bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental well-being and mental illness: findings from the Adult
Psychiatric Morbidity Survey for England 2007
Authors: Weich Scott , Brugha Traolach , King Michael , McManus Sally , Bebbington Paul , Jenkins Rachel , Cooper Claudia , McBride Orla , Stewart-Brown Sarah
Published: June 2011

Background

Mental well-being underpins many aspects of health and social
functioning, and is economically important.

Aims

To describe mental well-being in a general population sample and to
determine the extent to which mental well-being and mental illness are
independent of one another.

Method

Secondary analysis of a survey of 7293 adults in England. Nine survey
questions were identified as possible indicators of mental well-being.
Common mental disorders (ICD-10) were ascertained using the Revised
Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS-R). Principal components analysis was
used to describe the factor structure of mental well-being and to
generate mental well-being indicators.

Results

A two-factor solution found eight out of nine items with strong loadings
on well-being. Eight items corresponding to hedonic and eudaemonic
well-being accounted for 36.9% and 14.3% of total variance respectively.
Separate hedonic and eudaemonic well-being scales were created. Hedonic
well-being (full of life; having lots of energy) declined with age, while
eudaemonic well-being (getting on well with family and friends; sense of
belonging) rose steadily with age. Hedonic well-being was lower and
eudaemonic well-being higher in women. Associations of well-being with
age, gender, income and self-rated health were little altered by
adjustment for symptoms of mental illness.

Conclusions

In a large nationally representative population sample, two types of
well-being were distinguished and reliably assessed: hedonic and
eudaemonic. Associations with mental well-being were relatively
independent of symptoms of mental illness. Mental well-being can remain
even in the presence of mental suffering.
Transforming mental health services
Authors: Kingdon David
Published: June 2011

Specialist teams have had a major impact on service delivery in England.
Their effectiveness is now being questioned and integrated teams are
developing in some areas. However, the gains made in terms of improved
access, engagement and early intervention must not be lost.
Evaluating treatment of Axis I mental health disorders in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Boothby Neil , Veatch Maggie , Pentes Matina
Published: June 2011

Aims and method

To share evaluation findings of a new decentralised mental healthcare system addressing Axis I disorders, developed in four subdistricts of Aceh Besar in Indonesia following the 2004 Asian tsunami. Two complementary methodologies were employed: an adequacy survey that assessed whether agreed programme implementation tasks were completed, and an outcome study that utilised patient, caregiver and staff assessment of the programme to determine what changes, if any, resulted from participation in the programme.

Results

The system is functional in 3 of 4 subdistricts, and 47 of 53 subdistrict clinics (puskesmas) have trained mental healthcare nurses. Both patients and caregivers reported statistically significant differences when ranking patient wellbeing and were able to qualitatively describe specific changes in patient symptomatology and social functioning.

Clinical implications

Results indicate that (a) the creation of a decentralised system with outreach at multiple levels, (b) emphasis on staff capacity building within a wider household-to-hospital continuum of care, and (c) incorporation of community volunteers working with trained medical personnel led to effective treatment options for people with Axis I disorders in a resource-poor setting.
The need for close monitoring of early psychosis and co-occurring substance misuse
Authors: Caton Carol L. M.
Published: June 2011

Substance misuse is widespread among individuals with early-phase psychotic disorders and is associated with a worse illness course. Thorough assessment of patterns of substance misuse at admission for psychiatric care is often lacking and can compromise the accuracy of a diagnostic assessment that distinguishes between a primary psychosis and one that is substance induced. Given the risk to recovery from psychosis posed by substance misuse, close monitoring of the course and treatment of early-phase psychosis that is accompanied by substance misuse is indicated and could inform the development of more effective dual-diagnosis treatments.
Medico-legal work of psychiatrists: direction, not drift
Authors: Rix Keith J. B.
Published: June 2011

Newly appointed consultants should not 'simply drift into (medico-legal) work because solicitors have asked them to’. They should already have had expert witness training. This is a challenge for training scheme organisers and consultant trainers. There should be no shortage of training opportunities. Core training should include the preparation of ‘ghost’ reports drafted by trainees but owned by the consultant. Higher training should provide opportunities for trainees to prepare reports in their own right albeit under supervision. Background reading and experience of court are also needed. Such training should avoid newly appointed consultants having to decline solicitors' requests to prepare psychiatric reports.
Long-Term High Urinary Potential Renal Acid Load and Low Nitrogen Excretion Predict Reduced Diaphyseal Bone Mass and Bone Size in Children
Authors: Remer Thomas , Manz Friedrich , Alexy Ute , Schoenau Eckhard , Wudy Stefan A. , Shi Lijie
Published: June 2011

Background:

Longitudinal diet assessment data in children suggest bone anabolic effects of protein intake and concurrent catabolic effects of dietary acid load. However, studies using valid biomarker measurements of corresponding dietary intakes are lacking.

Objective:

The aim of the study was to examine whether the association of long-term dietary acid load and protein intake with children's bone status can be confirmed using approved urinary biomarkers and whether these diet influences may be independent of potential bone-anabolic sex steroids.

Method:

Urinary nitrogen (uN), urinary net acid excretion (uNAE), and urinary potential renal acid load (uPRAL) were quantified in 789 24-h urine samples of 197 healthy children who had at least three urine collections during the 4 yr preceding proximal forearm bone analyses by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. uPRAL was determined by subtracting measured mineral cations (sodium + potassium + calcium + magnesium) from measured nonbicarbonate anions (chloride + phosphorus + sulfate). In a subsample of 167 children, dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Multivariable regression models adjusted for age, sex, pubertal stage, forearm muscle area, forearm length, and urinary calcium were run with uN and/or uPRAL or uNAE as predictors.

Results:

uN was positively associated with bone mineral content, cortical area, periosteal circumference, and strength strain index. uPRAL (but not uNAE) showed negative associations with bone mineral content and cortical area (P < 0.05), both with and without adjustment for the dehydroepiandrosterone-derived sex steroid androstenediol.

Conclusions:

In line with dietary assessment findings, urinary biomarker analyses substantiate long-term positive effects of protein intake and concomitant negative effects of higher dietary acid load on bone status of children, independent of bone-anabolic sex steroid action.
Sex Differences in the Effects of MDMA (Ecstasy) on Plasma Copeptin in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Simmler Linda D. , Hysek Cédric M. , Liechti Matthias E.
Published: June 2011

Background:

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) misuse is associated with hyponatremia particularly in women. Hyponatremia is possibly due to inappropriate secretion of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP).

Objective:

To assess whether MDMA increases plasma AVP and copeptin in healthy male and female subjects and whether effects depend on MDMA-induced release of serotonin and norepinephrine. Copeptin, the C-terminal part of the AVP precursor preprovasopressin, is cosecreted with AVP and can be determined more reliably.

Methods:

We used a randomized placebo-controlled crossover design. Plasma and urine osmolalities as well as AVP and copeptin levels were measured in 16 healthy subjects (eight female, eight male) at baseline and after MDMA (125 mg) administration. In addition, we tested whether effects of MDMA on AVP and copeptin secretion can be prevented by pretreatment with the serotonin and norepinephrine transporter inhibitor duloxetine (120 mg), which blocks MDMA-induced transporter-mediated release of serotonin and norepinephrine.

Results:

MDMA significantly elevated plasma copeptin levels at 60 min and at 120 min compared with placebo in women but not in men. The copeptin response to MDMA in women was prevented by duloxetine. MDMA also nonsignificantly increased plasma AVP levels in women, and the effect was prevented by duloxetine. Although subjects drank more water after MDMA compared with placebo administration, MDMA tended to increase urine sodium levels and urine osmolality compared with placebo, indicating increased renal water retention.

Conclusion:

MDMA increased plasma copeptin, a marker for AVP secretion, in women but not in men. This sex difference in MDMA-induced AVP secretion may explain why hyponatremia is typically reported in female ecstasy users. The copeptin response to MDMA is likely mediated via MDMA-induced release of serotonin and/or norepinephrine because it was prevented by duloxetine, which blocks the interaction of MDMA with the serotonergic and noradrenergic system.
Neuregulins are essential for spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation in neonatal mouse testis
Authors: Zhang JiDong , Eto Ko , Honmyou Asuka , Nakao Kazuki , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Abé Shin-ichi
Published: June 2011

The transition from mitosis to meiosis is unique to germ cells. In murine embryonic ovaries and juvenile testes, retinoic acid (RA) induces meiosis via the stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), but its molecular pathway requires elucidation. We present genetic evidence in vivo and in vitro that neuregulins (NRGs) are essential for the proliferation of spermatogonia and the initiation of meiosis. Tamoxifen (TAM) was injected into 14-day post-partum (dpp) Sertoli cell-specific conditional Nrg1Ser–/– mutant mice. TAM induced testis degeneration, suppressed BrdU incorporation into spermatogonia and pre-leptotene primary spermatocytes, and decreased and increased the number of STRA8-positive and TUNEL-positive cells, respectively. In testicular organ cultures from 5-6 dpp wild-type mice and cultures of their re-aggregated spermatogonia and Sertoli cells, FSH, RA [all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), AM580, 9-cis-RA] and NRG1 promoted spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation. However, TAM treatment of testicular organ cultures from the Nrg1Ser–/– mutants suppressed spermatogonial proliferation and meiotic initiation that was promoted by FSH or AM580. In re-aggregated cultures of purified spermatogonia, NRG1, NRG3, ATRA and 9-cis-RA promoted their proliferation and meiotic initiation, but neither AM580 nor FSH did. In addition, FSH, RAs and NRG1 promoted Nrg1 and Nrg3 mRNA expression in Sertoli cells. These results indicate that in juvenile testes RA and FSH induced meiosis indirectly through Sertoli cells when NRG1 and NRG3 were upregulated, as NRG1 amplified itself and NRG3. The amplified NRG1 and NRG3 directly induced meiosis in spermatogonia. In addition, ATRA and 9-cis-RA activated spermatogonia directly and promoted their proliferation and eventually meiotic initiation.
Smarcd3b and Gata5 promote a cardiac progenitor fate in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Lou Xin , Deshwar Ashish R. , Crump J. Gage , Scott Ian C.
Published: June 2011

Development of the heart requires recruitment of cardiovascular progenitor cells (CPCs) to the future heart-forming region. CPCs are the building blocks of the heart, and have the potential to form all the major cardiac lineages. However, little is known regarding what regulates CPC fate and behavior. Activity of GATA4, SMARCD3 and TBX5 – the `cardiac BAF' (cBAF) complex, can promote myocardial differentiation in embryonic mouse mesoderm. Here, we exploit the advantages of the zebrafish embryo to gain mechanistic understanding of cBAF activity. Overexpression of smarcd3b and gata5 in zebrafish results in an enlarged heart, whereas combinatorial loss of cBAF components inhibits cardiac differentiation. In transplantation experiments, cBAF acts cell autonomously to promote cardiac fate. Remarkably, cells overexpressing cBAF migrate to the developing heart and differentiate as cardiomyocytes, endocardium and smooth muscle. This is observed even in host embryos that lack endoderm or cardiac mesoderm. Our results reveal an evolutionarily conserved role for cBAF activity in cardiac differentiation. Importantly, they demonstrate that Smarcd3b and Gata5 can induce a primitive, CPC-like state.
Best practices in clinical ethics consultation and decision-making
Authors: Terry Louise M , Sanders Karen
Published: June 2011

The conference entitled ‘Best Practices in Clinical Ethics Consultation and Decision-Making’, held in London 8–9 July 2010, was the first of its kind dedicated to identifying best practices in clinical ethics consultation and decision-making. Academics, health and social care professionals, clinical ethics committee members, lawyers, service users and carers from the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia attended lectures, workshops, parallel paper sessions and clinical ethics case discussions across adult, maternity, children's, older persons, mental health and learning disabilities settings. Seventy-eight best-practice points impacting on the quality of clinical ethics consultations and subsequent decisions were identified and grouped into eight themes: who tells the story; how the story is told; how the analysis, discussion and subsequent decisions are made; how values are weighted and balanced against one another; who decides; how the decision is made; how group dynamics and conflict are handled; how decisions are recorded.
‘No-one fully responsible’: a ‘collusion of anonymity’ protecting health-care bodies from manslaughter charges?
Authors: Gooderham Peter
Published: June 2011

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 establishes the statutory offence of corporate manslaughter, replacing the previous common law corporate liability for manslaughter. Health-care providers are potentially liable. This includes, but is not restricted to, National Health Service bodies. This paper considers the hypothetical liability of the various bodies involved in a well-known case of death arising from medical error, had the Act been in force when it occurred. The discussion illustrates the likelihood of difficulty in establishing liability. This difficulty arises not only from the requirements of the Act but also the involvement of several different bodies in the facts and circumstances of the fatal mistake. There are implications for a National Health Service whose future is likely to include greater fragmentation of service provision, with a greater number of corporate providers. Successful prosecutions for corporate manslaughter are expected to remain rare.
‘Risky’ research and participants' interests: the ethics of phase 2C clinical trials
Authors: Chan Sarah , Zee Ying-Kiat , Jayson Gordon , Harris John
Published: June 2011

Biomedical research involving human participants is highly regulated and subject to stringent ethical requirements. Clinical research ethics, regulation and policy have tended to focus almost exclusively on the protection of participants' interests against harms that might result from taking part in research. Less consideration, however, has been given to the interests that patients may themselves have in research participation, even in trials that may be beyond the bounds of current clinical research practice. In this paper, we consider the case of a suggested extension to clinical trial protocols to explore the ethics of participation in ‘risky’ research. We argue that patients may have a strong interest in taking part in research, and that even when greater-than-usual risks may be present, such research can be both ethically and scientifically justified. Finally, we suggest that there might be scope in some cases to assert a right to participate in research, and that the possibility of such a right merits further consideration.
Evaluating ‘Success’ In Programme Budgeting and Marginal Analysis: A Literature Review
Authors: Tsourapas Angelos , Frew Emma
Published: June 2011

Objectives

Programme budgeting and marginal analysis (PBMA) is a priority-setting toolkit which aims to assist decision-makers in identifying the most efficient use of resources. The last systematic literature review on PBMA was published in 2001 and evaluated success in applying PBMA using the criteria of ‘reallocation of resources’ or the ‘setting of priorities’. Our objective was to re-evaluate applications of PBMA in terms of these criteria separately, summarize different evaluation methods of PBMA and extend the above review by considering all PBMA applications since 2001.

Methods

Systematic literature review. Information was sought from four general medical electronic databases. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used.

Results

PBMA was successful in 52% of cases when success was defined in terms of the participants gaining a better understanding of the area under interest; in 65% of cases when success was defined as ‘implementation of all or some of the advisory panel's recommendations’; in 48% of the studies when success was defined in terms of disinvesting or resource reallocation; and in 22% when success was defined in terms of adopting the framework for future use.

Conclusions

The rate of success is clearly influenced by how success is defined. There is a need for a broadly accepted definition of success to be used when evaluating PBMA applications so to enable direct comparisons of studies. This evaluatory component needs to be adjacent to PBMA and not a separate procedure.
Gout and hyperuricaemia in adults with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Horsley Alex , Helm Jennifer , Brennan Amanda , Bright-Thomas Rowland , Webb Kevin , Jones Andrew
Published: June 2011

Gout has not been described previously as a complication in cystic fibrosis (CF). Here we present data on nine CF patients who have presented with symptoms of acute gout. This gives an estimated prevalence of gout of around 2.5%in our adult CF population, compared to a previously described prevalence in the non-CF population of just over 1%. Serum urate is measured routinely at the annual review in our unit. Mean (SD) serum urate was 0.40(0.09)mmol/L in male CF patients (n=108) and 0.31 (0.08)mmol/L in female patients (n = 74). This was significantly greater than in historical controls. Thirty-seven percent of male CF patients and 36% of female patients had serum urate levels above the upper limit of normal.
Identification of NW-Trending Faults in the Northwestern Junggar Basin (NW China) and its Significance of Hydrocarbon Migration
Authors: Jin Zhijun , Hu Wenxuan , Cao Jian , Tao Guoliang , Zhang Yijie , Wang Xulong
Published: June 2011

The presence of the NW-trending faults in the northwestern Junggar Basin (NW China) and their relation to hydrocarbon migration were discussed. The presence of the faults was confirmed by new seismic and stratigraphic studies. They formed a rectangular-shape fault system together with the previously and commonly acknowledged NE-trending faults. Hydrocarbon shows are present widely in the cross of the two types of faults on the basis of field survey. Representative shows were further analyzed by petrography and geochemistry, in order to understand hydrocarbon migration features. It is implied that the two types of faults are both significant for the migration. In particular, the newly identified NW-trending faults can act as the primary and ultimate pathway for migration from the petroleum source to accumulation areas. Thus a new complex fault-controlled hydrocarbon migration model was suggested. Favorable hydrocarbon exploration targets were predicted according to the model, providing new information for shaping exploration and exploitation strategies. The results also have wide implications for the study in elsewhere mountain-front piedmont areas where the hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation is generally related to fault.
Coal Petrological Characteristics and Coal Facies of No. 11 Seam from the Antaibao Mine, Ningwu Coalfield, China
Authors: Deng Xiaoli , Sun Yuzhuang
Published: June 2011

Twenty-one coal samples of Seam 11 from the Antaibao Mine, Ningwu Coalfield, Shanxi Province, were analyzed by microscopic method. The macerals were identified and their ratios were calculated. The vitrinite contents decrease and the inertinite contents increase from bottom to top of the seam section. The data were used as indicators in the definition of different types of coal facies and hydrodynamic condition diagrams. The results indicate that the peat moor of Seam 11 might be formed in a regression environment, and it can be divided into 7 secondary regression processes. The peats evolved from low-open moor to dry-forest moor. The water depth of the moor decreased, and activity of water flowing decreased.
Organic Geochemical Characteristics of the No. 9 Coal (Pennsylvanian) from the Anjialing Mine, Ningwu Coalfield, China
Authors: Li Yanheng
Published: June 2011

Eight coal samples of Seam 9 were taken from the Anjialing Mine, Ningwu Coalfield, Shanxi Province, and were analysed by organic geochemical methods. The results indicate that the peat of Carboniferous Seam 9 may be formed dominantly in the marine-delta transition environments. The precursors of Seam 9 are both low and high plants existed in this basin.
Universal Equivalent Static Wind Load Estimation for Spatial Structures Based on Wind-Induced Envelope Responses
Authors: Li Yuan-Qi , Wang Lei , Tamura Yukio , Shen Zu-Yan
Published: June 2011

Wind-resistant design for large-span spatial structures is complex and difficult in practice. Existing wind-resistant design methods were reviewed and the adaptation range of each method was discussed. Though the universal Equivalent Static Wind Loading (ESWL) method could produce a universal wind load distribution that simultaneously reproduces largest load effects for all structural members of cantilevered structures, it is found that the universal ESWL method is not applicable for general space structures, such as shell structures. In this paper, a practical approach to estimate the universal ESWL based on Wind-induced Envelope Responses (WER) is presented for this problem from the structural designer's point of view. Then, the efficiency of the presented approach is illuminated with a numerical example of cylinder single layered shell. Finally, the advantages and the disadvantages of existing approaches, as well as the presented one, are compared at many aspects, such as necessary information of wind load, efficiency, convenience in practice, and so on.
Proper Shape Analysis of Spatial Cable-Frames
Authors: Zhang Zhi-hong , Cheng Wei-ping
Published: June 2011

Proper shape analysis of spatial cable-frames for purpose of preliminary design is discussed in this paper. By functional analysis or using the equilibrium equation group directly, curve functions of the upper and lower chord cables can be built. When only the self-equilibrated internal force is considered in the system without external loads and self-weights of members, optimal curve shape of chord cables are straight lines. The numerical algorithm by bonding linear deduction method and dynamic relaxation method for wind load adaptive shape analysis of spatial cable frames is put forward. The adaptive shape determination of spatial cable frames with averaged wind load of a practical stadium canopy is tried.
Assessing Avian-Wind Turbine Collision Risk: An Approach Angle Dependent Model
Authors: Holmstrom Lars A. , Hamer Thomas E. , Colclazier Erin M. , Denis Nathalie , Verschuyl Jacob P. , Ruché Delphin
Published: June 2011

A site specific model of avian-turbine collision risk is an important component of assessing environmental impacts from wind power projects. Existing models assume, however, that avian flight paths are either parallel or perpendicular to the turbine orientation and that other orientations do not significantly affect the predicted collision probability. We describe a mathematical model which estimates the probability of a collision between a bird passing through a wind turbine and one of the turbine components. Our model improves significantly upon the reference “Tucker Model”, and Band model, by accounting for different angles of avian approach other than perpendicular or parallel to the turbine rotor plane. We demonstrate, using a case study of fall raptor migration data, that the angle of approach between the flight path and the turbine orientation has a significant effect on the collision probability and resulting mortality estimates. We conclude that the angle of approach should be considered when estimating avian-turbine collision risk.
Digital Architecture for Humanitarian Design in Post-Disaster Reconstruction
Authors: Yeung Wendy K. , Harkins Jeremy
Published: June 2011

Digital tools and computational design processes are rapidly changing architecture. Nonetheless their applications in humanitarian design remain under researched. Generative algorithmic design is particularly useful in humanitarian design and post disaster reconstruction. Firstly, the extreme conditions in these contexts pose many constraints that can be parametricised and form the basis of a parametric design. Secondly, optimal use of scarce resources are enabled by integrating these interrelated performance requirements. Thirdly, a robust model definition afforded through parametric modelling enables a mass customised design to adjust for different site and user requirements, and most importantly it allows improvements in subsequent design based on community evaluation. As part of an ongoing research in fusing advanced computational techniques in humanitarian architecture, the post-tsunami rebuilding program of Emergency Architects Australia in the Solomon Islands is presented as a case study to identify successes, opportunities and limitations of a system of digital tools.
Interpreting Digital Heritage: A Conceptual Model with End-Users' Perspective
Authors: Rahaman Hafizur , Tan Beng-Kiang
Published: June 2011

Present virtual heritage projects are mostly focused either on ‘process’ or ‘product’ but rarely consider ‘users’ (end-users' perception of the content) with project contents predominantly developed with an ‘ocular-centric’ tendency. There is no significant interpretation method or principle for interpreting digital heritage like other disciplines such as archaeology. This paper argues that, for better interpretation and experience of a digital heritage site, a comprehensive interpretation method is required, which should address end-users with various background, overcome the linearity in narrative level and subjectiveness in content creation. This paper also argues that instead of predetermined instructional sequences or descriptive interpretation, the interaction setting can be participatory and contributive, where the end-users and environment may engage in ‘dialogic-interaction’. In terms of methodology, ‘Interpretation’ is first conceptualized by assimilating definitions from various heritage scholars and interpretation organizations. Notions of interpretation-practice and level of interaction are identified from reviewing some online digital heritage projects. By identifying weaknesses, this paper finally proposes a conceptual model for developing a comprehensive interpretation method for future digital heritage projects.
Numerical Investigation of Laminar Diffusion Flames Established on a Horizontal Flat Plate in a Parallel Air Stream
Authors: Gopalakrishnan E. D. , Raghavan Vasudevan
Published: June 2011

Numerical investigation of laminar diffusion flames established on a flat plate in a parallel air stream is presented. A numerical model with a multi-step chemical kinetics mechanism, variable thermo-physical properties, multi-component species diffusion and a radiation sub-model is employed for this purpose. Both upward and downward injection of fuel has been considered in a normal gravity environment. The thermal and aerodynamic structure of the flame has been explained with the help of temperature and species contours, net reaction rate of fuel and streamlines. Flame characteristics and stability aspects for several air and fuel velocity combinations have been studied. An important characteristic of a laminar boundary layer diffusion flame with upward injection of fuel is the velocity overshoot that occurs near the flame zone. This is not observed when the fuel is injected in the downward direction. The flame standoff distance is slightly higher for the downward injection of fuel due to increase in displacement thickness of boundary layer. Influence of an obstacle, namely the backward facing step, on the flame characteristics and stability aspects is also investigated. Effects of air and fuel velocities, size and location of the step are studied in detail. Based on the air and fuel velocities, different types of flames are predicted. The use of a backward-facing step as a flame holding mechanism for upward injection of fuel, results in increased stability limits due to the formation of a recirculation zone behind the step. The predicted stability limits match with experimentally observed limits. The step location is seen to play a more important role as compared to the step height in influencing the stability aspects of flames.
A Comparison of Subpixel Edge Detection and Correlation Algorithms for the Measurement of Sprays
Authors: Duke Daniel , Honnery Damon , Soria Julio
Published: June 2011

Optical diagnostic techniques are commonly used to observe the breakup of dense sprays. In order to extract quantitative data from such images, edge detection algorithms have commonly been used. However, correlation image velocimetry techniques are now also becoming available for such applications. An empirical comparison between these two techniques is demonstrated for the high-speed velocimetry of the breakup of an annular air-assisted spray. A threshold based sub-pixel interpolating edge detection algorithm is employed. Both real and synthetic images are used to determine the sensitivity of the error in these techniques to changes in both image noise and defocus, the two leading causes of information loss. It is demonstrated that correlation image velocimetry techniques are generally superior in precision and accuracy as compared to edge detection techniques for the application of spray velocimetry within a reasonable parameter space of noise and defocus.
Design of an Electronic Healthcare Record Server Based on Part 1 of ISO EN 13606
Authors: Austin Tony , Lim Yin Yu , Nguyen David , Kalra Dipak
Published: June 2011

ISO EN 13606 is a newly approved standard at European and ISO levels for the meaningful exchange of clinical information between systems. Although conceived as an inter‐operability standard to which existing electronic health record (EHR) systems will transform legacy data, the requirements met and architectural approach reflected in this standard also make it a good candidate for the internal architecture of an EHR server. The authors have built such a server for the storage of healthcare records and demonstrated that it is possible to use ISO EN 13606 part 1 as the basis of an internal system architecture. The development of the system and some of the applications of the server are described in this paper. It is the first known operational implementation of the standard as an EHR system.
Personalized Remote Monitoring of the Atrial Fibrillation Patients with Electronic Implant Devices
Authors: Laleci Gokce B. , Dogac Asuman , Yuksel Mustafa , Kabak Yildiray , Arbelo Elena , Danmayr Franz , Hinterbuchner Lynne , Chronaki Catherine , Eichelberg Marco , Lüpkes Christian
Published: June 2011

Cardiovascular Implantable Electronic Devices (CIED) are gaining popularity in treating patients with heart disease. Remote monitoring through care management systems enables continuous surveillance of such patients by checking device functions and clinical events. These care management systems include decision support capabilities based on clinical guidelines. Data input to such systems are from different information sources including medical devices and Electronic Health Records (EHRs). Although evidence‐based clinical guidelines provides numerous benefits such as standardized care, reduced costs, efficient and effective care management, they are currently underutilized in clinical practice due to interoperability problems among different healthcare data sources. In this paper, we introduce the iCARDEA care management system for atrial fibrillation patients with implant devices and describe how the iCARDEA care plan engine executes the clinical guidelines by seamlessly accessing the EHR systems and the CIED data through standard interfaces.
Simulation Modeling of a Check‐in and Medication Reconciliation Ambulatory Clinic Kiosk
Authors: Lesselroth Blake , Eisenhauer William , Adams Shawn , Dorr David A. , Randall Christine , Channon Paulette , Adams Kas , Church Victoria , Felder Robert , Douglas David
Published: June 2011

Gaps in information about patient medication adherence may contribute to preventable adverse drug events and patient harm. Hence, health‐quality advocacy groups, including the Joint Commission, have called for the implementation of standardized processes to collect and compare patient medication lists. This manuscript describes the implementation of a self‐service patient kiosk intended to check in patients for a clinic appointment and collect a medication adherence history, which is then available through the electronic health record. We used business process engineering and simulation modeling to analyze existing workflow, evaluate technology impact on clinic throughput, and predict future infrastructure needs. Our empiric data indicated that a multi‐function healthcare kiosk offers a feasible platform to collect medical history data. Furthermore, our simulation model showed a non‐linear association between patient arrival rate, kiosk number, and estimated patient wait times. This study provides important data to help administrators and healthcare executives predict infrastructure needs when considering the use of self‐service kiosks.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy ‐ a Standardized Routine Laparoscopic Procedure: Is it Possible to Predict the Duration of an Operation?
Authors: Schneider A. , Wilhelm D. , Schneider M. , Schuster T. , Kriner M. , Leuxner C. , Can S. , Fiolka A. , Spanfellner B. , Sitou W. , Feussner H.
Published: June 2011

In order to improve operating room efficiency, it is desirable to predict the duration of scheduled surgeries as precisely as possible. The reliability of existing predicting models is less than satisfactory. This study presents an algorithm to estimate the operating time for laparoscopic cholecystectomy, based on historical data of 312 patients, taking into account clinical parameters, diagnostic imaging, and surgeon′s experience. The algorithm′s accuracy was evaluated in a group of 45 patients by prospectively predicting their operating times. It was shown that increased information significantly reduced prediction error. The prediction error of our algorithm was estimated to be 17.5 minutes (95%CI: 16.5 to 18.8 minutes), whereas that of the univariable random effect model (using solely surgeon′s experience as the explanation factor) was 21.6 minutes (95%CI: 20.3 to 23.1 minutes).
A Neural-Network Model-Based Engineering Tool for Blast Wall Protection of Structures
Authors: Bewick Bryan , Flood Ian , Chen Zhen
Published: June 2011

Blast barrier walls have been shown to reduce blast loads on structures, especially in urban environments. Analysis of existing test and simulation data for blast barrier response has revealed that a need still exists to determine the bounds of the problem and produce a fast-running accurate model for the effects of barrier walls on blast wave propagation. Since blast experiments are very time intensive and extremely cost prohibitive, it is vital that computational capabilities be developed to generate the required data set that can be utilized to produce simplified design tools. The combination of high fidelity model-based simulation with artificial neural network techniques is proposed in this paper to manage the challenging problem. The proposed approach is demonstrated to estimate the peak pressure, impulse, time of arrival, and time of duration of blast loads on buildings protected by simple barriers, using data generated from validated hydrocode simulations. Once verified and validated, the proposed neural-network model-based simulation procedure would provide a very efficient solution to predicting blast loads on the structures that are protected by blast barrier walls.
Numerical Evaluation of the Influence of Aggregates on Concrete Compressive Strength at High Strain Rate
Authors: Hao Yifei , Hao Hong
Published: June 2011

The dynamic strength of concrete materials is usually obtained by conducting laboratory tests such as drop-weight test or split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test. It is widely accepted that the uniaxial compressive strength of concrete and concrete-like material increases with strain rate. Many empirical relations of concrete material dynamic increase factor (DIF), which are proposed for use in the design and analysis, are given in the literature. However, most of these empirical relations were obtained from testing data of concrete-like materials, i.e. the testing specimens were made of mortar matrix only without coarse aggregates owing to constraints in preparing the concrete specimens for high-speed impact tests. Because concrete is a composite material with mortar matrix, interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and aggregates, and these components have different material properties, using specimens made of mortar material alone in tests may not give accurate concrete dynamic material properties. It is also known that the lateral inertia confinement affects the dynamic strength of concrete specimens obtained in impact tests. A number of studies to investigate and quantify the lateral inertia confinement effect on dynamic strength of concrete materials obtained in impact tests have been published. Previous studies also indicate that including aggregates in concrete specimens affects the dynamic strength. However, no systematic study that devotes to investigating the influence of aggregates in concrete specimen on its dynamic strength has been reported yet. In the present study, a mesoscale concrete material model is used to simulate impact tests and to study the influences of aggregates on concrete material compressive strength increment at high strain rates. The commercial software AUTODYN is used to perform the numerical simulations. A method to remove the influence from lateral inertia confinement is proposed and verified. The influence of ITZ on compressive behavior of concrete specimen is discussed. Numerical simulations of concrete specimens with different volumetric percentages, e.g. 20% 30% and 40%, of aggregates under impact loads of different loading rates are carried out. The influence of the aggregates on DIF of concrete material is examined and quantified.
Tensile Strength versus Toughness of Cement-Based Materials against High-Velocity Projectile Impact
Authors: Wang S. , Zhang M.H. , Quek S.T.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a laboratory experimental study on the effect of tensile strength and toughness on the resistance of cement-based materials to high-velocity projectile impact. Three types of cement-based materials with similar compressive strength but different tensile strengths and toughnesses were examined in terms of the penetration depth, crater diameter, and crack propagation in specimens subjected to impact of ogive-nosed projectile with a diameter of 13.35 mm and a mass of 19 grams traveling at velocities of about 650 m/s. The materials evaluated include: (i) a plain high-strength concrete (HSC) with low tensile strength and toughness, (ii) a fiber-reinforced concrete (FRHSC) with high toughness but similar flexural tensile strength as the HSC, and (iii) a polymer cement composite (PCC) with high flexural tensile strength but low toughness. The PCC was developed from a combination of inorganic cements with water-soluble polymers, and it had a 28-day flexural tensile strength of 25 MPa. Results suggest that the toughness was a more important parameter that contributes to the impact resistance of the cement-based materials. Increasing the tensile strength alone, however, did not seem to contribute to the impact resistance of the cement-based materials.
Can Venting Areas Mitigate the Risk Due to Air Blast inside Railway Carriages?
Authors: Larcher Martin , Casadei Folco , Solomos George , Gebbeken Norbert
Published: June 2011

The influence of venting areas built from glass on the peak pressure and impulse of explosions due to high explosives is investigated. The pressure-time function of an air blast wave resulting from a high explosive is different from that of a gas or dust explosion. Its peak pressure is higher but the duration of the positive phase is much shorter. Its capacity of making a structure fly away is therefore reduced. Apart from the pressure-time function, it is shown that also the direction of the wave has an influence. Starting from a certain distance to the explosion, calculations indicate that the air blast wave inside a tubular structure becomes one-dimensional. In such a case, the influence of venting areas parallel to the wave propagation direction is small. This is shown in the study by several calculations using fluid-structure interaction. The pressure peak and the impulse are compared at selected points in tubular structure differing in the existence of openings, their dimension and position, and their number. Their effect is found to be small even in the case that the opening is near the explosion. In addition, the influence of venting areas in realistic train carriages is presented.
Assessment of Laminated Cylindrical Arch Loaded by a Shock Wave
Authors: Prochazka Petr P. , Kravtsov Alexander N. , Lok Tat Seng
Published: June 2011

Mutual interaction between a semi-cylindrical arch and the air medium in its neighborhood loaded by a blast or shock wave is the subject of the paper put forward. An impingement of blast wave against structures can cause a reflection of the wave off the surface of the structure followed by a substantial transient aerodynamic load, which can cause a significant deformation of the structure. This deformation can alter the overpressure, which is built behind the reflected shock. In addition, a complex aero-elastic interaction between the blast wave and the structure is developed that can induce a reverberation, which can also cause substantial overpressure through the multiple reflections of the wave. This problem is of particular importance in the new design of future civil, military and underground structures built up from composite materials, as well as of military vehicles.
Helping a Small Development Organization Manage Volunteers More Efficiently
Authors: Falasca Mauro , Zobel Christopher , Ragsdale Cliff
Published: June 2011

Development organizations plan and execute programs that are directed primarily toward promoting human welfare. Because these organizations rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their social missions, efficiently managing their volunteer workforce is important. In this study, we discuss the development of a spreadsheet-based, multicriteria volunteer-scheduling model for a small development organization in a developing South American country. We demonstrate how the model helps to reduce the number of unfilled shifts, decrease total scheduling costs, and better satisfy the volunteers' scheduling preferences, thus supporting the long-term retention and effectiveness of the organization's volunteer workforce.
DART – the German strategy to fight antimicrobial resistance. Report on history and current state1
Authors: Wiegel Bernhard
Published: June 2011

This report outlines the German strategy to fight antimicrobial resistance consisting of ten objectives: strengthening of surveillance systems on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption, systematic feedback of data on antibiotic resistance and antibiotic consumption, promoting the use of guidelines to ensure the diagnosis, promotion of training, further education and training of health professionals, pharmacists, and natural scientists, national and international cooperation, promotion of assessment measures in human medicine, promotion of knowledge transfer in the field of antibiotic resistance, as well as networking and strengthening of science in the field of antibiotic resistance. The proposed draft legislation and questions concerning sustainable maintenance of good laboratory practice and the corresponding means are addressed.
Mechanical Behavior of Natural and Recycled Granular Materials for Roads
Authors: Grégoire Colette , Correia Antonio Gomes , De Bel Régis , Dethy Bernard
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a study on resilient and permanent strains measured with the precision cyclic load triaxial test on a limestone aggregate (reference material) commonly used in subbase or capping layers in Belgium and on two recycled materials (steel slag and crushed concrete aggregate) also used in subbase or capping layers. The influence of stress level, water content, density, and compaction method (vibrating hammer or vibrocompaction) was analyzed. Tests with one cyclic stress level on one specimen (single stage loading) and tests with several cyclic stress levels on the same specimen (multi-stage loading) were performed, in order to evaluate the prediction capability of the multi-stage loading test. The latter test procedure is quicker and more practical. Although the permanent strains obtained by the two test procedures were different, the multi-stage loading method did indicate the trend of the long-term behavior of the material. The test results showed that in comparison with the reference material, the recycled materials, particularly the steel slag, exhibited good mechanical behavior (high stiffness, high strength, and good resistance to permanent strains) under-well controlled conditions of water content.
Periodic nodal surfaces and exponential scale
Authors: Predel Matthias , Grin Yuri
Published: June 2011

Both, Periodic Nodal Surfaces (PNS) and exponential scale surfaces (ES), are suitable tools to investigate and describe the organisation of crystal structures. Therefore the mathematical relationship between ES and PNS is investigated. It is shown that the function cos (x) within the range 0 ≤ x ≤ 2π can be developed into a series in terms of orthogonal functions Φ

n
(x) = Σ
k = 1
n
c

n

k exp (cos ((k–1)x)). An orthonormal set of functions Φ

n
(x) has been evaluated using Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization. Series representation of cos (x) and sin (x) in terms of exp (sin ((k–1)x)) is impossible.