bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les thérapies familiales et de couple avec une certaine attitude de perception
Authors: Pildes Susan , Moon Kathryn , Stora Nicole , Ducroux-Biass Françoise
Published: September 2012

Résumé Dans cet article, les auteurs ne décrivent pas la thérapie familiale et de couple, mais elles parlent de leur pratique. Elles s’adressent toujours à l’individu qu’il soit en famille ou en couple, jamais à l’entité famille ou couple. Leur manière d’être est non-directive, égalitaire, acceptante avec le désir sincère d’être au service des clients. À l’instar de Carl Rogers, elles fonctionnent avec une certaine attitude de perception qui permet de minimiser les dégâts et les incompréhensions. Pendant les séances, elles répondent avec empathie à chaque participant quel que soit leur nombre.
Pourquoi je veux devenir thérapeute ?
Authors: Temaner-Brodley Barbara , Ducroux-Biass Françoise
Published: September 2012

Résumé Ce texte inaugure la série d’articles qui ont été sélectionnés par les amis de Barbara Brodley dans l’ouvrage Practicing Client-Centered Therapy 1 , soit en français : En pratiquant la thérapie centrée sur le Client. Il ne s’agit pas d’un article écrit en bonne et due forme à des fins de publication mais de la réponse à une question. Barbara y répond d’une manière sincère et non équivoque, prémisses caractéristiques de ce que furent sa vie et son œuvre.
Growth advantage of Streptococcus thermophilus over Lactobacillus bulgaricus in vitro and in the gastrointestinal tract of gnotobiotic rats
Authors: Ben-Yahia L. , Mayeur C. , Rul F. , Thomas M.
Published: September 2012

The yoghurt bacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, are alleged to have beneficial effects on human health. The objective of this study was to characterise growth, biochemical activity and competitive behaviour of these two bacteria in vitro and in vivo. S. thermophilus LMD-9 and L. bulgaricus ATCC 11842 growth and lactate production were monitored in different media and in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of germ-free rats. In vitro, particularly in milk, S. thermophilus had a selective growth advantage over L. bulgaricus. The GIT of germ-free rats not supplemented with lactose was colonised by S. thermophilus but not by L. bulgaricus. Both bacteria were able to colonise the GIT of germ-free rats supplemented with 45 g/l lactose in their drinking water. However, if germ-free rats were inoculated with a mixture of the two bacteria and were supplemented with lactose, S. thermophilus rapidly and extensively colonised the GIT (1010 cfu/g faeces) at the expense of L. bulgaricus, which remained in most cases at levels <102 cfu/g faeces. S. thermophilus specifically produced L-lactate, while L. bulgaricus produced only D-lactate, both in vitro and in vivo. S. thermophilus showed competitive and growth advantage over L. bulgaricus in vitro as well as in vivo in the GIT of germ-free rats and, accordingly, L-lactate was the main lactate isomer produced.
Influence of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 on microbiota in a dynamic in vitro model of the gastrointestinal tract simulating human conditions
Authors: Hatanaka M. , Nakamura Y. , Maathuis A.J.H. , Venema K. , Murota I. , Yamamoto N.
Published: September 2012

Survival and germination rate of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 spores were investigated in a stomach and small intestine model (TIM-1), while the impact of C-3102 cells that had passed through TIM-1 on human colon microbiota was evaluated in a model of the large intestine (TIM-2). The survival of C-3102 spores in TIM-1 was 99%; 8% of the spores had germinated. Effluent of TIM-1 was subsequently introduced into TIM-2 and a micro-array platform was employed to assess changes in the microbiota composition. The effluent, which contained germinated C-3102 cells, increased some Bifidobacterium species and decreased some Clostridium groups. These changes were greater compared to those obtained by adding C-3102 spores directly to TIM-2. The present study suggests that oral doses of B. subtilis C-3102 spores have the potential to modulate the human colon microbiota. This effect may be caused by germination of the spores in the gastrointestinal tract.
Lactobacillus species causing obesity in humans: where is the evidence?
Authors: Lahtinen S.J. , Davis E. , Ouwehand A.C.
Published: September 2012

By definition, probiotics are to provide health benefits and are expected not to cause any adverse effects in the general population. Recently, it has been suggested that probiotics and in particular lactobacilli are contributing to human obesity. Here, we critically review the data available on this topic. The main misconception in this hypothesis is that growth in livestock and children equals with obesity in adults. The former two are expected to grow and probiotics may, by reducing disease risk, contribute to an improved growth. It is not correct to extrapolate this growth (of all tissues) to body weight gain (growth of adipose tissue) in adults. Furthermore, when looking at animal models of obesity, it even appears the lactobacilli may potentially contribute to a reduction in body weight. Epidemiological studies lend strength to this. We therefore conclude that there is no evidence that consumption of lactobacilli or probiotics in general would contribute to obesity in humans.
“Beam Me Up, Scotty”: Designing the Future of Nursing Professional Development
Authors: Yoder S. Leah , Terhorst Raymond
Published: September 2012

Experts in nursing education, such as Benner, Sutphen, Leonard, and Day (
2010
), as well as the Institute of Medicine report,
The Future of Nursing
(
2011
), agree that 21st-century nursing education must change. However, the focus is often on academic education rather than practice education. Today’s nurses deserve exceptional practice education that is built on 21st-century learning principles, technologies, and methods as they pursue lifelong, behavior-forming learning. This requires four key shifts: (1) using synergistic, collaborative, learner-centered methods; (2) infusing technology into learning and teaching; (3) designing professional development rooted in instructional design best practices; and (4) performing comprehensive evaluations of professional development. This article explores the necessity for change and encourages nursing professional development specialists to boldly go where they have never gone before.
Amblyopia and Refractive Errors Among School-Aged Children With Low Socioeconomic Status in Southeastern Turkey
Authors: Caca Ihsan , Cingu Abdullah Kursat , Sahin Alparslan , Ari Seyhmus , Dursun Mehmet Emin , Dag Umut , Balsak Selahattin , Alakus Fuat , Yavuz Abdullah , Palanci Yilmaz
Published: September 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the prevalence of refractive errors and other eye diseases, incidence and types of amblyopia in school-aged children, and their relation to gender, age, parental education, and socioeconomic factors.

Methods:

A total of 21,062 children 6 to 14 years old were screened. The examination included visual acuity measurements and ocular motility evaluation. Autorefraction under cycloplegia and examination of the external eye, anterior segment, media, and fundus were performed.

Results:

There were 11,118 females and 9,944 males. The average age was 10.56 ± 3.59 years. When all of the children were evaluated, 3.2% had myopia and 5.9% had hyperopia. Astigmatism 0.50 D or greater was present in 14.3% of children. Myopia was associated with older age, female gender, and higher parental education. Hyperopia was inversely proportional with older age. Spectacles were needed in 4,476 (22.7%) children with refractive errors, and 10.6% of children were unaware of their spectacle needs. Amblyopia was detected in 2.6% of all children. The most common causes of amblyopia were anisometropia (1.2%) and strabismus (0.9%).

Conclusion:

Visual impairment is a common disorder in school-aged children. Eye health screening programs are beneficial in early detection and proper treatment of refractive errors.
Tissue Layer Image of the Photoreceptor Layer in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Using SD-OCT
Authors: Byon Ik Soo , Park Hyun Jun , Park Sung Who , Kim Kyung Ho , Lee Ji Eun , Oum Boo Sub
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the findings of a tissue layer image of the photoreceptor layer, or photoreceptor layer map (PLM), using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Data scanned using SD-OCT in CSC were processed to obtain PLMs, which were analyzed and compared with fluorescein angiography and OCT.

RESULTS:

Among 72 eyes of 69 patients, PLMs depicted subretinal fluid as distinct hyporeflective areas in 71 eyes (98.6% sensitivity). Attenuated signals at the junction of the inner and outer segments of the photoreceptors in OCT were depicted as relative hyporeflective areas corresponding to the areas of previous subretinal fluid and its recent reduction. After resolution of subretinal fluid, foveal reflectivity was correlated with visual acuity (
P
= .040;
r
= 0.41).

CONCLUSION:

PLM is a useful adjuvant image for managing CSC because it shows the photoreceptor layer and subretinal fluid as a fundus image.
A discrepancy in precipitable water among reanalyses and the impact of forcing dataset on downscaling in the tropics
Authors: Takahashi H. G. , Hara M. , Fujita M. , Yoshikane T.
Published: September 2012

Abstract. Seven major reanalyses of precipitable water (PW) are compared in this paper. In addition, using a regional climate model, we also investigated the impact of the boundary conditions on downscaling simulations in the tropics with a particular focus on the differences in the absolute value of PW among reanalyses. Results showed that the absolute amounts of PW in some reanalyses were very small compared to the observation, although most spatial patterns of PW in the reanalyses agreed closely with the observation. Particularly over the tropics, most of reanalyses tended to have dry biases throughout the annual cycle. The range of inter-reanalysis dispersion in the tropical mean PW is very large compared with their seasonal variations of the tropical mean PW. In addition, the discrepancies of the 12-yr mean PW in July over the Southeast Asian monsoon region among the reanalyses exceeded their inter-annual standard deviation of the PW. Therefore, the inter-reanalyses dispersion in the tropical PW is significantly large. We also conducted the downscaling experiments, which were forced by the different four reanalyses. The spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric circulation, including monsoon westerlies and various disturbances, were very similar among the reanalyses. However, the simulated precipitation was 40% less than the observed precipitation amounts, although the dry bias in the boundary conditions was only 6%, and the simulated atmospheric circulation was also basically the same. This result indicates that the dry bias has large effects on precipitation in downscaling experiments over the tropics even if atmospheric circulation is well simulated. Downscaled models can provide realistic simulations of regional tropical climates only if the boundary conditions include realistic absolute amounts of PW. Use of boundary conditions that include realistic absolute amounts of PW in downscaling in the tropics is imperative at the present time.
Inference for the Geometric Extreme Exponential Distribution under Progressive Type II Censoring
Authors: Pakyari Reza
Published: September 2012

Geometric extreme exponential (GE-exponential) is one of the nonnegative right-skewed distribution that is suitable for analyzing lifetime data. It is well known that the maximum likelihood estimators (MLEs) of the parameters lead to likelihood equations that have to be solved numerically. In this paper, we provide explicit estimators through an approximation of the likelihood equations based on progressively Type-II-censored samples. The approximate estimators are then used as starting values to find the MLEs numerically. The bias and variances of the MLEs are calculated for a wide range of sample sizes and different progressive censoring schemes through a Monte Carlo simulation study. Moreover, formulas for the observed Fisher information are given which could be used to construct asymptotic confidence intervals. The coverage probabilities of the confidence intervals and the percentage points of pivotal quantities associated with the MLEs are also calculated. A real dataset has been studied for illustrative purposes.
Diagnostic Value of Exhaled Carbon Monoxide as an Early Marker of Exacerbation in Children with Chronic Lung Diseases
Authors: Abd EL Khalek Karima A. , EL Seify Magda Y. , Youssef Omneya I. , Badr Mona M.
Published: September 2012

Chronic airways infection and inflammation are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in chronic lung diseases (CLD). Pulmonary exacerbations are major causes of morbidity in CLD. Exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) is a product of endogenous metabolic processes whose presence in exhaled breath is considered an index of inflammatory processes. Objective. To evaluate carbon monoxide (eCO) as inflammatory marker for early detection of acute exacerbation in CLD. Methods. Case control study included 40 children with CLD (twenty in exacerbation, group I and twenty
in quiescent period, group II) recruited from the Chest Clinic, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University. Twenty apparently healthy children were included as controls (group III). Results. Patients’ mean age was 9.98 ± 3.29 years: 24 (60%) males and 16 (40%) females. The mean eCO level among patients during exacerbation was 5.35 ± 1.35 (ppm) compared to 2.65 ± 0.49 (ppm) in quiescent stage and 1.30 ± 0.47 (ppm) in controls. eCO cutoff value discriminating cases and control was 1.5 (ppm) (sensitivity; 100% and specificity 70%) and cutoff value discriminating group I from group II was 3 (ppm)
(sensitivity: 100% and specificity: 100%). Conclusion. Exhaled CO can be considered a noninvasive early marker of acute exacerbation of CLD.
Novel Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Xanthate Complexes and Their Phosphorescence Behavior in the Presence of Metal Ions
Authors: Tong Bihai , Xu Yaqing , Qiang Jiayan , Zhang Man , Mei Qunbo , Wang Hengshan , Zhang Qian-Feng
Published: September 2012

Two cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes, Ir(dpppz)(ppz)(ipx) and Ir(ppz)2(ipx) (dpppzH=1- (2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-4-phenylphthalazine, ppzH=4-phenylphthalazinone, ipx=isopropyl xanthate), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The photophysical properties of the two complexes were also investigated. Ir(dpppz)(ppz)(ipx) shows orange-red emission at around 606 nm with a phosphorescence quantum yield of ca. 0.0032 and an emission lifetime of 188 ns, while Ir(ppz)2(ipx) shows orange-red emission at around 599 nm with a phosphorescence quantum yield of ca. 0.00318 and an emission lifetime of 259 ns. The phosphorescence behavior of Ir(ppz)2(ipx) towards different metal cations has also be studied. Its strong phosphorescence is quenched by Hg2+, Cu2+ and Ag+ cations. The interaction ratio with Hg2+ is 1:1
Das neue komplexe Barium-Mercurid Ba20Hg103 und seine ternären Zink- und Cadmium-Varianten / The New Complex Barium Mercuride Ba20Hg103 and its Ternary Zinc and Cadmium Variants
Authors: Wendorff Marco , Röhr Caroline
Published: September 2012

Ba20Hg103, the next Hg-rich binary barium mercuride after BaHg11 and BaHg6, was synthesized from melts of the elements, which were slowly cooled from 550 to 200 °C. It forms a new complex cubic structure type (F43m, a = 2333.30(10) pm, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0651) with four Ba und 13 Hg positions as determined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure can be best described by decomposing it into four types (A to D) of space-filling distorted truncated octahedra (sodalite or b-cages) centered at the four sites with 43m point group symmetry of the space group. The cages C and D are centered by [Hg8] tetrahedra stars, which are connected via [Hg(13)Hg8] cubes to form a diamond-type network. The polyhedra B contain a section of the Laves phaseMgCu2 (five [Hg4] tetrahedra sharing corners). The smallest polyhedron A contains a truncated tetrahedron [HgHg12] surrounded by a strongly covalently bonded mercury shell. The ternary cadmium derivative Ba20Cd4Hg99 (a = 2331.57(14) pm, R1 = 0.0465) is isotypic, whereas in the related zinc mercuride Ba20Zn5Hg99 (a = 2332.33(7) pm, R1 = 0.0436) one of the tetrahedra stars is filled by an extra zinc atom and is thus distorted into a [ZnHg8] cube. This extra zinc atom causes the small change in the compounds formula. The four crystallographically different Ba cations are coordinated by 17 or 18 Hg atoms. The mercury atoms themselves are surrounded by 10 to 13, in one case 16, Hg=Ba neighbors. The shortest Hg-Hg distances (dmin
Hg-Hg = 285:8 pm) are found for the strong covalent bonds in the shell around the sodalite cages A and the cubes around Hg(13). The bonding modes (Hg-Hg distances and overall coordinations numbers) of the different Hg atoms of Ba20Hg103 are discussed in comparison with those in the more Hg-rich compounds BaHg6 and BaHg11. According to their crystal-chemical properties, the Hg atoms in Hg-rich mercurides can be classified into four different groups, from mainly covalent to polar intermetallic and pure metallic, to finally cationic centers
Digital Slide Imaging in Cervicovaginal Cytology: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wright Angela M. , Smith Debora , Dhurandhar Bakula , Fairley Todd , Scheiber-Pacht Miriam , Chakraborty Subhendu , Gorman Blythe K. , Mody Dina , Coffey Donna M.
Published: September 2012

Context.—Digital whole slide imaging is the anticipated future of anatomic pathology, where sign-out of glass slides will be replaced by scanned images. Whole slide imaging has been successfully used in surgical pathology, but its usefulness and clinical application have been limited in cytology for several reasons, including lack of availability of z-axis depth focusing and large file size. Recently, several systems have become available in the United States for whole slide imaging with z-axis technology.

Objective.—To determine the accuracy and efficiency of whole slide imaging, as compared with traditional glass slides, for use in cervicovaginal diagnostic cytology.

Design.—Eleven cervicovaginal cytology cases (ThinPrep and SurePath) scanned at ×20, ×40, and ×40 z-stack magnifications using the BioImagene iScan Coreo Au 3.0 scanner were evaluated by 4 cytotechnologists and 3 pathologists in a blinded study. Different magnification scans were recorded as separate cases and presented in a randomized sequence. Corresponding glass slides were also reviewed. For each case, the diagnoses and total time to reach each diagnosis were recorded.

Results.—Diagnostic accuracy was higher and average time per case was lower with glass slides as compared with all digital images. Among the digital images, the ×40 or ×40 z-stack had the highest diagnostic accuracy and lowest interpretation time.

Conclusions.—Whole slide imaging is a viable option for the purposes of teaching and consultations, and as a means of archiving cases. However, considering the large file size and total time to reach diagnosis on digital images, whole slide imaging is not yet ready for daily cervicovaginal diagnostic cytology screening use.
Vancomycin for Treating Cerebrospinal Fluid Shunt Infections in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Thompson Jill B. , Einhaus Stephanie , Buckingham Steve , Phelps Stephanie J.
Published: September 2012

Infection is a major cause of CSF shunt failure that places the patient at risk of intellectual impairment, development of loculated CSF compartments, and death. The purpose of this article is to review the published literature related to vancomycin for treatment of pediatric CSF shunt infections. Fifty percent of shunt infections appear within 2 months of shunt placement or revision; 90% occur within 6 months. Ninety percent of organisms infecting CSF shunting devices are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. The emergence of methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococci has made vancomycin the antibiotic of choice for these infections. The usual intravenous regimen is 60 mg/kg/day divided every 6 hours. Intraventricular vancomycin should be considered for most patients, starting with 10 mg daily. CSF vancomycin concentrations should be monitored and dosing adjustments made as needed to maintain CSF trough vancomycin concentrations between 5 and 20 mg/L.
A History of Neonatal Medicine—Past Accomplishments, Lessons Learned, and Future Challenges: Part II—The 1990s, the New Millennium, Future Challenges
Authors: Lussky Richard C. , Cifuentes Raul F. , Siddappa Ashajyothi M.
Published: September 2012

This is the second of two articles reviewing the history of newborn medicine. This article will discuss recent accomplishments in the field of newborn medicine, current health outcome data, and future challenges facing the fields of neonatal and perinatal medicine.
Pediatric Palliative Care
Authors: Johnston Donna L. , Hentz Tracy A. , Friedman Debra L.
Published: September 2012

Pediatric palliative care provides benefit to children living with life-threatening or terminal conditions. Palliative care should be available to all seriously ill children. Palliative care includes the treatment of symptoms such as pain, nausea, dyspnea, constipation, anorexia, and sialorrhea. This care can occur in a variety of settings, from home to hospice to hospital, and must include bereavement care and follow up after the death of a child. There are many challenges in pediatric palliative care, but continued research into this important area of pediatrics will lead to improvements in the care of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Practical Considerations in the Selection and Use of Pulmonary Surfactant Therapy for Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the Intensive Care Setting
Authors: Corff Karen E. , Greubel Steve , McCann Debra L. , Williams Richard , Varner Dwight L.
Published: September 2012

Pulmonary surfactant is the treatment of choice for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, as it significantly reduces infant morbidity and mortality. Extensive clinical trials compare the surfactant products and their optimal usage, but often the practical administration issues are less frequently discussed. Herein, a panel of respiratory therapists and neonatal nurse practitioners share their experience regarding surfactant usage. According to the panelists, the primary criteria for surfactant selection are the ability to rapidly decrease ventilatory requirements toward extubation, a low incidence of adverse effects, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. In most cases, surfactant is most efficacious when given as early as possible where indicated. The surfactant products differ in their storage, handling, preparation, and administration traits, and this may affect rapid dosing of the surfactant during acute treatment. During and after administration, optimal response to therapy depends on efficient management of ventilator settings, which requires vigilant monitoring of the infant. Common adverse effects include endotracheal tube reflux, bradycardia, and desaturation. Using a surfactant which requires a small dosing volume may decrease the incidence of these adverse effects. An emerging trend in clinical practice is the quick extubation of the infant to nasal continuous positive airway pressure after surfactant administration. This practice can reduce the need for ventilation and reduce the risk of ventilator-related lung damage. Nebulization of surfactant may be a future avenue of delivery, but further research is required to determine its precise role. The practical considerations summarized in this discussion may be useful for other clinicians in their own practice.
Cognitive Effects of “Older” Anticonvulsants in Children with Epilepsy: A Review and Critique of the Literature
Authors: Ries Michele
Published: September 2012

Cognitive decline in children with seizure disorders is due to several factors, one being the choice of anticonvulsant and total anticonvulsant exposure. This paper reviews research investigating cognitive effects associated with “older” anticonvulsant medications (i.e., phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate) prescribed as monotherapy. A number of cognitive difficulties such as intellectual decline, mild memory loss, visual-motor impairment, and psychomotor slowing have been associated with these medications. Each study included in this review is assessed in terms of the appropriateness of study design and ability of the reader to draw clear conclusions about the cognitive effects associated with the anticonvulsant under investigation. The review also includes a synopsis of the myriad of methodological difficulties that plague this body of literature. Conclusions that can be drawn from the existing literature are delineated, and future directions for research are suggested.
Infasurf and Curosurf: Theoretical and Practical Considerations with New Surfactants
Authors: Nguyen Thuy N. , Cunsolo Stephanie M. , Gal Peter , Ransom J. Laurence
Published: September 2012

Type II pneumocytes, normally responsible for surfactant production and release, are insufficiently formed and differentiated in the premature infant born before 34 weeks' gestation. Without an adequate amount of pulmonary surfactant, alveolar surface tension increases, leading to collapse and decreased lung compliance. Pulmonary surfactants are naturally occurring substances made of lipids and proteins. They lower surface tension at the interface between the air in the lungs, specifically at the alveoli, and the blood in the capillaries. This review examines the relative benefits of the two most recently marketed surfactants, calfactan (Infasurf) and poractant alfa (Curosurf).
An Evaluation of Gentamicin, Tobramycin, and Amikacin Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Parameters in HIV-Infected Children
Authors: Rodriguez Juan Carlos , Schoenike Steve , Scott Gwendolyn B. , Rossique-Gonzalez Maria T. , Gomez-Marin Orlando
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND The purpose of the study was to calculate gentamicin, tobramycin, and amikacin pharmacokinetic parameters in HIV-infected children and compare conventional multiple daily aminoglycoside dosing to once-daily aminoglycoside (ODA) dosing in attaining peak serum aminoglycoside concentrations (SACs) to minimum inhibitory concentration for 90% of isolates (MIC90) ratios ≥8 against selected pathogens.

METHODS Patients (<13yrs) receiving an aminoglycoside (15 patients/drug) in the treatment of gram-negative infection were studied. Intravenous gentamicin/ tobramycin were administered at a dose of 6–7.5 mg/kg/day and amikacin at 20–30 mg/kg/d divided every 8 hrs. Peak and trough serum concentrations were obtained and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated utilizing a one-compartment steady-state model. SACs for gentamicin/tobramycin dosed at 7.5 mg/kg and amikacin at 22.5 mg/kg once daily were simulated using the calculated pharmacokinetic parameters. Peak SAC:MIC90 ratios were calculated for each dosing method.

RESULTS Mean pharmacokinetic parameters were within 1 standard deviation of reported literature values. Mean peak:MIC90 ratio of ≥8 was attained only for Klebsiella species (MIC90 1 μg/mL) using conventional gentamicin/tobramycin dosing whereas mean amikacin peak:MIC90 ratios ≥8 were reached for Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter species (MIC90 4 μg/mL). ODA simulations predicted gentamicin/tobramycin peak:MIC90 ratios ≥8 in 100% of patients with an organism-MIC90 of 1 μcg/mL and in 80% of patients with an organism-MIC90 of 2 μg/mL. Amikacin peak:MIC90 ratio ≥8 was predicted for 93% of patients with an organism-MIC90 of 4 μg/mL but in only 27% if the MIC90 was 8 μg / mL.

CONCLUSION Optimal peak SAC:MIC90 ratios using conventional aminoglycoside dosing were predicted only for organisms with low MIC90 values. ODA dosing represents an option for improving pharmacodynamic outcomes.
Plasma Concentrations Following Application of Whole versus Cut Transdermal Clonidine Patches To Critically Ill Children
Authors: Zuppa Athena F. , Tejani Shamim M. , Cullen Edward J. , Nadkarni Vinay M.
Published: September 2012

Clonidine is used for hypertension and narcotic withdrawal prophylaxis in adults and children. This study described plasma absorption of clonidine from whole and cut transdermal clonidine patches. This was a retrospective descriptive study in an 18 bed multidisciplinary pediatric intensive care unit, evaluating 15 critically ill children with a median age of 1.1 years (range 0.3–11 years) treated with transdermal clonidine for narcotic withdrawal prophylaxis, and who had plasma clonidine concentrations measured. An assessment of the relationship between clonidine dose and patch integrity (whole vs. cut) with plasma concentrations was performed, with further analysis by Spearman Correlation Coefficient. Clonidine doses averaged 7.5±4.2 μg/kg/day (range 2.3–20 μg/kg/day) for 9.8±4.3 days (range 4–20 days). There were 9 cut patches and 6 whole patches. The average prescribed dose delivered by cut patches was 6.4±3 μg/kg/day, resulting in a mean plasma concentration of 1±1.1 ng/ mL (range <0.05–3.3 ng/mL). The average prescribed dose delivered by whole patches was 7±1.7 μg/kg/day, resulting in a mean plasma concentration of 0.55±0.3 ng/mL (range 0.13–1.5 ng/mL). The Spearman Correlation Coefficient was calculated to evaluate the correlation between dose and concentration. For whole and cut patches the correlation coefficient was 0.94 (P=0.005) and 0.72 (P=0.002), respectively. Doses ranging from 1.7 to 20 μg/kg/day using whole patches resulted in no plasma concentrations >2 ng/mL. However, a plasma concentration >2 ng/mL was achieved with a dose of 8.8 μg/kg/day delivered by a cut patch. In addition, the 2 samples that resulted in undetectable concentrations were taken from patients who were treated with cut patches. The results from this pilot study suggest that critically ill children absorb clonidine from transdermal patches, but the rate and extent of absorption appears to be more predictable with the use of whole patches compared to patches that have been cut.
Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP)
Authors: Strauss Arthur A.
Published: September 2012

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate or DEHP is a colorless, oily liquid and notably, with respect to clinical concerns, is soluble in blood and body fluids containing lipoproteins. Despite being listed as a possible human carcinogen in the 1980's, more recent concerns have focused on its potential toxicity as a result of leaching from medical devices into patients via intravenous or enteral routes. Initial discussion of this problem was reported in the medical literature over 20 years ago. This article provides an update on the status of DEHP as a potential reproductive toxin and the potential implications for high-risk population groups (most notably neonates). The use of the precautionary principle for a guidepost in relating human exposure effects to chemical agents, including DEHP, has become a topic relevant to all health care professionals and is discussed herein.
The ABC's of Acid-Base Balance
Authors: Sacks Gordon S.
Published: September 2012

A step-wise systematic approach can be used to determine the etiology and proper management of acid-base disorders. The objectives of this article are to: (1) discuss the physiologic processes involved in acid-base disturbances, (2) identify primary and secondary acid-base disturbances based upon arterial blood gas and laboratory measurements, (3) utilize the anion gap for diagnostic purposes, and (4) outline a stepwise approach for interpretation and treatment of acid-base disorders. Case studies are used to illustrate the application of the discussed systematic approach.
Chemical Stability of Extemporaneously Prepared Lorazepam Suspension at Two Temperatures
Authors: Lee Wan-Man Ellaria , Lugo Ralph A. , Rusho William J. , MacKay Mark , Sweeley John
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical stability of extemporaneously prepared lorazepam suspension (1 mg/mL) stored at two temperatures (4°C and 22°C) for 3 months. Lorazepam tablets marketed by two manufacturers (Mylan Pharmaceuticals and Watson Laboratories) were used to extemporaneously formulate two independently prepared suspensions. Each suspension was prepared using sterile water, Ora-Plus® and Ora-Sweet® to achieve a final concentration of 1 mg/mL. The two brands of tablets required different volumes of vehicles to prepare a pharmaceutically optimal suspension. The suspensions were stored in amber glass bottles at 4°C and 22°C for 91 days. Samples were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography at baseline and on days 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 63, and 91. The suspensions were considered stable if the mean lorazepam concentration remained greater than 90% of the initial concentration.

The chemical stabilities of these two extemporaneously prepared lorazepam suspensions were comparable throughout the study. Both lorazepam suspensions were stable for 63 days when stored at 4°C or 22°C, and both were stable for 91 days when refrigerated at 4°C. When stored at room temperature, the suspension prepared from the Watson tablet retained 88.9 ± 1.4% of the initial concentration on day 91 and was therefore considered unstable, while the suspension prepared from the Mylan tablet was stable for the entire 91-day study.
L’accompagnement socioprofessionnel : la complexité d’une situation professionnelle entre la complémentarité et/ou le télescopage des points de vue des acteurs
Authors: Alaoui Driss
Published: September 2012

Ce texte traite de l’accompagnement socioprofessionnel des migrants comoriens résidant dans l’île de La Réunion. Il questionne principalement le processus de construction de l’accompagnement en tant que situation professionnelle. Pour appréhender la complexité de ce processus, nous avons convoqué une démarche ethnographique (Woods, 1990) privilégiant une double entrée : celle de l’accompagnateur et celle de l’accompagné, une approche microsociologique (Thomas, 1923 ; Goffman, 1993 ; Lapassade, 1997) permettant d’articuler les concepts de définition de la situation et de conflit de définition de la situation et enfin une approche interculturelle (Abdallah-Pretceille, 2003 ; Clanet, 1990 ; Camilleri, 1993) visant à élucider, en référence à une triple perspective : subjectiviste, interactionniste et situationnelle, les dimensions altéritaire et hétérogène de l’accompagnement.
La situation professionnelle : de la notion vers les prémices d’un concept
Authors: Marcel Jean-François
Published: September 2012

À partir de la présentation d’un cadre de recherche (le travail partagé des enseignants), ce texte soumet à l’empirie l’hypothèse de la co-élaboration de la situation professionnelle. Pour ce faire, en s’appuyant sur le cadre de Goffman, l’enquête empirique analyse le processus de reconstruction d’une séance d’enseignement (situation de référence) au cours d’une séance de conseil pédagogique (situation support) caractérisée par l’interaction entre une enseignante débutante et un formateur. L’invalidation de l’hypothèse débouche sur une proposition de conceptualisation de la situation professionnelle qui combine des approches définitoires (insistant sur la dualité entre sa singularité et sa généricité) et méthodologiques.
La situation professionnelle : entre invariance et perspective?
Authors: Olry Paul
Published: September 2012

Cette contribution invite à considérer la situation professionnelle au-delà d’une acception sociale d’un côté et d’une approche subjective d’autre part. Entendue comme objet intermédiaire, la situation professionnelle est étudiée comme résultant d’une tension entre invariance et perspective. Les données portent sur l’activité de conseillers dont le rôle est d’accompagner les agriculteurs confrontés aux normes agro-environnementales. On s’attache à remettre en question d’une part les attributions qualifiant la situation de « professionnelle » qui témoignent d’une forme d’invariance; d’autre part, l’activité de saisie par les conseillers de la « perspective » des agriculteurs avec qui ils sont en relation. Enfin, on propose trois lignes de travail à venir sur la notion de situation professionnelle.
Réseaux nobiliaires provençaux et cérémonie d’hommage (xive siècle)
Authors: Boulanger Philippe
Published: September 2012

Lorsqu’un souverain médiéval ordonne à ses vassaux de lui prêter serment de fidélité, la cérémonie qui s’ensuit donne l’occasion aux différents réseaux nobiliaires de se rassembler. Tel fut le cas en Provence en 1351 lorsque le roi et la reine de Naples, en difficulté dynastique, ont appelé leurs vassaux à participer à une campagne d’hommage. Les divers membres de la noblesse provençale se sont regroupés selon leurs différents réseaux afin de réaffirmer leur appartenance au groupe, mais aussi pour faire savoir certaines de leurs contestations politiques.
Nucleic Acid Blotting: Southern and Northern
Authors: Hoopes Laura L. Mays
Published: September 2012

E.M. Southern invented blotting of DNA in 1975; the method was extended to RNA and named northern blotting in 1977. Southern blotting includes limited depurination, denaturation, and neutralization of the DNA in gels (where they have been separated in size by electrophoresis) and capillary transfer of the DNA onto nitrocellulose or nylon blotting membranes. For northern blotting, RNA is guarded from basic pH and RNase, denatured, separated by electrophoresis, and then blotted on to nylon blotting membranes. Either type of blot is then blocked to prevent nonspecific binding, hybridized with probe, and washed. Next, the sequences of interest are located by detecting labeled probes. One alternative method involves dot/slot blotting when the size of the nucleic acid being probed is not of interest. Also, electrophoretic transfer from polyacrylamide gels can be used when the nucleic acid fragments of interest are too small to be resolved on agarose gels. Artifacts in Southern blot can result from incomplete digestion, overloading the blotting membrane, incomplete blocking, damaged blot media, and air bubbles. In northern blotting, RNA quality must be monitored, and RNA that is degraded or contaminated with excess DNA should be avoided. Curr. Protoc. Essential Lab. Tech. 6:8.2.1‐8.2.26. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
On the asymptotic property analysis for a class of adaptive control systems with σ‐modification
Authors: He Zhirong , Huang Deqing , Xu Jian‐Xin
Published: September 2012

With the effect of σ‐modification in adaptive control systems, robustness is achieved at the potential expense of destroying some of the convergence properties. This paper proposes a qualitative analysis method for the situations where the σ‐modification may lead to perfect tracking and also, given the prior knowledge of system parameters, may allow proper modification of the adaptive algorithm. The applicability of the proposed analysis method is illustrated by two examples, where the system control gains that lead to global asymptotic convergence are given explicitly. Further, simulations are performed to verify the qualitative analysis results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Statistical‐Thermodynamic Modeling of Ordering Phenomena in Binary Intermetallic B2‐ and L12‐Structures
Authors: Semenova Olga , Krachler Regina
Published: September 2012

Statistical‐thermodynamic models for the description of ordering in non‐stoichiometric intermetallic phases can be very helpful for the design of new functional materials for various purposes. Here, we present a review of methods for describing B2 (BCC) and L12 (FCC) – type binary alloys. The free energy of binary alloys where ordered structures are formed, is evaluated by statistical approaches employing applications of the Bragg–Williams–Gorsky mean‐field approximation. In the original mean field method, the degree of order in the neighborhood of a given site in the crystal is determined by the average state of order throughout the macroscopic crystal. Actually, the force tending to produce long‐range order depends on the fluctuations in the configuration, an effect which is neglected in the mean field approximation but is taken under consideration, e.g., in the Quasi‐Chemical Approach (QCA) by Guggenheim and its advanced applications, in various sophisticated treatments using the Cluster Variation Method (CVM) originally developed by Kikuchi, as well as in the Defect Correlation Model (DCM). The latter model is a less sophisticated method based on the simultaneous description of short‐range order and long‐range order by use of properly defined non‐overlapping clusters. All these methods allow the “pure” mean‐field results to be substantially refined, particularly at high temperatures, and for alloys with large deviations from the stoichiometric composition. Defect concentration‐alloy composition diagrams and activity‐alloy composition diagrams are shown for several methods with focus on the QCA and DCM approaches. The calculated results are compared with each other and with experimental data on thermodynamic and structural properties from the literature.
Simple Holographic Patterning for High‐Aspect‐Ratio Three‐Dimensional Nanostructures with Large Coverage Area
Authors: Wathuthanthri Ishan , Liu Yuyang , Du Ke , Xu Wei , Choi Chang‐Hwan
Published: September 2012

Using the vertical standing wave phenomena commonly regarded as a deterrent in holographic lithography, multifaceted three‐dimensional (3D) nanostructures are fabricated on polymeric photoresist materials using a simple two‐beam interferometer. Large‐area 3D nanostructures with high aspect ratios (greater than 10) are readily produced using this methodology, including grating, pillar and pore patterns. Furthermore, manipulation of the lithography process conditions results in unique sidewall profiles of the nanostructures. Such 3D holographic control even produces highly porous polymer membranes composed of 3D interconnected pore networks, which resembles the 3D photonic crystal compound nanostructures that were previously attainable only with limited pattern coverage area using complex multibeam holographic lithography processes. Such well‐tailored high‐aspect‐ratio 3D nanostructures with large pattern coverage area further enable the fabrication of novel nanostructures for functionalized materials via various additive and subtractive pattern transfer techniques such as etching, deposition, and molding. In particular, direct molding followed by thermal decomposition process leads to the synthesis of hierarchical titanium oxide nanostructures of tunable 3D geometry, which would be of great significance in applications of photonic crystals, photovoltaic solar cells, and photocatalyst in water decontamination.
High‐Performance Phototransistors Based on Single‐Crystalline n‐Channel Organic Nanowires and Photogenerated Charge‐Carrier Behaviors
Authors: Yu Hojeong , Bao Zhenan , Oh Joon Hak
Published: September 2012

The photoelectronic characteristics of single‐crystalline nanowire organic phototransistors (NW‐OPTs) are studied using a high‐performance n‐channel organic semiconductor, N,N′‐bis(2‐phenylethyl)‐perylene‐3,4:9,10‐tetracarboxylic diimide (BPE‐PTCDI), as the photoactive layer. The optoelectronic performances of the NW‐OPTs are analyzed by way of their current–voltage (I–V) characteristics on irradiation at different wavelengths, and comparison with corresponding thin‐film organic phototransistors (OPTs). Significant enhancement in the charge‐carrier mobility of NW‐OPTs is observed upon light irradiation as compared with when performed in the dark. A mobility enhancement is observed when the incident optical power density increases and the wavelength of the light source matches the light‐absorption range of the photoactive material. The photoswitching ratio is strongly dependent upon the incident optical power density, whereas the photoresponsivity is more dependent on matching the light‐source wavelength with the maximum absorption range of the photoactive material. BPE‐PTCDI NW‐OPTs exhibit much higher external quantum efficiency (EQE) values (≈7900 times larger) than thin‐film OPTs, with a maximum EQE of 263 000%. This is attributed to the intrinsically defect‐free single‐crystalline nature of the BPE‐PTCDI NWs. In addition, an approach is devised to analyze the charge‐transport behaviors using charge accumulation/release rates from deep traps under on/off switching of external light sources.
Si‐Encapsulating Hollow Carbon Electrodes via Electroless Etching for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Yuwon , Choi Nam‐Soon , Park Sangjin , Woo Seung Hee , Sim Soojin , Jang Bo Yun , Oh Seung M. , Park Soojin , Cho Jaephil , Lee Kyu Tae
Published: September 2012

Remarkable improvements in the electrochemical performance of Si materials for Li‐ion batteries have been recently achieved, but the inherent volume change of Si still induces electrode expansion and external cell deformation. Here, the void structure in Si‐encapsulating hollow carbons is optimized in order to minimize the volume expansion of Si‐based anodes and improve electrochemical performance. When compared to chemical etching, the hollow structure is achieved via electroless etching is more advanced due to the improved electrical contact between carbon and Si. Despite the very thick electrodes (30 ∼ 40 μm), this results in better cycle and rate performances including little capacity fading over 50 cycles and 1100 mA h g−1 at 2C rate. Also, an in situ dilatometer technique is used to perform a comprehensive study of electrode thickness change, and Si‐encapsulating hollow carbon mitigates the volume change of electrodes by adoption of void space, resulting in a small volume increase of 18% after full lithiation corresponding with a reversible capacity of about 2000 mA h g−1.
Lentivirus‐Mediated RNAi Knockdown of NUPR1 Inhibits Human Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Growth In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Guo Xiaotong , Wang Wei , Hu Jing , Feng Kejian , Pan Yanming , Zhang Linyou , Feng Yukuan
Published: September 2012

NUPR1 (nuclear protein 1) was found to play a key role in the development of several malignancies including pancreas, breast, and prostate cancers. However, the functional role of NUPR1 in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) progression and development is little known. Here, lentivirus‐mediated small interfering RNA (siRNA) was employed to downregulate endogenous NUPR1 expression to study the function of NUPR1 in growth of nonsmall cell lung cancer. A lentivirus‐mediated RNAi technology was used to specifically knock down the expression of NUPR1 in H1299 cells. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, western blot and cell count assays were studied to characterize NUPR1 expression in vitro. Furthermore, nonsmall cell lung cancer xenograft models in nude mice were established to investigate whether knockdown of NUPR1 reduces the tumor growth in vivo. We found that downregulation of NUPR1 expression significantly inhibited nonsmall cell lung cancer H1299 cells proliferation and colony formation in vitro. Moreover, the specific downregulation of NUPR1 arrested cells in G0 phase of cell cycle and increased apoptosis rate. Silencing of NUPR1 also suppressed tumor growth by tail vein injection of lentivirus encoded shRNA against NUPR1 in vivo. Our findings revealed that the NUPR1 gene represents a promising target for gene silencing therapy in nonsmall cell lung cancer. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.