bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the positive predictive values of antidote signals to detect potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU)
Authors: Kane‐Gill Sandra L. , Bellamy Cassandra J. , Verrico Margaret M. , Handler Steven M. , Weber Robert J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPurposeSignals are used to alert clinicians of potential ADRs. Positive predictive values (PPVs) of antidote signals in ICUs are unknown. The primary purpose was to determine PPVs of six signals. The secondary objective was to determine the sensitivity of various ADR detection strategies including manual chart review, administrative data review, and voluntary reporting at identifying the same ADRs discovered using antidotes as a signal.MethodsAdult patients admitted to a medical ICU from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006 who were prescribed select signals were eligible. Evaluated antidote signals included injectable diphenhydramine, protamine, phytonadione, dextrose 50%, injectable methylprednisolone, and sodium polystyrene. For each signal, a random sample of 50 patients was evaluated for the presence of an ADR. ADR occurrences were determined using two objective causality instruments through retrospective chart review. Agreement between the instruments was required for ADR consideration. PPVs were determined for each signal.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty three patients (52% male) were evaluated, with a mean ± SD age of 60 ± 17 years, and a median simplified acute physiology score (SAPSII) of 48. PPVs were 0.64, 0.50, 0.38, 0.26, 0.24, and 0.02 for protamine, sodium polystyrene, dextrose 50%, diphenhydramine, phytonadione, and methylprednisolone, respectively. Sensitivity of other detection strategies from highest to lowest was chart review for explicit documentation, administrative database review, and voluntary reporting.ConclusionsProtamine and sodium polystyrene performed the best by detecting ADRs in at least one out of two evaluations. Detection strategies other than signals were not as sensitive at identifying the same ADRs as antidote signals. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyoxometalate/polymer hybrid materials: fabrication and properties
Authors: Qi Wei , Wu Lixin 
Published: September 2009

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

AbstractBACKGROUND: The distribution of nucleating agents in different phases is still an open question in general, and how to control conditions to prepare alloys rich in β‐crystals of polypropylene (PP) is hardly reported. The main goal of this study was to find out the factors influencing the β‐crystal content in β‐nucleated PP/polyamide 6 (PA6) alloys and determine the best preparation conditions to obtain β‐nucleated PP/PA6 alloys rich in β‐crystals.RESULTS: The compounding methods had little influence on the crystallization temperature of both PP and PA6. However, the melting characteristic and β‐crystal content in β‐nucleated PP/PA6 alloys not only depended upon the compounding methods, but also on the temperature at which the nucleating agent was added. A higher β‐crystal content can be obtained by adding the nucleating agent at a temperature below 190 °C, which is also dependent on the mixing time.CONCLUSION: It is proved by etching the alloys with sulfuric acid that the nucleating agent mainly disperses in the PA6 phase and/or the interface between PP and PA6 when blended at high temperature. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Renal dysfunction in cystic fibrosis: Is there cause for concern?
Authors: Soulsby Natalie , Greville Hugh , Coulthard Kingsley , Doecke Christopher 
Published: September 2009

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

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

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

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

AbstractAstronomy has experienced a great boost over the last 20 years. As a consequence, the telescopes used are getting larger and larger. In the past, radio telescopes with a reflector diameter of up to 100 m were built. Now, even optical telescopes are being planned with main mirror diameters exceeding 40 m! For all these telescopes the structural system – the steel structure – and the related mechanical components – the bearings and drives – are the “backbone” for the optical elements and play a major role in the planning, construction and related overall costs.From the structural engineer's point of view, the design and construction of a telescope structure is very different from all other applications of steel structures. The design is not dominated – as it usually is – by issues of strength and stability, but mainly by issues of deformations and dynamics. The requirements for the structural system have to be developed in close cooperation with the overall telescope system engineer, who has to integrate the needs of the astronomers, the optics engineers, control engineers, etc. From the market point of view, there are only a few large telescope projects in progress worldwide, and not many structural engineers are working in this field; so no specialized companies are available for the manufacture and erection of large telescope structures.This situation resulted in the emergence of a small group of project managers and engineers in Mainz, Germany, who were and are involved with many large telescope structures worldwide. This paper explains the specific design and construction issues by way of two current examples: the 64 m Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT) under construction at San Basilio, Sardinia, and the 30 m Large Cherenkov Telescope (LCT) under construction at Gölschau near Windhoek, Namibia.
Assessment of fatigue cracks in orthotropic steel decks
Authors: Sugiura Kunitomo , Hashimoto Kunitaro , Oshima Yoshinobu , Yamaguchi Takashi 
Published: September 2009

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

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

Abstract
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent not only a promising source of cells for cell replacement therapy, but also a tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular signaling and dopaminergic (DA) neuron development. One of the main regulators of DA neuron development is Wnt signaling. Here we used mouse ESCs (mESCs) lacking Wnt1 or the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) to decipher the action of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on DA neuron development in mESCs. We provide evidence that the absence of LRP6 abrogates responsiveness of mESCs to Wnt ligand stimulation. Using two differentiation protocols, we show that the loss of Wnt1 or LRP6 increases neuroectodermal differentiation and the number of mESC-derived DA neurons. These effects were similar to those observed following treatment of mESCs with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor Dickkopf1 (Dkk1). Combined, our results show that decreases in Wnt/β-catenin signaling enhance neuronal and DA differentiation of mESCs. These findings suggest that: 1) Wnt1 or LRP6 are not strictly required for the DA differentiation of mESCs in vitro, 2) the levels of morphogens and their activity in ESC cultures need to be optimized to improve DA differentiation, and 3) by enhancing the differentiation and number of ESC-derived DA neurons with Dkk1, the application of ESCs for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease may be improved.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
In‐utero stenting: development of a low‐cost high‐fidelity task trainer
Authors: Nitsche J. F. , McWeeney D. T. , Schwendemann W. D. , Rose C. H. , Davies N. P. , Watson W. , Brost B. C. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo develop an in‐utero stent placement training model.MethodsThe in‐utero stent task trainer was constructed using a formalin‐preserved gravid pig uterus. Altering the size of the uterine segment, changing the fluid level in the uterus and addition of a large Ziploc freezer bag variably filled with differing amounts of ultrasound gel can vary the procedural skill required.ResultsThoracoamniotic and vesicoamniotic shunts can be simulated using this life‐like model. The cost of eight to 10 learning stations is approximately US $ 60. Fetal position, maternal size and amniotic fluid status can be altered rapidly to increase the complexity of the procedure.ConclusionsThis low‐cost and realistic task trainer can provide the opportunity to practice in‐utero shunt procedures in a non‐clinical environment. This model should enhance learning and reinforce acquired skills. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib on shoulder balance in patients with congenital scoliosis
Authors: Samy Mohamed Ahmed , Al Zayed Zayed Saleh , Shaheen Mahmood Farouk 
Published: September 2009

Purpose To evaluate the effect of a vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) on shoulder balance in patients with congenital scoliosis. Methods Fifteen patients had a thoracic congenital scoliosis. The Cobb angles of the thoracic primary curves were measured. Preoperative measurements of the coracoid height difference (CHD; expressed in millimeters) and the clavicular tilt angle difference (CTAD; expressed in degrees) were performed for all patients. All of the patients were treated with VEPTR open wedge thoracostomy. Result There was a statistically significant improvement in thoracic Cobb angle. At the end of follow-up there was a significant improvement in CHD; all but three of the patients had CHD < 9 mm. Preoperatively, CTAD was 8.9°. It improved to 4.4° postoperatively and significantly decreased to 3.9° by the end of follow-up. Complications included device migration (one patient), infection (one patient), and pedicle screw loosening or displacement (two patients). Conclusion VEPTR is able to produce a modest intraoperative correction of shoulder imbalance.
Severe chronic pain is associated with increased 10 year mortality. A cohort record linkage study
Authors: Torrance Nicola , Elliott Alison M. , Lee Amanda J. , Smith Blair H. 
Published: September 2009

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

ABSTRACTSecurity policy challenges in the high north should be approached both as an insight into the international legal framework on which co-existence in the region rests and as a soberrealpolitikanalysis. Against this background, the objective of this article is to paint a more balanced picture of security policy options in Norway's Arctic waters, rather than observing contemporary general discourse on the topic might suggest. Management of marine resources, delimitation of unresolved maritime boundaries and relations with Russia in the northern maritime areas are used as examples to substantiate our main thesis which is that dispassionate diplomacy is more likely to resolve disputes than is military confrontation.
Neo-liberal economic practices and population health: a cross-national analysis, 1980–2004
Authors: Tracy Melissa , Kruk Margaret E. , Harper Christine , Galea Sandro 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlthough there has been substantial debate and research concerning the economic impact of neo-liberal practices, there is a paucity of research about the potential relation between neo-liberal economic practices and population health. We assessed the extent to which neo-liberal policies and practices are associated with population health at the national level. We collected data on 119 countries between 1980 and 2004. We measured neo-liberalism using the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World (EFW) Index, which gives an overall score as well as a score for each of five different aspects of neo-liberal economic practices: (1) size of government, (2) legal structure and security of property rights, (3) access to sound money, (4) freedom to exchange with foreigners and (5) regulation of credit, labor and business. Our measure of population health was under-five mortality. We controlled for potential mediators (income distribution, social capital and openness of political institutions) and confounders (female literacy, total population, rural population, fertility, gross domestic product per capita and time period). In longitudinal multivariable analyses, we found that the EFW index did not have an effect on child mortality but that two of its components: improved security of property rights and access to sound money were associated with lower under-five mortality (p = 0.017 and p = 0.024, respectively). When stratifying the countries by level of income, less regulation of credit, labor and business was associated with lower under-five mortality in high-income countries (p = 0.001). None of the EFW components were significantly associated with under-five mortality in low-income countries. This analysis suggests that the concept of ‘neo-liberalism’ is not a monolithic entity in its relation to health and that some ‘neo-liberal’ policies are consistent with improved population health. Further work is needed to corroborate or refute these findings.
Online Tools Help Get Scientists and Educators on the Same Page
Authors: DeCharon Annette , Albright Jennifer , Herren Christy , Cline Amy H. , Repa J. Theodore 
Published: September 2009

As part of its effort to foster substantive dialogue between scientists and educators, the Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence—Ocean Systems (COSEE‐OS), a center in the COSEE network, has developed an applied concept‐mapping process and a related suite of interactive multimedia tools that focus on ocean and climate concepts. The resulting maps illustrate connections among concepts related to ocean and climate science. These tools, developed over the past 3 years, help scientists see and graphically display relationships among the concepts in their field, and help them communicate those concepts clearly and logically to educators and other scientists.COSEE‐OS research has indicated that concept mapping benefits scientists by identifying what they do and do not explain well to educators. Evaluation studies conducted by COSEE‐OS external evaluator Ted Repa include interviews with scientists and survey responses of the educators who participate in COSEE‐OS workshops. By continuously improving its workshop design and suite of interactive communication tools, COSEE‐OS strives to increase the levels of collaboration between scientists and educators by fostering peer‐to‐peer learning environments.