bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dilemma over reprocessing single‐use medical devices
Authors: Parsons Malcolm S.“Duffy”
Published: September 2009

Making informed decisions about the reuse of single‐use medical devices requires considerable analysis, study and management buy‐in. This article addresses such issues as the prevalence of the practice, the changing standards and guidelines, institutional responsibilities, risk and insurance concerns and the ethical issues posed by the concept of reuse.
Not to worry: Directors and officers claims can be managed
Authors: Standley Carolyn
Published: September 2009

Directors and officers claims have become more prevalent due to the employment litigation surge in this country. This article provides examples of real claims, offers suggestions in managing claims, discusses trends in litigation and provides recommendations for loss prevention.
Dispelling urban myths in healthcare risk management
Authors: Moore Janice , Berry Dorothy , Knox G. Eric
Published: September 2009

Applied research to explore and challenge myths in healthcare risk management is pivotal to the growth of the profession. The authors demonstrate this process through exploring patient safety and malpractice issues on weekdays compared with on weekends and holidays. Analysis suggests that claim volume is driven by service volume.
A case of munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as a medical negligence action
Authors: Guarnero Ricardo A.
Published: September 2009

The parents of a child who was transported lifeless to a hospital initiated a medical negligence action. Only after discovery did it become clear that the mother, suffering from a disorder known as Munchausen syndrome by proxy, caused the death of the child. The case presented a number of complex evidentiary and litigation issues likely to be encountered by other medical‐negligence defense attorneys.
Downsizing, reengineering and patient safety: Numbers, newness and resultant risk
Authors: Knox G. Eric , Kelley Maureen , Simpson Kathleen Rice , Carrier Libby , Berry Dorothy
Published: September 2009

Downsizing and reengineering are facts of life in contemporary healthcare organizations. In most instances, these organizational changes are undertaken in an attempt to increase productivity or cut operational costs with results measured in these terms. Less often considered are potential detrimental effects on patient safety or strategies, which might be used to minimize these risks.
Risk management at the heart of the matter: Addressing acute coronary care
Authors: Maley Robin A.
Published: September 2009

Every year, 540,000 patients enter a hospital for myocardial infarction. Of these, 4% to 13% will be misdiagnosed and 11%‐25% of them may die as a result. Missed diagnoses are the most expensive claims against emergency department physicians and account for 20% of all losses paid by them. A sound risk management program can save lives and dollars by supporting the effective and safe treatment of patients requiring acute coronary care.
Comparing risk management information: An invitation to disaster?
Authors: West John C.
Published: September 2009

While many healthcare entities want to compare their risk management data with other entities, most such projects fail. This is usually due to weaknesses in terminology and differences in work practices. In addition, virtually all data in healthcare risk management are subjective and may readily be manipulated. To benchmark their data, facilities should be careful to understand what their data represents, and how the data compare with the data generated by other facilities. This usually requires an in‐depth review of work practices and procedures, coverages, and culture. Risk management data can be shared, but it must be done carefully.
Evaluating risk in human plasma transfusion
Authors: Darr Fred
Published: September 2009

Human plasma transfusion with fresh frozen plasma can be valuable in treating a variety of hemorrhagic disorders. Although safe in most cases, fresh frozen plasma poses some risk of viral infection via transfusion. New plasma preparations, using either quarantine or viral inactivation of pooled samples to improve safety, have been made available in the United States. Distinguishing characteristics include viral safety, availability, and cost. Risk managers should be aware of the range of plasma products, as well as the issues surrounding their use, in order to participate in organizational decision‐making regarding the recommendation of specific products.
‘Quality is job 1’– new directions for medical risk management
Authors: Buchholz Scott D.
Published: September 2009

With the advent of managed care, the determination of who is a successful healthcare provider often depends on the selection process used by the managers of employee health plans and their managed care plans. Employee satisfaction and cost containment are factors relied on in selecting healthcare providers. This article discusses the risk management professional's increasingly important role in assisting healthcare providers in meeting the requirements of these third‐party decision makers.
An example of how to manage occupational injuries in healthcare
Authors: Fragala Guy
Published: September 2009

This article presents a five‐Step process, which can be applied as part of an ergonomic management program. A case study relates how successful application of the process resulted in the reduction of occupational injuries and associated costs. The healthcare industry has been plagued by back injuries resulting from patient and resident handling. On November 23, 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the Proposed Ergonomic Management Standard, which, when finalized, will require organizations to put in place ergonomic management programs as discussed in this article.
Studies on the metabolism of the Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol precursor Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (Δ9‐THCA‐A) in rat using LC‐MS/MS, LC‐QTOF MS and GC‐MS techniques
Authors: Jung Julia , Meyer Markus R. , Maurer Hans H. , Neusüß Christian , Weinmann Wolfgang , Auwärter Volker
Published: September 2009

InCannabis sativa, Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid‐A (Δ9‐THCA‐A) is the non‐psychoactive precursor of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC). In fresh plant material, about 90% of the total Δ9‐THC is available as Δ9‐THCA‐A. When heated (smoked or baked), Δ9‐THCA‐A is only partially converted to Δ9‐THC and therefore, Δ9‐THCA‐A can be detected in serum and urine of cannabis consumers. The aim of the presented study was to identify the metabolites of Δ9‐THCA‐A and to examine particularly whether oral intake of Δ9‐THCA‐A leads toin vivoformation of Δ9‐THC in a rat model. After oral application of pure Δ9‐THCA‐A to rats (15 mg/kg body mass), urine samples were collected and metabolites were isolated and identified by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and high resolution LC‐MS using time of flight‐mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS) for accurate mass measurement. For detection of Δ9‐THC and its metabolites, urine extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The identified metabolites show that Δ9‐THCA‐A undergoes a hydroxylation in position 11 to 11‐hydroxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid‐A (11‐OH‐Δ9‐THCA‐A), which is further oxidized via the intermediate aldehyde 11‐oxo‐Δ9‐THCA‐A to 11‐nor‐9‐carboxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid‐A (Δ9‐THCA‐A‐COOH). Glucuronides of the parent compound and both main metabolites were identified in the rat urine as well. Furthermore, Δ9‐THCA‐A undergoes hydroxylation in position 8 to 8‐alpha‐ and 8‐beta‐hydroxy‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid‐A, respectively, (8α‐Hydroxy‐Δ9‐THCA‐A and 8β‐Hydroxy‐Δ9‐THCA‐A, respectively) followed by dehydration. Both monohydroxylated metabolites were further oxidized to their bishydroxylated forms. Several glucuronidation conjugates of these metabolites were identified.In vivoconversion of Δ9‐THCA‐A to Δ9‐THC was not observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New RF extrinsic resistances extraction procedure for deep‐submicron MOS transistors
Authors: Tinoco J. C. , Raskin J.‐P.
Published: September 2009

The modeling of MOS transistors used for RF applications needs the definition of a lumped equivalent circuit where the intrinsic device and series extrinsic resistances are properly evaluated. The model accuracy depends on the extraction precision of each intrinsic lumped element. In order to determine the intrinsic device behavior, it is necessary to first remove the series extrinsic resistances. For this reason their extraction becomes critical for the modeling of MOS transistors in RF circuit design. Several extraction methods have been proposed; nevertheless, the measurement noise strongly affects the obtained results. The method proposed by Bracale and co‐workers is the most robust extraction procedure against measurement noise, but fails to predict correctly the series extrinsic resistances for deep‐submicron devices. For those reasons, we deeply analyze the method proposed by Bracale in order to understand and then overcome its limitations. Based on those analyses, a robust extraction method for deep‐submicron devices is proposed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy of decorated pottery from the Iberian archaeological site of Puente Tablas (Jaén, Spain, 7th–4th century B.C.)
Authors: Parras D. , Vandenabeele P. , Sánchez A. , Montejo M. , Moens L. , Ramos N.
Published: September 2009

In this paper, Raman spectroscopy is used for the first time to identify the pigments on decorated antique Iberian pottery. Ceramic fragments of type Real and others from the archaeological excavation in the oppidum Puente Tablas were examined. Different types of iron oxide pigments (hematite and goethite) were identified, along with amorphous carbon. In some samples, the presence of chalk or gypsum could be demonstrated. Some unattributed Raman bands are believed to be associated either with post‐burial organic deposition or with silicate materials that are present in red ochre. It was possible to relate the findings with geological data from the region and to make assumptions on a local production. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the ‘Raman spectroscopic signature of life’ in mitochondria isolated from budding yeast
Authors: Chiu Liang‐da , Ando Masahiro , Hamaguchi Hiro‐o
Published: September 2009

The ‘Raman spectroscopic signature of life’ is a Raman band at 1602 cm−1 that sharply reflects the metabolic activity of cell mitochondria. Here we report the study of thissignature in isolated yeast mitochondria. The existence and behaviour of the 1602 cm−1 band in isolated mitochondria have been confirmed to be the same as in living yeast cells: the intensity of the band decreases with timewhen a respiration inhibitor, sodium azide, is added. The present study shows the significance of isolated mitochondria in elucidating the origin of this still unassigned Raman band. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible, near‐infrared, and ultraviolet laser‐excited Raman spectroscopy of the monocytes/macrophages (U937) cells
Authors: Zinin Pavel V. , Misra Anupam , Kamemoto Lori , Yu Qigui , Hu Ningjie , Sharma Shiv K.
Published: September 2009

Raman spectra of the monocytes were recorded with laser excitation at 532, 785, 830, and 244 nm. The measurements of the Raman spectra of monocytes excited with visible, near‐infrared (NIR), and ultraviolet (UV) lasers lad to the following conclusions. (1) The Raman peak pattern of the monocytes can be easily distinguished from those of HeLa and yeast cells; (2) Positions of the Raman peaks of the dried cell are in coincidence with those of the monocytes in a culture cell media. However, the relative intensities of the peaks are changed: the peak centered around 1045 cm−1 is strongly intensified. (3) Raman spectra of the dead monocytes are similar to those of living cells with only one exception: the Raman peak centered around 1004 cm−1 associated with breathing mode of phenylalanine is strongly intensified. The Raman spectra of monocytes excited with 244‐nm UV laser were measured on cells in a cell culture medium. A peak centered at 1485 cm−1 dominates the UV Raman spectra of monocytes. The ratio I1574/I1613 for monocytes is found to be around 0.71. This number reflects the ratio between proteins and DNA content inside a cell and it is found to be twice as high as that of E. coli and 5 times as high as that of gram‐positive bacteria. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyphenol‐rich beverages: insights from sensory and consumer science
Authors: Jaeger Sara R , Axten Lauren G , Wohlers Mark W , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: Reaching a go/no‐go decision on a product concept early in the innovation cycle can save companies significant resources. The current research is situated within this context. Using polyphenol‐rich beverages that were at an early stage in the formulation/optimisation cycle, a number of insights were sought: (1) how acceptable to consumers were these early‐stage formulations; (2) what sensory attributes contributed to consumer liking/disliking; and (3) could the disliked sensory attribute(s) be sufficiently masked within the chosen product format?

RESULTS: Beverages were formulated according to a 2 × 4 factorial design where one factor varied the polyphenol source and the other sweetness. While consumer acceptability and purchase probability increased with sucrose concentration, the beverages were of below‐average sensory quality. Bitterness was identified as a key sensory attribute to focus on in future optimisation efforts.

CONCLUSION: A number of approaches exist for masking bitterness and there appeared to be little reason why at least some of the beverages could not be improved to achieve high levels of sensory quality and consumer acceptance. Further, it is suggested that disclosing information about health properties of these polyphenol‐rich beverages during consumer testing may further enhance their appeal to consumers. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Xanthan gum produced by Xanthomonas campestris from cheese whey: production optimisation and rheological characterisation
Authors: Mesomo Michele , Silva Marceli Fernandes , Boni Gabriela , Padilha Francine Ferreira , Mazutti Marcio , Mossi Altemir , de Oliveira Debora , Cansian Rogério Luis , Di Luccio Marco , Treichel Helen
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: This aim of this study was the production and rheological characterisation of xanthan gum by Xanthomonas campestris pv. mangiferaeindicae IBSBF 1230 using industrial media and experimental design techniques in a bench bioreactor.

RESULTS: The optimised conditions for the production of xanthan starting with 900 mL of cheese whey were 1 g L−1 magnesium sulphate, 20 g L−1 potassium phosphate, 28 °C temperature and initial pH 7.2 at 390 rpm agitation and 1.5 vvm aeration, resulting in 36 g L−1 gum in 72 h. The highest viscosity obtained in the production optimisation study was 1831.34 mPa s at 25 °C with 30 g L−1 gum. The use of CaCl2 resulted in the highest solution viscosity under conditions of 25 °C, 1 g L−1 salt and 46.8 g L−1 gum, with a value of 1704.53 mPa s.

CONCLUSION: In this study, cheese whey, a by‐product of the dairy industry, was used as substrate in the production of xanthan gum, a valuable product in food applications, with optimised high gum production in a bioreactor and a wide range of viscosity values. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Micro strategies: The key to successful planning in uncertain times
Authors: Logan Dave , Fischer‐Wright Halee
Published: September 2009

Leaders who seem to be "making it up as they go along" are often making plans that focus on specific outcomes with very narrow time horizons (often 90 days or less), moving from one short term objective to another using micro strategies. Micro strategies allow leaders to course‐correct their way in pursuit of a longer‐term strategy, such as a company's five‐year strategic plan, even in environments with rapid change or high degrees of ambiguity. This article offers 8 micro strategy best practices and describes the micro strategy process using the start‐up of a company called crowdSPRING as a case study.
The impedance‐titrator : A novel setup to perform automated pH‐dependent electrochemical experiments
Authors: Fenster C. , Rohwerder M. , Hassel A. W.
Published: September 2009

A new device for performing electrochemical experiments under automatic change or control of the solution pH was developed. The electrochemical cell consists of a thermostatted glass cell, counter electrode, reference electrode and working electrode, pH sensor, stirrer and gas purging system. A control box and a potentiostat equipped with a frequency response analyser form the electronic equipment, while a piston buret allows dosing the solution of interest e.g. a sodium hydroxide solution. Various modes are available for scanning the pH range or keeping the pH constant if a hydroxide consuming reaction shall be observed at a constant pH value, all during electrochemical experiments are performed. Two application examples are given to demonstrate the versatility of the impedance titrator. One addresses the determination of the breakdown pH value of anodised aluminium and the other quantifies the consumption of zinc during transient formation of zincate precipitates.
High‐Gain Long‐Lived Amplified Spontaneous Emission from Dye‐Doped Fluorinated Polyimide Planar Waveguides
Authors: Cerdán Luis , Costela Angel , García‐Moreno Inmaculada , García Olga , Sastre Roberto , Calle Mariola , Muñoz Dulce , de Abajo Javier
Published: September 2009

Long‐lived amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) action is demonstrated in waveguides based in transparent newly synthesized fluorinated polyimides (FPI) doped with laser dye Pyrromethene 597. Relevant parameters to optimize the lasing performance of the guides are the polymer chain density and fluorine content. The guide with the higher fluorine content was the most stable, with the ASE emission remaining at 50% of its initial value after 40 000 pump pulses of ≈220 kW · cm−2 delivered at a repetition rate of 5 Hz. Net gains of up to 93 cm−1 were obtained at a pump intensity of about 500 kW · cm−2 (34 µJ pulse−1).

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Two Cationic Copper(I) Catalysts with N‐Donor Ligands for the Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Liu Guang‐Fei , Li Ling‐Ling , Ren Zhi‐Gang , Li Hong‐Xi , Cheng Zhen‐Ping , Zhu Jian , Zhu Xiu‐Lin , Lang Jian‐Ping
Published: September 2009

Two new copper(I) complexes, [Cu(bdmpm)2](PF6) (1) [bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)methane (bdmpm)] and [Cu(µ‐bdmpp)(MeCN)]2(PF6)2 (2) [2,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine (bdmpp)], were prepared by reactions of [Cu(MeCN)4](PF6) with bdmpm or bdmpp in MeCN. X‐ray analysis revealed that 1 is a mononuclear complex with the central Cu being chelated by two bdmpm ligands. 2 has a double‐stranded helicate structure in which each of the two [Cu(µ‐bdmpp)(MeCN)]+ cations is linked by the other bdmpp ligand. Both 1 and 2 exhibited high catalytic activity in the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA). Even though the ratio of MMA to catalyst was raised up to 1 000:1, the PDI for 1 (reaction time was fixed at 5 h) is below 1.6 and the conversion is up to 66.0% while that for 2 (reaction time was fixed at 6 h) is below 1.5 and the conversion is up to 75.2%. In addition, the effects of solvents, reaction temperatures as well as ratios of MMA to catalyst were also investigated.

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Large Stokes‐Shift Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles with Enhanced Emission Over Free Dye for Single Excitation Multiplexing
Authors: Herz Erik , Burns Andrew , Bonner Daniel , Wiesner Ulrich
Published: September 2009

We describe a polycondensation reaction of silica precursors in a modified Stöber‐type basic ethanol solution to produce graded Stokes‐shift core‐shell silica nanoparticles providing bright and spectrally multiplexed sets of fluorescent tags that are excitable using a single excitation source. Dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate particle sizes in the sub‐10 nm regime. Absorption matched emission comparisons between encapsulated and free dyes in aqueous solution reveal about an order of magnitude per‐dye brightness enhancements that are apparent by simply looking at the solutions under laser illumination conditions.

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Generalized solution of non‐autonomous photon transport problem
Authors: Chang Yu‐Hsien , Hong Cheng‐Hong
Published: September 2009

The purpose of this paper is to show the existence of a generalized solution of a non‐autonomous transport problem. By means of the theory of equicontinuous evolution system on a sequentially complete locally convex topological vector space, we show that the perturbed abstract non‐autonomous Cauchy problem has a unique solution when the perturbation operator and forcing term function satisfy certain conditions. A consequence of the abstract result is that it can be directly applied to obtain a generalized solution of the non‐autonomous photon transport problem. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of an NMR chemical shift prediction application with the accuracy necessary to grade proton NMR spectra for identity
Authors: Spanton Stephen G. , Whittern David
Published: September 2009

We have developed an NMR chemical shift prediction system that enables high throughput automatic grading of NMR spectra. In support of high throughput synthetic efforts for our drug discovery program, a rapid and accurate analysis for identity was needed. The system was designed and implemented to take advantage of the NMR assignments that had been tabulated on internally generated research compounds. The system has been operational for four years and has been used in conjunction with an internally written grading program to successfully analyze several hundred thousand samples based only on their 1D 1H spectrum. A focused test of the system's accuracy on 1006 molecules demonstrated the ability to estimate the proton chemical shift with an average error of +/−0.16 ppm. This level of chemical shift accuracy allows for reliable structure confirmation by automated analysis using only proton NMR. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Quenching Procedure for Preservation of Initial Polymer/Catalyst Particle Morphology in Ziegler–Natta Olefin Polymerization
Authors: Thang Vu Quoc , Taniike Toshiaki , Umemori Masaki , Ikeya Mitsuhiro , Hiraoka Yuichi , Nghia Nguyen Duc , Terano Minoru
Published: September 2009

Preservation of initial polymer/catalyst particle morphology under air, was examined using stopped‐flow Ziegler–Natta polymerization with various quenching conditions and post‐chemical treatments. The exposure of the initial particles to air caused the fast formation of cracks on the surface, finally leading to significant reformation of the particle shape, when polymerizing particles were washed with heptane at −65 °C under N2 or under CO2. On the other hand, when the particles were washed with heptane containing an appropriate amount of tetrahydrofuran under CO2, the particle morphology under air was almost completely maintained even after 1 h exposure. The present results are useful for various ex situ characterizations of unstable initial polymer/catalyst particles.

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Reproducibility assessment of metabolic variables characterizing muscle energetics in Vivo: A 31P‐MRS study
Authors: Layec Gwenael , Bringard Aurélien , Le Fur Yann , Vilmen Christophe , Micallef Jean‐Paul , Perrey Stéphane , Cozzone Patrick J. , Bendahan David
Published: September 2009

The purpose of the present study was to assess the reliability of metabolic parameters measured using 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) during two standardized rest‐exercise‐recovery protocols. Twelve healthy subjects performed the standardized protocols at two different intensities; i.e., a moderate intensity (MOD) repeated over a two‐month period and heavy intensity (HEAVY) repeated over a year's time. Test‐retest reliability was analyzed using coefficient of variation (CV), limits of agreement (LOA), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). During exercise and recovery periods, most of the metabolic parameters exhibited a good reliability. The CVs of individual concentration of phosphocreatine ([PCr]), concentration of adenosine diphosphate ([ADP]), and pH values recorded at end of the HEAVY exercise were lower than 15%. The CV calculated for the rate of PCr resynthesis and the maximal oxidative capacity were less than 13% during the HEAVY protocol. Inferred parameters such as oxidative and total adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production rates exhibited a good reliability (ICC ≈ 0.7; CV < 15% during the HEAVY protocol). Our results demonstrated that measurement error using 31P‐MRS during a standardized exercise was low and that biological variability accounted for the vast majority of the measurement variability. In addition, the corresponding metabolic measurements can reliably be used for longitudinal studies performed even over a long period of time. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metformin and anaemia: myth or reality?
Authors: Adetunji OR , Mani H , Morgan C , Gill GV
Published: September 2009

Metformin is an effective antihyperglycaemic agent used extensively in treating diabetes. It has few side effects but it may inhibit vitamin B12 absorption in the distal ileum which may potentially limit its use.

This study set out to determine if there is an association between metformin treatment and anaemia in a large population with diabetes mellitus.

A total of 520 consecutive patients with diabetes were studied. Anaemia was defined by World Health Organization criteria of Hb <13g/dl in men, and Hb <12g/dl in women. Serum B12 was measured in the patients with significant anaemia of Hb <11g/dl.

Anaemia was present in 24.6% of the study population. There was no difference in the prevalence of anaemia and the haemoglobin levels between patients on metformin and those not on metformin. In patients with significant anaemia, there was also no difference in serum vitamin B12 levels between the two groups.

Metformin remains a valuable drug in the management of diabetes. Whilst the clinician must be aware of the potential association between metformin and B12 deficiency, this study in a large population with diabetes shows no significant association between metformin and anaemia, suggesting that metformin associated anaemia is rare. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the positive predictive values of antidote signals to detect potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU)
Authors: Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Bellamy Cassandra J. , Verrico Margaret M. , Handler Steven M. , Weber Robert J.
Published: September 2009

Purpose

Signals are used to alert clinicians of potential ADRs. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of antidote signals in ICUs are unknown. The primary purpose was to determine PPVs of six signals. The secondary objective was to determine the sensitivity of various ADR detection strategies including manual chart review, administrative data review, and voluntary reporting at identifying the same ADRs discovered using antidotes as a signal.

Methods

Adult patients admitted to a medical ICU from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 who were prescribed select signals were eligible. Evaluated antidote signals included injectable diphenhydramine, protamine, phytonadione, dextrose 50%, injectable methylprednisolone, and sodium polystyrene. For each signal, a random sample of 50 patients was evaluated for the presence of an ADR. ADR occurrences were determined using two objective causality instruments through retrospective chart review. Agreement between the instruments was required for ADR consideration. PPVs were determined for each signal.

Results

Two hundred and twenty three patients (52% male) were evaluated, with a mean ± SD age of 60 ± 17 years, and a median simplified acute physiology score (SAPSII) of 48. PPVs were 0.64, 0.50, 0.38, 0.26, 0.24, and 0.02 for protamine, sodium polystyrene, dextrose 50%, diphenhydramine, phytonadione, and methylprednisolone, respectively. Sensitivity of other detection strategies from highest to lowest was chart review for explicit documentation, administrative database review, and voluntary reporting.

Conclusions

Protamine and sodium polystyrene performed the best by detecting ADRs in at least one out of two evaluations. Detection strategies other than signals were not as sensitive at identifying the same ADRs as antidote signals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid materials: fabrication and properties
Authors: Qi Wei , Wu Lixin
Published: September 2009

In this article we provide an overview of the fabrication and properties of polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid materials. Physical blending, electrostatic adsorption, covalent bonding and supramolecular modification are the main strategies to incorporate polyoxometalates into organic or inorganic (taking silica as an example) polymer matrices. The polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid materials obtained concurrently possess the unique optical, electrical or catalytic properties of polyoxometalates and the favorable processability and stability of polymer matrices. Polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid materials may have potential applications in optics, electronics, biology, medicine and catalysis. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Melting characteristic and β‐crystal content of β‐nucleated polypropylene/polyamide 6 alloys prepared using different compounding methods
Authors: Yang Zhugen , Chen Chunyan , Liang Dianwei , Zhang Zishou , Mai Kancheng
Published: September 2009

BACKGROUND: The distribution of nucleating agents in different phases is still an open question in general, and how to control conditions to prepare alloys rich in β‐crystals of polypropylene (PP) is hardly reported. The main goal of this study was to find out the factors influencing the β‐crystal content in β‐nucleated PP/polyamide 6 (PA6) alloys and determine the best preparation conditions to obtain β‐nucleated PP/PA6 alloys rich in β‐crystals.

RESULTS: The compounding methods had little influence on the crystallization temperature of both PP and PA6. However, the melting characteristic and β‐crystal content in β‐nucleated PP/PA6 alloys not only depended upon the compounding methods, but also on the temperature at which the nucleating agent was added. A higher β‐crystal content can be obtained by adding the nucleating agent at a temperature below 190 °C, which is also dependent on the mixing time.

CONCLUSION: It is proved by etching the alloys with sulfuric acid that the nucleating agent mainly disperses in the PA6 phase and/or the interface between PP and PA6 when blended at high temperature. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Renal dysfunction in cystic fibrosis: Is there cause for concern?
Authors: Soulsby Natalie , Greville Hugh , Coulthard Kingsley , Doecke Christopher
Published: September 2009

Most people associate cystic fibrosis (CF) with lung disease. Although this is the major cause of morbidity and mortality, CF is in fact a multi‐organ disease. Patients with CF are living longer. Accompanying their increased life expectancy are complications not previously encountered. One of the less obvious concerns is that of renal dysfunction associated with long‐term exposure to aminoglycosides as well as renally toxic immunosuppressants in lung transplant recipients. This article reviews what is known about the extent of the problem, summarizes what the current practices of measuring and monitoring renal function in patients with CF, and makes suggestions for alternative approaches. In particular, the potential role of cystatin C will be discussed. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:947–953. ©2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical monitoring of multivariate multiple linear regression profiles in phase I with calibration application
Authors: Noorossana R. , Eyvazian M. , Amiri Amirhossein , Mahmoud Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2009

In some statistical process control applications, there are some correlated quality characteristics which can be modeled as linear functions of some explanatory variables. We refer to this structure as multivariate multiple linear regression profiles. When the correlation structure between quality characteristics is ignored and profiles are monitored separately then misleading results could be expected. Hence, developing methods to account for this multivariate structure is required. In this paper, we specifically focus on phase I monitoring of multivariate multiple linear regression profiles and develop four methods for this purpose. The performance of the developed methods is compared through simulation studies in terms of probability of a signal. In addition, a diagnostic scheme to find the out‐of‐control samples is developed. Finally, the application of the proposed methods is illustrated using a calibration application at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance of laser and radar ranging devices in adverse environmental conditions
Authors: Ryde Julian , Hillier Nick
Published: September 2009

A comparative evaluation of millimeter‐wave radar and two‐dimensional scanning lasers in dust and rain conditions for sensor applications in field robotics is presented. A robust and reliable method for measuring the level of suspended dust (or other obscurant media) by determining the transmission coefficient is developed and used for quantitative assessment of sensor performance. The criteria of target acquisition reliability, precision, and accuracy under varying environmental conditions are assessed via sensor operation in a controlled environment. This environment generated dust and rain of varying densities. Sensor performance is also assessed for the potential effect on digital terrain mapping and haul truck localization due to sensor‐specific behaviors in these conditions (e.g., false targets, increased noise). Trials on a research electric face shovel are conducted to test observed behaviors. It is concluded that laser scanners are suitable for environments with transmissions exceeding 92%–93%/m for targets closer than 25 m. The radar remained relatively unaffected by the generated conditions of rain (50–70 mm/h) and dust (10‐m visibility); however, its accuracy (0.1 m with a corner reflector and 0.3 m on a haul truck), free‐space clutter, and scan rate were insufficient for locating unmodified haul trucks for this application. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Link layer FEC for quality‐of‐service provision for Mobile Internet Services over DVB‐S2
Authors: Lei Jiang , Vázquez‐Castro M. A. , Stockhammer T. , Vieira F.
Published: September 2009

This paper presents the performance that can be achieved when applying forward error correction (FEC) at the link layer (LL) level for Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB)‐S2‐based transmission to attain reliable reception in mobile environments. Our scenario of interest is the interactive railway scenario with two different channel assumptions: Line‐of‐Sight together with the effect of railway Power Archers (LOS+PA) and non‐Line‐of‐Sight (nLOS). We analyze the performance and compatibility of the different LL‐FEC schemes already available in the DVB family of standards: Multiple Protocol Encapsulation‐FEC (MPE‐FEC) and MPE Inter‐Burst FEC (MPE‐IFEC). We compare their performance when adopting Reed‐Solomon (RS) or Raptor FEC Codes. Both theoretical and simulation analysis reveal that LL‐FEC can overcome the fade in the railway scenario by selecting appropriate FEC codes. The solution finally adopted by the DVB‐RCS+M standard is discussed and two cross‐layer transmission architectures are presented that allow adaptive Quality‐of‐Service provision over generic LL encapsulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telescope structures worldwide
Authors: Kärcher Hans J.
Published: September 2009

Astronomy has experienced a great boost over the last 20 years. As a consequence, the telescopes used are getting larger and larger. In the past, radio telescopes with a reflector diameter of up to 100 m were built. Now, even optical telescopes are being planned with main mirror diameters exceeding 40 m! For all these telescopes the structural system – the steel structure – and the related mechanical components – the bearings and drives – are the “backbone” for the optical elements and play a major role in the planning, construction and related overall costs.

From the structural engineer's point of view, the design and construction of a telescope structure is very different from all other applications of steel structures. The design is not dominated – as it usually is – by issues of strength and stability, but mainly by issues of deformations and dynamics. The requirements for the structural system have to be developed in close cooperation with the overall telescope system engineer, who has to integrate the needs of the astronomers, the optics engineers, control engineers, etc. From the market point of view, there are only a few large telescope projects in progress worldwide, and not many structural engineers are working in this field; so no specialized companies are available for the manufacture and erection of large telescope structures.

This situation resulted in the emergence of a small group of project managers and engineers in Mainz, Germany, who were and are involved with many large telescope structures worldwide. This paper explains the specific design and construction issues by way of two current examples: the 64 m Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) under construction at San Basilio, Sardinia, and the 30 m Large Cherenkov Telescope (LCT) under construction at Gölschau near Windhoek, Namibia.
Assessment of fatigue cracks in orthotropic steel decks
Authors: Sugiura Kunitomo , Hashimoto Kunitaro , Oshima Yoshinobu , Yamaguchi Takashi
Published: September 2009

This study proposes a new “health” evaluation system for fatigue cracks in orthotropic steel bridge decks by measuring the strain changes in the asphalt pavements on steel plate decks. In order to consider the applicability of this system, parametric FE analyses are carried out in which the types of crack, their positions and their lengths are varied. From these analytical results it was discovered that the strain changes in the asphalt pavement on steel plate decks due to the lengths and positions of cracks can be significant enough to be detected.
Behaviour of corrugated plate culvert under backfilling loads
Authors: Beben Damian , Manko Zbigniew
Published: September 2009

This paper is presents the results and conclusions of the field tests conducted on a backfilled shell structure made of Super Cor SC‐56B corrugated steel plates in a road bridge located in Gimån, Sweden. The paper also presents the application of the FLAC (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua) program, based on the finite differences method (FDM), for determining the behaviour of soil‐steel bridge structures during backfilling. The assumptions of a computational 2D model of the shell structure with a non‐linear “interface” layer are described. The method based on this computational model may be used with considerable success in the design calculations for this specific type of structures. The conclusions drawn from the tests can be helpful when assessing the behaviour of this type of the soil‐steel bridge structure under the load of backfilling. Considering the increased application of this type of structure for small and medium‐sized road and rail bridges, the conclusions drawn from the analysis conducted can be generalized to cover a whole class of such structural solutions.
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Blockade Promotes Neuronal Induction and Dopaminergic Differentiation in Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: C̆ajánek Lukás̆ , Ribeiro Diogo , Liste Isabel , Parish Clare L. , Bryja Vítĕzslav , Arenas Ernest
Published: September 2009

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent not only a promising source of cells for cell replacement therapy, but also a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling and dopaminergic (DA) neuron development. One of the main regulators of DA neuron development is Wnt signaling. Here we used mouse ESCs (mESCs) lacking Wnt1 or the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) to decipher the action of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on DA neuron development in mESCs. We provide evidence that the absence of LRP6 abrogates responsiveness of mESCs to Wnt ligand stimulation. Using two differentiation protocols, we show that the loss of Wnt1 or LRP6 increases neuroectodermal differentiation and the number of mESC-derived DA neurons. These effects were similar to those observed following treatment of mESCs with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf1 (Dkk1). Combined, our results show that decreases in Wnt/β-catenin signaling enhance neuronal and DA differentiation of mESCs. These findings suggest that: 1) Wnt1 or LRP6 are not strictly required for the DA differentiation of mESCs in vitro, 2) the levels of morphogens and their activity in ESC cultures need to be optimized to improve DA differentiation, and 3) by enhancing the differentiation and number of ESC-derived DA neurons with Dkk1, the application of ESCs for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease may be improved.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
In‐utero stenting: development of a low‐cost high‐fidelity task trainer
Authors: Nitsche J. F. , McWeeney D. T. , Schwendemann W. D. , Rose C. H. , Davies N. P. , Watson W. , Brost B. C.
Published: September 2009

Objective

To develop an in‐utero stent placement training model.

Methods

The in‐utero stent task trainer was constructed using a formalin‐preserved gravid pig uterus. Altering the size of the uterine segment, changing the fluid level in the uterus and addition of a large Ziploc freezer bag variably filled with differing amounts of ultrasound gel can vary the procedural skill required.

Results

Thoracoamniotic and vesicoamniotic shunts can be simulated using this life‐like model. The cost of eight to 10 learning stations is approximately US $ 60. Fetal position, maternal size and amniotic fluid status can be altered rapidly to increase the complexity of the procedure.

Conclusions

This low‐cost and realistic task trainer can provide the opportunity to practice in‐utero shunt procedures in a non‐clinical environment. This model should enhance learning and reinforce acquired skills. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib on shoulder balance in patients with congenital scoliosis
Authors: Samy Mohamed Ahmed , Al Zayed Zayed Saleh , Shaheen Mahmood Farouk
Published: September 2009

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) on shoulder balance in patients with congenital scoliosis.

Methods

Fifteen patients had a thoracic congenital scoliosis. The Cobb angles of the thoracic primary curves were measured. Preoperative measurements of the coracoid height difference (CHD; expressed in millimeters) and the clavicular tilt angle difference (CTAD; expressed in degrees) were performed for all patients. All of the patients were treated with VEPTR open wedge thoracostomy.

Result

There was a statistically significant improvement in thoracic Cobb angle. At the end of follow-up there was a significant improvement in CHD; all but three of the patients had CHD < 9 mm. Preoperatively, CTAD was 8.9°. It improved to 4.4° postoperatively and significantly decreased to 3.9° by the end of follow-up. Complications included device migration (one patient), infection (one patient), and pedicle screw loosening or displacement (two patients).

Conclusion

VEPTR is able to produce a modest intraoperative correction of shoulder imbalance.
Severe chronic pain is associated with increased 10 year mortality. A cohort record linkage study
Authors: Torrance Nicola , Elliott Alison M. , Lee Amanda J. , Smith Blair H.
Published: September 2009

Previous research has clearly demonstrated a link between chronic pain and poor health, and has suggested a link with increased mortality, though the latter is less consistent. In 1996 a cohort of 6940 individuals was recruited, and information collected, about reported chronic pain status, general health and socio‐demographic details. Ten years later, a record linkage was conducted between these data and the routinely collected national dataset for death registration. Primary cause of death was classified according to ICD‐10 codes. Survival analysis was conducted to obtain unadjusted and multi‐adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all‐cause, system‐specific and disease‐specific mortality by chronic pain status. A total of 5858 (84.4%) of individuals from the original cohort were linked, including 1557 (26.6%) who had died. Survival analysis found significant associations between any reported chronic pain and all‐cause mortality (HR 1.32, 99% CI, 1.14–1.54) and a number of specific causes. However, when we adjusted for socio‐demographic factors and reported long‐term limiting illness, the significant association was lost. Survival among those reporting severe chronic pain was significantly worse than among those reporting mild or no chronic pain. After adjustment for socio‐demographic factors and reported long‐term limiting illness, severe chronic pain remained significantly associated with all‐cause mortality (HR 1.49, 99% CI 1.21–1.84) and all circulatory system disease deaths (HR 1.68, 99% CI 1.20–2.35). The evident association between any chronic pain and increased mortality can apparently be explained by confounding caused by socio‐demographic factors. However, severe chronic pain is associated with increased risk of mortality, independent of socio‐demographic factors.
The politics of security and international law in Norway's Arctic waters
Authors: Jensen Øystein , Rottem Svein Vigeland
Published: September 2009

Security policy challenges in the high north should be approached both as an insight into the international legal framework on which co-existence in the region rests and as a soberrealpolitikanalysis. Against this background, the objective of this article is to paint a more balanced picture of security policy options in Norway's Arctic waters, rather than observing contemporary general discourse on the topic might suggest. Management of marine resources, delimitation of unresolved maritime boundaries and relations with Russia in the northern maritime areas are used as examples to substantiate our main thesis which is that dispassionate diplomacy is more likely to resolve disputes than is military confrontation.