältesten bekannten Schrifttext der Menschheit, dem Gesetzeskodex von Hammurabi (1728 bis 1686 v. Chr.), wurde die Epilepsie erwähnt. In der Antike als “Heilige Krankheit” charakterisiert ist die Epilepsie die häufigste chronisch neurologische Erkrankung des zentralen Nervensystems. Nach aktuellen Schätzungen leiden etwa 0,4 bis 1 % der Bevölkerung an epileptischen Erkrankungen, wobei ein Drittel der Betroffenen meist jünger ist als 16 Jahre.
Klinisches Management unterschiedlicher Epilepsiesyndrome. Auf dem Weg zum “Breitbandantiepileptikum”?
Authors: Steinhoff Bernhard J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDie antiepileptische Pharmakotherapie ist nach wie vor der Goldstandard der Epilepsiebehandlung. Die Auswahl des richtigen Antiepileptikums richtet sich entscheidend nach dem individuellen Epilepsiesyndrom. Fehler bei diesem essentiellen Therapieschritt sind zu vermeiden, wenn man Medikamente wählt, die weitgehend syndromunabhängig antiepileptisch wirksam sind. Der Trend geht zu solchen Antiepileptika. Um zusätzlichen Komorbiditäten Rechnung zu tragen, ist zusätzlich wünschenswert und durchaus auch Trend der Arzneimittelentwicklung, Medikamente zur Verfügung zu stellen, die über Epilepsien hinaus zum Beispiel auf psychiatrischem Gebiet nutzbringend eingesetzt werden können, um unübersichtliche Kombinationstherapien möglichst zu umgehen.
Pharmazeutische Betreuung von Epilepsie‐Patienten: Betreuung im ambulanten und stationären Sektor
Authors: Ganso Matthias , Krämer Irene 
Published: June 2007

AbstractEpileptiker müssen gut auf ihr Medikament eingestellt sein – allerdings erfolgt häufig nach einer medikamentösen Ersteinstellung eine Umstellung auf ein anderes Antiepileptikum. Leider wird hier nur in den seltensten Fällen auch ein Apotheker zu Rate gezogen.
Blut – ein ganz besonderer Saft
Authors: Dingermann Theo , Zündorf Ilse 
Published: June 2007

AbstractImmer wieder und vor allem in den Sommermonaten wirbt das Rote Kreuz mit großen Plakaten um Blutspender. Besonders beliebt sind Spenden der Blutgruppe 0 – als so genanntes Universalblut. Nun hat eine Arbeitsgruppe enzymatisch bearbeitetes Blut vorgestellt, das ebenfalls universell eingesetzt werden kann.
Mistaken beliefs about withholding thrombolysis for patients with diabetes mellitus and an acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Martineau M , Campbell R , Williamson P , Shotliff K 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe benefits of thrombolysis in people with diabetes and an acute myocardial infarction are well grounded. Life saving treatment may be inappropriately withheld due to concerns regarding retinal haemorrhage and subsequent visual impairment. We believe that all patients with an acute anterior myocardial infarction and diabetes should be considered for thrombolysis, irrespective of their retinal appearance. We therefore audited our junior doctors to assess their views on thrombolytic treatment in patients with differing degrees of diabetic eye disease.The participating doctors were provided with the case of a man with long‐standing type 2 diabetes and an acute anterior myocardial infarction, along with five unlabelled retinal photographs including a normal eye, background diabetic retinopathy, pre‐proliferative retinopathy, proliferative retinopathy, and maculopathy. The doctors were then asked if the patient should or should not receive thrombolysis.One quarter of the doctors surveyed would not give thrombolysis in the presence of a normal retina or background disease. A quarter would not give thrombolysis with maculopathy and two thirds would not treat in the presence of pre‐proliferative retinopathy. Over two thirds would not treat those with proliferative disease.Although more senior doctors were more likely to give thrombolysis in the presence of increasing diabetic eye disease than their juniors colleagues, these results suggest that some patients may not receive appropriate potentially life saving therapy. Better education of junior doctors to avoid this oversight is therefore necessary. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Agenda for Change and NHS reconfiguration
Authors: James J , Gosden C , Holt RIG 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe impact of Agenda for Change, NHS reconfiguration and financial restraints on diabetes health care professionals and specialist services is unknown. There has been considerable concern, however, that these initiatives have resulted in significant reductions in specialist diabetes services. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the recent NHS changes.Paper questionnaires were sent to 484 diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) who were asked to complete the survey on behalf of their local multidisciplinary team and to 500 people with diabetes (user representatives [URs]).In all, 162 (33%) of the DSN questionnaires and 77 (15%) of the UR questionnaires were returned. Forty‐three percent of DSN respondents indicated that posts had been frozen, while 26% reported unfilled posts following maternity leave or retirement. Nine percent and 32% described redundancies and downgraded posts respectively. DSNs and paediatric DSNs were the staff groups most affected by budget cuts. Forty‐five percent identified reduced access to professional development and 40% reported denied requests for study leave. The impact on people with diabetes was significant, with 55% of DSN responders highlighting reductions in patient contact time and increased delays in patients' access to DSNs and consultants. Thirty‐four percent reported that specific diabetes services had been cut. Fifty percent of DSNs reported reductions in home‐based care and 49% reported decreases in patient education provision. These results were mirrored by the user representative survey.These findings indicate a major adverse effect of Agenda for Change and NHS reforms on the provision of diabetes specialist services and access to continuing professional development. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Making the case for insulin pump therapy
Authors: Ulahannan T , Myint NN , Lonnen KF 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIt is assumed in economic models that insulin pump therapy produces long‐term reductions in complications which offset the short‐term costs. It is not always apparent that there may also be short‐term resource benefits of relevance to a local health community. We retrospectively observed patients' use of primary and secondary care health services before and after initiation of insulin pump therapy in our locality.Data on emergency admissions, outpatient appointments, HbA1c, lipids, weight and blood pressure were collected on 34 patients, up to five years before and five years after insulin pump therapy was commenced. Data regarding primary care contacts were also available for 17 patients for a period of two years before and after initiation of pump therapy.Significant reductions in consultant hospital diabetes outpatient visits (0.20 vs 0.11 appointments per month, p<0.001), reductions in hospital admissions (0.03 vs 0 admissions per month, p<0.002), and similar reductions in total primary care contacts, following initiation of pump therapy were demonstrated. We estimated that these reductions in service use for 100 pump patients equate to £22 684– £38 181 per year at current NHS tariffs. Clinical measures of HbA1c (8.84 vs 7.62%, p<0.001) and total cholesterol (5.12 vs 4.45mmol/L, p<0.001) also showed improvement after insulin pump therapy.By showing benefits on health service utilisation in the short term, to both primary and secondary care, we have strengthened the local case for supporting insulin pump therapy in our service. The calculation of total annual saving per 100 patients treated is an easily understood representation of cost savings which can be set against treatment costs.The methods used could be of value to other diabetes departments considering starting a pump service or wishing to evaluate their current provision. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Development of a national Scottish diabetic ketoacidosis protocol
Authors: Mcgeoch SC , Hutcheon SD , Vaughan SM , John K , O'Neill NP , Pearson DWM , Macrury SM 
Published: June 2007

AbstractDiabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a common diabetic emergency often managed by general physicians. However, in contrast to its management in children, there was no national guideline/protocol for adults until the recent national protocol was issued for use throughout Scotland. This national protocol was developed from the audit activity described in this article.A prospective audit of the management of DKA and local protocol adherence was carried out at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness (April 2000 to March 2001). This showed deficiencies in the management of DKA with delay in intravenous fluid and insulin administration, and laboratory monitoring being undertaken less frequently than recommended by local guidelines.In addition, 14 DKA management protocols from 17 Scottish trusts were reviewed. The rate and volume of fluid replacement varied slightly between the trusts. There was general agreement within protocols on laboratory monitoring, potassium replacement, insulin administration and bicarbonate usage.The audit showed that there was scope for improvement in the management of DKA and that there were sufficient similarities in protocols used throughout Scotland to allow collaboration on a national protocol. It is anticipated that this will serve to enhance the profile of guidelines and facilitate standardisation and therefore improvement in patient care. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Graphitic nanofillers in PMMA nanocomposites—An investigation of particle size and dispersion and their influence on nanocomposite properties
Authors: Ramanathan T. , Stankovich S. , Dikin D. A. , Liu H. , Shen H. , Nguyen S. T. , Brinson L. C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of graphite/PMMA composites have been evaluated as functions of particle size and dispersion of the graphitic nanofiller components via the use of three different graphitic nanofillers: “as received graphite” (ARG), “expanded graphite,” (EG) and “graphite nanoplatelets” (GNPs) EG, a graphitic materials with much lower density than ARG, was prepared from ARG flakes via an acid intercalation and thermal expansion. Subsequent sonication of EG in a liquid yielded GNPs as thin stacks of graphitic platelets with thicknesses of ∼10 nm. Solution‐based processing was used to prepare PMMA composites with these three fillers. Dynamic mechanical analysis, thermal analysis, and electrical impedance measurements were carried out on the resulting composites, demonstrating that reduced particle size, high surface area, and increased surface roughness can significantly alter the graphite/polymer interface and enhance the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the polymer matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2097–2112, 2007
Solubility and diffusivity of methylmethacrylate and butylacrylate monomers in a MMA–BA copolymer
Authors: Yurekli Yilmaz , Altinkaya Sacide Alsoy , Zielinski John M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMutual diffusion coefficients and sorption isotherms of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) monomers in methyl methacrylate‐butyl acrylate copolymer (MMA‐BA) have been measured by gravimetric sorption. MMA is found to have higher solubility and diffusion rates in the copolymer than BA. Sorption data for MMA were interpreted using classical Flory‐Huggins thermodynamic theory with a constant interaction parameter (χ). A modified version of this theory has been applied to correlate the sorption data of BA, which exhibit a temperature and concentration‐dependent χ parameter. For MMA, the isotherm data reveal enhanced polymer‐solvent interactions with increasing temperature, while for BA the data indicate a drive toward phase separation with increasing temperature. Despite the difference in thermodynamic behavior, both monomers are found to exhibit Fickian diffusion and the diffusivity data are correlated reasonably well with the Vrentas‐Duda free volume theory. Some deviation between the free‐volume correlation and the experimental data is observed at the lowest temperature and BA concentration examined. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1996–2006, 2007
Surface plasmon resonance as a tool for the estimation of adsorbed polymeric layer characteristics: Theoretical considerations and experiment
Authors: Koutsioubas Alexandros G. , Spiliopoulos Nikolaos , Anastassopoulos Dimitrios L. , Vradis Alexandros A. , Priftis George D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe potential application of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) spectroscopy in evaluating the thickness and volume fraction of adsorbed macromolecular layers is discussed in this work. The sensitivity of SPR spectroscopy to different layer concentration and to the layer extension normal to the surface (thickness) is theoretically illustrated. A new approach for the interpretation of SPR data is presented, which is applicable whenever the functional form of the density profile is known. The use of the proposed procedure for the fitting of experimental results from PS‐PEO brush self‐assembly on alumina surface has allowed the determination of the layer parameters, which have been found to be in accordance with theoretical mean‐field and scaling predictions, being also in good agreement with previous results from neutron reflectivity experiments. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the dependence of the brush layer thicknessdon the molecular weightMwobeys the scaling lawd∼Mw0.63. Since surface plasmon measurements can be acquired quite fast, it is suggested that under the present analysis scheme, the technique may be implemented to probe the average conformational properties of adsorbed macromolecular layers during their formation or under external stimuli. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2060–2070, 2007
Increasing oncologists' skills in eliciting and responding to emotional cues: evaluation of a communication skills training program
Authors: Butow Phyllis , Cockburn Jill , Girgis Afaf. , Bowman Deborah , Schofield Penelope , D'Este Catherine , Stojanovski Elizabeth , Tattersall Martin H. N. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPurpose: Psychological morbidity in cancer patients is common, but often undetected and untreated. We developed a communication skills training (CST) program targeting this issue, and evaluated its impact on doctor behaviour.Patients and Methods: Thirty of 35 oncologists from six teaching hospitals in six Australian cities, participated. The CST was a 1.5‐day intensive face‐to‐face workshop incorporating presentation of principles, a DVD modelling ideal behaviour and role‐play practice, followed by four 1.5 h monthly video‐conferences incorporating role‐play of doctor‐generated scenarios. Doctors were randomized to receive the CST or not. Simulated patient interviews were videotaped and coded at baseline, after CST and 6 months later. Doctors completed questionnaires assessing stress and burnout at the same time points.Results: Doctors in the intervention group displayed more creating environment and fewer blocking behaviours at both follow‐ups; however, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Intervention doctors valued the training highly, but did not report substantial reductions in stress and burnout.Conclusions: This short training programme demonstrated a positive effect on aspects of doctor behaviour. Video‐conferencing after a short training course may be an effective strategy for delivering CST. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘It's going to shorten your life’: framing of oncologist–patient communication about prognosis
Authors: Rodriguez Keri L. , Gambino Frank J. , Butow Phyllis N. , Hagerty Rebecca G. , Arnold Robert M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this qualitative study, we used grounded theory techniques to analyze transcripts of 29 first‐time encounters between oncologists and patients referred to them with previously diagnosed, incurable cancer. We found that 23 (79%) of the transcripts included 166 examples of prognostic talk. The language used ranged from general to personal, with 25% of statements mentioning no patients (e.g., ‘the tumor will usually come back’), 13% mentioning patients other than the current patient (e.g., ‘some patients with tumor response will be around for 2–5 years’), 11% mentioning the current patient in the context of others (e.g., ‘on average, people like you live a couple of years’), and 51% directly focusing on the patient (e.g., ‘this thing's going to kill you eventually’). More statements pertained to treatment‐related prognosis than to disease‐related prognosis (67 versus 33%). While 31% of statements focused on negative outcomes (loss framing), the remainder either focused on positive outcomes (gain framing) or discussed a combination of positive and negative outcomes (mixed framing). When discussions focused on negative outcomes, general and indirect language was commonly used, perhaps to buffer the patient from news of the poor prognosis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical processes in the atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of benzene
Authors: Franceschi Pietro , Guella Graziano , Scarduelli Giorgina , Tosi Paolo , Dilecce Giorgio , De Benedictis Santolo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we present the first multi‐diagnostic investigation of the chemical processes occurring in nitrogen–benzene plasmas at atmospheric pressure. Plasma treatment results in extended deposit formation on the reactor surfaces. In our experiment, the composition of the deposit has been investigated by several well established analytical techniques (NMR, FT‐IR, and GC‐MS). The most abundant molecule synthesized in the plasma turns out to be biphenyl, while the polymeric, tholin‐like, fraction of the deposit show the presence of CN, NH and NH2 functions. To get further insights on the characteristics of the discharge, optical emission spectra have also been recorded and studied.magnified image
Lead optimization and insecticidal activity of analogues of daphneolone isolated from Stellera chamaejasme L.
Authors: Chen Lin , Wang Xinliang , Lu Tao , Hou Taiping 
Published: June 2007

AbstractStarting from the chemical structure of the botanical aphicides 1,5‐diphenyl‐1‐pentanone and 1,5‐diphenyl‐2‐penten‐1‐one, extracted from Stellera chamaejasme L., the authors designed and synthesized a series of novel compounds following the concept of bioisosterism. Their structures were established on the basis of 1H NMR and GC‐MS spectra, and the insecticidal activities of the compounds were evaluated against Aphis gossypii Glover. The results demonstrated that the substitution of a heterocycle for the phenyl ring was favourable. Thus, further modification of compound 2n, containing a furan ring, which showed excellent activity (LC50 = 0.85 g L−1), is of some promise. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Novel life stage targets against plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), in apple integrated pest management
Authors: Wise John C , Kim Ki , Hoffmann Eric J , Vandervoort Christine , Gökçe Ayhan , Whalon Mark E 
Published: June 2007

AbstractIn this study the authors employed the plant‐insect‐chemistry (PIC) triad to investigate two novel life stage targets against the plum curculio (PC), Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), in apple integrated pest management (IPM). Laboratory treated apple bioassays were used to determine if the insect growth regulator (IGR) insecticides novaluron and tebufenozide have physiological effects on PC larvae following adult exposure. Curative activity bioassays were conducted for IGR, neonicotinoid, oxidiazine and organophosphate insecticides on PC larvae post‐infestation, and fruit penetration profiles of insecticides were developed. The results revealed that novaluron exhibits activity on PC larvae via vertical transmission following exposure of mated females to treated substrate. Surface treatments of azinphos‐methyl, thiacloprid and thiamethoxam to preinfested fruit resulted in significant reductions in larval emergence. For all compounds, 50% or more of the total recovered active ingredient was from apple skin, and for azinphos‐methyl, indoxacarb and thiamethoxam it was greater than 80%. For azinphos‐methyl, novaluron, methoxyfenozide and thiacloprid, however, active ingredient was recovered from every section of the apple, from skin to core. Implications for twenty‐first century IPM are discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry