bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial—temporal marked point processes: a spectrum of stochastic models
Authors: Renshaw Eric
Published: September 2009

Many processes that develop through space and time do so in response not only to their own individual growth mechanisms but also in response to interactive pressures induced by their neighbours. The growth of trees in a forest which compete for light and nutrient resources, for example, provides a classic illustration of this general spatial—temporal growth‐interaction process. Not only has its mathematical representation proved to be a powerful tool in the study and analysis of marked point patterns since it may easily be simulated, but it has also been shown to be highly flexible in terms of its application since it is robust with respect to incorrect choice of model selection. Moreover, it is highly amenable to maximum likelihood and least squares parameter estimation techniques. Currently the algorithm comprises deterministic growth and interaction coupled with a stochastic arrival and departure mechanism. So for systems with a fixed number of particles there is an inherent lack of randomness. A variety of different stochastic approaches are therefore presented, from the exact event—time model through to the associated stochastic differential equation, taking in time‐increment and Tau‐ and Langevin‐Leaping approximations en route. The main algorithm is illustrated through application to forest management and high‐intensity packing of hard particle systems, and comparisons are made with the established force biased approach. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interval estimation of population parameters based on environmental data with detection limits
Authors: Peng Cheng
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we focus on constructing confidence intervals of normal population parameters based on multiple left‐censored samples (singly and doubly censored samples are special cases). In addition to the asymptotic confidence interval, we propose a bootstrap procedure based on type I left censored samples with multiple censoring limits and use it to construct bootstrap confidence intervals for the population parameters of interest. Guidelines of selecting either asymptotic or bootstrap confidence intervals for practitioners are provided. We also provide some illustrative examples using real‐life data. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency of routing and resilience mechanisms in packet‐switched communication networks
Authors: Menth Michael , Martin Rüdiger , Hartmann Matthias , Spörlein Ulrich
Published: September 2009

In this work we compare the efficiency of various routing and resilience mechanisms. Their path layout determines the utilisation of links in the network under normal operation and in failure scenarios. For the comparison, the performance measure is the maximum utilisation $\rho_{\cal S}$ of all links for a set of protected failures ${\cal S}$. A routing mechanism is considered more efficient than another if it leads to a lower maximum link utilisation $\rho_{S}$. We consider standard and optimised versions of IP routing and rerouting, optimised routing using explicit paths and end‐to‐end protection switching, as well as standard and optimised versions of Multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) fast reroute. The results show that routing optimisation reduces the maximum link utilisation significantly both with and without failure protection. The optimisation potential for resilient routing is limited by the applied mechanism and depends heavily on the network structure and the set of protected failure scenarios ${\cal S}$. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between altered systemic inflammatory interleukin‐1β and natural killer cell activity and subsequently agitation in patients with alzheimer disease
Authors: Higuchi M. , Hatta K. , Honma T. , Hitomi Y. H. , Kambayashi Y. , Hibino Y. , Matsuzaki I. , Sasahara S. , Nakamura H.
Published: September 2009

Objective

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly and is frequently accompanied by emotional disorder, including agitation. Although evidence of neuroendocrine immune and inflammatory functions during emotional changes has been accumulated, the pathogenic mechanisms in the development of agitation accompanied by AD remain to be elucidated.

Methods

To clarify the involvement of neuroendocrine and immune and inflammatory systems in agitation in AD, we examined agitation levels, circadian rhythms of behavior, cortisol, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and natural killer cell activity (NKCA) in controls without dementia and 16 AD patients who were recognized to be easily agitated in their nursing homes. These behavioral and blood indicators were assessed according to the progress of the stage of agitation in 16 AD patients (stable, pre‐agitation, and agitation stages).

Results

Elevations in night behavior and blood cortisol, IL‐1β and an reduced blood NKCA level in the evening were observed not only in the agitation stage, but also when stable in AD patients as compared to the control. Increased IL‐1βand decreased NKCA occurred in both the morning and evening in pre‐agitation and agitation stages in AD.

Conclusions

The increased IL‐1βand decreased NKCA with the progress of agitation in AD suggest that inflammation produces agitation and aggravates AD. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor‐reactive CD8+ T‐cell responses after vaccination with NY‐ESO‐1 peptide, CpG 7909 and Montanide® ISA‐51: association with survival
Authors: Karbach Julia , Gnjatic Sacha , Bender Armin , Neumann Antje , Weidmann Eckhart , Yuan Jianda , Ferrara Cathy A. , Hoffmann Eric , Old Lloyd J. , Altorki Nasser K. , Jäger Elke
Published: September 2009

Peptide‐based vaccines have led to the induction of antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses in patients with NY‐ESO‐1 positive cancers. However, vaccine‐induced T‐cell responses did not generally correlate with improved survival. Therefore, we tested whether a synthetic CpG 7909 ODN (deoxycytidyl‐deoxyguanosin oligodeoxy‐nucleotides) mixed with NY‐ESO‐1 peptide p157‐165 and incomplete Freund's adjuvants (Montanide® ISA‐51) led to enhanced NY‐ESO‐1 antigen‐specific CD8+ immune responses in patients with NY‐ESO‐1 or LAGE‐1 expressing tumors. Of 14 HLA‐A2+ patients enrolled in the study, 5 patients withdrew prematurely because of progressive disease and 9 patients completed 1 cycle of immunization. Nine of 14 patients developed measurable and sustained antigen‐specific CD8+ T‐cell responses: Four had detectable CD8+ T‐cells against NY‐ESO‐1 after only 2 vaccinations, whereas 5 patients showed a late‐onset but durable induction of NY‐ESO‐1 p157‐165 specific T‐cell response during continued vaccination after 4 months. In 6 patients, vaccine‐induced antigen‐specific T‐cells became detectable ex vivo and reached frequencies of up to 0.16 % of all circulating CD8+ T‐cells. Postvaccine T‐cell clones were shown to recognize and lyse NY‐ESO‐1 expressing tumor cell lines in vitro. In 6 of 9 patients developing NY‐ESO‐1‐specific immune responses, a favorable clinical outcome with overall survival times of 43+, 42+, 42+, 39+, 36+ and 27+ months, respectively, was observed.
Identification of HLA‐A2‐ and A24‐restricted T‐cell epitopes derived from SOX6 expressed in glioma stem cells for immunotherapy
Authors: Ueda Ryo , Ohkusu‐Tsukada Kozo , Fusaki Noemi , Soeda Akio , Kawase Takeshi , Kawakami Yutaka , Toda Masahiro
Published: September 2009

Malignant gliomas are the most aggressive human primary brain tumors and are currently incurable. Immunotherapies have the potential to target glioma and glioma stem cells (GSCs) that are resistant to conventional therapies. We previously identified SOX6 as a human glioma antigen and demonstrated that vaccination with SOX6 DNA induced cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for glioma, thereby exerting therapeutic antitumor responses in glioma‐bearing mice. In this study, we attempted to identify SOX6‐derived peptides as specific targets for effective and safe T‐cell‐mediated immunotherapy targeting SOX6‐positive glioma and GSCs. In vitro stimulation with human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*2402 (A24)‐restricted peptides, RFENLGPQL (SOX6504) and PYYEEQARL (SOX6628) or the HLA‐A*0201 (A2)‐restricted peptide, ALFGDQDTV (SOX6447) was capable of inducing SOX6 peptide‐specific CTLs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from healthy donors and glioma patients. These CTLs were able to lyse a majority of glioma cell lines and a GSC line derived from human glioblastoma in an HLA Class I‐restricted and an antigen‐dependent manner. Furthermore, peptide vaccines of SOX6628, which was conserved in the murine SOX6 protein and expected to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) H‐2d, induced CTLs specific for SOX6628 in H‐2d mice. Normal autologous cells from mice, in which SOX6‐specific immune responses were generated, were not destroyed. These results suggest that these SOX6 peptides are potnetially immunogenic in HLA‐A24 or ‐A2 positive glioma patients and should be considered as a promising strategy for safe and effective T‐cell‐based immunotherapy of patients with gliomas.
The prognostic role of classical and nonclassical MHC class I expression in endometrial cancer
Authors: Bijen Claudia B.M. , Bantema‐Joppe Enja J. , de Jong Renske A. , Leffers Ninke , Mourits Marian J.E. , Eggink Henk F. , van der Zee Ate G.J. , Hollema Harry , de Bock Geertruida H. , Nijman Hans W.
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to investigate classical MHC class I and nonclassical MHC (human leukocyte antigen‐G [HLA‐G]) expression in a large cohort of patients with endometrial cancer, to determine the prognostic value of these cell surface markers and their relation with clinicopathological variables. Tissue microarrays containing epithelial endometrial carcinoma tissue from 554 patients were stained for classical and nonclassical MHC class I using the following monoclonal antibodies: 4H84 (anti‐HLA‐G), β2‐m (anti‐beta‐2‐microglobulin) and HC‐10 (MHC class I antigen heavy chain). Expression data were linked to known clinicopathological characteristics and survival. HLA‐G upregulation and MHC class I downregulation in neoplastic cells was observed in 40% and 48%, respectively. Nonendometrioid tumor type, advanced stage disease (FIGO stage ≥II) and poorly or undifferentiated tumors were associated with MHC class I downregulation. Absence of HLA‐G expression was independently associated with MHC class I downregulation. In univariate analysis, MHC class I downregulation was a predictor of worse disease‐specific survival. Prognostic unfavorable tumor characteristics were correlated with downregulation of MHC class I expression in endometrial cancer cells. Furthermore, downregulated MHC class I has a negative impact on disease‐specific survival, observed in a large cohort of patients with endometrial cancer. As there seems to be a relation between classical and nonclassical MHC class I molecules (HLA‐G), further research is warranted to unravel this regulatory mechanism.
High expression levels of IKKα and IKKβ are necessary for the malignant properties of liver cancer
Authors: Jiang Runqiu , Xia Yongxiang , Li Jun , Deng Lei , Zhao Liang , Shi Jian , Wang Xuehao , Sun Beicheng
Published: September 2009

IKK‐NF‐κB signaling is regarded as an important factor in hepatocarcinogenesis and a potential target for liver cancer therapy. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the expression of mRNAs encoding components and targets of NF‐κB signaling including IKKα, IKKβ, RANK, RANKL, OPG, CyclinD3, mammary serine protease inhibitor (Maspin), CyclinD1, c‐FLIP, Bcl‐xl, Stat3, Cip1 and Cip2 by real‐time PCR in 40 patients with liver cancer. After statistical analysis, 7 indices including IKKα, IKKβ, RANK, Maspin, c‐FLIP, Cip2 and cyclinD1 were found to show significant differences between tumor tissue and its corresponding adjacent tissue. When IKKα and IKKβ were downregulated in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines of MHCC‐97L and MHCC‐97H in vitro, the numbers of BrdU positive cells were decreased in both IKKα and IKKβ knockdown cells. Levels of apoptosis were also investigated in IKKα and IKKβ knockdown cells. The growth of HCC was inhibited in the subcutaneous implantation model, and lung metastatogenesis was also significantly inhibited in the kidney capsule transplantation model. Downregulation of IKKα and IKKβ in HCC cultured in vitro revealed that increased Maspin, OPG and RANKL expression was associated with metastasis of HCC. These findings were associated with downregulation of Bcl‐XL and c‐FLIP, which may be the reason for increased apoptosis. The therapeutic effect of IKKα and IKKβ downregulation depends on extent of NF‐κB inhibition and the malignant nature of the HCC. We anticipate that IKK‐targeted gene therapy can be used in the treatment of HCC, a cancer that is notoriously resistant to radiation and chemotherapy.
Effects of parental supportiveness on toddlers' emotion regulation over the first three years of life in a low‐income African American sample
Authors: Bocknek Erika London , Brophy‐Herb Holly E. , Banerjee Meeta
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine how parental supportiveness and child gender are related to toddlers' emotion regulation over time among low‐income African American mothers and their children (n= 803). Data for the current study were collected as part of the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. Using latent growth curve modeling, results indicated that parental supportiveness predicted toddlers' emotion regulation skills, on average (intercepts), and rates of growth of parental supportiveness predicted the rates of growth in emotion regulation over time (slope), beyond the effects of initial parental risk status, child gender, Early Head Start treatment effects, and infant emotionality. However, parental supportiveness over time did not differentially predict toddler emotion regulation over time for boys as compared to girls. Results suggest that parental supportiveness may represent a subtle form of emotion socialization by providing a context in which toddlers may be better able to utilize their mothers as effective resources in managing emotions. Practitioners should emphasize with the parents the role of parent–child interactions as a context for development. The lack of gender differences suggests that differential parenting towards boys and girls, evident in research with older children, may not yet be present in toddlerhood. Recognizing similarities in parenting across racial groups early on as well as being sensitive to differences that may emerge later will position practitioners to provide support within a culturally sensitive framework.
Respectful relationships: Socialization goals and practices among Mexican mothers
Authors: Zucker Eleanor , Howes Carollee
Published: September 2009

This article examines the socialization goals, representations, and practices in toddler‐ and preschool‐age children and their Mexican immigrant or U.S.‐born, Mexican‐heritage mothers. Eighty‐eight mothers and children (49% girls) participated in this research. All mothers were visited in their homes to be observed and interviewed when the children were 8, 14, 24, and 36 months old. The study used naturalistic observations of children's behavior and participation in everyday routines and their mothers' socialization practices. Prekindergarten teachers reported on the children's school social skills. It was expected that differences in mothers' participation in four distinct cultural communities would be associated with variations in their socialization goals and practices. The mothers articulated socialization goals that were reflective of positive social relationships. Compliance episodes were less frequent than participation in everyday routines. The mothers' participation in different cultural communities was associated with different practices in routines, but not with goals or compliance practices. Toddler and preschool observations of children and mothers were associated with teachers' ratings of children's prekindergarten social skills.
Intelligence‐led policing at the Amsterdam‐Amstelland Police Department: operationalized business intelligence with an enterprise ambition
Authors: Viaene Stijn , De Hertogh Steven , Lutin Luc , Maandag Annemarie , Den Hengst Stephan , Doeleman Reinder
Published: September 2009

This article elaborates on the setup for intelligence‐led policing in support of ensuring public safety as it presented itself in the Spring of 2007 at the Amsterdam‐Amstelland Police Department in the Netherlands. The picture that is painted is the outcome of a qualitative research effort involving semi‐structured interviews triangulated with other internal data sources. The main goal of the article is to establish how an organization can leverage its operationalized business intelligence ambition by connecting it into an ambition for better enterprise management. The case ends in showcasing two popular operational business intelligence tools instrumental to capacity management. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IL‐17 induces osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes alone in the absence of osteoblasts, which is potently inhibited by anti‐TNF‐α antibody: A novel mechanism of osteoclastogenesis by IL‐17
Authors: Yago Toru , Nanke Yuki , Ichikawa Naomi , Kobashigawa Tsuyoshi , Mogi Makio , Kamatani Naoyuki , Kotake Shigeru
Published: September 2009

IL‐17 is a proinflammatory cytokine crucial for osteoclastic bone resorption in the presence of osteoblasts or synoviocytes in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the role of IL‐17 in osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes alone remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of IL‐17 in osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes alone and the direct effect of infliximab on the osteoclastogenesis induced by IL‐17. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured for 3 days with M‐CSF. After non‐adherent cells were removed, IL‐17 was added with either infliximab or osteoprotegerin (OPG). Seven days later, adherent cells were stained for vitronectin receptor. On the other hand, CD11b‐positive monocytes purified from PBMC were also cultured and stained as described above. CD11b‐positive cells were cultured with TNF‐α and receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL). In the cultures of both adherent cells and CD11b‐positive cells, IL‐17 dose‐dependently induced osteoclastogenesis in the absence of soluble‐RANKL. OPG or infliximab inhibited IL‐17‐induced osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, in the culture of CD11b‐positive cells, the osteoclastogenesis was more potently inhibited by infliximab than by OPG. TNF‐α and RANKL synergistically induced osteoclastogenesis. The present study clearly demonstrated the novel mechanism by which IL‐17 directly induces osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes alone. In addition, infliximab potently inhibits the osteoclastogenesis directly induced by IL‐17. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 947–955, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
5,5‐diaryl and 5‐alkyl‐3‐phenyl‐4‐imidazolidones: A novel synthesis
Authors: Khurana Jitender M. , Agrawal Arpita , Bansal Geeti
Published: September 2009

magnified image

Synthesis of 5,5‐diaryl and 5‐alkyl‐3‐phenyl‐4‐imidazolidones has been reported by reductive desulfurization of 5,5‐diaryl and 5‐alkyl‐3‐phenyl‐2‐thiohydantoins with nickel boride. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Synthesis of novel naphth[1,2‐f][1,4]oxazepine‐3,4‐dione heterocycles
Authors: Ghandi Mehdi , Olyaei Abolfazl , Raoufmoghaddam Saeed
Published: September 2009

magnified image

A number of N‐heteroaryl aminonaphthols (Betti bases) were prepared from the reaction of 2‐naphthol, 3‐aminopyridine, and aromatic aldehydes. Subsequent condensation of the prepared Betti bases with oxalyl chloride afforded the novel naphth[1,2‐f][1,4]oxazepine‐3,4‐dione heterocycles in moderate to high yields. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Synthesis of functionalized 1,2,3‐triazole derivatives of 2‐indolones from Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman adducts of isatin via “click chemistry”
Authors: Shanmugam Ponnusamy , Damodiran Mumusamy , Selvakumar Kodirajan , Perumal Paramasivan T.
Published: September 2009

magnified image

A short and efficient regioselective synthesis of a number of 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazole derivatives of oxindoles from N‐terminal alkyne and alkynyl ether derivatives of Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman (MBH) adducts of isatin with in situ generated alkyl azide and copper(I) iodide as a catalyst in 1:1 mixture of t‐BuOH:water as a solvent system has been achieved. The synthetic procedure tolerates most of the functional groups present in the MBH adducts and circumvents the problems associated with the isolation of potentially toxic and explosive organic azides. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Synthesis and potent antifungal activity against Candida species of some novel 1H‐benzimidazoles
Authors: Göker Hakan , Alp Mehmet , Ateş‐Alagöz Zeynep , Yıldız Sulhiye
Published: September 2009

magnified image

A series of 47 novel N1‐alkylated‐2‐aryl‐5(6)‐substituted‐1H‐benzimidazoles and their three novel indole analogues were synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antifungal activities against Candida species by the tube dilution method. The results showed that compounds 79 and 80, having pyridine at the position C‐2, of benzimidazoles exhibited the greatest activity with MIC values of 6.25–3.12 μg/mL. Indole analogues 108‐110 have no inhibitory activity. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
An efficient one‐pot synthesis of naphthoxazinones by a three‐component coupling of naphthol, aldehydes, and urea catalyzed by zinc triflate
Authors: Hajra Alakananda , Kundu Dhiman , Majee Adinath
Published: September 2009

magnified image

A simple and efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of 4‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydronaphtho[2,1‐e] [1,3]oxazin‐2‐one and 1‐aryl‐1,2‐dihydronaphtho[1,2‐e][1,3]oxazin‐3‐one derivatives through a one‐pot three‐component coupling of α or β‐naphthol, aromatic aldehydes and urea using a catalytic amount of zinc triflate in refluxing acetonitrile. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Telemedicine: New technology = new questions = new exposures
Authors: Abke Ann , Mouse‐Young Donna
Published: September 2009

Cyberspace, telemetry, and virtual reality all refer to mankind's evolving ability to be in two places at once, without ever leaving one location. Now this ability has expanded into the world of medicine, with increased awareness of risk management concerns, and questions about where we go from here.
Using SPC to analyze quality indicators in a healthcare organization
Authors: Kaminsky Frank C. , Maleyeff John , Providence Sherry , Purinton Esther , Waryasz Mary
Published: September 2009

A tool of statistical process control (SPC) called a P Chart is introduced as a process‐ based approach for analyzing quality indicators in healthcare. The underlying methodology of a P Chart is described using card‐playing examples. A discussion on the implementation of SPC in healthcare follows, along with examples using Maryland Project quality indicators.
Protection against employment claims
Authors: Ericson R. Peter , Pendrak Robert F.
Published: September 2009

Risk managers already deal with a great many issues in today's complex, managed‐care driven, healthcare environment. Now they must add expertise in handling ever more complicated employment issues. This article addresses areas risk managers need to both know and understand concerning this area of law, and some steps they can take to minimize loss or provide for insurance protection for any loss.
Using SPC to analyze measurements in a healthcare organization
Authors: Kaminsky Frank C. , Maleyeff John , Mullins Daniel L.
Published: September 2009

This article presents a tutorial on statistical process control (SPC) for measurement data and the use of trial control charts. Examples from healthcare applications are used to illustrate one process in statistical control and two other processes not in statistical control.
Risk management through staff education
Authors: Seisser Mary A. , Epstein Alice L.
Published: September 2009

The staff members of a healthcare organization are recognized as students of risk management. The risk manager, through application of the fundamentals of andragogy (i.e., Laming strategies specific to adult learners), is in an advantageous position to assist stafj in successfully applying risk management thought processes and related actions.
Placing the cornerstone for healthcare professionals' risk management education: An educational needs assessment
Authors: Seisser Mary A. , Epstein Alice L.
Published: September 2009

The risk manager's performance of an educational needs assessment to assist in determining related training and development elements supports a solid, proactive risk management program designed to motivate healthcare professionals. Environmental scanning, needs assessment tool design and development, tool validation, organizational commitment and ethical considerations are examined. A sample needs assessment tool is provided.
Is the obstetric guideline of 30 minutes from decision to incision for cesarean delivery clinically significant?
Authors: Lavery J. Patrick , Janssen Jane , Hutchinson Linda
Published: September 2009

A Cesarean delivery may be critical to the health and wellbeing of a newborn. The time required to extract an infant from a hostile in utero environment is a frequent issue in medical negligence cases. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics suggest a time guideline of 30 minutes from decision for Cesarean delivery to the beginning (incision) of the procedure. This time frame is based on survey data from hospitals throughout the United States and is not based on clinical outcomes or the pathophysiology of obstetric events. This review focuses on specific Cesarean indications as noted by the specialty groups and analyzes them from an outcome point of view. The authors conclude that specific high‐risk factors do indeed warrant delivery in as expedient a fashion as possible; however, compliance with the 30‐minute guideline does not necessarily lead to a difference in outcome as far as the neonate is concerned.
The early diagnosis project: A collaborative approach to risk management
Authors: Bartlett Edward E. , Holman K. Inge , Bobetic Karen , Douglass Margaret , Johnson Lee , MacHnowski Gary , Rehmar Michael I.
Published: September 2009

Diagnostic errors account for one‐fifth of lawsuits against hospitals and physicians. Virtually all medical specialties are at risk for these law suits. To this point, risk managers have done little to assist physicians to reduce their risk of failure‐to‐diagnose (FTD) lawsuits. This article describes a collaborative effort to reduce FTD law suits in the primary care setting.
Risk investigations involving genetic identification
Authors: Wenk Robert E.
Published: September 2009

Risk managers should consider misidentifications as causes of otherwise unexplained diagnostic and process errors. Genetic tests are powerful tools that can resolve problem cases and indicate ways to improve patient‐sample identification. Genetic typing, especially for DNA markers, has provided evidence of patient or sample identity in 21 of 22 hospital and laboratory cases of accidental or intentional patient misidentification, specimen mislabeling, and sample contamination. Identity is established with very high probability if infrequent genetic markers are observed in both unknown and reference specimens. The odds of a match of markers express both the infrequency of finding the match by chance (in specified populations) and the adequacy of testing. Genetic tests establish nonidentity with virtual certainty.
Whistleblowers and nuclear medicine
Authors: Rysavy Charles F. , Donald J. Wylie
Published: September 2009

Healthcare facilities that practice nuclear medicine are subject to federal “whistleblower” protection laws when an employee reports a potentially unsafe radiological condition. This article addresses enforcement of the applicable sections of the Atomic Energy Act and the Nuclear Regulatory Commissions regulations in order to help such facilities avoid running afoul of those laws, which can result in fines, generate civil lawsuits by the claimant, and significantly disrupt the operation of a healthcare facility.
Now that we own it, What do i do with it? identifying risk management issues in acquired physician practices
Authors: Mouse‐Young Donna
Published: September 2009

Healthcare risk managers now have responsibility for identifying and managing the unique exposures of the physicians office practice. This article focuses on exposures related to general communication systems and functions including telephone routing systems, voice mail, faxing, e‐mail, and more, which can be found in the clinic environment.
Managing inherent risks of evolving patient care delivery models
Authors: Berry Monica C.
Published: September 2009

The environment in which nursing care is provided is changing, particularly as hospitals face nursing shortages, modifications in the patient care delivery models, and financial constraints imposed by managed care or the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. These changes can engender new nursing liability exposures as well as create an unsafe patient care environment.
The medication prioritization matrix: Prioritizing medication errors using severity and process indices
Authors: Boswell David J.
Published: September 2009

This article introduces a method of prioritizing medication errors for root cause analysis and corrective action. The tool is used to assess medication errors across two dimensions, one of which is degree of injury to the patient (severity dimension), the other is the place within the system where the deviation first occurred (complexity dimension).
Vermicompost extracts influence growth, mineral nutrients, phytonutrients and antioxidant activity in pak choi (Brassica rapa cv. Bonsai, Chinensis group) grown under vermicompost and chemical fertiliser
Authors: Pant Archana P , Radovich Theodore JK , Hue Ngyuen V , Talcott Stephen T , Krenek Kristen A
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have been reported on the effect of compost tea on suppression of certain plant diseases. However, relatively little work has been done to investigate the effect of vermicompost tea on yield and nutritional quality of vegetable crops. In this study, experiments were conducted to determine the effect of extraction method on vermicompost tea quality and subsequent effects on growth, mineral nutrients, phytonutrients and antioxidant activity of pak choi plants grown under organic (vermicompost) and synthetic (Osmocote) fertilisation. Three vermicompost teas obtained by different extraction methods, namely non‐aerated vermicompost tea (NCT), aerated vermicompost tea (ACT) and aerated vermicompost tea augmented with microbial enhancer (ACTME), were applied to the plants. Aerated water served as control.

RESULTS: Mineral nutrients were significantly higher in ACTME compared with other teas, but total microbial population and activity did not differ with extraction method. All vermicompost teas similarly enhanced plant production, mineral nutrients and total carotenoids, and this effect was most prominent under organic fertilisation. Antioxidant activity and total phenolics were higher under organic compared with synthetic fertilisation. Vermicompost teas generally decreased phenolics under organic fertilisation and increased them under synthetic fertilisation compared with the control.

CONCLUSION: The effect of vermicompost tea on crop growth is largely attributable to mineral nutrient, particularly N, uptake by plants. Non‐significant differences among extraction methods on plant response within fertiliser regimes suggest that aeration and additives are not necessary for growth promotion and nutrient quality under the conditions reported here. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of prickly pear and algarrobo pod syrup coatings on consumer acceptance and stability of roasted almonds
Authors: Gayol María F , Soliani Soledad , Quiroga Patricia R , Nepote Valeria , Grosso Nelson R
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oxidative stability of roasted almonds coated with prickly pear and ‘algarrobo’ pod syrups and the effect of these coatings on consumer acceptance.

RESULTS: Prickly pear syrup had higher moisture, proteins, ashes and lipids, and lower carbohydrate content, than algarrobo pod syrup. Phenolics and antioxidant activity such as inhibition percentages of diphenyl picryl hydrazyl radical were higher in prickly pear syrup than algarrobo pod syrup. Roasted almonds had higher protein and lipid contents and lower total carbohydrates than coated almonds. Three main fatty acids detected in all almond products were palmitic (63.2 g kg−1), oleic (727.0 g kg−1) and linoleic (208.0 g kg−1) acids. The overall acceptance means in roasted almonds, roasted almonds coated with prickle pear syrup and roasted almonds coated with algarrobo pod syrup were 6.83, 6.65 and 6.70, respectively, on a 9‐point hedonic scale. The peroxide and anisidine values increased in all products. The increase was higher in roasted almonds without coating.

CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the syrup coatings provided protection against lipid oxidation in almond products. Prickly pear syrup showed better protection against lipid oxidation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Evolution of esters in aged Chardonnay wines obtained with different vinification methods
Authors: Ancín‐Azpilicueta Carmen , González‐Marco Ana , Jiménez‐Moreno Nerea
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: During wine ageing on lees yeast lysis takes place and some enzymes from the yeast cells, such as esterases, may be released. These enzymes might determine ester synthesis and could be also involved in their breakdown. In this study, the evolution of esters in Chardonnay wine fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in bottles (conventional vinification) was compared with the evolution of esters in the same wine fermented and aged in barrel on lees. In this way, it was hoped to determine the influence of distinct methods of vinification on the evolution of esters in Chardonnay wine.

RESULTS: The concentration of acetate esters of higher alcohols decreased in all the wines independently of the vinification method. However, the ethyl esters of fatty acids decreased in wine aged in barrel and increased in wine aged in bottle, so it would seem that these compounds interact with the lees present in the barrels and/or with the wood of the barrel. The ethyl esters of organic acids increased during ageing both in barrel and bottle.

CONCLUSION: The ageing of Chardonnay wine in barrel on lees did not favour the formation of esters compared to the same wine aged in bottle. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Foliar potassium fertilization improves fruit quality of field‐grown muskmelon on calcareous soils in south Texas
Authors: Jifon John L , Lester Gene E
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Among plant nutrients, potassium (K) has the strongest influence on crop quality parameters that determine consumer preference. However, soil and plant factors often limit adequate soil K uptake to satisfy quality requirements during fruit development stages. The objectives of this multiyear field study with muskmelon were to determine if this apparent K deficiency and the associated fruit quality limitations can be alleviated by supplementing soil‐derived K with foliar K nutrition, and whether differences exist among potential foliar K salts.

RESULTS: Foliar K treatments increased tissue K concentrations, fruit sugars and bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and β‐carotene) by 19%, 21% and 15%, respectively, even though soil K levels were high, indicating that soil K alone was inadequate to improve these quality traits. All the K salts evaluated increased tissue K and fruit quality traits; however, no clear trends in the relative magnitudes of these enhancements were apparent among K sources, except for KNO3 which consistently resulted in non‐significant effects.

CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that late‐season foliar K feeding can improve fruit quality of muskmelons grown on calcareous soils. The data also reveal differences among K salts and suggest a reassessment of K management strategies aimed at improving quality. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Crises reveal the quality of leadership
Authors: Bennis Warren
Published: September 2009

In the months ahead, the new administration will have to begin discovering and undoing the worst machinations of the Bush years. None of that will be possible until the reflexive, even obsessive opacity of the previous administration is reversed and more transparent government restored. It is clear that the new president will also have to restore not just the broken economy, but the confidence of the nation. He will have to give the country its optimism back.
Authentic leadership
Authors: Champy Jim
Published: September 2009

Customers increasingly demand authenticity, transparency, and complete honesty in the companies they deal with. As a company grows, authenticity becomes even more important. Authenticity illuminates a company's sense of purpose. Using a detailed case study of the Honest Tea Company, this article demonstrates leadership strategies for promoting authenticity and other critical values.
Leading in the innovation zone
Authors: Koulopoulos Tom
Published: September 2009

Innovation can no longer be relegated to one isolated part of the organization or to any one group of people. Innovation is not just a matter of encouraging more ideas when times are tough or when capital is abundant. Innovation is a matter of encouraging and quickly capturing ideas from wherever and whenever they may appear in an organization. Here's how to think in terms of delineating an Innovation Zone ‐ a protected space in an organization, an industry, or even a geography where the process of ideation can flourish no matter what the context.
Conformational dynamics of bis(BF2)‐2,2′‐bidipyrrins revealed by through‐space 13C19F and 19F19F couplings
Authors: Xie X. , Yuan Y. , Krüger R. , Bröring M.
Published: September 2009

The conformation of [bis‐(N,N′‐difluoroboryl)]‐3,3′‐diethyl‐4,4′,8,8′,9,9′,10,10′‐octamethyl‐2,2′‐bidipyrrin (1) in solution was studied by analyzing the 13C19F and 19F19F through‐space spin–spin couplings. The 1H and 13C NMR spectra were assigned on the basis of nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY), heteronuclear single‐quantum correlation (HSQC), and heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation (HMBC) experiments. The 19F spectrum of 1 was compared with that of 2‐ethyl‐1,3,5,6,7‐pentamethyl‐4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bor‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacen (2). The 19F19F through‐space spinspin coupling in 1 was thus assigned and the coupling constant was obtained by simulating the coupling patterns. The obtained conformation of 1 was compared with those of the known complexes [bis‐(N,N′‐difluoroboryl)]‐3,3′,8,8′,9,9′‐hexaethyl‐4,4′,10,10′‐tetramethyl‐6,6′‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐2,2′‐bidipyrrin (3)and [bis‐(N,N′‐difluoroboryl)]‐9,9′‐diethyl‐4,4′,8,8′,10,10′‐hexamethyl‐3,3′‐bis(methoxycarbonylethyl)‐2,2′‐bidipyrrin (4). The conformational dynamics of 1, 3, and 4 was surveyed by observing the temperature dependence of the through‐space coupling constants between 253 and 333 K. The 13C19F and 19F19F through‐space spin–spin couplings thus confirm similar conformations of different BisBODIPYs in solution in contrast to earlier findings in the solid state. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NMR of a series of novel hydroxyflavothiones
Authors: Nguyen Tuyen Kim Pham , Nguyen Kim Phi Phung , Kamounah Fadhil S. , Zhang Wei , Hansen Poul Erik
Published: September 2009

Alkylated hydroxyflavothiones, namely flavothione, 5‐hydroxyflavothione, 5,7‐dihydroxyflavothione (chrysinthione), 7‐dodecyloxy‐5‐hydroxyflavothione, 7‐butyloxy‐5‐hydroxyflavothione, 2′,3,4′,7‐tetramethoxy‐5‐hydroxyflavothione, 3,3′,4′,7‐tetramethoxy‐5‐hydroxyflavothione, 7‐butyloxy‐4′,5‐dihydroxyflavothione and 7‐butyloxy‐4′,5‐hydroxyflavanonethione have been synthesized from the corresponding hydroxyflavones in two steps, alkylation of the non‐hydrogen‐bonded hydroxyl groups by bromoalkanes or dimethyl sulfate followed by conversion of the carbonyl group to a thione using Lawesson's Reagent under microwave irradiation and solvent‐free conditions. Part of the alkylated flavanone, 7‐butyloxy‐4′,5‐dihydroxyflavanone, was oxidized during the treatment with Lawesson's reagent to yield a second product 7‐butyloxy‐4′,5‐dihydroxyflavothione in addition to the target product butyloxy‐4′,5‐hydroxyflavanonethione. Deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts have been measured in hydroxyflavones, isoflavones, flavanones and the thio analogs. Formal four‐bond deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts, nΔCS(OD) are very sensitive to variations in structures and substitution patterns. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out to obtain geometries. Correlations relating distances around the hydrogen bond system to the deuterium isotope effects on 13C chemical shifts are discussed. 13C chemical shifts are calculated by DFT methods. Effects of thiocarbonyl anisotropies are suggested. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relationship between auditory stimulation and gross motor activity of short‐gestation infants
Authors: Chapman Jacqueline S.
Published: September 2009

The short‐gestation infant is at risk for both mortality and morbidity. His writhing contributes to weight loss; his extrauterine environment does not contain the multimodality patterned afferent stimuli that excite the developing brain in utero. Sound is the most effective modality to achieve concurrent decrement in motility along with enhancement of cortical activity. It was anticipated that by 36 gestational weeks, subjects exposed to 5 min. of patterned sound 6 times a day would (a) evidence less gross motor activity and (b) evidence a greater decrease in motor actitvity with a maternal auditory stimulus than with a musical auditory stimulus. The sample consisted of 80 males and 73 females whose gestational age at birth was 26 to 33 weeks. Fifty‐two subjects were randomly assigned to the control group, 50 to a tape of their mother's voice, and 51 to a lullaby. Limb activity was measured just before discharge by accelerometers worn unilaterally for a 24‐hr. period on the ankle and wrist prior to transfer to the alternate side for a further 24 hr. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated among the three groups' limb patterns. Large intragroup variation in gross activity precluded demonstration of between‐group differences. The majority of subjects evidenced predominance of upper limb activity and laterality.
Research and application of a new rapid heat cycle molding with electric heating and coolant cooling to improve the surface quality of large LCD TV panels
Authors: Zhao Guoqun , Wang Guilong , Guan Yanjin , Li Huiping
Published: September 2009

The usage of rapid heat cycle molding (RHCM) has gained increasing attention in overcoming the limits of conventional injection molding (CIM) and improving the surface quality and mechanical properties of molded plastic products. In RHCM, the vario‐thermal mold temperature control system is the key technique because it directly affects the molding cycle time and the final part quality. In this study, a new RHCM technology with electric heating and coolant cooling was studied in detail. Two different RHCM mold structures for a large LCD TV panel were proposed and designed. The numerical simulation method was used to analyze the thermal response of the mold cavity surface at the heating stage and the thermal response of the resin melt at the cooling stage. The heating/cooling efficiency of the proposed electric heating RHCM system was evaluated. The thermal expansion analysis of mold cavity was implemented and the fixation of the cavity in molds was also optimized. The results showed that the electric‐heating mold with a separate cooling plate can efficiently enhance the heating efficiency. The thermal expansion of the cavity surface can be reduced by increasing the alleviating‐gap between the cavity and the cavity‐retainer plate. Then, the service lifetime of the electric‐heating mold can be improved. A RHCM production line with electric heating for the large LCD TV panel was constructed. Both the simulation and test production results indicate that the proposed electric heating RHCM technique can realize high‐temperature injection molding without increasing the molding cycle time. The surface appearance of the LCD TV panels was dramatically improved and the surface marks that usually occur in CIM process were eliminated completely. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nationwide survey of single‐system single site Langerhans cell histiocytosis in Japan
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Ishida Yasushi , Suzuki Nobuhiro , Ohga Shouichi , Shioda Yoko , Okimoto Yuri , Kudo Kazuko , Ishii Eiichi
Published: September 2009

Background

Since neither a standard treatment nor a protocol study for single‐system single site (SS‐s)‐type Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) exists, we conducted a nationwide survey in Japan to clarify the epidemiology and clinical outcome of this subtype.

Procedure

Questionnaires regarding the clinical course of children with SS‐s‐type LCH diagnosed between 1995 and 2006 were sent to all members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology.

Results

One hundred forty‐six children with histologically proven SS‐s LCH were evaluable. The most frequently affected organ was bone (82%), followed by skin (12%). Few patients (14%) had a CNS‐RISK lesion defined by the Histiocyte Society. Patients with a skin lesion were diagnosed at a significantly younger age than patients with a bone lesion (median: 6 months vs. 5 years 11 months, P < 0.001). The treatment regimen varied, but one‐third of the patients in total and 71% of patients with a CNS‐RISK lesion received chemotherapy that did not include etoposide. All but one patient attained remission. Ten patients (7%) showed reactivation. Of these, all eight with an initial bone lesion only exhibited reactivation in the bone(s). One patient with an initial skin lesion exhibited reactivation in the thymus. None of the patients died from disease progression or treatment complications.

Conclusions

Our retrospective study, in which a relatively large proportion of the patients received chemotherapy, reveals that patients with SS‐s LCH have a good prognosis. A prospective study should be conducted to confirm this and to identify the most effective and least toxic therapy for SS‐s LCH. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010; 54:98–102. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic testing clarifies diagnosis and treatment in a family with both HNF1A and type 1 diabetes
Authors: Shepherd M
Published: September 2009

Confirming a diagnosis of diabetes may often be straightforward but identifying the actual type of diabetes may not always be obvious, particularly in those with a family history of diabetes. Use of non‐genetic tests, such as pancreatic antibodies, may assist in the classification of diabetes but is not routine practice. The introduction of molecular genetic testing may confirm a diagnosis of monogenic diabetes but may be considered by some health care professionals to be expensive and unnecessary, particularly if treatment change is unlikely. However, a positive genetic result may lead to successful transfer from insulin to sulphonylurea treatment in many cases with improvements in glycaemic control and quality of life.

This paper describes a family with diabetes diagnosed below the age of 22 years in three individuals, and the confirmation of both HNF1A and type 1 diabetes within the family. This case highlights the importance of both genetic and non‐genetic tests in confirming a diagnosis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.