bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solid‐phase Extraction Coupled Simple On‐line Derivatization Gas Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Benzophenone‐type UV Filters in Aqueous Samples
Authors: Ho Yu‐Chih , Ding Wang‐Hsien
Published: January 2012

The rapid determination of three benzophenone‐type UV filters: 2‐hydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐benzophenone (BP‐3), 2,4‐dihydroxybenzophenone (BP‐1) and 2,2′‐dihydroxy‐4‐methoxy‐benzophenone (BP‐8), in aqueous samples is described. The method involved the extraction of an aqueous sample using an Oasis HLB solid‐phase extraction (SPE) cartridge, followed by on‐line derivatization gas chromatography ‐ tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) with a trimethylsilylating (TMS) reagent. This eco‐friendly, injection‐port derivatization method, is sensitive, rapid, and provides reproducible results for these hydroxylated benzophenones in aqueous samples. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) were determined to be 1.0 to 2.5 ng/L for samples in 100 mL of water. The precision for these analytes, as indicated by relative standard deviations (RSDs), proved to be less than 11% for both intra‐ and inter‐day analysis. Accuracy, expressed as the mean extraction yield, was between 80 and 106%. The method was then applied to some environmental water samples, river water and samples of effluents from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), having the potential to contain BP‐3 and BP‐1.
Heavy Metallic and Organometallic Ions Scavenging Using Silica‐Based Adsorbent Functionalized with Ligands Containing Sulfur and Nitrogen Elements
Authors: Yeh Jian‐De , Chen Shushi
Published: January 2012

A variety of silica‐based solid phases, whose surfaces are functionalized with ligands containing sulfur and nitrogen elements, are used as self‐supporting adsorbents for environmental remediation evaluation and potential separation application. Each adsorbent is tested for its ability to scavenge five metallic ions: Hg2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, and two organometallic ions: ethylmercury and phenylmercury, from independent homoionic solutions at both neutral and acidic pH values. The results indicate that the percentage of these ions scavenged by a given adsorbent varies, and is found to be highly related to the structural environment in the vicinity of the sulfur and nitrogen elements on the ligand. It is believed that the scavenging of metallic ions is a result of the complexation formation between the metallic ions and the ligands containing sulfur and nitrogen elements, and is not due to the irreversible association chemistry with the sulfur or nitrogen element itself. In the case of organometallic ions, a π‐π interaction is thought to be involved in the adsorption with ligands containing an aromatic moiety in addition to the aforementioned forces. The time needed to reach the maximum percent of adsorption decreases as the amount of adsorbent increases. The longer the adsorption time, the higher percent of ion is removed. Other factors, such as the temperature and the acidity in the liquid phase of the matrix affect the percentage of ions scavenged as well.
Self‐assembled Azobenzenethiol Monolayer on Electrode Surfaces: Effect of Photo‐switching on the Surface and Electrical Property
Authors: Wang Szu‐Ying , Huang Ding‐Chi , Tao Yu‐Tai
Published: January 2012

Azobenzenethiol molecules carrying different para‐substituents were used to form mixed monolayers with n‐alkanethiol molecules on Au and Ag surfaces. UV‐ and visible light irradiation of the surfaces resulted in reversible alternation of contact angle and characteristic infrared absorption peak intensities, as well as the work function of the metal surfaces. The alternations can be correlated with the cis‐trans isomerization of the azobenzene moieties at the surface. Electron transport from the metal electrode to a redox center in a contacting solution was measured and analyzed based on the change in the work function of the electrode as well as the monolayer film structure upon isomerization.
The Lawyer in the Dutch Interrogation Room: Influence on Police and Suspect
Authors: Verhoeven Willem‐Jan , Stevens Lonneke
Published: January 2012

In many European countries, providing a suspect in custody with legal aid before the first police interrogation is a heavily debated issue. In this paper, we report on an exploratory study on the use of coercion by the police and the use of the right to silence by suspects in 70 Dutch homicide cases and their relation to prior consultation and presence of a lawyer. Analysis of the data indicates that there is a relation between the presence of a lawyer in the interrogation room and the way in which police interrogators use coercion. To gain insight into whether the police use coercion and how this is achieved, we looked at the extent to which the interrogators make use of certain interrogation techniques and how the interrogation techniques are used to exert coercion. We found that legal advice from a lawyer before and during the interrogation corresponds with suspects more often using their right to silence. It also appears that the police are inclined to use ‘hard coercion’ when confronted with a silent suspect. The research thus raises the question as to whether the presence of a lawyer is an adequate way to prevent false confessions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Finding the right mix: How the composition of self‐managing multicultural teams' cultural value orientation influences performance over time
Authors: Cheng Chi‐Ying , Chua Roy Y. J. , Morris Michael W. , Lee Leonard
Published: January 2012

This research investigates a new type of team that is becoming prevalent in global work settings, namely self‐managing multicultural teams. We argue that challenges that arise from cultural diversity in teams are exacerbated when teams are leaderless, undermining performance. A longitudinal study of multicultural master of business administration study teams found that in the early stage of team formation, teams with a low average level of, but moderate degree of variance in, uncertainty avoidance performed best. Four months post formation, however, teams with a high average level of relationship orientation performed better than teams with a low average level of relationship orientation. Furthermore, a moderate degree of variance in relationship orientation among team members produced better team performance than a low or high degree of variance. These findings suggest that different cultural value orientations exert different patterns of effects on the performance of self‐managing multicultural teams, depending on the stage of team formation. We discuss implications for the composition of self‐managing multicultural teams and its influence on team processes and performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ionic liquid‐based single‐drop liquid‐phase microextraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the determination of sulfonamides in environmental water
Authors: Guo Xueping , Yin Daqiang , Peng Jingfeng , Hu Xialin
Published: January 2012

A simple, rapid and environment‐friendly technique of single‐drop liquid‐phase microextraction has been developed for the determination of sulfonamides in environmental water. Several important parameters including stirring rate, extraction solvent, extraction pH, salinity and extraction time were optimized to maximize the extract efficiency. Extraction solvent 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C8MIM][PF6] ionic liquid showed better extraction efficiency than 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [C4MIM][PF6] and 1‐octanol. The optimum experimental conditions were: pH, 4.5; sodium chloride content, 36% w/v; extraction time, 20 min. This method provided low detection limits (0.5–1 ng/mL), good repeatability (the RSD ranging from 4.2 to 9.9%, n=5) and wide linear range (1–1500 ng/mL), with determination coefficients (r2) higher than 0.9989 for all the target compounds. Real sample analysis showed relative recoveries between 63.5 and 115.8% for all the target compounds.
Determination of hyperoside and isoquercitrin in rat plasma by membrane‐protected micro‐solid‐phase extraction with high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Yin Xiao‐Ying , Luo Yong‐Ming , Fu Jian‐Jiang , Zhong You‐Quan , Liu Qing‐Shan
Published: January 2012

A novel method, micro‐solid‐phase extraction based on membrane‐protected molecularly imprinted polymer, was developed to extract hyperoside and isoquercitrin in rat plasma. Synthesized hyperoside MIPs were packed in a porous polyether sulfone membrane envelope to perform extraction. The parameters sorbent materials, membrane types, extraction time and desorption conditions were optimized for micro‐solid‐phase extraction. Under the optimal conditions, correlation coefficients, 0.998 and 0.999, were obtained for hyperoside and isoquercitrin, respectively, with the linear range between 1 and 120 μg/mL. The absolute extraction recoveries from 84.5 to 89.3% were found. The method detection limits of hyperoside and isoquercitrin were 0.24 and 0.22 μg/mL, respectively. Compared with traditional methods, solid‐phase extraction, liquid–liquid extraction and protein precipitation, the developed method was simple, highly efficient for extraction, environmentally friendly, and particularly suitable for complex biological samples.
Band broadening of DNA fragments isolated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Kaneta Takashi , Ogura Takehito , Yamato Shuhei , Imasaka Totaro
Published: January 2012

Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is used frequently for isolation and purification of DNA fragments. In the present study, DNA fragments extracted from polyacrylamide gels showed significant band broadening in capillary electrophoresis (CE). A pHY300PLK (a shuttle vector functioning in Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis) marker, which contained nine fragments ranging from 80 to 4870 bp, was separated by PAGE, and each fragment was isolated by phenol/chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation. After extraction from the polyacrylamide gel, the peaks of the isolated DNA fragments exhibited band broadening in CE, where a linear poly(ethylene oxide) was used as a sieving matrix. The theoretical plate numbers of the DNA fragments contained in the pHY300PLK marker were >106 for all the fragments before extraction. However, the DNA fragments extracted from the polyacrylamide gel showed decreased theoretical plate numbers (5–20 times smaller). The degradation of the theoretical plate number was significant for middle sizes of the DNA fragments ranging from 489 to 1360 bp, whereas the largest and smallest fragments (80 and 4870 bp) had no obvious influence. The band broadening was attributed to contamination of the DNA fragments by polyacrylamide fibers during the separation and extraction process.
Survival of white‐tailed deer fawns in the grasslands of the northern Great Plains
Authors: Grovenburg Troy W. , Klaver Robert W. , Jenks Jonathan A.
Published: January 2012

Environmental factors, such as forest characteristics, have been linked to fawn survival in eastern and southern white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. In the Great Plains, less is known about how intrinsic and habitat factors influence fawn survival. During 2007–2009, we captured and radiocollared 81 fawns in north‐central South Dakota and recorded 23 mortalities, of which 18 died before 1 September. Predation accounted for 52.2% of mortality; remaining mortality included human (hunting, vehicle, and farm accident; 26.1%) and hypothermia (21.7%). Coyotes (Canis latrans) accounted for 83.3% of predation on fawns. We used known‐fate analysis in Program MARK to estimate summer (15 May–31 Aug) survival rates and investigated the influence of intrinsic and habitat variables on survival. We developed 2 a priori model sets, including intrinsic variables and a test of annual variation in survival (model set 1) and habitat variables (model set 2). Model set 1 indicated that summer survival varied among years (2007–2009); annual survival rates were 0.94 (SE = 0.06,n = 22), 0.78 (SE = 0.09,n = 27), and 0.54 (SE = 0.10,n = 32), respectively. Model set 2 indicated that survival was further influenced by patch density of cover habitats (Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]‐grasslands, forested cover, and wetlands). Mean CRP‐grassland and wetland patch density (no. patches/100 ha) were greater (P < 0.001) in home‐range areas of surviving fawns (${\bar {x}}_{{\rm CRPPD}} $ = 1.81, SE = 0.10,n = 63;${\bar {x}}_{{\rm WetPD}} $ = 1.75, SE = 0.14,n = 63, respectively) than in home‐range areas of fawns that died (${\bar {x}}_{{\rm CRPPD}} $ = 0.16, SE = 0.04,n = 18;${\bar {x}}_{{\rm WetPD}} $ = 1.28, SE = 0.10,n = 18, respectively). Mean forested cover patch density was less (P < 0.001) in home‐range areas of surviving fawns (${\bar {x}}_{{\rm FCPD}} $ = 0.77, SE = 0.10,n = 63) than in home‐range areas of fawns that died (${\bar {x}}_{{\rm FCPD}} $ = 1.49, SE = 0.21,n = 18). Our results indicate that management activities should focus on CRP‐grassland and wetland habitats in order to maintain or improve fawn survival in the northern Great Plains, rather than forested cover composed primarily of tree plantings and shelterbelts. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
New Improved Thermosets Obtained From Diglycidylether of Bisphenol A and a Multiarm Star Copolymer Based on Hyperbranched Poly(glycidol) Core and Poly(methyl methacrylate) Arms
Authors: Morell Mireia , Ramis Xavier , Ferrando Francesc , Serra Àngels
Published: January 2012

A well‐defined multiarm star copolymer, hyperbranched poly(glycidol)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PGOH‐b‐PMMA), is used as a modifier in the curing of diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) using 1‐methyl imidazole (1MI) as anionic initiator. The effect of the polymer topology on the curing and gelation processes is studied. The addition of the PGOH‐b‐PMMA to the resin leaves the complex viscosity unaltered. The addition of the modifier decreases the shrinkage after gelation compared to that measured in the curing of the neat resin. By DMTA a single relaxation process in the pure DGEBA and modified thermoset is found. The addition of the star‐like modifier led to an improvement on the mechanical characteristics such as the impact strength and microhardness in comparison to the neat material.
Fine compactified Jacobians
Authors: Melo Margarida , Viviani Filippo
Published: January 2012

We study Esteves's fine compactified Jacobians for nodal curves. We give a proof of the fact that, for a one‐parameter regular local smoothing of a nodal curveX, the relative smooth locus of a relative fine compactified Jacobian is isomorphic to the Néron model of the Jacobian of the general fiber, and thus it provides a modular compactification of it. We show that each fine compactified Jacobian ofXadmits a stratification in terms of certain fine compactified Jacobians of partial normalizations ofXand, moreover, that it can be realized as a quotient of the smooth locus of a suitable fine compactified Jacobian of the total blowup ofX. Finally, we determine when a fine compactified Jacobian is isomorphic to the corresponding Oda‐Seshadri's coarse compactified Jacobian.
Vascular endothelial growth factor‐induced skin carcinogenesis depends on recruitment and alternative activation of macrophages
Authors: Linde Nina , Lederle Wiltrud , Depner Sofia , van Rooijen Nico , Gutschalk Claudia M , Mueller Margareta M
Published: January 2012

Inflammation contributes to tumour growth, invasion and angiogenesis. We investigated the contribution of macrophages and their polarization to tumour progression in a model of VEGF‐A‐induced skin carcinogenesis. Transfection of the human non‐tumourigenic keratinocyte cell line HaCaT with murine VEGF‐A leads to malignant tumour growth in vivo. The resulting tumours are characterized by extensive vascularization, invasive growth and high numbers of M2‐polarized macrophages that crucially contribute to the establishment of the malignant phenotype. Accordingly, macrophage depletion from tumour‐bearing animals resulted in reduced tumour growth, inhibition of invasion, decreased proliferation and reduced angiogenesis. In vitro, VEGF‐A exerted a chemo‐attracting effect on macrophages, but did not induce M2 polarization. We identified IL‐4 and IL‐10 as the factors involved in M2 polarization. These factors were produced by tumour cells (IL‐10) and macrophages (IL‐4) in vivo. Addition of recombinant IL‐4 and IL‐10 in vitro induced a pro‐invasive M2 macrophage phenotype and inhibition of the IL‐4 receptor in vivo blocked M2 polarization of macrophages, resulting in a less aggressive tumour phenotype. Thus, we provide evidence that M2 macrophages are crucial for the development of VEGF‐A‐induced skin tumours and that VEGF‐A contributes to malignant tumour growth, not only by enhancing angiogenesis but also by establishing an anti‐inflammatory microenvironment. However, VEGF‐A alone is not sufficient to create a tumour‐promoting microenvironment and requires the presence of IL‐4 and IL‐10 to induce M2 polarization of macrophages. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autophagy mediates survival of pancreatic tumour‐initiating cells in a hypoxic microenvironment
Authors: Rausch Vanessa , Liu Li , Apel Anja , Rettig Theresa , Gladkich Jury , Labsch Sabrina , Kallifatidis Georgios , Kaczorowski Adam , Groth Ariane , Gross Wolfgang , Gebhard Martha M , Schemmer Peter , Werner Jens , Salnikov Alexei V , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Büchler Markus W , Herr Ingrid
Published: January 2012

Involvement of dysregulated autophagy in cancer growth and progression has been shown in different tumour entities, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). PDA is an extremely aggressive tumour characterized by a small population of highly therapy‐resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) capable of self‐renewal and migration. We examined whether autophagy might be involved in the survival of CSCs despite nutrition and oxygen deprivation typical for the hypoxic tumour microenvironment of PDA. Immunohistochemistry revealed that markers for hypoxia, CSCs and autophagy are co‐expressed in patient‐derived tissue of PDA. Hypoxia starvation (H/S) enhanced clonogenic survival and migration of established pancreatic cancer cells with stem‐like properties (CSC$^{\rm{high}})$, while pancreatic tumour cells with fewer stem cell markers (CSC$^{\rm{low}})$ did not survive these conditions. Electron microscopy revealed more advanced autophagic vesicles in CSC$^{\rm{high}}$ cells, which exhibited higher expression of autophagy‐related genes under normoxic conditions and relative to CSC$^{\rm{low}}$ cells, as found by RT‐PCR and western blot analysis. LC3 was already fully converted to the active LC3‐II form in both cell lines, as evaluated by western blot and detection of accumulated GFP‐LC3 protein by fluorescence microscopy. H/S increased formation of autophagic and acid vesicles, as well as expression of autophagy‐related genes, to a higher extent in CSC$^{\rm{high}}$ cells. Modulation of autophagy by inhibitors and activators resensitized CSC$^{\rm{high}}$ to apoptosis and diminished clonogenicity, spheroid formation, expression of CSC‐related genes, migratory activity and tumourigenicity in mice. Our data suggest that enhanced autophagy levels may enable survival of CSC$^{\rm{high}}$ cells under H/S. Interference with autophagy‐activating or ‐inhibiting drugs disturbs the fine‐tuned physiological balance of enhanced autophagy in CSC and switches survival signalling to suicide. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying orthopedic implant removal and revision using administrative data
Authors: Singh Jasvinder A , Kundukulam Joseph A , Bhandari Mohit
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To identify studies that have validated administrative and claims database algorithms for identifying patients with orthopedic device revision or removal.

Methods

As a part of the Food and Drug Administration's Mini‐Sentinel pilot program, we performed a systematic review to identify algorithms for orthopedic implant removal/revision in administrative and claims databases in the USA or Canada.

Results

Five studies examined the validity of database algorithms against a gold standard of documentation in medical records (n = 3) or codes/documentation in another database (n = 2). The positive predictive values (PPV) of the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) and/or the Current Procedural Terminology codes for revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the US Medicare population compared with medical record review were 92%and 91%, respectively. In another study of the US Medicare population, multiple ICD‐9 codes for revision total knee arthroplasty were compared with newly available single ICD‐9‐CM codes for revision knee arthroplasty; sensitivity was 87% and specificity was 99% (PPV not provided). The fourth study validated the ICD‐9‐CM codes for revision total knee arthroplasty against Ontario health insurance physician fee service claims as the gold standard and found a PPV of 32%. In the last study in Medicare population, the accuracy of the attribution of revision THA to the same side as the earlier index primary THA was examined; PPV for same laterality of revision THA was 71% (using ICD‐9‐CM codes).

Conclusions

Validation data, with regard to the ICD‐9‐CM or the Current Procedural Terminology code algorithms for revision THA in the Medicare population, exist. More validation studies are needed to confirm these findings and examine other large databases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying acute respiratory failure using administrative and claims data
Authors: Jones Natalie , Schneider Gary , Kachroo Sumesh , Rotella Philip , Avetisyan Ruzan , Reynolds Matthew W.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Mini‐Sentinel pilot program initially aims to conduct active surveillance to refine safety signals that emerge for marketed medical products. A key facet of this surveillance is to develop and understand the validity of algorithms for identifying health outcomes of interest (HOIs) from administrative and claims data. This paper summarizes the process and findings of the algorithm review of acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Methods

PubMed and Iowa Drug Information Service searches were conducted to identify citations applicable to the anaphylaxis HOI. Level 1 abstract reviews and Level 2 full‐text reviews were conducted to find articles using administrative and claims data to identify ARF, including validation estimates of the coding algorithms.

Results

Our search revealed a deficiency of literature focusing on ARF algorithms and validation estimates. Only two studies provided codes for ARF, each using related yet different ICD‐9 codes (i.e., ICD‐9 codes 518.8, “other diseases of lung,” and 518.81, “acute respiratory failure”). Neither study provided validation estimates.

Conclusions

Research needs to be conducted on designing validation studies to test ARF algorithms and estimating their predictive power, sensitivity, and specificity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying seizures, convulsions, or epilepsy using administrative and claims data
Authors: Kee Vicki R. , Gilchrist Brad , Granner Mark A. , Sarrazin Nicola R. , Carnahan Ryan M.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To systematically review algorithms to identify seizure, convulsion, or epilepsy cases in administrative and claims data, with a focus on studies that have examined the validity of the algorithms.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed and the Iowa Drug Information Service database. Reviews were conducted by two investigators to identify studies using data sources from the USA or Canada because these data sources were most likely to reflect the coding practices of Mini‐Sentinel data partners.

Results

Eleven studies that validated seizure, convulsion, or epilepsy cases were identified. All algorithms included International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 345.X (epilepsy) and either code 780.3 (convulsions) or code 780.39 (other convulsions). Six studies included 333.2 (myoclonus). In populations that included children, 779.0 (convulsions in newborn) was also fairly common. Positive predictive values (PPVs) ranged from 21% to 98%. Studies that used nonspecific indicators such as presence of an electroencephalogram or anti‐epileptic drug (AED) level monitoring had lower PPVs. In studies focusing exclusively on epilepsy as opposed to isolated seizure events, sensitivity ranged from 70% to 99%.

Conclusions

Algorithm performance was highly variable, so it is difficult to draw any strong conclusions. However, the PPVs were generally best in studies where epilepsy diagnoses were required. Using procedure codes for electroencephalograms or prescription claims for drugs possibly used for epilepsy or convulsions in the absence of a diagnostic code is not recommended. Many newer AEDs require no drug level monitoring, so requiring an AED level monitoring procedure in algorithms to identify epilepsy is not recommended. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A systematic review of validated methods for identifying pancreatitis using administrative data
Authors: Moores Kevin , Gilchrist Bradley , Carnahan Ryan , Abrams Thad
Published: January 2012

Purpose

To systematically review algorithms identifying cases of pancreatitis in administrative data, with a focus on studies examining algorithm validity.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using PubMed and the Iowa Drug Information Service database. Reviews were conducted by two investigators identifying studies using data sources from the USA or Canada. These data sources most likely reflect the coding practices of Mini‐Sentinel data partners.

Results

Eight studies were obtained examining the validity of an algorithm to identify pancreatitis in either hospital or ambulatory medical records or billing databases. The best‐performing algorithm was International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) code 577.0; with a positive predictive value of 60%–80% and a negative predictive value usually greater than 90%. Populations involved in different studies were heterogeneous; age ranges, level of population risk, pancreatitis etiology, and geographic distribution were highly variable.

Conclusions

Validation studies find that the principal ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis code of 577.0 had the best positive predictive value and specificity. Current studies do not support the use of the ICD‐9‐CM codes 577.1 and 577.2. Databases enhanced with laboratory values at point of care would invariably increase the specificity of existing algorithms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design considerations, architecture, and use of the Mini‐Sentinel distributed data system
Authors: Curtis Lesley H. , Weiner Mark G. , Boudreau Denise M. , Cooper William O. , Daniel Gregory W. , Nair Vinit P. , Raebel Marsha A. , Beaulieu Nicolas U. , Rosofsky Robert , Woodworth Tiffany S. , Brown Jeffrey S.
Published: January 2012

Purpose

We describe the design, implementation, and use of a large, multiorganizational distributed database developed to support the Mini‐Sentinel Pilot Program of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As envisioned by the US FDA, this implementation will inform and facilitate the development of an active surveillance system for monitoring the safety of medical products (drugs, biologics, and devices) in the USA.

Methods

A common data model was designed to address the priorities of the Mini‐Sentinel Pilot and to leverage the experience and data of participating organizations and data partners. A review of existing common data models informed the process. Each participating organization designed a process to extract, transform, and load its source data, applying the common data model to create the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database. Transformed data were characterized and evaluated using a series of programs developed centrally and executed locally by participating organizations. A secure communications portal was designed to facilitate queries of the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database and transfer of confidential data, analytic tools were developed to facilitate rapid response to common questions, and distributed querying software was implemented to facilitate rapid querying of summary data.

Results

As of July 2011, information on 99 260 976 health plan members was included in the Mini‐Sentinel Distributed Database. The database includes 316 009 067 person‐years of observation time, with members contributing, on average, 27.0 months of observation time. All data partners have successfully executed distributed code and returned findings to the Mini‐Sentinel Operations Center.

Conclusion

This work demonstrates the feasibility of building a large, multiorganizational distributed data system in which organizations retain possession of their data that are used in an active surveillance system. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Program Success
Authors: Shao Jingting , Müller Ralf , Turner J. Rodney
Published: January 2012

Growth in the use of programs has led to a requirement of understanding what constitutes program success. A measurement construct for program success, which comprises four dimensions—delivery capability, organizational capability, marketing capability, and innovative capability—was developed based on 172 responses to a web-based questionnaire to program managers. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and canonical correlation analysis were applied to test for the relationship between program success and program context. Results showed that the measurement construct for program success was stable over different types of program contexts. It provides a tool for further investigation into program success assessment.
Hydrodynamic Modeling and Mathematical Simulation of Flow Field and Temperature Profile for Molten Stainless Steel in an Asymmetrical T‐Type Single‐Strand Continuous Casting Tundish with Arch or Round Hole(s) at Dam Bottom
Authors: Yang Xue‐min , Liu Song‐xia , Jiao Jin‐sha , Zhang Meng , Duan Jian‐ping , Li Liang , Liu Cheng‐zhi
Published: January 2012

In order to obtain the optimal structural parameters of the dug arch or round hole(s) at dam bottom in an 18–20 tons asymmetrical T‐type single‐strand continuous casting tundish, the flow field profiles and temperature profiles of molten stainless steel in the tundish with arch or round hole(s) at dam bottom have been investigated using hydrodynamic modeling coupled with mathematical simulation. The optimal structural parameters of arch hole(s) at dam bottom can be obtained from hydrodynamic modeling as that two arch holes with 30 mm as height and 50 mm as radius are symmetrically dug at dam bottom with the distance between arch hole center and dam center as 205 mm; or the optimal structural parameters of round hole(s) can be recommended as that one round hole with 70 mm as diameter is dug at left of the dam bottom with the distance between hole center and dam center as 205 mm. The results of mathematical simulation suggest that digging arch or round hole(s) at dam bottom with above‐mentioned structural parameters cannot obviously induce negative effects on streamlines and velocity vector profiles of molten stainless steel in the tundish by short circuit flow via arch or round hole(s) at dam bottom. The calculated temperature drop of molten stainless steel between the submerged ladle shroud and submerged entry nozzle in the tundish with arch or round hole(s) at dam bottom is about 3.0 K, the maximum temperature drop of molten stainless steel in the tundish is about 6.0 K.
The Life of John Wishart (1850–1926): Study of an Academic Surgical Career Prior to the Flexner Report
Authors: Claydon Emily , McAlister Vivian C.
Published: January 2012

Background

The 1910 Flexner Report on Medical Education in the United States and Canada is often taken as the point when medical schools in North America took on their modern form. However, many fundamental advances in surgery, such as anesthesia and asepsis, predated the report by decades. To understand the contribution of educators in this earlier period, we investigated the forgotten career of John Wishart, founding Professor of Surgery at Western University, London Ontario.

Methods

Archives at the University of Western Ontario, University of Toronto, London City Library, and Wellington County Museum were searched for material about Wishart and his times.

Results

A fragmented biography can be assembled from family notes and obituaries with the help of contemporary documents compiled by early 20th century medical school historians. Wishart assisted Abraham Groves in the first reported operation for which aseptic technique was used (1874). He was considered locally to perform pioneering surgery, including an appendectomy in 1886. Wishart was a founding member of the medical faculty at Western University in 1881, initially as Demonstrator of Anatomy and subsequently as its first Professor of Clinical Surgery, which post he held until 1910. Comprehensive notes from his undergraduate lectures demonstrate his teaching style, which mixed organized didacticism with practical advice. The role of the Flexner review in the termination of his professorship is hinted at in minutes of Faculty of Medicine meetings. Wishart was a foundation fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a founding physician of London’s Catholic hospital, St. Joseph’s, despite his own Protestant background.

Conclusions

Wishart’s career comprised all the elements of modern academic surgery, including pioneering service, research, and teaching. Surgery at Western owes as much to Wishart as it does to university reorganization in response to the Flexner report.
Invasion of the Hepatic Artery is a Crucial Predictor of Poor Outcomes in Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Akihiko , Oda Tatsuya , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Sasaki Ryoko , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: January 2012

Background

In the present study we undertook a retrospective analysis of gallbladder carcinoma to assess whether histologically determined hepatic artery (HA) invasion and portal vein (PV) invasion can be considered prognostic factors.

Methods

Seventy‐one patients who had undergone radical resection for gallbladder carcinoma between 1995 and 2008 at University of Tsukuba were selected from the database for analysis. Patients who required extended surgery for para‐aortic lymph node metastasis were also included. Correlation between invasion of the HA and the PV and prognosis and other clinicopathologic factors were analyzed.

Results

There were two postoperative deaths among the 71 patients. Pathological invasion of the HA was confirmed in 16 (22.5%) cases and PV invasion was confirmed in 15 patients. Patients with invasion of the HA had a significantly poorer prognosis than those without HA invasion (P < 0.0001). Additionally, in univariate analysis, gender (male), positive para‐aortic lymph node metastasis, PV invasion, and HA invasion were identified as significant poor prognostic factors. In multivariate analysis, only HA invasion was an independent prognostic factor (Odds Ratio 0.323; P = 0.029).

Conclusions

Invasion of the HA is a crucial prognostic factor in patients with gallbladder carcinoma.
Trauma and Burn Education: A Global Survey
Authors: Zonies David , Maier Ronald V. , Civil Ian , Eid Anas , Geisler Benjamin P. , Guerrero Alejandro , Mock Charles
Published: January 2012

Background

The World Health Assembly recently adopted a resolution to urge improved competency in the provision of injury care through medical education. This survey sought to investigate trauma education experience and competency among final year medical students worldwide.

Methods

An Internet survey was distributed to medical students and conducted from March 2008 to January 2009. Demographic data and questions pertaining to both instruction and attainment of specific skills in burn and trauma care were assessed.

Results

There were 776 responses from final year medical students in 77 countries, with at least 10 countries from each economic stratum. Over 93% of final year students reported receiving some form of trauma or burn training, with 79% reporting a minimum compulsory requirement. Students received theoretical instruction without practical exposure. Few felt prepared to undertake basic procedures, such as laceration repair (19%), vascular access (8%), or endotracheal intubation (21%). Over 99% agreed that trauma education should be mandatory, but only half felt prepared to provide basic care. Those from low income and low middle income countries felt better prepared to provide trauma care than students from high middle and high income countries.

Conclusions

Trauma education and experience varies among medical students in different countries. Many critical concepts are not formally taught and practical experience with many basic procedures is often lacking. The present study confirms that the trauma care training received by medical students needs to be strengthened in countries at all economic levels.
Involvement of Surgical Residents in the Management of Trauma Patients in the Emergency Room: Does the Presence of an Attending Physician Affect Outcomes?
Authors: Cohen Robert , Adini Bruria , Radomislensky Irina , Givon Adi , Rivkind Avraham I. , Peleg Kobi
Published: January 2012

Background

Few studies have investigated whether the presence or absence of attending physicians (AP) in the emergency department (ED) during the management of trauma patients by residents.

Methods

Six level 1 trauma center admissions for years 2006–2008 were analyzed to determine whether presence of an AP affected the time spent in the ED, post‐ED disposition, and in‐hospital mortality.

Results

Patient demographics differed in relation to the presence of APs (P < 0.01). Patients with ISS > 25 who died during hospitalization were more often managed when APs were present. Male patients, those <65, and patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 16 were more often treated in the presence of an AP (P < 0.01). Penetrating, terror trauma, motor vehicle collision and assaults were more often managed in the presence APs. Presence of APs differed by hospital (P < 0.0001). Adjusted logistic regression revealed that patients spent less time in the ED, went directly to the operating room or the ICU for definitive care, if an AP was present.

Conclusions

Presence of an attending physician improved and focused patient triage, disposition decisions, and outcomes.
Learning from the New Deal
Authors: Harvey Philip
Published: January 2012

This paper argues that the direct job-creation strategy adopted by the New Deal administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt in programs like the WPA (the “New Deal strategy”) is best understood as an effort to secure what the New Dealers came to regard as a human rights entitlement—the right to work—rather than as an economic policy designed to promote the economy's recovery from the Great Depression. The paper goes on to argue, though, that in fashioning a policy to secure the right to work, the New Dealers unknowingly developed a strategy for delivering a Keynesian fiscal stimulus that is markedly superior to other anti-recession strategies. Unfortunately, neither the New Dealers themselves nor the generation of progressive policy makers that followed them understood the multiple strengths of the New Deal strategy. Consequently, the strategy was permitted to languish, and its potential contribution to public policy in the post World War II era was lost. In an effort to rekindle interest in the New Deal strategy the paper concludes by pointing out how much more effective the New Deal strategy would have been in combating the so-called Great Recession than the more conventional spending and tax-cut policies the Federal Government actually has deployed. For a fraction of the sum the Federal Government has allocated to stimulate the American economy since the fall of 2008, the New Deal strategy could have immediately reduced the nation's unemployment rate to pre-recession levels while simultaneously promoting a more rapid recovery in private-sector hiring.
Single‐particle tracking of immunoglobulin E receptors (FcεRI) in micron‐sized clusters and receptor patches
Authors: Spendier Kathrin , Lidke Keith A. , Lidke Diane S. , Thomas James L.
Published: January 2012

When mast cells contact a monovalent antigen‐bearing fluid lipid bilayer, IgE‐loaded FcεRI receptors aggregate at contact points and trigger degranulation and the release of immune activators. We used two‐color total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and single‐particle tracking to show that most fluorescently labeled receptor complexes diffuse freely within these micron‐size clusters, with a diffusion coefficient comparable to free receptors in resting cells. At later times, when the small clusters coalesce to form larger patches, receptors diffuse even more rapidly. In all cases, Monte Carlo diffusion simulations ensured that the tracking results were free of bias, and distinguished biological from statistical variation. These results show the diversity in receptor mobility in mast cells, demonstrating at least three distinct states of receptor diffusivity.
Phosphosite conservation in single domain orthologs versus paralogs: A way to combine differential regulation with redundant core functions
Authors: Huyck Lynn , Van Troys Marleen , Ampe Christophe
Published: January 2012

Evolutionary conservation for structure function relations is commonly accepted. Here we hypothesize that closely related single domain paralogous proteins, having similar expression profiles and redundant biochemical core functions, additionally evolved to allow and maintain isoform specific differential regulation by single conserved amino acid substitutions. To substantiate this, we considered two families of closely related actin binding proteins combined with data mining of phosphorylated residues in human and mouse proteins. We show that such residues are identical in other orthologs whereas paralogs have a different, but also conserved, non‐phosphorylatable residue at the equivalent positions.
FIELDS OF DREAMS, FIELDS OF SCHEMES: PONZI FINANCE AND MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Krige Detlev
Published: January 2012

The structural conditions associated with increased inequality amidst rapid change brought about by growing financialization and efforts to get the ‘unbanked’ sections of society into the formal financial system have created the conditions under which illegal pyramid and ponzi schemes, fake investment schemes, and legal multi-level marketing companies have been able to flourish. In contemporary Johannesburg and Soweto the originators of money multiplication schemes and the agents who ‘work’ to recruit new members position themselves in this context as financial entrepreneurs and brokers who embody a range of seemingly contradictory discourses, drawing on discourses of ‘empowerment’, ‘self-help’, ‘entrepreneurship’ and ‘religiously sanctioned wealth and prosperity’ in the course of their risk taking in the field of finance. Based on a series of case studies of female agents of ‘push-push’ schemes, the article shows how many of these discourses reflect some of the conditions of contemporary capitalism: citizens are expected to be active investors, active entrepreneurs and hard workers who are able to work from home and without a boss. Moreover, the schemes use sophisticated technologies, marketing strategies and other practices which simulate formality, legality and sincerity – echoing religious practices and discourses. At the same time a set of cultural values and social logics that are not necessarily produced by neo-liberal capitalism and financialization, but are certainly activated by them, makes it hard for citizens to recognize or admit the forms of deception involved, unless deception is seen to be central to the operation of the modern state or the present ‘get-rich-quick’ culture. Risk taking, and pursuit of social mobility, originate in dual economy legacies, with their unfulfilled expectations, wealth disparities and frustrated class aspiration. Participants in pyramid schemes have ideologies combining ‘progress’ with ‘imminent doom’, entrepreneurship with greed: contradictory attitudes reflective of financialization in the broader world.
New species of Myxosporea from frogs and resurrection of the genus Cystodiscus Lutz, 1889 for species with myxospores in gallbladders of amphibians
Authors: HARTIGAN ASHLIE , FIALA IVAN , DYKOVÁ IVA , ROSE KARRIE , PHALEN DAVID N. , ŠLAPETA JAN
Published: January 2012

Two new myxosporean species in the gallbladders of frogs have recently spread across eastern Australia and cause disease. Cystodiscus axonis sp. n. and Cystodiscus australis sp. n. are species of Myxosporea (Myxozoa) identified from a range of Australian frogs and tadpoles including the introduced Cane toad (Rhinella marina). The new species are defined by their distinct genetic lineage, myxospore morphology and ultrastructure of the pre-sporogonic development. Spores of both species are produced in the gallbladder. Spores of C. axonis sp. n. possess distinct filiform polar appendages (FPA). The pre-sporogonic development of C. axonis sp. n. is within myelinated axons in the central nervous system of hosts, as well as bile ducts of tadpoles. Pre-sporogonic and sporogonic development of C. australis sp. n. is confined to tadpole bile ducts and myxospores of C. australis sp. n. are devoid of FPA. The genus Cystodiscus Lutz, 1889 introduced for Cystodiscus immersus Lutz, 1889 is emended to accompany myxosporean parasites affecting amphibians previously classified in the genus Myxidium sensu lato. A synopsis of described species within Cystodiscus is provided.
Development of laser-plasma generator for injector of C4+ ions
Authors: Alekseev N.N. , Balabaev A.N. , Vasilyev A.A. , Satov Yu.A. , Savin S.M. , Sharkov B.Yu. , Shumshurov A.V. , Roerich V.C.
Published: January 2012

The results of the development of the ITEP accelerator carbon ion injector based on a repetition-rate CO2 laser ion source are described. The improvement includes a modified pulsed HV-feeding generator for the discharge formation in the laser gas mixture. The advanced discharge module ensures essential increase of the laser active volume and specific electrical deposition energy. The comparative computer simulations of the discharge characteristics for the improved and the prototype lasers are applied. The design and the output spatial-temporal parameters of the free-running laser “Malish-M” are shown, so the significant increase of the laser power is reached. The spatial characteristics of the laser beam obtained with diffraction calculations are compared to measured radial distribution of the energy density. The target laser intensity and the different channels of the energy loss of the laser beam in the optical scheme are estimated. Finally, the output C4+ current trace of heavy ion injector as well as the injector scheme are shown.