bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Randomized clinical trial of co-amoxiclav versus no antibiotic prophylaxis in varicose vein surgery
Authors: Mekako A I , Chetter I C , Coughlin P A , Hatfield J , McCollum P T
Published: December 2009

Background

Wound infection rates of up to 16 per cent are reported following varicose vein surgery and the value of antibiotic prophylaxis in clean surgery remains unclear.

Methods

Some 443 patients undergoing varicose vein surgery randomly received a single prophylactic dose of 1·2 g co-amoxiclav (219 patients) or no antibiotic (224). Patients completed a wound diary on postoperative days 3, 5, 7, 9 and 10 using an adapted ASEPSIS method of wound assessment, and were reviewed after 14 days.

Results

Patients who had prophylaxis had lower ASEPSIS wound scores on days 3, 5 and 7 (P = 0·043, P = 0·032 and P = 0·003 respectively), and lower total ASEPSIS scores (median (interquartile range) 3 (0–9) versus 6 (0–15); P = 0·013). They were less likely to consult their general practitioner (16.0 versus 24·3 per cent; P = 0·040) or to receive postoperative antibiotics (4·7 versus 13·5 per cent; P = 0·002) for wound-related problems. Wound outcomes were worse with higher body mass index (odds ratio (OR) 0·92 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0·87 to 0·97); P = 0·005) and current smoking (OR 0·5 (0·3 to 0·9); P = 0·033). Prophylactic antibiotics conferred satisfactory wound healing (OR 2·2 (95 per cent c.i. 1·3 to 3·6); P = 0·003).

Conclusion

Antibiotic prophylaxis reduced wound-related problems after varicose vein surgery. Registration number ISRCTN12467340 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Photophysical Properties and OLED Applications of Phosphorescent Platinum(II) Schiff Base Complexes
Authors: Che Chi‐Ming , Kwok Chi‐Chung , Lai Siu‐Wai , Rausch Andreas F. , Finkenzeller Walter J. , Zhu Nianyong , Yersin Hartmut
Published: December 2009

The syntheses, crystal structures, and detailed investigations of the photophysical properties of phosphorescent platinum(II) Schiff base complexes are presented. All of these complexes exhibit intense absorption bands with λmax in the range 417–546 nm, which are assigned to states of metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (1MLCT) 1[Pt(5d)→π*(Schiff base)] character mixed with 1[lone pair(phenoxide)→π*(imine)] charge‐transfer character. The platinum(II) Schiff base complexes are thermally stable, with decomposition temperatures up to 495 °C, and show emission λmax at 541–649 nm in acetonitrile, with emission quantum yields up to 0.27. Measurements of the emission decay times in the temperature range from 130 to 1.5 K give total zero‐field splitting parameters of the emitting triplet state of 14–28 cm−1. High‐performance yellow to red organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) using these platinum(II) Schiff base complexes have been fabricated with the best efficiency up to 31 cd A−1 and a device lifetime up to 77 000 h at 500 cd m−2.
Evolution of Helical Mesostructures
Authors: Yuan Pei , Zhao Lingzhi , Liu Nian , Wei Guangfeng , Wang Yunhua , Auchterlonie Graeme J. , Drennan J. , Lu Gao Qing , Zou Jin , Yu Chengzhong
Published: December 2009

An intriguing evolution from a simple internal helix to a hierarchical helical (HH) mesostructure with both internal and external helices or a complicated screwlike and concentric circular (CC) mesostructure is successfully observed. The complicated helical structures are determined by TEM studies and 3D electron tomography. We demonstrate a topological helix–coil transition between the internal and external helices to reveal the origin of the HH mesostructure and the relationship between the straight helical and HH rods. Moreover, the boundary condition of the helix–coil transition is clarified to explain in detail the formation of complex helical structures, such as the screwlike mesostructure. It is proposed that the final structural characteristics are determined exactly by the balance between the decrease in the surface free energy and the maintenance of the hexagonal packing in one individual rod, which explains the formation of unusual CC, HH, and screwlike morphologies in one pot. Our success has opened new opportunities in the characterization of complex porous architectures, thus paving a way to remarkable advances in the fields of synthesis, understanding, and application of novel porous materials.
Borane‐mediated asymmetric reduction of acetophenone by enantiopure aminonaphthols and aminoalcohols as catalytic source
Authors: Cimarelli Cristina , Fratoni Davide , Palmieri Gianni
Published: December 2009

Practical, cheap, and stereoselective synthetic methods were applied to the preparation of novel 1‐(aminoalkyl)naphthol and γ‐aminoalcohol tridentate ligands. The ligands obtained were conveniently applied with good results as catalytic sources in the borane‐mediated enantioselective reduction of acetophenone with borane dimethylsulfide. Conformational analysis through molecular modeling allows the rationalization of observed stereochemical outcomes. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modification of chiral dimethyl tartrate through transesterification: Immobilization on POSS and enantioselectivity reversal in sharpless asymmetric epoxidation
Authors: García Rafael A. , Van Grieken Rafael , Iglesias José , Sherrington David C. , Gibson Colin L.
Published: December 2009

Modification of dimethyl tartrate has been investigated through transesterification with aminoalcohols to provide reactive functionalities for the covalent bonding of chiral tartrate to polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes. The transesterification of dimethyl tartrate has been widely studied using different catalytic systems and reaction conditions. Through the proper selection of both the catalytic system and the reaction conditions, it is possible to achieve monosubstituted or bis‐substituted tartrate derivatives as sole products. All the intermediate chiral tartrate‐derived ligands were successfully used in the homogeneous enantioselective epoxidation of allylic alcohols providing moderate enantiomeric excess over the products. Attached amine groups have been used to support the modified tartrate ligands on to a haloaryl‐functionalized silsesquioxane moiety. This final chiral tartrate ligand displays reverse enantioselectivity in the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols with regard to the starting dimethyl tartrate ligand, both molecules having the same chiral sign. However, the POSS‐containing ligand can be easily recovered in almost quantitative yield and reused in asymmetric epoxidation reactions. In addition, recovered silsesquioxane‐pendant ligand, though displaying decreasing catalytic activity in recycling epoxidation tests, showed very stable enantioselective behavior. Chirality 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Terbutaline sulfoconjugate: characterization and urinary excretion monitored by LC/ESI‐MS/MS
Authors: Orlovius A. K. , Guddat S. , Parr M. K. , Kohler M. , Gütschow M. , Thevis M. , Schänzer W.
Published: December 2009

Terbutaline is a fast‐acting β2‐adrenergic agonist used in the treatment of obstructive pulmonary diseases. Doping control for β2‐agonists, which are forbidden in sports by the World Anti‐doping Agency (WADA), is performed in screening by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry after hydrolysis of phase‐II metabolites. In this study, the mono‐sulfoconjugated phase‐II metabolite of terbutaline was synthesized and the chemical structure was characterized by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry and high resolution/high accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The metabolite was designated as the phenolic esterified compound, which has been mentioned in most literature reports but has not been verified so far. The benzylic esterified compound was also synthesized and characterized by high‐resolution/high accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry but was not detectable in urine samples from an excretion study performed after a single application of one terbutaline capsule (7.5 mg terbutaline sulfate salt). The phenolic sulfate of terbutaline was detected for two to four days after administration, whereas the unchanged terbutaline was detected for four to five days. A glucuronidated, disulfated or trisulfated phase‐II metabolite of terbutaline was not found. The measurement of phase‐II metabolites is planned to be incorporated into existing screening procedures to allow a faster sample preparation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Triazole‐Bridged Unsymmetrical Porphyrin Dyads and Porphyrin–Ferrocene Conjugates
Authors: Shetti Vijayendra S. , Ravikanth Mangalampalli
Published: December 2009

A simple method has been used to synthesize four porphyrin azides with cores such as N4, N3S, N2SO and N2S2 in 60–90 % yields by treating the corresponding aminoporphyrins with tert‐butyl nitrite (tBuONO) and azidotrimethylsilane (TMSN3) in THF/CH3CN under mild reaction conditions. The hitherto unknown aminoporphyrins with heteroatom cores were synthesized from their corresponding nitroporphyrins by standard SnCl2/HCl reduction. The azidoporphyrins were used to synthesize six triazole‐bridged unsymmetrical porphyrin dyads containing two different types of porphyrin sub‐units as well as five triazole‐bridged porphyrin–ferrocene conjugates under CuI‐catalyzed “click” reaction conditions. Various CuI‐catalyzed reaction conditions were studied and the best yields of triazole‐bridged dyads and conjugates were obtained with CuI/DIPEA in THF/CH3CN at room temperature for overnight. The unsymmetrical porphyrin dyads and porphyrin–ferrocene conjugates were characterized by various spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. In unsymmetrical porphyrin dyads, the NMR, absorption and electrochemical studies indicate a weak interaction between the two porphyrin sub‐units. However, preliminary photophysical studies support an efficient singlet‐singlet energy transfer from one porphyrin unit to another in five unsymmetrical dyads reported here. In porphyrin–ferrocene conjugates, the fluorescence of porphyrin was quenched significantly due to photo‐induced electron transfer from ferrocene to porphyrin.
Chip electrophoretic characterization of liposomes with biological lipid composition: Coming closer to a model for viral infection
Authors: Bilek Gerhard , Weiss Victor U. , Pickl‐Herk Angela , Blaas Dieter , Kenndler Ernst
Published: December 2009

In first attempts at elucidating the transfer of the RNA genome of a human Rhinovirus through lipid membranes in vitro we made use of liposomes decorated with recombinant receptors. This model system was characterized previously by CE but suffered from the requirement for inclusion of polyethylene glycol‐modified lipids for reliable separations [Weiss, V. U., Bilek, G., Pickl‐Herk, A., Blaas, D., Kenndler, E., Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 2123–2128.]. We here report the analysis of liposomes with a lipid composition much more similar to that of biological lipid bilayers. We found that vesicles containing and lacking this non‐physiologic lipid differ significantly in their electrophoretic mobility (by factor 2) although the concentration of charge‐bearing lipids in their bilayers is the same. We demonstrate that binding of a human Rhinovirus to the latter liposomes decorated with a cognate receptor can be analysed via electrophoresis on microchips; we support our results with transmission electron microscopy.
Evaluation of the factor structure and psychometric properties of the brief symptom inventory—18 with homebound older adults
Authors: Petkus Andrew J. , Gum Amber M. , Small Brent , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Stein Murray B. , Wetherell Julie Loebach
Published: December 2009

Objective

Homebound older adults are at high risk for depression and anxiety. Systematic screening may increase identification of these difficulties and facilitate service usage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent validity of the Brief Symptom Inventory—18 (BSI‐18) for use as a screening instrument for depression and anxiety with homebound older adults and to examine if the BSI‐18 could be shortened further and exhibit comparable psychometric properties.

Methods

A sample of 142 older adults receiving in‐home aging services completed interviews that included the BSI‐18 and the depression and anxiety modules of the structured clinical interview for DSM‐IV.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the theorized three‐factor, second‐order model of the BSI‐18 fit the data well (S‐B X
2 = 136.17; p = 0.36). The depression and anxiety subscales exhibited high internal consistency (α > 0.81), whereas the somatic subscale exhibited lower internal consistency (α = 0.69). Receiver operator curve (ROC) analyses suggest that the BSI‐18 depression and anxiety subscales were able to predict those with DSM‐IV diagnoses (Depression AUC = 0.89 p < 0.001; Anxiety AUC = 0.80, p < 0.001). The ROC results suggested adapting a cut score of T = 50 to achieve optimal sensitivity and specificity. The short three‐item depression scale exhibited comparable psychometric properties to the full scale, while the three‐item somatic and anxiety scales exhibited lower internal consistency and sensitivity.

Conclusions

These findings provide initial evidence that the BSI‐18 is valid for use with homebound older adults. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Athletics success and institutional rankings
Authors: Fisher Brian
Published: December 2009

Athletics may be influencing institutional rankings—or it may not be.
Athletics reform and faculty perceptions
Authors: Lawrence Janet , Ott Molly , Hendricks Lori
Published: December 2009

Recent reform initiatives have offered ideas for improving academic and financial oversight, but the ideas do not always conform to faculty perceptions and opinions.
Intercollegiate athletics and modeling multiculturalism
Authors: Hirko Scott
Published: December 2009

The racial and other diversity that marks so many teams brings with it the benefits that come with being in a multicultural campus environment.
Comparing irrigation management reforms in Australia and India – a special reference to participatory irrigation management
Authors: Poddar Rajendra , Qureshi M Ejaz , Syme Geoff
Published: December 2009

Efficient irrigation water management has become a common goal for continued growth and sustainable development in both India and Australia. The two countries have followed definite paths for achieving the best irrigation management policy. Australia has adopted irrigation management transfer (IMT) with emphasis on privatisation, while India has focused on participatory irrigation management (PIM). Australia and India have adopted these approaches in one of their main river basins, namely the Murray‐Darling Basin (MDB) and the Krishna Basin, respectively. Institutional reforms in irrigation management in the MDB developed independently of global progress in IMT as compared to the Krishna Basin where the reforms were imposed from the top. Further, irrigation management entities in the MDB, either under public or participatory domain, relied heavily on market‐based instruments to achieve efficiency in irrigation water management. In contrast, PIM in the Krishna Basin in India appears to be an experiment with command and control in diverse legal and organisational settings across time and space. In summary, in terms of the parameters chosen in their nearest proximity to measure performance, the Australian IMT programme seems to have performed better than the Indian PIM programme. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional organization of mammalian mitochondrial DNA in nucleoids: History, recent developments, and future challenges
Authors: Spelbrink Johannes N.
Published: December 2009

Various proteins involved in replication, repair, and the structural organization of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been characterized in detail over the past 25 or so years. In addition, in recent years, many proteins were identified with a role in the dynamics of the mitochondrial network. Using advanced imaging and an increasing number of cytological techniques, we have begun to realize that an important aspect to mtDNA maintenance, in both health and disease, is its organization within the dynamic mitochondrial network in discrete protein–DNA complexes usually termed nucleoids. Here, I review recent developments in the study of nucleoid dynamics and proteins. I will discuss the implications of the organization of mtDNA in nucleoids in light of DNA replication, repair, gene expression, segregation, and inheritance. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(1):19–32, 2010
Experimental validation of hybrid distillation‐vapor permeation process for energy efficient ethanol–water separation
Authors: Vane Leland M. , Alvarez Franklin R. , Huang Yu , Baker Richard W.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The energy demand of distillation‐based systems for ethanol recovery and dehydration can be significant, particularly for dilute solutions. An alternative separation process integrating vapor stripping with a vapor compression step and a vapor permeation membrane separation step, termed membrane assisted vapor stripping (MAVS), has been proposed. The hydrophilic membrane separates the ethanol–water vapor into water‐rich permeate and ethanol‐enriched retentate vapor streams from which latent and sensible heat can be recovered. The objective of this work was to demonstrate experimentally the performance of a MAVS system and to compare the observed performance with chemical process simulation results using a 5 wt% ethanol aqueous feed stream as the benchmark.

RESULTS: Performance of the steam stripping column alone was consistent with chemical process simulations of a stripping tower with six stages of vapor liquid equilibria (VLE). The overhead vapor from the stripper contained about 40 wt% ethanol and required 6.0 MJ of fuel‐equivalent energy per kg of ethanol recovered in the concentrate. Introduction of the vapor compressor and membrane separation unit and recovery of heat from both membrane permeate and retentate streams resulted in a retentate ethanol concentrate containing ca 80 wt% ethanol, but requiring only 2.2 MJ fuel kg−1 ethanol, significantly less than steam stripping alone.

CONCLUSION: Performance of the experimental unit with a 5 wt% ethanol feed liquid corroborated chemical process simulation predictions for the energy requirement of the MAVS system, demonstrating a 63% reduction in the fuel‐equivalent energy requirement for MAVS compared with conventional steam stripping or distillation. Published 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of Cu, Zn, Ni and Co on nitrification and relevance of speciation
Authors: Çeçen Ferhan , Semerci Neslihan , Geyik AyŞe Gül
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: The speciation of metals is often overlooked in understanding their observed inhibitory effect in biological systems, in particular in nitrification systems. This study examines the effects of Cu, Zn, Ni and Co on a nitrifying sludge, where the aim is to relate inhibition to speciation.

RESULTS: Nitrification inhibition was monitored by O2 and CO2 measurements, an approach rarely followed to date. The IC50 value of each metal was expressed in terms of total, free and labile metal. Zn and Cu formed similar species, but had different free and labile fractions. Although free and labile fractions of Cu were much lower than the others, it was the most inhibitory metal. Ni and Co exhibited quite different inhibitory effects on nitrification despite the formation of similar metal species. Co was the least inhibitory metal and exhibited its effect very slowly.

CONCLUSION: The study is among the few which examine inhibition and speciation of several metals in a comparative way. In the same nitrification medium each metal formed different species, which is a factor to be considered in interpretation of inhibition. The results may be projected to nitrifying systems to clarify the underlying factors in inhibition. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical utility of abnormal opacity overlying the vertebral column on lateral chest radiography
Authors: McDonald Devon R. , Detsky Michael E. , Baerlocher Mark O. , Detsky Allan S.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Chest radiography is an important component of the evaluation of patients with complaints referable to the chest. We sought to investigate the clinical utility of one particular finding on the lateral chest radiograph (CXR), namely, radioopacity obscuring the normal superior to inferior progression of vertebral radiolucency. A review of the literature yielded little published evidence to characterize the clinical utility of this finding to date.

METHODS:

We retrospectively identified 370 patients from a hospital database who underwent both computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest and lateral chest radiography within 24 hours. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) associated with the presence or absence of an abnormal opacity overlying the vertebral column on lateral chest radiography using CT imaging of the chest as the reference standard. We also estimated interobserver and intraobserver reliability of this finding.

RESULTS:

Abnormal opacity overlying the vertebral column had a sensitivity of 86.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 82.5%‐90.3%) and specificity of 70.4% (95% CI, 59.7%‐79.2%) for relevant CT‐documented lower lobe and associated structural pathology. The associated summary positive LR (LR+) was 2.9 (95% CI, 2.1‐4.1) and summary negative LR (LR−) was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.13‐0.26). Kappa statistics were indicative of moderate intraobserver and interobserver agreement.

CONCLUSIONS:

The presence of abnormal opacity overlying the vertebral column on lateral chest radiography increases the probability of lower lobe and associated structural pathology somewhat. The absence of this finding decreased the probability of such pathology to a greater degree. Thus, this finding is useful in differentiating those patients with pathology from those without. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E15–E19. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Role of hospitalists in an offsite alternate care center (ACC) for pandemic flu
Authors: Kim Christopher S. , Pile James C. , Lozon Marie M. , Wilkerson William M. , Wright Carrie M. , Cinti Sandro
Published: December 2009

Recent concerns about an influenza pandemic have highlighted the need to plan for offsite Alternate Care Centers (ACCs). The likelihood of a successful response to patient surges will depend on the local health systems' ability to prepare well in advance of an influenza pandemic. Our health system has worked closely with our state's medical biodefense network to plan the establishment of an ACC for an influenza pandemic. As hospitalists have expanded their roles in their local health systems, they are poised to play a major role in planning for the next influenza pandemic. Hospitalists should work with their health system's administration in developing an ACC plan. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:546–549. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Understanding communication during hospitalist service changes: A mixed methods study
Authors: Hinami Keiki , Farnan Jeanne M. , Meltzer David O. , Arora Vineet M.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Little data exist to inform hospitalist communication during service changes.

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize hospitalist handoffs during service changes.

DESIGN:

Serial survey study.

SETTING:

Single academic medical center.

MEASUREMENTS:

From May to December 2007, 60 service changes among 17 hospitalists on a nonteaching service were targeted for evaluation using an anonymous 18‐item survey that was completed by hospitalists within 48 hours of assuming care for patients. Survey items assessed completeness of handoff communication, certainty of patient care plans, missed information, time spent recovering information, and near misses/adverse events due to incomplete handoffs. The association between completeness of communication and handoff outcomes was examined. Narrative comments were analyzed qualitatively.

RESULTS:

Ninety‐three percent (56/60) of surveys were returned. All 17 hospitalists participated. Thirteen percent of respondents reported incomplete handoffs and 18% were uncertain of care plan on transition day. At least 1 near miss, attributable to incomplete communication was reported by 16%. Hospitalists who reported incomplete handoffs were more likely to report uncertainty about patient care plans on the transition day (71% incomplete vs. 10% complete, P < 0.01), discovery of missing information (71% incomplete vs. 24% complete, P = 0.01), near misses/adverse events (57% incomplete vs. 10% complete, P < 0.01), and more time resolving issues arising from missed information (71% incomplete vs. 22% complete, P < 0.01). Qualitative comments suggest the need for a more systematic, focused, team‐based, and patient‐centered handoff model.

CONCLUSIONS:

Incomplete handoffs during service changes are associated with uncertainty and potential patient harm. Suggestions to improve the completeness of hospitalist service change communications are offered. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:535–540. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Cognitive interview techniques reveal specific behaviors and issues that could affect patient satisfaction relative to hospitalists
Authors: Blanden Adam R. , Rohr Richard E.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

There is a trend toward patient‐centered care as a means of improving patient satisfaction. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have made this concept more significant with plans to link reimbursement to patient satisfaction measures such as the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey (HCAHPS).

OBJECTIVES:

To generate hypotheses for reasons underlying diminished HCAHPS patient satisfaction survey ratings, with reference to hospitalists.

DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS:

Observational study conducted using a cognitive interview (CI) technique in a 180‐bed community hospital on adult medical, surgical, and critical care inpatients.

MEASUREMENTS:

Mixed qualitative and quantitative study using both standard responses and open‐ended responses. The standard responses were compiled into raw numbers and percentages and the qualitative responses were evaluated for common themes and other useful information.

RESULTS:

Notable factors that may affect satisfaction of patients include ability to have all of their questions answered, incomplete discussion of medication side effects, and failure of physicians to listen and form personal connections with them.

CONCLUSION:

Cognitive interview techniques can be used to provide additional detail regarding patient satisfaction beyond that provided by standard surveys. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E1–E6. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
California hospital leaders' views of hospitalists: Meeting needs of the present and future
Authors: Vasilevskis Eduard E. , Justin Knebel R. , Wachter Robert M. , Auerbach Andrew D.
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Hospital medicine has grown rapidly, but hospital leaders' perceptions of current and future drivers of hospitalist growth are unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine hospital executives' perceptions of factors leading to hospitalist implementation and their vision for hospitalists' work roles.

SETTING:

Nonfederal, acute care hospitals in California.

PARTICIPANTS:

California hospital leaders (eg, chief executive officers).

INTERVENTION:

Cross‐sectional survey from 2006 to 2007.

MEASUREMENTS:

We asked California hospital leaders whether their hospitals had a hospitalist service and the prospects for growth. In addition, we examined factors responsible for implementation, scope of hospitalists' practices, and need for additional certification as perceived by hospital leaders.

RESULTS:

We received surveys from 179 of 334 hospitals (response rate of 54%). Of the 64% of respondents that reported the use of hospitalists, none intended to decrease the size of their hospitalist group, and 57% expected growth over 2 years. The most common reasons for implementing a hospitalist program were to care for uncovered patients (68%) and improve cost/length of stay (63%). Respondents also indicated that demand from other physicians was an important factor. Leaders reported that hospitalists provide a wide range of services, with a majority involved in quality improvement projects (72%) and medical comanagement of surgical patients (66%). Most leaders favor additional certification for hospitalists.

CONCLUSIONS:

There is widespread adoption of hospitalists in California hospitals, with an expectation of continued growth. The drivers of the field's growth are evolving and dynamic. In particular, attentiveness to quality performance and demand from other physicians are increasingly important reasons for implementation. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:528–534. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Lack of patient knowledge regarding hospital medications
Authors: Cumbler Ethan , Wald Heidi , Kutner Jean
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND:

Patient involvement in preventing inpatient medication errors is predicated upon patient knowledge of their medications. However, there is little published on the accuracy of patient knowledge or understanding of their hospital medications.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess hospitalized patients' knowledge of their hospital medications and attitudes towards involvement in the medication safety process while hospitalized.

METHODS:

A cross‐sectional study of 50 adult internal medicine inpatients at the University of Colorado Hospital. Patients completed a list of the hospital medications they believed were prescribed to them and a survey of attitudes toward involvement in the medication safety process. The patient‐completed hospital medication list was compared to the hospital medication administration record.

RESULTS:

Ninety‐six percent of study patients omitted at least one prescribed hospital medication. On average, patients omitted 6.8 hospital medications. Forty‐four percent of patients believed they were receiving at least one hospital medication that was not actually prescribed. Patients < 65 years old omitted 60% of their as needed (PRN) medications whereas patients ≥ 65 years old omitted 88% (P = 0.01). Only 28% reported having seen their hospital medication list, although 81% reported this would improve their satisfaction with hospital care. Ninety percent wanted to review their hospital medication list for accuracy and 94% felt patient review of the hospital medication list had the potential to reduce errors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest that, in contrast to patient preferences, there are significant deficits in patients' knowledge of hospital medications. These results are a call to reexamine how we educate patients regarding their hospital medications. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:83–86. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
A route to the γ‐secretase inhibitor [2,3,4‐3H]BMS299897 via an α‐phenylselenide derivative
Authors: Malmquist Jonas , Bernlind Alexandra , Ström Peter
Published: December 2009

A method for the preparation of [2,3,4‐3H]BMS299897 has been developed. The methyl ester of BMS299897 was oxidized to its double bond derivative, via a phenyl selenide. The resulting double bond was reduced with tritium using Wilkinson's catalyst. The tritiated BMS299897 was isolated, after basic hydrolysis, with a specific activity of 1.6 TBq/mmol. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metallation of heteroaryls and its application to isotopic labelling
Authors: Allen Paul H. , Coissard Vincent , Hickey Michael J. , Hogg Colin , Kingston Lee P. , Caffrey Moya , Wilkinson David J.
Published: December 2009

The recently published procedure for the metallation of heteroaromatics and their subsequent reaction with iodine has been applied to the synthesis of deuterium‐labelled compounds. The mixed magnesium/lithium base (2) has been prepared and reacted with a range of heteroaromatics. The metallated compounds were iodolyzed with molecular iodine and the resulting iodo compounds were reductively dehalogenated with deuterium gas. This allowed confirmation of the regiochemistry of the metallation and the use of the procedure as a labelling method. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anatomy of interprofessional leadership: An investigation of leadership behaviors in team‐based health care
Authors: Anonson June M. S. , Ferguson Linda , Macdonald Mary B. , Murray B. Lee , Fowler‐Kerry Susan , Bally Jill M. G.
Published: December 2009

Increasing specialization among health care professions has heightened the need for proficient interprofessional teamwork. Within the team context for practice, leadership becomes a competency expected of all practitioners who must recognize the necessity of situational leadership dependent on patient needs and the professional competencies to meet those needs. Although this need for leadership within interprofessional practice is recognized, the behavioral components of that leadership competency have not been delineated. In this article, the authors report on a study to identify the behavioral components of interprofessional practice and highlight the indicators of leadership competency in interprofessional patient‐centered care. This qualitative study involved in‐depth interviews with 24 participants from nine professions engaged in collaborative team care of clients or patients in a variety of community and acute‐based health care facilities. Interprofessional competencies were explored using grounded theory, with coding of participants' responses. In this article, the authors have highlighted leadership in interprofessional practice, and discussed the behavioral indicators of leadership that could be used in preparation of students, faculty, and practitioners for interprofessional practice, as well as in evaluation of that practice for purposes of professional growth.
Women of courage: Leadership experiences of female Nigerian immigrants in Texas
Authors: Nwabah Gladys Ifeyinwa , Heitner Keri L.
Published: December 2009

A phenomenological hermeneutical research design served to explore the immigration and leadership experiences of 22 female Nigerian immigrants in Texas through analysis and interpretation of narrative data from one‐on‐one interviews and focus group interviews. The findings suggest that the process of adapting to American society and the work environment is not easy for female Nigerian immigrants. They must assimilate into American work culture and work harder to access leadership opportunities, despite their belief that equal skills should mean equal opportunity. Leadership experiences in America and Nigeria differ. Nigerian women's accents may generate negative reactions from native‐born workers, and immigrant leaders may experience differential treatment. Adjustment to the host country and leadership success for Nigerian immigrant women in the United States depends on strong family support and networking.
Who says we don't? The perspective from a small Catholic liberal arts college
Authors: Longenecker Paul D.
Published: December 2009

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self‐understanding.”

—from the Foreword to Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education by Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
Spirituality: Creating meaning and purpose for students the corporate way
Authors: Carter Judith Corbett
Published: December 2009

“Although American higher education can justifiably take pride in its capacity to develop the student's ability to manipulate the material world through its programs in science, medicine, technology, and commerce, it has paid relatively little attention to the student's “inner” development—the sphere of values and beliefs, emotional maturity, moral development, spirituality, and self‐understanding.”

—from the Foreword to Encouraging Authenticity and Spirituality in Higher Education by Alexander W. Astin and Helen S. Astin
Timing clorpirifos + cypermethrin and indoxacarb applications to control European corn borer damage and fumonisin contamination in maize kernels
Authors: Blandino Massimo , Peila Alessandro , Reyneri Amedeo
Published: December 2009

BACKGROUND: European corn borer (ECB) is the main maize pest in central and southern Europe and it promotes the infection of maize with Fusarium verticillioides, which is able to produce fumonisins. Field experiments were performed from 2006 to 2007 in northwestern Italy to determine the effects of the timing of insecticide applications on maize fungal ear rot and fumonisin contamination in natural infection conditions. Four application timings and two insecticides (clorpirifos + cypermethrin and indoxacarb) were compared each year.

RESULTS: In both years, the treatments applied at the beginning of a consistent ECB flight activity and at the flight peak showed the best efficacy to control the insect damage on ears. Fungal ear rot and fumonisin contamination were clearly affected by ECB control. The efficacy of the best application timing to control fumonisin occurrence was 73% in 2006 and 84% in 2007. Earlier insecticide applications showed lower fumonisin contamination than treatments applied after the adult flight peak.

CONCLUSION: The production of maize and maize‐based foods with a low fumonisin content may be enhanced through correct insecticide application against the second ECB generation. The optimum timing of insecticides is between the beginning of a consistent adult flight activity and the flight peak. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Electrodeposition of zinc on AZ91D magnesium alloy pre‐treated by stannate conversion coatings
Authors: Zhang S. Y. , Li Q. , Chen B. , Xu S. Q. , Fan J. M. , Luo F.
Published: December 2009

A stannate chemical conversion process followed by an activation procedure was employed as the pre‐treatment process for AZ91D magnesium alloy substrate. Zn was electroplated onto the pre‐treated AZ91D magnesium alloy surface from pyrophosphate bath to improve the corrosion resistance and the solderability. The surface morphologies of conversion coating and zinc coating were examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The phase composition of conversion coating was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coatings in the corrosive solution was investigated by potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The experimental results showed that the activated stannate chemical conversion coating provided a suitable interface between zinc coating and the AZ91D magnesium alloy substrate. The corrosion resistance of the AZ91D substrate was improved by the zinc coating.
A mathematical model for prediction of time from corrosion initiation to corrosion cracking in RC structures
Authors: Lin G. , Liu Y. H. , Xiang Z. H.
Published: December 2009

Prediction of time from corrosion initiation to corrosion cracking is a crucial factor in evaluating concrete structures' durability and integrity deteriorated by reinforcement corrosion. This paper presents a mathematical model to predict the time from corrosion initiation to corrosion cracking. A dynamic corrosion rate model based on Bulter–Volmer kinetics and a rust expansion model based on Faraday's law are developed. An analytical model is developed to demonstrate the mechanical consequences of rust buildup around the rebar. The time to corrosion cracking is found to be a function of surrounding concrete material properties, chemical composition of rust, ratio of concrete cover thickness to rebar diameter, and corrosion current density. Comparisons with available experimental results are conducted to show the accuracy and reliability of the present model. Further parametric analysis is carried out to show the influences of various parameters included in the model on the time to corrosion cracking.
Morphology of Novel PEAs Containing Two Consecutive Amide Bonds Randomly Distributed Along the Polyester Backbone
Authors: Garg Priya , Lohakare Pratiksha , Mela Petra , Möller Martin , Blümich Bernhard , Adams Alina
Published: December 2009

The morphology of a series of novel segmented PEAs with varying amide content was studied by a combination of DSC, SFM and proton solid state NMR. Semicrystalline polymers organised in a lamellar morphology were obtained for all amide contents. The results of different NMR experiments revealed that a three phase system composed of a rigid phase, an interface and a mobile amorphous phase is the most appropriate model to describe the morphology of these materials. The amount, the chain dynamics and the domain size of each phase were estimated and correlated with the amount of the amide fraction. Such morphological investigations help to understand the macroscopic properties of segmented PEAs for their applications as biomaterials.

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Benzoylgermanium Derivatives as Novel Visible‐Light Photoinitiators for Dental Composites
Authors: Moszner Norbert , Zeuner Frank , Lamparth Iris , Fischer Urs Karl
Published: December 2009

New dibenzoylgermanium derivatives are synthesized starting from various dithioacetal protected benzaldehydes by a coupling reaction with different dialkyldichlorogermanes and subsequent oxidative cleavage of the protecting group. The synthesized germanium compounds show a significantly stronger blue light absorption than camphorquinone. During irradiation, the dibenzoylgermanium derivatives undergo photodecomposition under formation of radicals. Therefore, the different dibenzoylgermanium derivatives are used as amine‐free visible‐light photoinitiators for dental cements and composites. Composites based on the different dibenzoylgermanes are storage‐stable and show a significantly improved bleaching behavior over composites with CQ/amine photoinitiators.

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Computer Simulations of Natural and Synthetic Polymers in Confined Systems
Authors: Piotto S. , Concilio S. , Mavelli F. , Iannelli P.
Published: December 2009

Nanotechnology is the ability to work at the molecular and supramolecular levels in order to create and use devices, structures and systems with the desired properties and functions. This is what Nature already does in living systems. In this work we investigated the consequences of confinement in the ordering of natural (namely proteins) and synthetic polymers by means of computational techniques. The focus is put on the possibility to design new materials in a Nature‐like fashion. In the first part of the paper, the possibility to select/design different folding of the same peptide is investigated by means of full atoms molecular dynamics. In the second part of the paper dynamic mean‐field density functional method is applied to the dynamics of block copolymer melts in three‐dimensional lattice model. The analysis of the aggregates and their temporal evolution in free space and in confined space are compared.
Synthesis and Characterization of Composite Materials HDPE/HA and PMMA/HA Prepared by Sonochemistry
Authors: Parra C. , González G. , Albano C.
Published: December 2009

Summary: In the present work, the synthesis and characterization of composite materials based on HDPE, and PMMA with nanometric hydroxyapatite, are studied. Composites preparation was carried out by dilutions of the commercial polymers, using decaline as solvent for the polyolefin and 2‐butanone for PMMA. In the synthesis of Hydroxyapatite (HA), ammonium phosphate [(NH4)2HPO4] and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] were used as precursors. Composites with 20, 30 and 40 wt% of HA were prepared. The polymer dilutions and the precursors of the HA were placed simultaneously in a reactor under ultrasonic radiation at 20 kHz, for periods of 15, 25 and 35 min. The products obtained were characterized by FTIR, TGA, TEM, XRD and biocompatibility studies were also carried out. The results showed the presence of nanometric HA and clear interactions between HA and PMMA polymers were observed by FTIR. These results were corroborated by TEM showing that nanometric HA particles are encapsulated into the polymeric PMMA matrix. For the composites of HDPE, these interactions were not observed.
HDPE‐Coconut Flour Composites: Effect of Coupling Agents and Surface Modification
Authors: Albano C. , González J. , Hernández M. , Ichazo M. N. , Alvarado S. , Ziegler D. M. , Lavadi M.
Published: December 2009

This research work studies the mechanical, thermal and morphological behavior of coconut flour/polyethylene composites, with special emphasis on the influence of the surface modification of coconut flour and the presence of different coupling agents on the interfacial bonding. The different treatments of the composites with an EAA copolymer, with 5 and 18 wt% of NaOH and acetylation, confirm the better tensile behavior of these composites.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric Materials from Vegetable Oils
Authors: Lopes Roseany V. V. , Loureiro Nuno Pedro D. , Zamian José R. , Fonseca Pâmela S. , Macedo Júlio L. , dos Santos Maria L. , Sales Maria J. A.
Published: December 2009

Although the petrochemical polymers have revolutionized the technological development, the intensive use of these materials have contributed to the global pollution. In this context, researches involving ecofriendliness materials are growing up, as well as, a current interest in developing materials from inexpensive and renewable resources, such as vegetable oils. In this work, is described the synthesis of polymeric materials by thermal polymerization from linseed oil (Linum usitatissimum L.) and passion fruit oil (Passiflora edulis) and their characterization by gas chromatographic (GC), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, solubility in organic solvents, thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy. The TG curve shows that those polymeric materials present two stages of decomposition. DSC plots of the vegetable oils showed some endothermic and exothermic transitions which are not present in the DSC curves corresponding to oil‐based polymers. The Raman spectra of the polymers indicate declining of absorbance in the region of CC stretching (∼1600 cm−1). This absorption was used to estimate the degree of polymerization (79% and 67.5% for linseed and passion fruit oils, respectively).
Mechanical Properties and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Thermoplastic‐Natural Fiber/Glass Reinforced Composites
Authors: Di Landro Luca , Lorenzi William
Published: December 2009

The mechanical properties and dynamic behavior of thermoplastic composites based on polypropylene/glass fibers and polypropylene/natural fibers (i.e. kenaf, hemp, flax) are presented. A survey is given on some aspects, crucial for the use of these composites in structural and non‐structural components such as their vibration‐damping response, in relation to the composite compaction level and the manufacturing procedure. In order to investigate a wide vibration frequency range, including acoustic frequencies, different testing techniques, both with forced and free vibrations, were applied. A comparison between natural fiber and glass fiber reinforced laminates is presented. Compaction levels, allowing to obtain the best compromise between mechanical performance and damping response, are investigated.