bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time-lapse Seafloor Gravity and Height Measurements for Reservoir Monitoring
Authors: Zumberge Mark , Sasagawa Glenn , Alnes Havard , Eiken Ola , Stenvold Torkjell
Published: April 2012

Since 1998 we have been making repeated relative gravity measurements onseafloor benchmarks to monitor temporal and spatial density change in producingnatural gas reservoirs and in a CO2 sequestration reservoir. We simultaneouslycollect ambient ocean pressure data to infer benchmark height changes. We haveobtained repeatability in gravity and height of 2 to 3 ?Gal and 2 to 5 mmrespectively. To date we have completed 16 surveys of six reservoirs; each hasbeen repeated at least once. The data provide information useful for reservoirmanagement and tracking injected CO2.

Introduction

Maximizing the recovery of hydrocarbons in producing reservoirs is an importantactivity currently being addressed by several geophysical techniques. One ofthese — time lapse gravity — offers a unique vision into a reservoir wheredensity is being changed because of production. Our collaboration has beenusing changes in gravity, observed on the seafloor above offshore reservoirs. Because of the low density of gas compared to water or oil, gravity has beenmost effective in monitoring gas reservoirs.

In the simplest model, water flows into a gas reservoir during production toreplace the gas that has been removed. The resulting net increase in densityproduces a positive change in the value of gravity observed over the reservoir. Depending on the geometry and characteristics of the gas reservoir, gravitymeasurements can be made precise enough to detect a rise in reservoir waterlevel of less than 1 m. Compared to the 4D seismic approach, this can be moresensitive to small movements of large fronts.

Details of the method

Seafloor surveys require the use of a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and asurvey vessel equipped with the infrastructure to support it. We have found itmost efficient to use three seafloor gravity meters simultaneously. The metersare Scintrex model CG5s which we have adapted for seafloor use. Each meterconsists of a CG5 mounted in a motor-controlled gimbal frame housed in a deepocean pressure cylinder. A microprocessor in the package controls gimballeveling motors to orient the sensor with the local vertical. Each pressurecase also contains a quartz pressure gauge (Paroscientific DigiQuartz model31k) to record ambient seawater pressure. Gravity, pressure, tilt angles, compass heading, sensor temperature, ambient temperature and other housekeepingparameters are acquired and formatted by the microprocessor and telemetered tooperators on the ship in real time via the ROV's umbilical. The operatorscontrol each sensor through a LabView interface program operating on a PC inthe ROV control room on the vessel. This enables smooth communication betweenthe gravity meter operators and the ROV pilots.

The three gravity meter systems are mounted into a single deployment framewhich isolates them from shocks generated by the ROV launch and recoveryactivities. The frame is lifted by a hydraulic arm on the ROV, speciallyconstructed for these surveys.
The Slipping Slipper Sign: A Simple Test with High Specificity and Positive Predictive Value for Peripheral Neuropathy among Diabetic Patients
Authors: Gayle Krystal A.T. , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K. , Wilks Rainford J. , Ferguson Trevor S.
Published: April 2012

This study evaluated the ability of the slipping slipper sign (defined as unknowingly losing a slipper while walking) to identify diabetic neuropathy in Jamaican patients. A single question was used to ascertain the presence of the slipping slipper sign (SSS) among 69 patients attending a diabetes clinic. Nurses assessed pain, vibration and pressure perception among the same patients in order to detect diabetic neuropathy. The sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value for the SSS were calculated. Eight participants (men=5, women=3) reported positive SSS. The SSS had a sensitivity of 28.6%, specificity of 100% and positive predictive value (PPV) 100% for neuropathy on at least one of the three tests. These findings indicate that the SSS has high specificity and PPV for diabetic neuropathy but the sensitivity is low. The sign may be a useful adjuvant to conventional methods of screening for severe neuropathy
A case of clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from the urethral diverticulum: Utility of urinary cytology and immunohistochemistry
Authors: Nakatsuka Shin-ichi , Taguchi Isao , Nagatomo Tadasuke , Yamane Michiaki , Sugio Kenji , Yoshino Ryuichi , Oku Kazuko , Nagano Teruaki , Kimura Hayato , Nakajo Kazuya , Kawabata Gaku
Published: April 2012

Carcinomas rarely arise from the urethral diverticulum. In this report, we present a case of clear cell adenocarcinoma arising from the urethral diverticulum. A 42-year-old woman complained of bloody discharge and lower back pain. Imaging studies showed a tumor involving the region surrounding the urethra and cystourethroscopy showed papillary and villous tumors in the urethral diverticula. Cytology of the urine sediment showed papillary or spherical clusters of atypical cells, some of which had clear abundant cytoplasm and formed mirror ball-like clusters, suggesting adenocarcinoma. Although histological diagnosis was indeterminate by biopsy and transurethral resection (TUR) because of absence of stromal invasion, surgically resected specimen via cysturethrectomy revealed that the tumor was clear cell carcinoma. Urinary cytological findings and immunohistochemical analysis for CD15, Ki-67, and p53 might be useful for accurate diagnosis of clear cell adenocarcinoma that arises from the urethral diverticulum when sufficient materials are not available by biopsy and TUR.
Iron-deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women: What preventing Practitioners from using IV Iron Sucrose
Authors: Divakar Hema
Published: April 2012

Background

Severe anemia in pregnancy results in relatively poor maternal and fetal outcome. Maternal effects are preterm labor, preeclampsia, sepsis and postpartum hemorrhage and increase need of blood transfusion. In India, the decision to recommend appropriate supplementation for IDA in pregnant women is left to the health care personnel and based on the individual maternal condition.

Objective

To assess the problems/limitations of health care practitioners to treat IDA with IV iron sucrose in pregnant women and to suggest ways forward for expansion of its use with confidence.

Materials and methods

The questionnaire included 18 questions altogether related to treatment, influencing factors for treatment, risk factors, attitutes and awareness about parenteral iron sucrose supplementation. All data were entered into an electronic database without personal identifiers to maintain confidentiality. The data was analyzed by using SPSS version 17.0.

Results

The survey consisted of responses from 107 health care professionals from urban and rural practitioners in India. Out of 107, 28.1% respondents said that the majority of the anemic patients were between 9.9 and 7.0 mg/dl Hb—moderate category. A total of 78 (72.90%) said that they would recheck Hb levels 4 weeks after oral ion treatment for checking the patient's response. Of the respondents, 42.52% of them said that the women were compliant and took supplementation as per prescription. All respondents agreed that there could be a mean 58% reduction of blood transfusions by using IV iron sucrose. Many respondents (74, 79.44%) expressed interest to have more information from recent research to expand the indications for use.

Conclusion

Dissemination of information related to IV iron sucrose to all practitioners and reduction in costs would help them to expand the use with confidence and avert many complications related to maternal and fetal health due to gestational anemia.

How to cite this article

Divakar H. Iron-deficiency Anemia in Pregnant Women: What preventing Practitioners from using IV Iron Sucrose. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2012;3(1): 1-7.
Social Isolation Following Embryo Transfer increases Success Rates in IVF and ICSI Cycles
Authors: Kottur Anu , Srinivas Muthugadhahalli S , Majumdar Partha P , Bhargava Pushpa M
Published: April 2012

Background and objective

Bruce et al had shown, during 1959 to 1968, that if, 24 hours after mating, a mouse belonging to a different inbred strain than the stud mouse was placed in the cage of the female mouse, partitioned in such a way that no physical contact of the nonstud male with the female was possible, pregnancy was blocked. We, therefore, decided to determine whether, by analogy with mice, isolation of women from all other men except the husband, for 3 days after embryo transfer followingin vitrofertilization (IVF) or intracycloplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), increases the establishment of pregnancy.

Method

We isolated randomly selected 729 women from all other men except the husband for 3 full days after embryo transfer following IVF/ICSI, and followed them to the end of pregnancy; 1005 randomly selected women who were treated similarly but not isolated served as the control group.

Results

The establishment of clinical pregnancy as well as live births were more than 50% higher in the isolated group than in the control.

Conclusion

The social isolation as mentioned above could substantially increase the success rates in IVF or ICSI. While the exact mechanism of this phenomenon is yet to be understood, one possible explanation may be, by analogy with mice, an olfactory block to implantation.

How to cite this article

Rao KA, Srinivas MS, Kottur A, Majumdar PP, Bhargava PM. Social Isolation Following Embryo Transfer Increases Success Rates in IVF and ICSI Cycles. Int J Infertility Fetal Med 2012;3(1):8-14.
Sharing as “frands”: Personified branding strategies on social network sites in China
Authors: Wang Hua , Meng Jingbo , Dong Fan
Published: April 2012

Prior research on social network sites (SNSs) has focused on interpersonal communication on Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Much less is known about the use of SNSs beyond the individual level and outside of the American context. This study fills in the gaps by offering insight into the personified use of interactive features on SNSs by organizations in China for branding purposes. Based on the notion of the social affordances of technologies, we conducted a content analysis of the presence and activities of 98 organizations on a popular Chinese SNS and identified 15 interactive features, including profile related features (e.g., status updates, discussion board, message forwarding) and social game related features (e.g., game players, raffles, virtual goods). The results of our statistical analysis indicated that the more interactive features that an organization used, the more page visits and fans it attracted and the more electronic word of mouth (eWOM) behavior occurred. All of these interactive features helped personify the organizations as friends to their fans, followers, service users, and potential customers, which created a new form of organization–public communication: sharing as “frands.”
Digital inclusion and data profiling
Authors: Gangadharan Seeta Peña
Published: April 2012

In the United States, digital inclusion policies designed to introduce poor people, communities of color, indigenous, and migrants (collectively, “chronically underserved communities” or “the underserved”) to the economic, social, and political benefits of broadband lie in tension with new practices and techniques of online surveillance. While online surveillance activity affects all broadband users, members of chronically underserved communities are potentially more vulnerable to the harmful effects of surveillant technologies. This paper examines specific examples of commercial data profiling against a longer history of low–tech data profiling of chronically underserved communities. It concludes by calling for issues of online privacy and surveillance to punctuate digital inclusion discourse. Until this happens, digital inclusion policies threaten to bring chronically underserved communities into online worlds that, as Gandy (2009) argued, reinforce and exacerbate social exclusion and inequalities.
The Internet, selective learning, and the rise of issue specialists
Authors: Jang S. Mo , Park Yong Jin
Published: April 2012

Using national survey data (N = 1,208) in the U.S., the present study found that individuals relying upon the Internet translated their interest in the health care issue into issue–specific knowledge. However, those who depended on network TV, newspapers, and radio failed to display a high level of issue–specific knowledge, even when they were interested in the issue. The findings suggest that the Internet plays an important role in fostering issue specialists rather than generalists.
Low-Cost Airlines: A Failed Business Model?
Authors: Button Kenneth
Published: April 2012

The article examines the sustainability of the low-cost, or no-frills, airline business model. It looks at the background to the development of this managerial approach within the context of some prevailing business theories and considers variations on the basic low-cost airline model. It assesses, drawing from the experiences of a number of markets, whether the model in itself is likely to be enduring, or whether it is simply a transient way for some airlines to recover their full costs.
The Chicago–East Coast Corridor: Changing Intermodal Patterns
Authors: Hull Bradley
Published: April 2012

The Chicago–East Coast Corridor is a network of highways and railroad tracks connecting Chicago to cities on the East Coast. Cargos flow through it in both directions—Asian cargos flow from West Coast ports through Chicago for eastward delivery, and cargos from India and Europe flow from East Coast seaports to Chicago and beyond for westward delivery. This heavily used Corridor is currently expanding in both capacity and service offerings. However, two areas of the Corridor, Detroit and Northeast Ohio, remain less well served. The article outlines the changes taking place and suggests opportunities that might benefit these two areas. In particular, the St. Lawrence Seaway is part of an all-water minimum-mileage route between the Midwest and Rotterdam and Antwerp. This underutilized and almost forgotten route, if used, would eliminate a significant amount of rail and truck traffic to Detroit and Northeast Ohio. Further, increased rail deliveries from Halifax and Montreal to Detroit would allow Detroit to develop a substantial rail hub, reducing its truck deliveries from Chicago. Both suggestions would significantly reduce trucking in the Corridor.
A Comparison of Contract Types for Procuring Trucking Services: A Case Study of A Large Swedish Retailer
Authors: Lundin Johan F. , Hedberg Leyla
Published: April 2012

We found that a large Swedish grocery retailer was missing a structured approach for deciding on contract type when procuring trucking services in shipper-forwarder relationships. In this context, we identified four contract types: dedicated services, periodical services, truckload services, and less-than-truckload services. From previous literature, we found that trucking costs, utilization, and coordination costs impacted prices when tendering for trucking services. Thus, the purpose of this article is to compare the four contract types for trucking services based on trucking service costs, which includes a tradeoff between utilization and coordination costs. Using an applied research project, we worked together with the grocery retailer to compare contract types. Our results show that it is possible to compare contract type using trucking costs, utilization, and coordination costs associated with each contract type.
Towards Egalitarian Distributive Justice: The Need for a Transitional Retributive Justice in International Climate Negotiations
Authors: Mowat Hannah
Published: April 2012

This paper questions the notion that 'common but differentiated responsibility' is blocking progress on achieving a new international agreement and argues that 'equal responsibility' between countries is in fact not an egalitarian approach. Through a re-reading of egalitarian distributive justice, I will be exploring the difficulties that the issue of climate change poses to an egalitarian distributive model, using Marx's theory of uneven development to highlight the importance of transitional retributive justice in achieving egalitarian justice.
Heavy metal: Perspectives on the controversy surrounding metal-on-metal hip implants
Authors: Lakhkar Nilay , Salih Vehid
Published: April 2012

Metal-on-metal hip implants have recently attracted considerable negative attention in the press on account of their high failure rates and complications in surrounding tissue caused by implant wear and subsequent wear particle formation. Hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have undergone hip replacement surgical procedures using these implants stand to be affected both medically and financially. In this research note, we briefly examine the issues relating to metal-on-metal hip implant function and explain how research on these issues is helping us to develop implants that are far more suitable for in vivo environments.
Evaluation of the importance of mathematical modelling in finance through a discussion of its uses and misuses
Authors: Amirgaliyeva Zhazira
Published: April 2012

Having analysed different aspects of using mathematical modelling tools in the financial sector, this article concentrates on the use and misuse of such models for influencing the forecasting and decision-making in financial institutions. Some reasons for general limitations and possible solutions to improve the usefulness of mathematical models in an application area are discussed.
Valuing Benefits of Tourism Activities in Nara Prefecture: An Application of the Kuhn–Tucker Model
Authors: Okuyama Tadahiro
Published: April 2012

Benefit measurements have been performed on tourism activities on the basis of demand theory or random utility theory. Recently, the Kuhn–Tucker model (KTM), which can measure more flexible patterns of preferences, has been used for benefit measurement. The purpose of this study is to measure the benefits of tourism activities in Nara Prefecture by the KTM and examine the features of the model by comparing it with the demand-based approach (DBA) and the random utility model (RUM). The benefit ranges measured by the DBA, RUM and KTM methods are 4,659–42, 874, 236–10, 06 and 289–37, 670 yen, respectively. Finally, the World Heritage Sites have larger benefits than the other sites.
Tourism and Growth in the Caribbean – Evidence from a Panel Error Correction Model
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Payne James E.
Published: April 2012

This empirical study examines the causal relationship between tourism and economic growth for a panel of nine Caribbean countries over the period 1995–2007. Pedroni (1999, 2004) panel cointegration tests reveal a long-run equilibrium relationship between real GDP per capita, the real effective exchange rate and international tourist arrivals per capita. The panel error correction model reveals bidirectional causality between tourism and economic growth in both the short run and the long run.
Effect of Contact Angle on Steam Dropwise Condensation: A Simulation Approach
Authors: Nahavandi Milad , Mehrabani-Zeinabad Arjomand
Published: April 2012

Dropwise condensation process on surface of a vertical polytetrafluouroethylene (PTFE) plate at atmospheric pressure was simulated. Comparison of simulated data with experimental and theoretical results indicates that performed simulation results confirm experimental data, although they deviated from existing proposed correlations. For calculation of heat transfer coefficient and droplets size distribution, simulation of condensation process over vertical copper and PTFE surfaces at atmospheric pressure was performed. By considering the effect of contact angle on heat transfer resistances of droplets, the gained data were optimized in order to evaluate droplets size distribution coefficient. This distribution coefficient was used in a new correlation for prediction of heat transfer coefficient for dropwise condensation process. Comparison of experimental results with the correlation shows a good agreement, 11% relative error.
Opportunities to Learn Reasoning and Proof in High School Mathematics Textbooks
Authors: Thompson Denisse R. , Senk Sharon L. , Johnson Gwendolyn J.
Published: April 2012

This article addresses the nature and extent of reasoning and proof in the written (i.e., intended) curriculum of 20 contemporary high school mathematics textbooks. Both the narrative and exercise sets in lessons dealing with the topics of exponents, logarithms, and polynomials were examined. The extent of proof-related reasoning varied by topic and textbook. Overall, about 50% of the identified properties in the 3 topic areas were justified, with about 30% of the addressed properties justified with a general argument and about 20% justified with an argument about a specific case. However, less than 6% of the exercises in the homework sets involved proof-related reasoning, with developing an argument and investigating a conjecture as the most frequently occurring types of proof-related reasoning.
Measure for Measure: What Combining Diverse Measures Reveals About Children's Understanding of the Equal Sign as an Indicator of Mathematical Equality
Authors: Matthews Percival , Rittle-Johnson Bethany , McEldoon Katherine , Taylor Roger
Published: April 2012

Knowledge of the equal sign as an indicator of mathematical equality is foundational to children's mathematical development and serves as a key link between arithmetic and algebra. The current findings reaffirmed a past finding that diverse items can be integrated onto a single scale, revealed the wide variability in children's knowledge of the equal sign assessed by different types of items, and provided empirical evidence for a link between equal-sign knowledge and success on some basic algebra items.
Boole, Dewey, Schoenfeld-Monikers Bridging 150 Years of Thought: A Review of How We Think: A Theory of Goal-Oriented Decision Making and Its Educational Applications
Authors: Sriraman Bharath , Lee Kyeong Hwa
Published: April 2012

A review of Alan Schoenfeld's book How We Think: A Theory of Goal-Oriented Decision Making and Its Educational Applications.
Synthesis of biobased phenolic resins/adhesives with methylolated wood‐derived bio‐oil
Authors: Cheng Shuna , Yuan Zhongshun , Anderson Mark , Leitch Mathew , Xu Chunbao (Charles)
Published: April 2012

Bio‐oil from the hydrothermal liquefaction of Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) sawdust was methylolated with formaldehyde in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The obtained methylolated bio‐oil (MB) was used to synthesize methylolated bio‐oil–phenol formaldehyde (MBPF) resol resins with a phenol substitution ratio of up to 75 wt %. All of the resins were used as wood adhesives for the production of a three‐layered plywood. The MBPF resol resins were comprehensively characterized for their physical, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties (e.g., viscosity, nonvolatile content, shelf life, free formaldehyde level, molecular weight and distribution, curing temperature, bonding strength) when used as plywood adhesives. All of the MBPF resins contained similar nonvolatile contents as the reference pure phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin but had higher viscosities and shorter shelf lives, depending on the amount of MB in the MBPF. All of the MBPF resins displayed a lower curing temperature than the reference PF resin, with the main curing peak around 140°C, which was similar to that of the pure PF resin. According to thermogravimetric analysis, the methylolation treatment of bio‐oil improved the thermal stability of the MBPF resins compared to the bio‐oil–PF resol resins, which used untreated bio‐oil. The dry/wet bonding strengths of the plywood specimens glued with the MBPF resol resins with up to 60 wt % phenol substitution exceeded or were comparable to those of the conventional PF resol resin. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of preform deformation behavior on the properties of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles
Authors: Demirel B. , Daver F.
Published: April 2012

Plastics bottles made out of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are usually produced by injection stretch blow molding. Optimization of the process parameters is necessary to achieve bottles with adequate top load and burst strength. However, doing so experimentally is time‐consuming and costly. To overcome this difficulty, simulation packages based on finite element analysis methods have been developed. In this study, process optimization of a 350‐mL PET fruit juice bottle was carried out by means of BlowView and ANSYS simulation packages. BlowView was used for the ISBM process simulation and ANSYS for structural analysis of the bottles. The bottles were produced under different process conditions where the timing of the stretch rod movement was varied in relation to the activation of the blow pressure. The simulation results obtained through the both simulation packages were compared with experimental results. It was found that bottles of highest quality were produced if the sequencing of axial stretching and radial inflation results in simultaneous biaxial deformation of the preform. Truly biaxial orientation of PET molecules improved both top‐load and burst resistances of the bottles. The structural simulation studies performed by the ANYSYS simulation package validated most of our experimental findings. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Molecular Structure Determination Using Chiroptical Spectroscopy: Where We May Go Wrong?
Authors: Polavarapu Prasad L.
Published: April 2012

Chiroptical spectroscopy is being widely used for determining the three‐dimensional molecular structures (i.e., absolute configurations and conformations) of chiral molecules. The general procedure used with any of the chiroptical spectroscopic methods is to analyze the experimental data using corresponding quantum chemical predictions. Such analysis involves multiple steps, including consideration of conformations, solvent effects, electronic transitions, stereoisomers, and experimental artifacts, each of which possesses certain limitations. These limitations, when not recognized or properly taken into account, may lead to incorrect conclusions. This review emphasizes on selected examples that illustrate the potential limitations in utilizing the chiroptical spectroscopic methods. The examples used include hibiscus acid dimethylester, hibiscus acid disodium salt, 3,3′‐diphenyl‐[2,2′‐binaphthalene]‐1,1′‐diol, tartaric acid esters, and 6,6′‐dibromo‐[1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diol. Chirality 24:909–920, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Certification of steroid carbon isotope ratios in a freeze‐dried human urine reference material
Authors: Munton Ellaine , Liu Fong‐Ha , John Murby E. , Brynn Hibbert D.
Published: April 2012

An accurate method for the measurement of carbon isotope ratios of steroids in human urine has been developed at the National Measurement Institute, Australia (NMIA) for the certification of a freeze‐dried human urine reference material (CRM NMIA MX005). The method measures δ13C values by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) analysis following hydrolysis, solvent extraction and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification. Reference δ13C values for testosterone metabolites etiocholanolone, androsterone, and endogenous reference compounds (ERCs) 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone and pregnanediol were determined, as well as information δ13C values for testosterone, epitestosterone, 11‐oxoetiocholanolone, and a range of differences (Δ13C) between testosterone metabolites and ERCs. The measurement uncertainty was rigorously evaluated with expanded uncertainties for the reference δ13C values between 1.1 and 1.6 ‰ at the 95% coverage level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
APPLYING RISK ADJUSTED COST‐EFFECTIVENESS (RAC‐E) ANALYSIS TO HOSPITALS: ESTIMATING THE COSTS AND CONSEQUENCES OF VARIATION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Karnon Jonathan , Caffrey Orla , Pham Clarabelle , Grieve Richard , Ben‐Tovim David , Hakendorf Paul , Crotty Maria
Published: April 2012

Cost‐effectiveness analysis is well established for pharmaceuticals and medical technologies but not for evaluating variations in clinical practice. This paper describes a novel methodology—risk adjusted cost‐effectiveness (RAC‐E)—that facilitates the comparative evaluation of applied clinical practice processes.

In this application, risk adjustment is undertaken with a multivariate matching algorithm that balances the baseline characteristics of patients attending different settings (e.g. hospitals). Linked, routinely collected data are used to analyse patient‐level costs and outcomes over a 2‐year period, as well as to extrapolate costs and survival over patient lifetimes. The study reports the relative cost‐effectiveness of alternative forms of clinical practice, including a full representation of the statistical uncertainty around the mean estimates.

The methodology is illustrated by a case study that evaluates the relative cost‐effectiveness of services for patients presenting with acute chest pain across the four main public hospitals in South Australia. The evaluation finds that services provided at two hospitals were dominated, and of the remaining services, the more effective hospital gained life years at a low mean additional cost and had an 80% probability of being the most cost‐effective hospital at realistic cost‐effectiveness thresholds.

Potential determinants of the estimated variation in costs and effects were identified, although more detailed analyses to identify specific areas of variation in clinical practice are required to inform improvements at the less cost‐effective institutions. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of the Molybdenum(II) Complexes with the N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamoyl Containing Ligand: Crystal Structures of β [Mo(CO)2{η2‐S2P(OEt)2}(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] and [Mo(CO)2(η3‐Tp)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)]
Authors: Wang Hsiao‐Fen , Yih Kuang‐Hway , Zeng Weng‐Feng , Huang Shou.‐Ling , Lee Gene‐Hsiang
Published: April 2012

Reactions of the thiocarbamoyl‐molybdenum complex [Mo(CO)2(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)2Cl] 1, and ammonium diethyldithiophosphate, NH4S2P(OEt)2, and potassium tris(pyrazoyl‐1‐yl)borate, KTp, in dichloromethane at room temperature yielded the seven coordinated diethyldithiophosphate thiocarbamoyl‐molybdenum complexe [Mo(CO)2{η2‐S2P(OEt)2}(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] β‐3, and tris(pyrazoyl‐1‐yl)borate thiocabamoyl‐molybdenum complex [Mo(CO)2(η3‐Tp)(η2‐SCNMe2)(PPh3)] 4, respectively. The geometry around the metal atom of compounds β‐3 and 4 are capped octahedrons. The α‐ and β‐isomers are defined to the dithio‐ligand and one of the carbonyl ligands in the trans position in former and two carbonyl ligands in the trans position in later. The thiocabamoyl and diethyldithiophosphate or tris(pyrazoyl‐1‐yl)borate ligands coordinate to the molybdenum metal center through the carbon and sulfur and two sulfur atoms, or three nitrogen atoms, respectively. Complexes β‐3 and 4 are characterized by X‐ray diffraction analyses.
Stressed Kinetics of Nanoemulsion Formulation Encapsulated Ropinirole with a Validated Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Synapt Mass Spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS ESI‐Q‐TOF)
Authors: Mustafa Gulam , Ahmad Niyaz , Baboota Sanjula , Ali Javed , Ahuja Alka
Published: April 2012

A highly sensitive ultra high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC‐MSMS) method for estimation of ropinirole in rat brain homogenate and plasma has been validated. The method was successfully used for the degradation kinetics in different stress condition and regulated temperature. The chromatographic separation was achieved using isocratic mobile phase, consisting of acetonitrile–2mM ammoniumacetate (28:72 v/v; 0.25 mL min−1). The mass spectrometer was operated in synapt mass spectrometry mode via positive electrospray ionization using the transitions m/z 260 → m/z 261 for ropinirole, and m/z 324.39 → m/z 262.161 as a parent ion of escitalopram (IS). The assay for ropinirole was linear over the range of 0.5–100 ng mL−1 (r2; 0.999). The intra‐ and inter day precisions were less than 11.2% in terms of relative standard deviation (R.S.D.), and the accuracy was within ±6.4% in terms of relative error (RE). The mean extraction‐efficiency of QC samples (MQC, 8 ng/mL) was ≥80%. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.049 ng/mL where as lower limit of detection (LLOD) was 0.016 ng/mL. All the peaks of degradation were well resolved. The degradation kinetics of ropinirole, showed highest stability (t1/2 256.66/h; t0.9, 39.11/h) in acidic medium, lower stability in alkaline environment (t1/2, 103.43/h; t0.9, 15.76/h) and highly susceptible in oxidative environment (t1/2, 21.58/h; t0.9, 3.28/h). The applicability of this assay was demonstrated and successfully applied for pharmacokinetic profiling of ropinirole in Wister rat brain homogenate after intranasal administration.
Electrochemical Determination of Tyrosine in the Presence of Dopamine and Uric Acid at the Surface of Gold Nanoparticles Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Ghoreishi S. M. , Behpour M. , Jafari N. , Golestaneh M.
Published: April 2012

A gold nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode (GN‐CPE) was used as a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for determination of tyrosine (Tyr), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) in phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The study and measurements were carried out by using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry methods. In DPV, the GN‐CPE could separate the oxidation peak potentials of DA and UA present in the same solution, though at the unmodified CPE the peak potentials were indistinguishable. The prepared electrode showed voltammetric responses with high sensitivity and selectivity for Tyr, DA and UA in optimal conditions, which makes it very suitable for simultaneous determination of these compounds. The calibration curves for Try, DA and UA were linear for the concentrations of each species. The proposed voltammetric approach was also applied to the determination of Tyr concentration in human serum as a real sample.
Synthesis of Dendrimer‐Encapsulated Silver Nanoparticles and Its Catalytic Activity on the Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol
Authors: Asharani I. V. , Thirumalai D.
Published: April 2012

A new type of water soluble PEG core dendrimer having hydroxyl groups at the periphery was synthesized and used to prepare silver nanoparticles. The dendrimer and the dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) were characterized by spectroscopic techniques. The kinetics of catalytic activity of the prepared silver nanoparticle on the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol by NaBH4 as a reductant was studied using UV‐Visible spectrophotometer.
Study on the Electrochemical Properties of Salvianic Acid A Sodium and its Analytical Application
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Yamin , Wu Shufang , Song Ge , Ye Baoxian
Published: April 2012

The electrochemical behavior of salvianic acid A sodium (SAS), a main active content in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), was studied for the first time by cyclic voltammetry (CV). A new electroanalytical method of SAS was erected using differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) technique. In pH 3.3 britton‐robinson (B‐R) buffer solution, the medicine showed a pair of redox peaks driven by adsorption. The electrode process involved two electrons and two protons transformation with apparent rate constant (ks) of 2.85 s−1 and transfer coefficient (α) of 0.81. Based on understanding the electrochemical process of SAS at the glassy carbon electrode (GCE), analysis of SAS can be realized. The oxidation peak currents showed linear with the concentrations of SAS in the range of 5.45 × 10−8 to 1.09 × 10−5 M. The limit of detection was 5.45 × 10−8 M. The proposed method has high sensitivity, wide linear range, and was successfully applied to quantitative determination of the SAS in Rukuaixiao Tablets.
The Chemical Synthesis of Graphene Nanoribbons—A Tutorial Review
Authors: James Dustin K. , Tour James M.
Published: April 2012

Graphene, graphene oxide (GO), and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are important materials that are related through their carbon‐based planar structures and attractive physical properties. Many applications have been proposed for these materials, such as composites, touch‐screen displays, and electronic devices. Based on research done in the Tour laboratory, we offer a tutorial on the solution phase chemical synthesis of GNRs through two routes. The first route involves the oxidation of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to produce GO nanoribbons that contain oxidized functionality and that can be reduced to GNRs. The second route to GNRs involves the splitting of MWCNTs by intercalation of potassium metal at elevated temperature. The routes are complementary and produce materials that can be used in diverse applications.
Aging influences central motor conduction less than peripheral motor conduction: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Matsumoto Hideyuki , Konoma Yuko , Shimizu Takahiro , Okabe Shingo , Shirota Yuichiro , Hanajima Ritsuko , Terao Yasuo , Ugawa Yoshikazu
Published: April 2012

Introduction: In this study we investigated the effects of aging on corticospinal tract conduction by measuring the corticoconus motor conduction time (CCCT). Methods: Motor evoked potentials were recorded from the right tibialis anterior muscle in 100 healthy volunteers. To activate the most proximal part of the cauda equina, magnetic stimulation was performed using a MATS coil over the L1 spinous process (L1‐level latency). Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex was also conducted (cortical latency). To obtain the CCCT, the L1‐level latency was subtracted from the cortical latency. Results: Age was significantly correlated with L1‐level latency, but it was not significantly correlated with CCCT. Conclusions: CCCT is the most direct indicator of corticospinal tract conduction, whereas L1‐level latency reflects whole peripheral motor conduction. Central motor conduction was found to be relatively less affected by aging compared with peripheral motor conduction. Muscle Nerve 000: 000–000, 2012
Ultrasound assessment of placental function: the effectiveness of placental biometry in a low‐risk population as a predictor of a small for gestational age neonate
Authors: McGinty Patricia , Farah Nadine , Dwyer Vicky O. , Hogan Jennifer , Reilly Amanda , Turner Michael J. , Stuart Bernard , Kennelly Máireád M.
Published: April 2012

Objective

The aims of the study were to establish reference ranges for placental length and thickness in a low‐risk obstetric population and to assess the likelihood of a small for gestational age (SGA) neonate on the basis of placental length at 18–24 weeks' gestation.

Methods

Placental length and thickness were measured by two sonographers in 520 singleton pregnancies. Uterine artery Doppler studies and a placental morphological assessment were also performed. Placental size was correlated with the birthweight centiles at delivery.

Results

A placental length <10th centile between the gestational age of 18 and 24 weeks is a significant factor associated with SGA neonate [odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, 95% CL, 1.1–6.9]. An abnormal uterine artery Doppler is a significant factor for SGA neonate (OR = 3.4, 95% CL, 1.6–7.4). There was a weak relationship between cord insertion <2 cm from the placental margin and an SGA neonate (OR = 1.8, 95% CL, 0.4–8.2).

Conclusion

We have provided reference ranges for placental length and thickness from 18 to 24 weeks' gestation. A single measurement of placental length incorporated into the anatomy scan may assist in the early detection of a group at risk of delivering an SGA neonate. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility and value of PatientViewpoint: a web system for patient‐reported outcomes assessment in clinical practice
Authors: Snyder Claire F. , Blackford Amanda L. , Wolff Antonio C. , Carducci Michael A. , Herman Joseph M. , Wu Albert W. ,   the PatientViewpoint Scientific Advisory Board
Published: April 2012

Background

The PatientViewpoint website collects patient‐reported outcomes and links them with the electronic health record to aid patient management. This pilot test evaluated PatientViewpoint's use, usefulness, and acceptability to patients and clinicians.

Methods

This was a single‐arm prospective study that enrolled breast and prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment and the clinicians who managed them. Patients completed patient‐reported outcomes every 2 weeks, and clinicians could access the results for patient visits. Scores that were poor relative to norms or substantially worse than the previous assessment were highlighted. After three on‐study visits, we assessed patient and clinician perspectives on PatientViewpoint using close‐ended and open‐ended questions.

Results

Eleven out of 12 eligible clinicians (92%) and 52/76 eligible patients (68%) enrolled. Patients completed a median of 71% of assigned questionnaires; clinicians reported using the information for 79% of patients, most commonly as a source of additional information (51%). At the median, score reports identified three potential issues, of which 1 was discussed during the visit. Patients reported the system was easy to use (92%), useful (70%), aided recall of symptoms/side effects (72%), helped them feel more in control of their care (60%), improved discussions with their provider (49%), and improved care quality (39%). Patients and clinicians desired more information on score interpretation and minor adjustments to site navigation.

Conclusions

These results support the feasibility and value of PatientViewpoint. An ongoing study is using a continuous quality improvement approach to further refine PatientViewpoint. Future studies will evaluate its impact on patient care and outcomes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mice lacking neuropeptide Y show increased sensitivity to cocaine
Authors: Sørensen Gunnar , Woldbye David P.D.
Published: April 2012

There is increasing data implicating neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the neurobiology of addiction. This study explored the possible role of NPY in cocaine‐induced behavior using NPY knockout mice. The transgenic mice showed a hypersensitive response to cocaine in three animal models of cocaine addiction. Whether this is due to an observed compensatory increase in striatal dopamine transporter binding or an anxiogenic phenotype of the transgenic mice remains to be determined. Synapse 66:840–843, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liver Resection for Multiple Colorectal Liver Metastases with Surgery Up‐front Approach: Bi‐institutional Analysis of 736 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Saiura Akio , Yamamoto Junji , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Koga Rintaro , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Hata Shojiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: April 2012

Background

Preoperative chemotherapy has become more common in the management of multiple resectable colorectal liver metastases; however, the benefit is unclear. This study examined clinical outcomes following liver resection for multiple colorectal liver metastases with the surgery up‐front approach.

Methods

Data collected prospectively over a 16‐year period for 736 patients who underwent hepatic resection at two different centers were reviewed. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the number of tumors as follows: group A, between one and three tumors (n = 493); group B, between four and seven tumors (n = 141); and group C, eight or more tumors (n = 102).

Results

The 5‐year overall and recurrence‐free survival rates were 51 and 21 %, respectively, for the entire patient cohort, 56 and 29 % in group A, 41 and 12 % in group B, and 33 and 1.7 % in group C. Multivariate analysis showed that decreased survival was associated with positive lymph node metastasis of the primary tumor, the presence of extrahepatic tumors, a maximum liver tumor size >5 cm, and tumor exposure during liver resection.

Conclusions

In patients with multiple liver metastases, the number of liver metastases has less impact on the prognosis than other prognostic factors. Complete resection with repeat metastasectomy offers a chance of cure even in patients with numerous colorectal liver metastases (i.e., those with eight or more nodules). A further prospective study is necessary to clarify the optimal setting of preoperative chemotherapy.
Rural Embedded Assistants for Community Health (REACH) Network: First‐Person Accounts in a Community–University Partnership
Authors: Brown Louis D. , Alter Theodore R. , Brown Leigh Gordon , Corbin Marilyn A. , Flaherty-Craig Claire , McPhail Lindsay G. , Nevel Pauline , Shoop Kimbra , Sterner Glenn , Terndrup Thomas E. , Weaver M. Ellen
Published: April 2012

Community research and action projects undertaken by community–university partnerships can lead to contextually appropriate and sustainable community improvements in rural and urban localities. However, effective implementation is challenging and prone to failure when poorly executed. The current paper seeks to inform rural community–university partnership practice through consideration of first‐person accounts from five stakeholders in the Rural Embedded Assistants for Community Health (REACH) Network. The REACH Network is a unique community–university partnership aimed at improving rural health services by identifying, implementing, and evaluating innovative health interventions delivered by local caregivers. The first‐person accounts provide an insider's perspective on the nature of collaboration. The unique perspectives identify three critical challenges facing the REACH Network: trust, coordination, and sustainability. Through consideration of the challenges, we identified several strategies for success. We hope readers can learn their own lessons when considering the details of our partnership's efforts to improve the delivery infrastructure for rural healthcare.
Investigation of Deformation Mechanisms in Deep-Drawn and Tensile-Strained Austenitic Mn-Based Twinning Induced Plasticity (TWIP) Steel
Authors: van Tol R. T. , Zhao L. , Schut H. , Sietsma J.
Published: April 2012

The effect of strain on the deformation mechanisms in an austenitic Mn-based twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steel is investigated using magnetic measurements, XRD, positron beam Doppler spectroscopy, and finite element method simulations. The experimental observations reveal the formation of
$$ \alpha^{\prime } $$
-martensite at specific degrees of deformation, despite the high stacking fault energy (SFE) of the material (52 mJ/m2). The observed fraction
$$ \alpha^{\prime } $$
-martensite is consistent with the estimated fraction of intersected shear bands acting as preferred nucleation sites for
$$ \alpha^{\prime } $$
-martensite formation as a function of accumulated equivalent strain.