bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the complexity of resilient network design
Authors: Tomaszewski Artur , Pióro Michał , Żotkiewicz Mateusz
Published: May 2009

In this article we prove 𝒩𝒫‐hardness of two well‐known optimization problems related to the design of multicommodity flow networks with two different methods for providing network resiliency against failures: path diversity and flow restoration. Path diversity is a static mechanism that consists of using, for each demand, a number of paths and oversizing the flows assigned to these paths so that for any failure the total surviving flow is not less than the volume of the demand. By contrast, flow restoration is a dynamic mechanism that consists of reassigning the failed flows to backup paths when a failure occurs. Both mechanisms are of practical interest because although flow restoration is in general superior to path diversity in terms of the required amount of resource capacity, it might be too complicated to implement. By providing an appropriate reduction from the fractional graph coloring problem, we show that both problems are 𝒩𝒫‐hard in the general case of failure scenarios that admit simultaneous failures of multiple links. Finally, we discuss how to efficiently solve the two problems using path generation techniques. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2010
Improved outcome for Chinese children with acute promyelocytic leukemia: A comparison of two protocols
Authors: Luo Xue‐Qun , Ke Zhi‐Yong , Huang Li‐Bin , Guan Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Ying‐Chuan , Zhang Xiao‐Li
Published: May 2009

Objective

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is now highly curable, except in many developing countries. Introduction of current treatment strategies may improve the outcome for children with APL in these countries.

Methods

The diagnosis was based on the FAB classification and detection of PML‐RARα rearrangement. From December 1999 to September 2004, 16 eligible children were treated with an intensive in‐house protocol including high‐dose AraC and anthracycline. Subsequently, 14 cases were treated with a less intensive protocol modified from the PETHEMA LPA99.

Results

The 3.5 years event‐free survival (EFS) was 37.5% (95% CI, 13.8–61.2%) for patients treated on initial protocol. The treatment failures were: six patients abandoned treatment (37.5%), two who died of intracranial hemorrhage at diagnosis (6.3%) and sepsis in remission (6.3%) respectively, and two who relapsed (12.5%). Those treated on modified PETHEMA had a 3.5 years EFS of 79.6% (95% CI, 52.9–106.3%). Treatment failures included: one who died of intracranial hemorrhage at diagnosis (7.1%) and one who relapsed (7.1%). The patients on modified PETHEMA had a significantly higher EFS (P = 0.012), lower frequency of sepsis during treatment (7.7% vs. 77.8%; P = 0.0015), and lower hospitalization cost (median US$ 4,700 vs. US$ 20,000; P < 0.0001) than those on in‐house protocol.

Conclusion

Treatment with the less intensive protocol based on the PETHEMA LPA99 study of childhood APL successfully reduced chemotherapy toxicity and lowered hospitalization costs without increasing relapses. This led to decreases in treatment‐related morbidity and the treatment abandonment rate, thus improving overall outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:325–328. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modeling and Simulation of Fast Neutral Beam Sources for Materials Processing
Authors: Economou Demetre J.
Published: May 2009

Fast (kinetic energy of 10 to some 100 eV) neutral beams can be used for etching, deposition or surface modification, without charging damage that may occur in conventional plasma processing of materials. This paper provides an overview of the modeling and simulation approaches applicable to neutral beam sources. Neutral beam sources based on both volume and surface neutralization of ions are discussed, with emphasis on the latter.

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Influence of Hydrogen Plasma on the Defect Passivation of Polycrystalline Si Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Gorka Benjamin , Rau Björn , Dogan Pinar , Becker Christiane , Ruske Florian , Gall Stefan , Rech Bernd
Published: May 2009

Hydrogen passivation (HP) of polycrystalline silicon (poly‐Si) thin film solar cells was performed in a parallel plate radio‐frequency (rf) plasma setup. The influence of hydrogen pressure p and electrode gap d on breakdown voltage Vbrk is presented showing that the minimum in Vbrk shifts with higher pressures towards higher p · d values. Cell test structures provided by CSG Solar AG were used to examine the influence of p and d on the open circuit voltage VOC. The highest VOC's were achieved for p · d values that correspond to a minimum in Vbrk. HP strongly improved the VOC. After the hydrogen plasma treatment the VOC improved significantly by a factor of 2 and amounted to 450 mV. Optimized parameters were then applied to different poly‐Si solar cells prepared by electron beam evaporation.
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition of Nanostructured Fluorocarbon Surfaces
Authors: Sardella Eloisa , Intranuovo Francesca , Rossini Pasqua , Nardulli Marina , Gristina Roberto , d'Agostino Riccardo , Favia Pietro
Published: May 2009

Fluorocarbon coatings have drawn much attention in the biomedical field for their peculiar chemical and topographical characteristics. It is well known that topography and chemistry of a material surface can modulate different cellular responses, including adhesion, proliferation and expression of differentiated phenotypes. In this work, PECVD processes were run and micro/nanostructured fluorocarbon coatings were obtained by varying both gas feed (C3F6O and C3F6 feeds) and substrate position in an RF (13.56 MHz) reactor. The interesting results demonstrated that the cell behaviour can be dramatically influenced by surface topography of fluorine containing coatings.
H2/NH3 Plasma‐Grafting of PEEK‐WC‐PU Membrane to Improve their cyto‐Compatibility with Hepatocytes
Authors: Laera Stefania , Lopez Linda C. , De Bartolo Loredana , Morelli Sabrina , Salerno Simona , Piscioneri Antonella , Nardulli Marina , Gristina Roberto , d'Agostino Riccardo , Favia Pietro
Published: May 2009

Plasma treatments in H2 and NH3 RF (13.56 MHz) glow discharges have been used for modifying the surface of PEEK‐WC‐PU membranes. Water contact angle (WCA) and X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses were performed to study the compositional changes of PEEK‐WC‐PU membranes after grafting. Cell culture experiments with human hepatocytes clearly show that grafting N‐containing groups improves the cyto‐compatibility of the membranes.
Microstructural, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of CrA1YN Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Brizuela Marta , García‐Luis Alberto , Corengia Pablo , González‐Santamaría Daniel , Muñoz Roberto , González Javier‐Jesús
Published: May 2009

CrAlYN coatings were synthesized by reactive magnetron sputtering. The aim of this research is to study the influence of the nitrogen flow at constant total gas flows on the chemical, structural and tribo‐mechanical properties of the CrAlYN coatings. The nitrogen flow has an important effect on the deposition growth rate, the crystalline structure and the mechanical properties of the CrAlYN coatings. All the coatings present a NaCl fcc lattice structure but increase in the nitrogen flow changes the coating texture. Coatings morphology also changes from a columnar to an equiaxial structure. Coating hardness decreases with increase in the nitrogen flow. All the coatings studied showed a similar tribological behaviour with a mean friction coefficient against steel between 0.47 and 0.53 without showing a clear correlation with the coatings' mechanical properties.
Thermal Evolution of WC/C Nanostructured Coatings by Raman and In Situ XRD Analysis
Authors: Mrabet Said El , Abad Manuel David , López‐Cartes Carlos , Martínez‐Martínez Diego , Sánchez‐López Juan Carlos
Published: May 2009

In this work, a series of WC/C nanostructured films were deposited on silicon substrates by changing the ratio of sputtering power applied to graphite and WC magnetron sources (PC/PWC: 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1). The thermal stability of WC/C coatings was followed in situ by means of X‐ray diffraction measurements up to 1 100 °C in vacuum (10−1 Pa). Initially, the film microstructure is composed of nanocrystalline WC1−x and W2C phases. As the PC/PWC ratio increases the crystallinity decreases, and WC1−x becomes the predominant phase from PC/PWC = 0.1. The results show that the structural evolution with temperature of all studied layers depends essentially on their initial phase and chemical composition (determined by the synthesis conditions: ratio PC/PWC). The coating deposited at PC/PWC = 0 reveals a transformation of W2C phase into W and W3C phases at 400 °C. However, the samples with PC/PWC greater than 0 exhibits an improved thermal stability up to 600–700 °C where the WC1−x begins to transform into W2C and WC phases. At 900 °C, WC is the predominant phase, especially for those coatings prepared with higher ratios. Further annealing above 1 000 °C yields W as the foremost phase. The thermal behaviour was later studied by means of Raman spectroscopy measurements at certain temperatures where the main changes in phase composition were observed. Particularly, a fitting analysis was carried out on the D and G bands typical of disordered and amorphous carbon. The changes induced during heating are discussed in terms of the positions of D and G lines, and full width at half maximum (FWHM).
Cathode Current Density Distributions in High Power Impulse and Direct Current Magnetron Sputtering Modes
Authors: Clarke Gregory , Mishra Anurag , Kelly Peter J. , Bradley James W.
Published: May 2009

During the operation of high power impulse magnetron sputtering discharges, peak currents in excess of 1 000 A may be observed, leading to large instantaneous power levels. To investigate this method of operation, a series of planar probes have been constructed that allow for the spatial and temporal variations of current across the surface of a cathode to be assessed. These measurements provide information on the flux of charged particles to and from the cathode whilst it is being sputtered. Under operating conditions that led to a peak current of 140 A, measured current densities varied spatially from ∼0.1 to 1.5 A · cm−2. By the use of a simple model, the measured current densities were used to predict the sputtering rate of the cathode, which allowed for the erosion profile and target lifetime to be estimated. The results suggest that, with regard to sputtering, operating in HiPIMS mode may be less energy efficient than operating in DC mode, but may achieve a higher target utilisation fraction.
Thermal Characterization and Optimization of a Plasma Downstream Reactor for Particle Surface Modification
Authors: Roth Christian , Spillmann Adrian , Sonnenfeld Axel , Rudolf von Rohr Philipp
Published: May 2009

A plasma downstream reactor for the continuous treatment of dry, cohesive, and temperature sensitive powders is investigated by means of fiber optic temperature measurements. A method to determine the different heat flux terms (plasma heating, radiation, and convection) is introduced and applied to calculate the inner wall and neutral gas temperature at several positions within the reactor. By this means undesirable discharge regions downstream the plasma zone are found. Consequently, the thermal characterization of the reactor allows optimization of the reactor design to confine the plasma to the downer tube and to avoid undesirable temperature hot spots.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy Analysis of Ar/N2 Plasma in Reactive Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Bousquet Angélique , Spinelle Laurent , Cellier Joël , Tomasella Eric
Published: May 2009

The ternary silicon carbide‐nitride SiCxNy presents very promising properties: hardness, low chemical reactivity, and resistance to oxidation. This material can be deposited by various processes, but reactive magnetron sputtering is one of the most versatile. In this paper, we investigated by optical emission spectroscopy an argon‐nitrogen plasma used with a silicon carbide target to deposit SiCxNy films. First, we observed the physical aspect of the discharge is modified not only with the injected atmosphere but also with target surface state, which highly influences the N2 dissociation rate. Then, we followed two species coming from target sputtering: CN and Si. This study confirms the target nitriding up to a certain N2 fraction. Finally, the OES information was related to the deposited film composition.
Silicon Oxide Barrier Coatings Deposited on Polymer Materials for Applications in Food Packaging Industry
Authors: Schneider Joachim , Akbar Muhammad Iqbal , Dutroncy Jerôme , Kiesler Dennis , Leins Martina , Schulz Andreas , Walker Matthias , Schumacher Uwe , Stroth Ulrich
Published: May 2009

Deposition of SiOx layers by low‐pressure microwave plasmas is an excellent means to add missing barrier functionalities to cheap and material‐saving homo‐polymeric materials that will increasingly replace expensive multi‐layer polymer food packaging. SiOx coatings were deposited in an ECR plasma process on polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) foils using two different precursors, HMDSO and HMDSN. O2 transition rates of less than 1 cm3 (m−2·24 h−1·bar−1) were obtained for the best performing SiOx coatings deposited from O2/HMDSN gas mixtures. First ECR plasma deposition tests on polypropylene (PP) trays show the high barrier potential of SiOx coatings even on three‐dimensional polymer food packaging.
Investigation of Plasma Parameters in a VHF Plasma With Narrow Gap Under High Gaseous Pressure
Authors: Muta Hiroshi , Kishida Shinichi , Tanaka Masayoshi , Yamauchi Yasuhiro , Baba Tomoyoshi , Takeuchi Yoshiaki , Takatsuka Hiromu , Kawai Yoshinobu
Published: May 2009

The plasma parameters in a VHF plasma with a narrow gap under high gaseous pressure were experimentally investigated. As a result of the Langmuir probe measurement for hydrogen plasma with a gap length of 5 mm and a pressure of 1 torr, it was found that the electron temperature (∼10 eV) was high enough to promote the dissociation reaction of SiH4 molecules, and that a large amount of negative ions which could play a role in reducing the sheath potential were produced. On the other hand, the results of the ion measurement using a quadrupole mass spectrometer with an energy analyzer indicated that the highest produced ion was H and its incident energy to the substrate was low due to the collisions. These results suggest that the condition of high pressure and narrow gap are advantageous for the preparation of high‐quality µc‐Si thin films.
In Situ Diagnostics of RF Magnetron Sputtering of Nylon
Authors: Kousal Jaroslav , Hanuš Jan , Choukourov Andrei , Polonskyi Oleksandr , Biederman Hynek , Slavínská Danka
Published: May 2009

Planar RF magnetron was used for sputtering of nylon in Ar, N2 and their mixtures. The discharge plasma was monitored by mass spectrometry and optical emission spectroscopy. By means of these two diagnostic methods various carbon‐containing species were detected and their densities were found to increase with increasing portion of N2 in the discharge mixture. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that such species govern the deposition rate as well as chemical composition of the deposits determined both in situ and ex situ by FT‐IR spectroscopy and XPS.
Effect of Plasma Treatment on Polymer Track Membranes
Authors: Kravets Lyubov , Dmitriev Serguei , Dinescu Gheorghe , Lazea Andrada , Satulu Veronica
Published: May 2009

The effect of plasma treatment on the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) track membranes has been investigated. The influence of plasma treatment conditions and composition of plasma‐forming gas on basic membrane characteristics–pore size and shape, wettability, hydrodynamic, and electrochemical properties–were studied. It is shown that the plasma treatment of membranes can significantly improve their performance characteristics and give them a lot of useful properties.
DC Magnetron Sputtering Deposition of Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles: Influence of Temperature, Pressure and Deposition Time on the Deposited Layer Morphology, the Wetting and Optical Surface Properties
Authors: Dreesen Laurent , Cecchet Francesca , Lucas Stéphane
Published: May 2009

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared on glass substrates by reactive DC magnetron sputtering. As highlighted by the atomic force microscopy characterization, we were able to control the nanoparticles' surface coverage and diameter by varying the deposition time and the total pressure, respectively. The titanium dioxide energy band gap, determined by using ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy, depends on the total pressure but is quite independent on the deposition temperature. On the contrary, it is blue shifted when the pressure increases. Finally, the contact angles slightly decrease after ultraviolet illumination irrespective of the different deposition parameters, indicating an improvement of the hydrophilic properties of the adsorbed layer. After 21 h in dark, the contact angles are nearly identical to the ones before exposure to UV light: the samples do not keep their hydrophilic behaviour.
Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition on Particulate Solid‐State Materials for Improved Powder Processing
Authors: Sonnenfeld Axel , Roth Christian , Dimitrova Zorica , Spillmann Adrian , von Rohr Philipp Rudolf
Published: May 2009

The surface of fine lactose powder particulates was modified by direct‐plasma exposure in a radio frequency (RF) discharge, in a mixture of oxygen and hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) diluted in argon. Besides, the RF power (100–500 W) and the HMDSO flow rate (0–68 sccm) at constant oxygen‐to‐HMDSO flow rate ratio of 10 was varied in this study. Apart from the relatively high pressure of 2 mbar, the plasma process adopted is very much alike the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition of silica‐like material descending from the plasma‐chemical reaction of oxygen and HMDSO. With respect to the processability of powders in production lines to be solely gravity‐driven, as for instance in the event of dye‐filling, compression ratios (based on the powder bulk and mass density) were measured for solely gravity‐driven filling of a graduated glass. A jolting volumeter was used to provide the compressibility of the compacted powder bulk. Higher compressibility of about 20% (improvement rate) was found for both experimental series: variation of HMDSO flow rate and variation of the discharge power. In both cases, an enhancement of the flowability of the powder was found to cause the compressibility improvement.
A Versatile System for Large Area Coating of Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Schmittgens Ralph , Wolf Marcus , Schultheiss Eberhard
Published: May 2009

A deposition system process in a vacuum environment has been designed to produce plasma generated nanoparticles of metals, alloys, or inorganic compounds. The system allows coating various substrates with nanoparticle films and with nanocomposite films made of nanoparticles in plasma generated matrix material. The system is composed of a modified gas flow sputter (GFS) source of a hollow cathode type that allows generating metal and inorganic composite particles through a gas phase condensation (GPC) process. A plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) source is used to deposit matrix materials based on organic precursors. The PECVD is a 60 MHz driven pulsed discharge and allows obtaining high deposition rates and a wide variety of the matrix film characters in the range from inorganic compounds to plasma polymers through changes in source parameters and precursors. The design details of the vacuum system and of the plasma sources are reported and the deposition procedure is presented. First results on the generation of metal nanoparticles as a function of the principal discharge parameters of the GFS source are given.
Properties of WC‐CoCr Based Coatings Deposited by Different HVOF Thermal Spray Processes
Authors: Picas Josep A. , Punset Miquel , Baile M. Teresa , Martín Enric , Forn Antonio
Published: May 2009

The technology of high‐velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) thermal spraying is today one of the more important processes used to apply carbide based coatings. HVOF spraying has been transforming from gas‐fuelled towards liquid‐fuelled systems. An apparent benefit from this development is to use low‐cost fuels such as kerosene. In this work a WC‐CoCr powder was thermally sprayed by three different variants of the high velocity oxy‐fuel process, in which the fuels were hydrogen and kerosene. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the influence of HVOF spray parameters on some coating properties. Investigations into the microstructural evolution of the coatings, using scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction, are presented along with results on their mechanical and tribological properties.
Mechanical Properties of Layers Obtained by DC‐Pulsed Plasma Nitriding on a Low‐Alloy Steel (AISI 4140)
Authors: Dutrey Luciano , De Las Heras Evangelina , Svoboda Hernán G. , Corengia Pablo A.
Published: May 2009

An industrial DC‐pulsed plasma nitriding (DCPPN) equipment was used to obtain samples of an AISI 4140 low‐alloy steel with five different configurations: substrate, substrate + diffusion zone, diffusion zone, substrate + diffusion zone + compound layer, and diffusion zone + compound layer. The microstructures of the samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Microhardness and tensile tests were performed, and the fracture mechanisms for the different materials were finally analyzed and discussed. The DCPPN produced an increase in the elastic modulus as well as in the yield strengths, together with a pronounce ductility loss, associated to the brittle intergranular fracture surface due to the nitride precipitation in the grain boundaries.
Treatment of Hexatriacontane by Ar–O2 Remote Plasma: Formation of the Active Species
Authors: Mafra Marcio , Belmonte Thierry , Poncin‐Epaillard Fabienne , Maliska Ana , Cvelbar Urŏs
Published: May 2009

To follow the interaction with a heavy alkane, the hexatriacontane, and a remote argon–oxygen plasma, the O2 (b1Σ, v = 0 − X3Σ, v′ = 0) transition at 762 nm can be used. A strong correlation with the material transformation is observed and attributed to atomic oxygen whose recombination releases a quantity of heat that affects the treatment temperature.
Paramagnetic relaxation enhancements in unfolded proteins: Theory and application to drkN SH3 domain
Authors: Xue Yi , Podkorytov Ivan S. , Rao D. Krishna , Benjamin Nathan , Sun Honglei , Skrynnikov Nikolai R.
Published: May 2009

Site‐directed spin labeling in combination with paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) measurements is one of the most promising techniques for studying unfolded proteins. Since the pioneering work of Gillespie and Shortle (J Mol Biol 1997;268:158), PRE data from unfolded proteins have been interpreted using the theory that was originally developed for rotational spin relaxation. At the same time, it can be readily recognized that the relative motion of the paramagnetic tag attached to the peptide chain and the reporter spin such as 1HN is best described as a translation. With this notion in mind, we developed a number of models for the PRE effect in unfolded proteins: (i) mutual diffusion of the two tethered spheres, (ii) mutual diffusion of the two tethered spheres subject to a harmonic potential, (iii) mutual diffusion of the two tethered spheres subject to a simulated mean‐force potential (Smoluchowski equation); (iv) explicit‐atom molecular dynamics simulation. The new models were used to predict the dependences of the PRE rates on the 1HN residue number and static magnetic field strength; the results are appreciably different from the Gillespie–Shortle model. At the same time, the Gillespie–Shortle approach is expected to be generally adequate if the goal is to reconstruct the distance distributions between 1HN spins and the paramagnetic center (provided that the characteristic correlation time is known with a reasonable accuracy). The theory has been tested by measuring the PRE rates in three spin‐labeled mutants of the drkN SH3 domain in 2M guanidinium chloride. Two modifications introduced into the measurement scheme—using a reference compound to calibrate the signals from the two samples (oxidized and reduced) and using peak volumes instead of intensities to determine the PRE rates—lead to a substantial improvement in the quality of data. The PRE data from the denatured drkN SH3 are mostly consistent with the model of moderately expanded random‐coil protein, although part of the data point toward a more compact structure (local hydrophobic cluster). At the same time, the radius of gyration reported by Choy et al. (J Mol Biol 2002;316:101) suggests that the protein is highly expanded. This seemingly contradictory evidence can be reconciled if one assumes that denatured drkN SH3 forms a conformational ensemble that is dominated by extended conformations, yet also contains compact (collapsed) species. Such behavior is apparently more complex than predicted by the model of a random‐coil protein in good solvent/poor solvent.
Fusion order controls expression level and activity of elastin‐like polypeptide fusion proteins
Authors: Christensen Trine , Amiram Miriam , Dagher Sue , Trabbic‐Carlson Kimberly , Shamji Mohammed F. , Setton Lori A. , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: May 2009

We have previously developed a method to purify recombinant proteins, termed inverse transition cycling (ITC) that eliminates the need for column chromatography. ITC exploits the inverse solubility phase transition of an elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) that is fused to a protein of interest. In ITC, a recombinant ELP fusion protein is cycled through its phase transition, resulting in separation of the ELP fusion protein from other Escherichia coli contaminants. Herein, we examine the role of the position of the ELP in the fusion protein on the expression levels and yields of purified protein for four recombinant ELP fusion proteins. Placing the ELP at the C‐terminus of the target protein (protein‐ELP) results in a higher expression level for the four ELP fusion proteins, which also translates to a greater yield of purified protein. The position of the fusion protein also has a significant impact on its specific activity, as ELP‐protein constructs have a lower specific activity than protein‐ELP constructs for three out of the four proteins. Our results show no difference in mRNA levels between protein‐ELP and ELP‐protein fusion constructs. Instead, we suggest two possible explanations for these results: first, the translational efficiency of mRNA may differ between the fusion protein in the two orientations and second, the lower level of protein expression and lower specific activity is consistent with a scenario that placement of the ELP at the N‐terminus of the fusion protein increases the fraction of misfolded, and less active conformers, which are also preferentially degraded compared to fusion proteins in which the ELP is present at the C‐terminal end of the protein.
Quasi‐static contact problem with finitely many degrees of freedom and dry friction
Authors: Schmid F.
Published: May 2009

A quasi‐static contact problem is considered for a nonlinear elastic system with finitely many degrees of freedom. The friction law of Coulomb is used to model friction and the friction coefficient may be anisotropic and may vary along the surface of the rigid obstacle. Existence is established following a time‐incremental minimization problem. Friction is artificially decreased to resolve the discontinuity arising from making and losing contact.
Processing Loaner Instruments in an Ambulatory Surgery Center
Authors: Huter‐Kunish Gloria G.
Published: May 2009

Loaner instruments often do not arrive at receiving facilities in the time frame or the condition that is needed to use them safely. Their cleaning and decontamination status may be unknown. There may be no inventory of what has been loaned or information about processing requirements for the instrument's use. These situations can create problems for both the loaning facility and the receiving facility and must be addressed to reduce costs from damage to or loss of instruments.

The use of documents and checklists to verify the cleaning, decontamination, and sterilization processes used allows ambulatory surgery centers to solve these problems, cut costs, and protect staff members and patients. AORN J 89 (May 2009) 861–866. © AORN, Inc, 2009.
Acute abdominal pain in women at an emergency department: Predictors of chronicity
Authors: Weijenborg Philomeen Th M , Gardien Kim , Toorenvliet Boudewijn R , Merkus Jos WS , ter Kuile Moniek M
Published: May 2009

Background: Persistence of pain after acute abdominal pain has been encountered but predictors of chronicity are insufficiently known.

Aims: To assess the course of acute abdominal pain and to explore whether chronicity is predicted by baseline demographic and clinical variables.

Methods: A follow‐up study was conducted on all consecutive women who had visited an emergency department of a secondary care teaching hospital for acute abdominal pain. After a mean of 2.3 years 115 women (58%) completed questionnaires.

Results: At follow‐up 34 women (30%) still suffered from abdominal pain complaints for more than 3 months the past year. Low education level (Exp(B) = 4.21, p = 0.017) and having experienced abuse before the age of 16 (Exp(B) = 3.14, p = 0.016) were significantly and independently associated with chronicity. No other socio‐demographic or clinical factors predicted the outcome.

Conclusion: At a 2.3 year follow‐up period nearly one third of all women with acute abdominal pain still suffered from pain. Low education level and abuse at younger age showed to be risk factors for pain persistence.
Estrogen receptor overexpression in malignant minor salivary gland tumors of the sinonasal tract
Authors: Luo Sheng‐Dean , Su Chih‐Ying , Chuang Hui‐Ching , Huang Chao‐Cheng , Chen Ching‐Mei , Chien Chih‐Yen
Published: May 2009

Objectives

To identify the expression of estrogen receptors in malignant minor salivary gland tumors of the sinonasal tract.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective review of a pathology database identified 17 patients with malignant salivary gland tumors between December 1987 and January 2006. Clinicopathologic data were collected, and immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptor α and β was performed.

Results

Among these malignant tumors, adenoid cystic carcinoma was the predominant histologic type. In addition to epistaxis and nasal obstruction, the headache, facial, or ocular symptoms were also commonly noted in this cohort. Seventy‐five percent of cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma were positive for estrogen receptor α. In contrast, only 17 percent of cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma were positive for estrogen receptor β.

Conclusion

Malignant minor salivary gland tumors of the sinonasal tract are rare disease entities. In the present series, adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common form of tumor, but the prognosis was poor. Most of the cases were positive for expression of estrogen receptor α, which suggests that hormone therapy may have a role in the management of certain minor salivary gland tumors of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity.
GEORGE CANNING AND THE SPANISH QUESTION, SEPTEMBER 1822 TO MARCH 1823
Authors: YAMADA NORIHITO
Published: May 2009

Harold Temperley's The foreign policy of Canning, 1822–1827 (1925) has been widely acknowledged as the standard work on George Canning's foreign policy in 1822–7. Since its publication, historians have accepted its central theme: that the principal aim of Canning's foreign policy in 1822–7 was to destroy the post-1815 system of great-power concert in Europe. Temperley's book is remarkable for its consistency, and his account of Canning's policy with regard to the Spanish crisis of 1822–3 – that Canning's main concern was not to prevent foreign intervention in Spain, but to weaken the power and authority of the Concert of Europe by exploiting differences among the European allies over the question of Spain – is certainly consistent with its central theme. This article re-examines Canning's diplomacy on the Spanish question from the start of his second tenure in the foreign office to the French invasion of Spain, and contends that its reality fits neither Temperley's account of this particular subject nor his general thesis on Canning's foreign policy. A careful examination of Canning's early diplomacy indicates that its primary object was to prevent foreign military intervention in Spain, and that it was not influenced by a supposed dislike of great-power concert.
On the Liquefaction of Gelatin by the Bacillus Cloacae
Authors: MacConkey Alfred
Published: May 2009

The Bacillus cloacae liquefies gelatin very slowly, sometimes taking a month or more to do so. It is in consequence occasionally a source of delay and of great inconvenience to the bacteriologist. In this paper it has been shown that by using appropriate methods the time necessary for demonstrating the liquefaction of gelatin by this organism may be shortened to a week.
A Criticism of Dr A. C. Houston's Report on the Biological Characters of B. coli isolated from (1) Raw, (2) Stored River Water, and (3) Stored and Filtered Water
Authors: Clemesha W. Wesley
Published: May 2009

It may be safely stated that anything which Dr A. C. Houston writes on the subject of water bacteriology is received with very great interest and respect, and his recent report on the bacteriological characters of Bacillus coli in raw, stored and filtered river water (Metropolitan Water Board, 7th Report on Research Work) is no exception to the rule. The report is of very great interest to all engaged in the study of water bacteriology, particularly in England. We who are working on this subject in a tropical country have different conditions around us, and we naturally look at things from a somewhat different standpoint, so that a brief description of our experience, and a criticism of Dr Houston's results in the light of our ideas will probably be of interest to many who are engaged in this fascinating subject.
The Resistance of Spores to Heating in Anhydrous Fluids such as Glycerine and similar Substances
Authors: Bullock Howard
Published: May 2009

The use of glycerine, oil and similar substances finds a constantly increasing application in modern surgery and medicine. Accordingly the adequate sterilisation of these fluids becomes a matter of considerable importance.
The Relation between the Cancer and Diabetes Death-rates
Authors: Greenwood M. , Wood Frances
Published: May 2009

Early in 1912 Professor E. C. C. Baly, F.R.S., acting on behalf of Mr Jessup, brought one of us a collection of Swiss statistics and requested that it should be analysed, with the object of measuring the relation between the death-rates of cancer and diabetes. In the course of this work we have been led to consider many problems of theoretical and practical interest, bearing partly on the method of analysis and partly on the results yielded; it would not be possible to deal with all these in a single paper and the present memoir is devoted to a study of the problem first suggested, viz. the relation between the cancer and diabetes death-rates. Since, however, this may be the first paper of a series, it will be convenient to deal at some length with the nature of the investigation and the motives which led us to undertake it.
A Contribution to the Study of Meningococci
Authors: Walker E. W. Ainley
Published: May 2009

It has been shown by numerous observers that well-marked serological differences are found between different strains of meningococci. And since the work of Dopter on the relation of “parameningococci” to meningococci and to cerebro-spinal fever, there has arisen a fairly general agreement that among meningococci capable of causing cerebrospinal meningitis two broadly separable groups can be defined by immunological methods. But beyond this point considerable divergences of opinion appear. On the one hand there are a number of recent workers who have failed to convince themselves that the two groups of meningococci are in reality clearly delimited, permanent and independent entities. On the other hand certain other workers claim to have still further subdivided these micro-organisms into four definite and independent types, each of which possesses in itself the value of a bacterial species [cp. Andrewes (1917)].
Enteritis due toB. dysenteriaeSonne
Authors: Smith J.
Published: May 2009

In recent years outbreaks of dysentery and enteritis have been found, on occasion, to be due to late lactose fermenting organisms allied to the Flexner dysentery group. Sonne (1915) found that the main cause of dysentery in Copenhagen was a late lactose fermenting bacillus. D'Herelle (1916) in France and Øhnell (1918) in Sweden also found this atypical organism to be associated with cases of dysentery. Andrewes (1918) suggested the nameB. disparfor lactose fermenting members of the dysentery group, which he obtained from cases of suspected dysentery and from convalescents. Thjøtta (1919) in Norway while investigating cases of dysentery obtained 40 strains of Flexner dysentery bacilli (Thjøtta group II) and 25 strains of the Sonne type (Thjøtta group III). He explained that the less frequent finding of the Sonne type was due to the fact that this organism often caused a mild diarrhoea that was not sufficiently serious to necessitate the services of a physician, with the result that the cases were not subjected to bacteriological investigation. He showed that the Sonne bacilli had the following characteristics, viz.: Large irregular crenated colonies grew on litmus lactose agar plates; acid was produced in maltose and glucose, and occasionally in lactose; no indol was produced; and serologically the group showed no relationship to the other groups of dysentery bacilli (Flexner and Shiga).
The Topographical Incidence of Cancer in Yorkshire and the Midland Counties of England, including the Fenland.
Authors: Young Matthew
Published: May 2009

That the mortality from cancer shows definite variations in different parts of England is now generally believed. Various attempts have been made to ascertain whether any association exists between this variation in mortality and variations in certain features such as elevation and levelness of site, nature of soil and underlying geological formation, proximity to rivers liable to floods, etc., that characterise the several districts comprising different regions, and evidence both for and against the influence of one or other of these factors in predisposing to cancer has been brought forward at different times. An inquiry (1922) into the incidence of cancer in the registration districts in the Severn Valley for the decade 1901–10 seemed to indicate that no definite connexion existed between an excessive mortality rate from cancer and the foregoing factors. It was considered advisable, however, to continue the investigation in another part of the country to determine if the inferences drawn from the analysis of the Severn Valley data were confirmed or if any new features were brought to light. The region chosen included the districts drained by the Yorkshire Ouse, the Trent, the Cambridgeshire Ouse, and those that intervene.
Diabetes mortality in 1861–1942 and some of the factors affecting it
Authors: Stocks Percy
Published: May 2009

In the records of the Registrar-General of England and Wales prior to the year 1940, diabetes was accorded by the rules of classification a high preference over other causes mentioned in association with it upon death certificates, the only important causes preferred to it being the infective diseases cancer, rheumatic fever, sequelae of syphilis, injuries, poisoning, acute intestinal obstruction and puerperal sepsis. It was ascertained from a sample of 123,000 deaths during 1921–30 that 91 % of all death certificates with mention of diabetes were classified to diabetes; in other words the death-rates represented 91 % of the total mortality suffered by persons recognized as diabetics and recorded on certificates as such. It is important to keep this fact in mind when seeking explanations for the trends of mortality at different ages between the years 1860 and 1940.
On the Incidence of Encephalitis Lethargica and Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis in Lancashire and Elsewhere
Authors: Stocks Percy
Published: May 2009

Difficulties in cultivation outside the body have rendered the exact study of the immunity reactions of the filtrable viruses less easy than in the case of many of the bacteria, and the extension of our knowledge of immunity in these infections is at the present time largely dependent upon observation of the behaviour of human beings when exposed to infection through natural channels. For this reason it is important that the utmost use should be made of such reliable statistics as are available for the study of the epidemiology of such diseases as Encephalitis Lethargica and Acute Anterior Poliomyelitis, with a view to understanding their mode of spread and obtaining some clue as to how they may in the future be controlled.
Combined use of rodenticidal dust and poison solution against house-mice (Mus musculus L.) infesting a food store
Authors: Rowe F. P. , Chudley A. H. J.
Published: May 2009

1. A food store infested with house-mice (Mus musculus L.) was treated with boxes containing 1% warfarin dust surrounding a solution containing 0·005% sodium warfarin and 5% sugar. The boxes were placed around the bases of the stacks, in the air-lanes between stacks and at eaves height at the gable ends of the store.

2. Census baitings with counted numbers of wheat grains showed that the mouse population was reduced by about 95% after 5 weeks of the poison treatment and by almost 100% after 20 weeks.

3. The field trial suggests that the combined use of rodenticidal dust and poison solution baiting points is a useful additional method of controlling M. musculus and is most effectively employed against mice living in warm, dry environments.

Thanks are expressed to our colleague Mr E. W. Powell, who co-operated in this work.
Antibody responses in patients with farmer's lung disease to antigens fromMicropolyspora faeni
Authors: Hollingdale M. R.
Published: May 2009

Three purified cell-wall glycoprotein antigens,a, bandc, sensitive to sodium periodate and resistant to pronase, were extracted from mycelium ofMicropolyspora faeniwith aqueous phenol or trichloracetic acid. Pronase-sensitive, sodium periodate-resistant protein antigens were extracted from mycelium with aqueous phenol. Immunoelectrophoresis was a critical method of assessing purity of preparation.

Antibodies to glycoprotein antigens only occurred in clinically defined cases of farmer's lung disease, whereas antibodies to protein antigens also occurred in symptomless farmers. Precipitins toaoccurred in all cases of farmer's lung disease, and this antigen was isolated and purified.

Fractionation of pooled sera from cases of farmer's lung disease showed that precipitins were IgG globulins, whereas latex-agglutinating antibodies were IgG, IgA and especially IgM globulins. It is suggested that farmer's lung may involve a cytotoxic type II reaction, in which glycoproteins adsorbed to tissue cells react with IgG, IgA and IgM immunoglobulins in the presence of complement, causing cellular damage.
Field trials of the rodenticide 5-p-chlorophenyl silatrane against wild house mice (Mus musculus L.)
Authors: Rowe F. P. , Swinney T. , Bradfield A.
Published: May 2009

The performance of the rodenticide 5-p-chlorophenyl silatrane at 0.5% in a wholemeal flour/pinhead oatmeal/corn oil bait was compared with that of zinc phosphide at 3% in the same base in poison treatments carried out against urban infestations of the house mouse (Mus musculus L.). Each poison treatment was conducted for 1 day and after 3 days' pre-baiting. The success of the treatments was assessed from census baitings conducted before and after treatment. Treatment success varied considerably with both poisons used but in general 5-p-chlorophenyl silatrane proved to be at least as effective as zinc phosphide, a commonly used acute rodenticide for the control of mice.
The evaluation of hypersensitivity tests in cattle after foot-and-mouth disease vaccination
Authors: Black L. , Pay T. W. F.
Published: May 2009

The response to passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, dermal hypersensitivity and intravenous provocation tests has been compared in 30, 40, 31 and 24 cattle injected with foot-and-mouth disease vaccine 0, 1, 2 and 3 times respectively, using vaccine components and other substances as test materials. Reaginic antibodies, demonstrated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in goats, were directed against BHK 21 cell extracts (20), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (3) and an unidentified vaccine component (3), and distributed in 0, 5, 19 and 75% of the cattle vaccinated 0, 1, 2 and 3 times. None of the animals showed clinical signs of allergy after vaccination. When BHK 21 cell extract was injected intradermally a significant correlation was noted between the development of large weals and the presence of reagins although the size of the weals was not correlated with the reagin titres. In the case of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose a similar trend was evident. The majority of cattle with large dermal weals possessed reagins but the number of reactions was too small for statistical evaluation. Dermal reactions to sodium penicillin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, saponin and whole vaccine occurred in both unvaccinated and vaccinated cattle but BHK 21 cell lysate and normal bovine serum provoked weals which increased in frequency according to the number of vaccinations experienced. Intravenous hydroxypropylmethylcellulose elicited a response in all the animals previously injected with certain batches of vaccine but none in those injected with other batches or in unvaccinated controls. BHK 21 cell extract intravenously produced a clinical response in half the tested animals which was uncorrelated with the results of the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis or dermal hypersensitivity tests.
A garment for use in the operating theatre: the effect upon bacterial shedding
Authors: Dankert J. , Zijlstra J. B. , Lubberding H.
Published: May 2009

In operating theatres the air is mainly contaminated with bacteria shed from the human skin. The emission of bacteria can be prevented by wearing clothing of impervious material, while normal cotton clothing does not decrease the shedding of bacteria.

In this study shedding of viable bacteria from 20 test-persons wearing an operating theatre suit, composed of 65% polyester and 35% cotton (Diolen), was investigated in a test-chamber and compared with that when normal clothing was worn. The use of this operating-theatre suit resulted in a significant reduction (50–75%) in the number of bacteria-carrying particles in the air of the test-chamber and in an operating room when everyone present wore this suit. A combination of the suit with knee-high boots showed a further reduction in the dispersal of colony forming units.

The dispersion from female subjects wearing an operating-theatre frock was significantly higher than when wearing an operating-theatre suit.