bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On‐line parameter estimation for a partially observable system subject to random failure
Authors: Lin Daming , Makis Viliam 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn this paper, we study the on‐line parameter estimation problem for a partially observable system subject to deterioration and random failure. The state of the system evolves according to a continuous time homogeneous Markov process with a finite state space. The system state is not observable, except for the failure state. The information related to the system state is available at discrete times through inspections. A recursive maximum likelihood (RML) algorithm is proposed for the on‐line parameter estimation of the model. The RML algorithm proposed in the paper is considerably faster and easier to apply than other RML algorithms in the literature, because it does not require projection into the constraint domain and calculation of the gradient on the surface of the constraint manifolds. The algorithm is illustrated by an example using real vibration data. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2006
Late effects risk profiles using the long‐term follow‐up guidelines in Identical Twin Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia1
Authors: Howell Della L. , Lew Glen , Comeaux Laura G. , Meacham Lillian R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAs the number of pediatric cancer survivors increases, the cost of cure (i.e., late effects) needs to be measured through a consistent mechanism. Through the use of the Children's Oncology Group's (COG) Long‐Term Follow‐Up (LTFU) guidelines, individualized risk profiles can be discerned for each off‐therapy patient. These guidelines were used to compare and contrast risk profiles for identical twin females treated for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The first twin was treated for high‐risk leukemia and the second for standard‐risk leukemia, each with different ALL protocols. Timely use of the LTFU guidelines has aided in identifying and treating their adverse late effects. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;49:349–352. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ceftriaxone induced hemolysis complicated by acute renal failure
Authors: Kapur Gaurav , Valentini Rudolph P. , Mattoo Tej K. , Warrier Indira , Imam Abubakr A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractOver the last decade, second and third generation cephalosporins have been the most common drugs causing hemolytic anemia (HA). Of these cases, 20% have been attributed to ceftriaxone. The clinical presentation of ceftriaxone‐induced HA is usually abrupt with sudden onset of pallor, tachypnea, cardio‐respiratory arrest and shock. Acute renal failure (ARF) has been reported in 41% of such cases with a high fatality rate. We report a pediatric patient with ARF complicating ceftriaxone‐induced HA who survived. Ceftriaxone is a commonly used drug, and early recognition of HA and institution of supportive care, including dialysis is likely to improve the outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:139–142. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QCT versus DXA in 320 survivors of childhood cancer: Association of BMD with fracture history
Authors: Kaste Sue C. , Tong Xin , Hendrick Jennifer M. , Karimova Evguenia J. , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Tylavsky Frances A. , Snider Terry L. , Carbone Laura D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPurposeTo assess agreement on diagnosis of diminished bone mineral density (BMD) and correlation between BMD values obtained by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in childhood cancer survivors.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed lumbar spine QCT and DXA studies for BMD in patients who underwent both imaging studies within a 24‐hr period. We determined correlation between BMD values and agreement on diagnosis of diminished BMD obtained by both modalities. Diminished BMD was defined as two or more SDs below mean for age‐ and gender‐matched reference values. We evaluated the relationship of BMD values determined by each modality to self‐reported fracture history in the 160 (50%) patients with available reports.ResultsOf 320 patients, 56% (178) were male; 87% (277) were white. Median age was 16.4 (range, 5.1–36.0) years. Median BMD Z‐score was −1.43 (range, −5.96 to 3.20) by QCT and −1.30 (range, −5.50 to 2.80) by DXA. Correlation between QCT‐ and DXA‐determined BMD values was significant but low, and agreement on diminished BMD was fair (κ = 0.32). There was no association between BMD measured by either QCT or DXA and self‐reported traumatic fracture history. Male gender was associated with doubling the traumatic fracture risk (P = 0.0499).ConclusionsQuantitative computed tomography and DXA may give discrepant results when used to assess bone health in childhood cancer survivors, especially in those of non‐white race. This inconsistency in indicators of BMD deficiency may complicate clinical decision‐making. Consecutive use of a single modality is recommended to provide reliable longitudinal information. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interview of patients by pharmacists contributes significantly to the identification of drug‐related problems (DRPs)
Authors: Viktil Kirsten K. , Blix Hege Salvesen , Moger Tron A , Reikvam Aasmund 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPurposeTo investigate whether pharmacist interviews of hospitalised patients about their medication would result in identification of more drug‐related problems (DRPs) than those found by usual care procedures and further to characterise the DRPs revealed at the interviews.MethodsPatients from five internal medicine and two rheumatology departments in four hospitals in Norway were prospectively included in the study. Clinical pharmacists assessed DRPs by reviewing medical records and by participating in multidisciplinary team discussions. Drugs used, medical history, laboratory data and clinical/pharmacological risk factors were recorded (usual care procedure). A proportion of patients were randomly selected for interview with pharmacists. A quality team assessed the clinical significance of the DRPs.ResultsSeven hundred and twenty seven patients were included. Significantly more DRPs were found in the interview group (96 patients), an average of 4.4 DRPs per patient as compared to 2.4 DRPs in the non‐interview group (631 patients) (p < 0.01). Of a total of 431 DRPs recorded in the interview group, 168 DRPs (39.9%) were disclosed through interviews. ‘Need for additional drug’, ‘medical chart error’, ‘patient adherence’ and ‘need for patient education’ were significantly more often recorded in this group. The quality team assessed 63% of the DRPs revealed in the interviews to be of major clinical significance.ConclusionSignificantly more DRPs were identified among the patients who were interviewed compared to those patients having only usual care examination. A high proportion of the DRPs identified in the interviews were of major clinical significance. The clinical pharmacists, with their way of interviewing, seem to fill a gap, ensuring that significant DRPs do not escape detection. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of epoxy resin‐modified zinc‐ion‐coated nanosilica on structural, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of propylene‐ethylene copolymer
Authors: Reddy Chaganti Srinivasa , Das Chapal Kumar 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis paper reports a comparative study of propylene–ethylene copolymer (EP) nanocomposites synthesized using zinc‐ion (Zn2+)‐coated nanosilica (ZNS) and the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA, an epoxy resin)‐modified zinc‐ion‐coated nanosilica (EZNS) as nanofillers. These nanocomposites were prepared using the ‘melt mixing’ method at a constant loading level of 2.5 wt%. This loading level is much lower than that used for fillers in conventional composites. The EP nanocomposites were characterized using wide‐angle X‐ray diffractometer (WAXD), a thermo gravimetric analyzer (TGA), a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). DMA results showed a higher storage modulus for EP‐epoxy‐modified Zn2+‐coated nanosilica nanocomposite (EP‐EZNS) with respect to EP and EP‐Zn2+‐coated nanosilica nanocomposite (EP‐ZNS). In addition, TGA thermograms showed an increase in degradation temperature of EP in the presence of EZNS. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Dendrimers based on [1,3,5]‐triazines
Authors: Steffensen Mackay B. , Hollink Emily , Kuschel Frank , Bauer Monika , Simanek Eric E. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA comprehensive and chronological account of dendrimers based on [1,3,5]‐triazines is provided. Synthetic strategies to install the triazine through cycloaddition, cyclotrimerization, and nucleophilic aromatic substitution of cyanuric chloride are discussed. Motivations and applications of these architectures are surveyed, including the preparation of supramolecular assemblies in the solution and solid states and their use in medicines, advanced materials, and separations when anchored to solid supports. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3411–3433, 2006
Synthesis, characterization, and proton‐conducting properties of organic–inorganic hybrid membranes based on polysiloxane zwitterionomer
Authors: Liang Wuu‐Jyh , Wu Chien‐Pang , Hsu Chang‐Yu , Kuo Ping‐Lin 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of a series of zwitterionic hybrid membranes based on a zwitterionic siloxane precursor (ZS) are described. Flexible, transparent, optically homogeneous films were prepared. With the further incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the hybrid films became more flexible but translucent. The structure of the inorganic sides was probed with solid‐state 29Si NMR spectroscopy, and the organic sides and the chemical process involved were characterized with solid‐state 13C cross‐polarization/magic‐angle spinning NMR. A higher content of ZS led to higher proton conductivity of the hybrid electrolytes. Moreover, the proton conductivity was enhanced by the addition of the plasticizing component of PEG to the hybrid matrix; this was ascribed to the increased water uptake and free volume of the hybrid matrix and the dissociation of sulfonic acid groups. The proton conductivity of these hybrid membranes could be increased up to 3.5 × 10−2 S/cm by the temperature and relative humidity being increased to 85 °C and 95%, respectively. The proton‐conduction behavior of these hybrid membranes is also briefly discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3444–3453, 2006
Atom transfer radical polymerization directly from poly(vinylidene fluoride): Surface and antifouling properties
Authors: Chen Yiwang , Liu Dongmei , Deng Qilan , He Xiaohui , Wang Xiaofeng 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe direct preparation of grafting polymer brushes from commercial poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) films with surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is demonstrated. The direct initiation of the secondary fluorinated site of PVDF facilitated grafting of the hydrophilic monomers from the PVDF surface. Homopolymer brushes of 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and poly (ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate (PEGMA) were prepared by ATRP from the PVDF surface. The chemical composition and surface topography of the graft‐functionalized PVDF surfaces were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. A kinetic study revealed a linear increase in the graft concentration of poly[2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) and poly[poly(ethylene glycol) monomethacrylate] (PPEGMA) with the reaction time, indicating that the chain growth from the surface was consistent with a controlled or living process. The living chain ends were used as macroinitiators for the synthesis of diblock copolymer brushes. The water contact angles on PVDF films were reduced by the surface grafting of DMAEMA and PEGMA. Protein adsorption experiments revealed a substantial antifouling property of PPEGMA‐grafted PVDF films and PDMAEMA‐grafted PVDF films in comparison with the pristine PVDF surface. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3434–3443, 2006
A qualitative study of factors affecting chemotherapy use in older women with breast cancer: barriers, promoters, and implications for intervention
Authors: Kreling Barbara , Figueiredo Melissa I. , Sheppard Vanessa L. , Mandelblatt Jeanne S. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractStudy objective: The incidence of breast cancer increases with advancing age and yet women 65 and older (hereinafter referred to as ‘older’ women) do not always receive the most intensive treatments, such as adjuvant chemotherapy. The causes of underutilization of chemotherapy in this age group are poorly delineated. The purpose of the study was to explore older breast cancer patients' attitudes towards chemotherapy and factors that influenced their decisions to use or not use this treatment modality.Design: Qualitative methods were used to conduct race/ethnicity‐specific focus groups. A thematic analysis was performed using NVIVO.Setting and Participants: Drawn from the Washington, DC area, participants were 34 ethnically diverse older breast cancer survivors (18 Caucasians, 10 African‐Americans, and 6 Latinas). Focus groups were conducted in a local church; a senior center, and the Lombardi Cancer Center.Main Results: Results showed that many women felt they had no ‘choice’ and did what the doctor told them to do. For those who reported participation in the decision, time spent exchanging information with the woman's physician and the inclusion of family members promoted perceptions of optimum decision‐making leading to the use of chemotherapy. Two barriers to using chemotherapy were negative expectations about side effects and lack of information specific to the woman's individuals' circumstances. Women of color reported less physician communication and information, in part due to language difficulties and perceived bias; these factors acted as barriers to chemotherapy.Conclusion: Physicians could provide specific and limited information to patients and family members to promote realistic expectations and optimum decisions about chemotherapy, given the risks involved in this treatment modality. Interventions should be developed and tested to enhance communication that is sensitive to older women's culture, family structure, illness experiences, preferences, and expectations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appraisals and coping in people living with cancer: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Franks Heather M. , Roesch Scott C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe present meta‐analysis examined the relationship between primary appraisal dimensions and coping strategies in people with cancer. Primary appraisals were operationalized as appraisals of threat, challenge, and harm/loss. Coping was operationalized according to two coping taxonomies: the first based on coping efforts to manage the stressor itself and/or the distressful feelings associated with it (problem‐ or emotion‐focused coping, respectively) and the second based on the general orientation of the coping efforts (approach or avoidance coping). Appraisals of threat were (counter‐intuitively) related to use of problem‐focused coping (r=0.20); appraisals of harm and/or loss were related to avoidance coping (r=0.23); and appraisals of challenge were related to both problem‐focused (r=0.15) and approach coping (r=0.14). These findings suggest that individuals with cancer who appraise their illness as a threat are likely to use more problem‐focused coping strategies. Individuals who appraise their cancer as a harm/loss, however, are likely to use more avoidance coping strategies. And finally, those who appraise their cancer as a challenge are likely to use approach coping strategies. Factors found to moderate the relationship between appraisals and coping included age of the participant, time since diagnosis, and type of cancer. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metrafenone: studies on the mode of action of a novel cereal powdery mildew fungicide
Authors: Opalski Krystina S , Tresch Stefan , Kogel Karl‐Heinz , Grossmann Klaus , Köhle Harald , Hückelhoven Ralph 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPowdery mildew fungi are among the major pathogens causing diseases of cereals in the world. The mode of action of a novel systemic benzophenone fungicide, metrafenone, which is based on a precursor that is discussed in the preceding paper, has been analysed on the powdery mildew fungi of barley (Blumeria graminis Speer f. sp. hordei Marchal) and wheat (Blumeria graminis Speer f. sp. tritici Marchal). Preventive treatments reduced germination and blocked development beyond formation of appressoria, which penetrated less often. Moreover, metrafenone turned out to be an efficient curative fungicide, which rapidly affected fungal survival at low concentrations. The fungicide induced swelling, bursting and collapse of hyphal tips, resulting in the release of globules of cytoplasm. Bifurcation of hyphal tips, secondary appressoria and hyperbranching were also frequently observed. A histochemical analysis showed that metrafenone caused disruption of the apical actin cap and apical vesicle transport as well as weakening of the cell wall at hyphal tips. Finally, metrafenone strongly reduced sporulation. Reduced sporulation was associated with malformation of conidiophores that showed irregular septation, multinucleate cells and delocalisation of actin. Microtubules appeared to be only secondarily affected in metrafenone‐treated B. graminis. The results suggest that the mode of action of metrafenone interferes with hyphal morphogenesis, polarised hyphal growth and the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. Metrafenone likely disturbs a pathway regulating organisation of the actin cytoskeleton. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Persistence and efficacy of two diatomaceous earth formulations and a mixture of diatomaceous earth with natural pyrethrum against Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) on wheat and maize
Authors: Vayias Basileios J , Athanassiou Christos G , Kavallieratos Nickolas G , Tsesmeli Catherine D , Th Buchelos Constantin 
Published: April 2006

AbstractLaboratory tests were conducted to assess the insecticidal and residual effects of three diatomaceous earth (DE) formulations, Insecto®, PyriSec® and SilicoSec®, against Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val on wheat and maize. Quantities of wheat and maize were treated with the above formulations at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg kg−1 and stored at 25 °C and 55% relative humidity (RH). Samples were taken on the day of storage and every 30 days until completion of a 360 day period of storage. Adults of T. confusum were exposed to these samples at 25 °C and 55% RH and the mortality was measured after 24 and 48 h and 7 and 14 days of exposure. Adult mortality was higher on wheat than on maize. At the beginning of the storage period, mortalities after 14 day exposure on maize treated with the highest rate were 60, 63 and 81% for Insecto®, PyriSec® and SilicoSec® respectively, while on wheat the mortality was 100% for all DEs. On the same commodities 360 days after treatment the respective mortality figures for wheat were 99, 98 and 100%, while in the case of maize they did not exceed 7%. Generally, mortality at exposures ≤48 h decreased with increasing storage time. Furthermore, although mortality on wheat increased with dose, the increase in DE dose from 1000 to 1500 mg kg−1 resulted in only a small increase in mortality. Thus a DE treatment of 1000 mg kg−1 was shown to provide long‐term protection of wheat against T. confusum, although higher DE application rates and exposure intervals are needed for a satisfactory level of protection of maize against this pest. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
A study on the molecular mechanism of resistance to amicarthiazol in Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri
Authors: Li Jun , Zhou Mingguo , Li Hongxia , Chen Changjun , Wang Jianxing , Zhang Yujun 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThree amicarthiazol‐resistant mutants (Xuv10, Xuv20 and Xuv40) were obtained by UV induction and used in this study. Minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) of amicarthiazol against the growth of mutants and wild‐type isolate were 400 and 100 µg ml−1 respectively. Inhibition by amicarthiazol of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities of Xanthomonas campestris pv. citri (Hasse) Dye wild‐type isolate (Xcc) and three resistant mutants derived from this isolate were assayed using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). The SDH activities of these mutants were significantly lower than that of Xcc. The complete nucleotide sequences of four subunits (SdhA, SdhB, SdhC and SdhD) of succinate‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase (SQR) were cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. An amino acid mutation (His229→ Leu229) in sdhB was found to confer resistance of X. campestris pv. citri to amicarthiazol. It is suggested that this mutation alters the SDH complex in some way that prevents binding of amicarthiazol. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The effects of kaolin particle film on Plutella xylostella behaviour and development
Authors: Barker Jenny E , Fulton Alison , Evans K Andrew , Powell Glen 
Published: April 2006

AbstractStudies were conducted to evaluate the effect of a kaolin‐based particle film against the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). The effect of the particle film on development, survival and host plant selection was tested on calabrese seedlings, Brassica oleracea italica Plenck cv. Fiesta F1, under controlled environmental conditions in the laboratory. Survival to adulthood was significantly reduced and development time increased on kaolin‐treated compared with water‐treated host plants. The hatch rate of neonate P. xylostella larvae from eggs laid on an artificial substrate was unaffected by the particle film applied after oviposition. Experiments showed that, when given the choice, significantly fewer larvae first made contact with the kaolin‐treated compared with the water‐treated plant material and that after 24 h there were still significantly fewer larvae present on kaolin‐treated leaves. Adult females, however, deposited more eggs on host plants coated with the kaolin particle film. As part of this series of experiments the water control treatment was compared with plant material which had been sprayed with kaolin on the upper surface only and on both leaf surfaces. In general, any observed treatment effect was enhanced with an increase in the particle film coverage. The results warrant the extension of investigations of kaolin‐based particle films to field‐based P. xylostella management strategies. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Study on optical properties of La3Ga5SiO14 crystals by interferometry of polarized light
Authors: Qi Haifeng , Wei Aijian , Wang Qingpu , Yuan Duorong 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe birefringence and optical activity of La3Ga5SiO14 crystal were studied by interferometry of polarized light. The corresponding characteristic parameters were calculated from the transmittance spectra with different orientational configuration between parallel polarisers. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)