bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delay of transfer from the intensive care unit: a prospective observational study of incidence, causes, and financial impact
Authors: Johnson Daniel W , Schmidt Ulrich H , Bittner Edward A , Christensen Benjamin , Levi Retsef , Pino Richard M 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Introduction
A paucity of literature exists regarding delays in transfer out of the intensive care unit. We sought to analyze the incidence, causes, and costs of delayed transfer from a surgical intensive care unit (SICU).

Methods
An IRB-approved prospective observational study was conducted from January 24, 2010, to July 31, 2010, of all 731 patients transferred from a 20-bed SICU at a large tertiary-care academic medical center. Data were collected on patients who were medically ready for transfer to the floor who remained in the SICU for at least 1 extra day. Reasons for delay were examined, and extra costs associated were estimated.

Results
Transfer to the floor was delayed in 22% (n = 160) of the 731 patients transferred from the SICU. Delays ranged from 1 to 6 days (mean, 1.5 days; median, 2 days). The extra costs associated with delays were estimated to be $581,790 during the study period, or $21,547 per week. The most common reasons for delay in transfer were lack of available surgical-floor bed (71% (114 of 160)), lack of room appropriate for infectious contact precautions (18% (28 of 160)), change of primary service (Surgery to Medicine) (7% (11 of 160)), and lack of available patient attendant ("sitter" for mildly delirious patients) (3% (five of 160)). A positive association was found between the daily hospital census and the daily number of SICU beds occupied by patients delayed in transfer (Spearman rho = 0.27; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Delay in transfer from the SICU is common and costly. The most common reason for delay is insufficient availability of surgical-floor beds. Delay in transfer is associated with high hospital census. Further study of this problem is necessary.
Urinary Phthalates From 168 Girls and Boys Measured Twice a Year During a 5-Year Period: Associations With Adrenal Androgen Levels and Puberty
Authors: Mouritsen A. , Frederiksen H. , Sørensen K. , Aksglaede L. , Hagen C. , Skakkebaek N. E. , Main K. M. , Andersson A. M. , Juul A. 
Published: July 2013

Background:
Little is known about the possible deleterious effects of phthalate exposure on endogenous sex steroid levels in children.

Objective:
Our objective was to investigate whether urinary phthalate metabolite levels are associated with circulating adrenal androgen levels and age at puberty.

Methods:
This was a longitudinal study of 168 healthy children (84 girls) examined every 6 months for 5 years. Serum levels of dehydroepiandrostenedione sulfate (DHEAS), Δ4-androstenedione, testosterone, and urinary morning excretion of 14 phthalate metabolites, corresponding to 7 different phthalate diesters were determined. A variation in urinary excretion of phthalates was evident in each child, which made a mean of repetitive samples more representative for long-term excretion than a single determination.

Results:
We found that girls with excretion of monobutyl phthalate isomers (MBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites above the geometric group mean (795 and 730 ng/kg, respectively) had lower levels of DHEAS and Δ4-androstenedione, although statistically significant only at 13 years of age. In boys, we found that excretion of monobenzyl phthalate above the geometric group mean (346 ng/kg) was associated with lower levels of DHEAS at 11 years of age but higher levels of testosterone at 13 years of age. The same trend was observed for MBP excretion, albeit not statistically significant. A lower age at pubarche was observed in boys with excretion of MBP above the geometric group mean (11.0 vs 12.3 years, P = 0.005).

Conclusion:
Our data indicate that exposure to dibutyl phthalate isomers (DBP) (in girls) and butylbenzyl phthalate (in boys) are negatively associated with adrenal androgen levels and in boys positively associated with testosterone level at 13 years of age. High exposure to DBP was associated with earlier age at pubarche in boys. In girls, no associations between phthalate exposure and age at pubertal milestones were observed.
Ring-opening Polymerization of Oxetane Initiated with Solid-acid Catalyst Based on Heteropolyacid Salt
Authors: Morinaga Hisatoyo , Nishioka Yoshihito , Hatayama Mao , Nakabayashi Hirotoshi 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A ring-opening polymerization of oxetane was performed with a novel solid-acid catalyst based on heteropolyacid salt ((NH4)3PW12O40/SiO2), by which the corresponding polyether was successfully obtained in high yield.
Jolkinolide F, a Cytotoxic Diterpenoid from Euphorbia jolkinii
Authors: Maru Norihito , Chikaraishi Noriko , Yokota Keisuke , Kawazoe Yoshinori , Uemura Daisuke 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
A new diterpenoid, jolkinolide F (1), was isolated from roots of Euphorbia jolkinii. The planar structure of 1 was elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and its stereochemistry was determined by NOESY spectroscopic data and X-ray data analysis. 1 showed cytotoxicity against mammalian cells.
Control over Growth of Hexagonal Sodium Tungstate Nanorods by Poly(styrenesulfonate)
Authors: Kim Jungtae , Moon Kyunghwan , Choi Jaehyuk , Yoo Pil J , Park Juhyun 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Nanocrystals of sodium tungstates were synthesized using a hydrothermal route in the presence of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) to control the size of the crystals at the time of their growth. The lengths of the nanorods varied significantly, ranging from 400 nm to 6 µm, whereas the diameters varied only slightly, ranging from 200 to 270 nm. These results show that a polyelectrolyte with sulfonate effectively caps the specific crystal planes or provides steric hindrance upon crystal growth, providing control over the size of the nanocrystals by varying the polyelectrolyte concentration.
Reduction in length of stay for patients undergoing oesophageal and gastric resections with implementation of enhanced recovery packages
Authors: Tang J , Humes DJ , Gemmil E , Welch NT , Parsons SL , Catton JA 
Published: July 2013

Introduction The high mortality and morbidity associated with resection for oesophagogastric malignancy has resulted in a conservative approach to the postoperative management of this patient group. In August 2009 we introduced an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway tailored to patients undergoing resection for oesophagogastric malignancy. We aimed to assess the impact of this change in practice on standard clinical outcomes. Methods Two cohorts were studied of patients undergoing resection for oesophagogastric malignancy before (August 2008 – July 2009) and after (August 2009 – July 2010) the implementation of the ERAS pathway. Data were collected on demographics, interventions, length of stay, morbidity and in-hospital mortality. Results There were 53 and 55 oesophagogastric resections undertaken respectively for malignant disease in each of the study periods. The median length of stay for both gastric and oesophageal resection decreased from 15 to 11 days (Mann– Whitney U, p<0.001) following implementation of the ERAS pathway. There was no significant increase in morbidity (gastric resection 23.1% vs 5.3% and oesophageal resection 25.9% vs 16.7%) or mortality (gastric resection no deaths and oesophageal resection 1.8% vs 3.6%) associated with the changes. There was a significant decrease in the number of oral contrast studies used following oesophageal resection, with a reduction from 21 (77.8%) in 2008–2009 to 6 (16.7%) in 2009–2010 (chi-squared test, p<0.0001). Conclusions The introduction of an enhanced recovery programme following oesophagogastric surgery resulted in a significant decrease in length of median patient stay in hospital without a significant increase in associated morbidity and mortality.
The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in Manzanillo and Santiago Bays, Colima, Mexico
Authors: Rivera-Vilarelle María , Quijano-Scheggia Sonia , Olivos-Ortiz Aramis , Gaviño-Rodríguez Juan Heberto , Castro-Ochoa Fátima , Reyes-Herrera Alejandro 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
In this study, morphological characters were used to describe the diversity and seasonal variability of the genus Pseudo-nitzschia in a coastal region of the Mexican tropical Pacific Ocean. Eleven species were characterized from cultures and field material: Pseudo-nitzschia americana, Pseudo-nitzschia australis, Pseudo-nitzschia brasiliana, Pseudo-nitzschia delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia cf. delicatissima, Pseudo-nitzschia dolorosa, Pseudo-nitzschia cf. fryxelliana, Pseudo-nitzschia micropora, Pseudo-nitzschia multistriata, Pseudo-nitzschia pungens var. aveirensis, and Pseudo-nitzschia subfraudulenta. The maximum diversity and abundance occurred in spring, in parallel with a local upwelling, whereas fewer species were detected in autumn. Among those analyzed, the only species to be detected throughout the year at several stations was P. cf. fryxelliana, whereas the rarest species in the study area was P. americana, which was detected only in the spring.
Endouterine hemostatic square suture vs. Bakri balloon tamponade for intractable hemorrhage due to complete placenta previa
Authors: Kavak Salih Burcin , Atilgan Remzi , Demirel İsmail , Celik Ebru , İlhan Rasit , Sapmaz Ekrem 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Aim: To compare the efficiency of endouterine hemostatic square suture and the Bakri balloon tamponade in the treatment of bleeding due to complete placenta previa (CPP).

Methods: Thirteen patients with the diagnosis of CPP and intractable bleeding were randomly divided into two groups in a single blind study. Group 1 (n=6) included patients in whom endouterine hemostatic square suture was applied, while group 2 (n=7) included patients in whom Bakri balloon tamponade was applied. The two groups were compared according to the maternal outcomes, the duration of caesarean section, the preoperative and the postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit (Htc) values, the intraoperative and postoperative blood loss, as well as the newborn characteristics.

Results: The duration of operation and the amount of intraoperative bleeding were significantly higher in group 1 (time: 78.3±8.1 vs. 62.8±3.9 min; P<0.05; intraoperative bleeding: 1946±242 vs. 1520±92 mL; P<0.05). The postoperative 24th h Htc values were found to be significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (25.6±3.7 vs. 29.5±1.3 g/dL; P<0.05). The postoperative blood loss was higher in group 1 than in group 2. (351±70 vs. 120±56 mL; P<0.05).

Conclusion: There are two methods that are effective in preventing bleeding in CPP. However, the Bakri balloon tamponade may be a better alternative due to a shorter operation time and less blood loss.
Development and application of an automated extraction algorithm for fetal magnetocardiography – normal data and arrhythmia detection
Authors: Stingl Krunoslav , Paulsen Henrike , Weiss Magdalene , Preissl Hubert , Abele Harald , Goelz Rangmar , Wacker-Gussmann Annette 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Introduction: Current standard methods of monitoring fetal heart function are mainly based on echocardiography, which provides indirect information (through mechanical assessment) of the fetal heart rhythm. Fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) allows a reliable quantification of the temporal structure of fetal heart signals. However, its application in clinical studies is difficult because extracting the fetal heart signal for most current applications requires user intervention. To overcome this limitation, we developed a completely automated extraction algorithm.

Patients and methods: The fMCG recordings were acquired using a 156-channel biomagnetic system. To perform an automated analysis, a combination of orthogonal projection and independent component analysis was used. fMCG recordings from 69 healthy uncomplicated singleton pregnancies with normally developing fetuses were included in the study.

Results: The normal values achieved by the automated algorithm were comparable to previously published data. The majority of the cardiac time intervals were positively correlated with gestational age (GA). The ST segment, T wave and QT interval did not show any correlation.

Conclusions: The automated detection of fetal heart signals was possible beginning at a GA of 19 weeks. This automated analysis of fMCG recordings might be an objective and easily applicable approach for clinicians to analyze fetal heart signals.
Is pathologic confirmation of placental abruption more reliable in cases due to chronic etiologies compared with acute etiologies?
Authors: Heller Debra S. , Keane-Tarchichi Megan , Varshney Shalini 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Background: Pathology laboratories often receive requests for confirmation of abruption; however, pathologically, abruption can only be confirmed by the presence of adherent blood clot on the maternal surface that is indenting the underlying placental parenchyma.

Design: We evaluated whether abruptions due to more chronic underlying medical conditions are more likely to have a retained indenting retroplacental clot that is detectable by the pathologist than abruptions due to acute etiologies. This was a retrospective review from January 1995 to June 2012 of cases with a clinical and/or pathologic diagnosis of abruption. Data were analyzed utilizing Fisher’s exact test.

Results: Ninety-six cases had sufficient available information for analysis. There was a significant association between pathologic identification of abruption and chronic risk factors (P=0.03). Twenty-five percent of cases with acute risk factors and 60% of cases with chronic risk factors had abruption confirmed at pathologic evaluation (P=0.12).

Conclusion: Pathologically confirmable abruption is associated with chronic risk factors. There was a trend towards chronic risk factors leading to greater likelihood of pathologic confirmation of abruption than acute risk factors, but it did not reach statistical significance.
Characterization of Nanostructured Electrodeposited NiCo Samples by use of Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD)
Authors: Bastos Alice , Raabe Dierk , Zaefferer Stefan , Schuh Christopher 
Published: July 2013

AbstractA Cobalt-20wt.% Nickel polycrystal produced by electrodeposition has been investigated in planar and cross sections using a high resolution scanning electron microscope. The local texture, grain size, amount of phase and grain boundaries, were characterized by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The average grain size perpendicular to the grain growth direction was 400 nm. Parallel to it, a pronounced bimodal grain structure was observed with grains reaching more than 10 μm and grains of approximately 800 nm diameter.
Effect of Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Serum Ferritin Levels: An Interventional Study
Authors: Chakraborty Souvik , Tewari Shikha , Sharma Rajinder Kumar , Narula Satish Chander 
Published: July 2013

Background: Ferritin, an acute‐phase reactant, has been found to be elevated in many chronic inflammation‐related diseases. The aim of the present study is to investigate differences in concentrations of serum ferritin in patients with and without periodontal disease before and after non‐surgical periodontal therapy and correlate these values with clinical variables associated with periodontal disease.Methods: Forty‐two individuals were included in this study, 20 with chronic periodontitis (CP) and 22 classified as periodontally healthy. Serum ferritin concentrations, hemoglobin levels, and periodontal parameters (probing depth [PD], clinical attachment level, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and plaque index) were recorded at baseline and 3 months after non‐surgical periodontal therapy.Results: Patients with CP showed higher concentrations of serum ferritin than periodontally healthy controls (P <0.01). After adjustment for confounders, a positive and significant correlation was observed between serum ferritin levels and the number of sites with PD ≥6 mm at baseline (P <0.01). Regression analyses revealed association between deep pockets and serum ferritin levels at baseline (R2 = 0.823). Significant reductions in serum ferritin levels were observed at the 3‐month assessment after periodontal treatment (P <0.01), and the post‐treatment serum ferritin values were comparable to those of controls (P >0.05). Furthermore, the post‐treatment degree of change in the serum ferritin level was positively and significantly associated with improvement in PD (R2 = 0.213, P <0.05).Conclusion: Serum ferritin levels are raised in patients with CP and decrease to control levels post‐treatment.
Comparative Evaluation of Photoablative Efficacy of Erbium: Yttrium‐Aluminium‐Garnet and Diode Laser for the Treatment of Gingival Hyperpigmentation. A Randomized Split‐Mouth Clinical Trial
Authors: Giannelli Marco , Formigli Lucia , Bani Daniele 
Published: July 2013

Background: The use of lasers in periodontology is a matter of debate, mainly because of the lack of consensual therapeutic protocols. In this randomized, split‐mouth trial, the clinical efficacy of two different photoablative dental lasers, erbium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) and diode, for the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation is compared.Methods: Twenty‐one patients requiring treatment for mild‐to‐severe gingival hyperpigmentation were enrolled. Maxillary or mandibular left or right quadrants were randomly subjected to photoablative deepithelialization with either Er:YAG or diode laser. Masked clinical assessments of each laser quadrant were made at admission and days 7, 30, and 180 postoperatively by an independent observer. Histologic examination was performed before and soon after treatment and 6 months after irradiation. Patients also compiled a subjective evaluation questionnaire.Results: Both diode and Er:YAG lasers gave excellent results in gingival hyperpigmentation. However, Er:YAG laser induced deeper gingival tissue injury than diode laser, as judged by bleeding at surgery, delayed healing, and histopathologic analysis. The use of diode laser showed additional advantages compared to Er:YAG in terms of less postoperative discomfort and pain.Conclusions: This study highlights the efficacy of diode laser for photoablative deepithelialization of hyperpigmented gingiva. It is suggested that this laser can represent an effective and safe therapeutic option for gingival photoablation.
The Microstructures and Hardness Analysis of a New Hypereutectoid Mn-Cr-Mo-V Steel
Authors: Dabrowski R. , Rozniata E. , Dziurka R. 
Published: July 2013

The results of a microstructure and hardness investigations of a new hypereutectoid Mn-Cr-Mo-V steel, imitating by its chemical composition tool steels, are presented in the paper. The microstructure as well hardness changes, caused by austenitising and tempering temperatures were assessed, for samples quenched and sub-quenched in liquid nitrogen, directly after the quenching treatment. Additionally, the influence of the tempering temperature on the volume fraction of the retained austenite was estimated. New hypereutectoid steel, after an appropriate heat treatment obtained the relevant hardness of the tools used in the cold and hot working proces.
It was indicated that the steel hardness increases with the increases of the austenitising temperature. At 800ºC the hardness of the quenched samples were equal 895HV, and for the sub-quenched samples 937HV. The maximum hardness, after tempering (746HV), was found at a temperature of 520ºC.
It will be possible, in future, to apply this obtained investigation results in designing chemical compositions and microstructures of the new hypereutectoid alloyed steels of properties required by their users.
Analysis of the Influence of Drawing Process Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Trip-Structure Steel Wires
Authors: Wiewiórowska S. 
Published: July 2013

The research concerned with wire drawing processes of medium-carbon steel with TRIP effect classified into group of AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) steels, which are the multiphase steels offering a unique combination of high strength and ductility, has been shown in the work. Such combination is achieved through the transformation of retained austenite to martensite in deformation process called TRIP effect (Transformation Induced Plasticity).
Studies reported in the literature relate mainly to the research on the car body sheet rolling and heat treatment processes, which does not allow the results of this research to be referred to the analysis of drawing processes.
Therefore, the need has arisen for developing and conducting comprehensive studies on the process of drawing TRIP steels wires and identification the new application areas for these materials.
Measurements of two-phase flow patterns and local void fraction in vertical rectangular minichannel
Authors: Kaniowski Robert , Poniewski Mieczysław 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Technology advancements entail a necessity to remove huge amounts of heat produced by today’s electronic devices based on highly integrated circuits, major generators of heat. Heat transfer to boiling liquid flowing through narrow minichannels is a modern solution to the problem of heat transfer enhancement. The study was conducted for FC-72 boiling in a rectangular, vertical and asymmetrically heated minichannel that had depths of 0.5-1.5 mm, a width of 20 mm and a length of 360 mm. The heat flux increased and decreased within the range of 58.3-132.0 kWm−2, the absolute pressure ranged from 0.116 to 0.184 MPa and the mass flux was 185-1139.2 kgm−2s−1. The boiling process took place on a flat vertical heating surface made of Haynes-230 0.1 mm thick acid-proof rolled plate with the surface roughness of 121 μm.
Modeling of heat and mass transfer during thermal decomposition of a single solid fuel particle
Authors: Wardach-Święcicka Izabela , Kardaś Dariusz 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
The aim of this work was to investigate the heat and mass transfer during thermal decomposition of a single solid fuel particle. The problem regards the pyrolysis process which occurs in the absence of oxygen in the first stage of fuel oxidation. Moreover, the mass transfer during heating of the solid fuels is the basic phenomenon in the pyrolysis-derived alternative fuels (gas, liquid and solid phase) and in the gasification process which is focused on the generation of syngas (gas phase) and char (solid phase). Numerical simulations concern pyrolysis process of a single solid particle which occurs as a consequence of the particle temperature increase. The research was aimed at an analysis of the influence of particle physical properties on the devolatilization process. In the mathematical modeling the fuel grain is treated as an ideal sphere which consists of porous material (solid and gaseous phase), so as to simplify the final form of the partial differential equations. Assumption that the physical properties change only in the radial direction, reduces the partial derivatives of the angular coordinates. This leads to obtaining the equations which are only the functions of the radial coordinate. The model consists of the mass, momentum and energy equations for porous spherical solid particle heated by the stream of hot gas. The mass source term was determined in the wide range of the temperature according to the experimental data. The devolatilization rate was defined by the Arrhenius formula. The results of numerical simulation show that the heating and devolatilization time strongly depend on the physical properties of fuel. Moreover, proposed model allows to determine the pyrolysis process direction, which is limited by the equilibrium state.