bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening the emergency healthcare system for mothers and children in The Gambia
Authors: Cole-Ceesay Ramou , Cherian Meena , Sonko Alieu , Shivute Nestor , Cham Mamady , Davis Michael , Fatty Famara , Wieteska Susan , Baro Momodou , Watson Diane , Phillips Barbara , MacDonald Rhona , Hayden Brigid , Southall David 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
A system to improve the management of emergencies during pregnancy, childbirth, infancy and childhood in a region of The Gambia (Brikama) with a population of approximately 250,000 has been developed.
This was accomplished through formal partnership between the Gambian Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation, Maternal Childhealth Advocacy International and the Advanced Life Support Group.
Since October 2006, the hospital in Brikama has been renovated and equipped and more efficiently provided with emergency medicines. An emergency ambulance service now links the community with the hospital through a mobile telephone system. Health professionals from community to hospital have been trained in obstetric, neonatal and paediatric emergency management using skills' based education. The programme was evaluated in log books detailing individual resuscitations and by external assessment.
The hospital now has constant water and electricity, a functioning operating theatre and emergency room; the maternity unit and children's wards have better emergency equipment and there is a more reliable supply of oxygen and emergency drugs, including misoprostol (for treating post partum haemorrhage) and magnesium sulphate (for severe pre-eclampsia). There is also a blood transfusion service.
Countrywide, 217 doctors, nurses, and midwives have undergone accredited training in the provision of emergency maternal, newborn and child care, including for major trauma. 33 have received additional education through Generic Instructor Courses and 15 have reached full instructor status. 83 Traditional Birth Attendants and 48 Village Health Workers have been trained in the recognition and initial management of emergencies, including resuscitation of the newborn. Eleven and ten nurses underwent training in peri-operative nursing and anaesthetics respectively, to address the acute shortage required for emergency Caesarean section.
Between May 2007 and March 2010, 109 patients, mostly pregnant mothers, were stabilised and transported to hospital by the new emergency ambulance service.
293 resuscitation attempts were documented in personal logbooks.
A sustainable system for better managing emergencies has been established and is helping to negate the main obstacle impeding progress: the country's lack of available trained medical and nursing staff. However, insufficient attention was paid to improving staff morale and accommodation representing significant failings of the programme.
Condensation oscillations in the peptidization of phenylglycine
Authors: Sajewicz Mieczysław , Gontarska Monika , Kronenbach Dorota , Leda Marcin , Kowalska Teresa , Epstein Irving R 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
In earlier studies, we showed that certain low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids (profens, amino acids, hydroxy acids) can undergo spontaneous in vitro chiral conversion accompanied by condensation to from oligomers, and we proposed two simple models to describe these processes. Here, we present the results of investigations using non-chiral high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometry (MS) on the dynamics of peptidization of S-, R-, and rac-phenylglycine dissolved in 70% aqueous ethanol and stored for times up to one year. The experimental results demonstrate that peptidization of phenylglycine can occur in an oscillatory fashion. We also describe, and carry out simulations with, three models that capture key aspects of the oscillatory condensation and chiral conversion processes.
Levels of Neonatal Thyroid Hormone in Preterm Infants and Neurodevelopmental Outcome at 5½ Years: Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Delahunty Caroline , Falconer Shona , Hume Robert , Jackson Lesley , Midgley Paula , Mirfield Marie , Ogston Simon , Perra Oliver , Simpson Judith , Watson Jennifer , Willatts Peter , Williams Fiona ,   the Scottish Preterm Thyroid Group
Published: August 2010

Context: Transient hypothyroxinemia is the commonest thyroid dysfunction of premature infants, and recent studies have found adverse associations with neurodevelopment. The validity of these associations is unclear because the studies adjusted for a differing range of factors likely to influence neurodevelopment.
Objective: The aim was to describe the association of transient hypothyroxinemia with neurodevelopment at 5.5 yr corrected age.
Design: We conducted a follow-up study of a cohort of infants born in Scotland from 1999 to 2001 ≤34 wk gestation.
Main Outcome Measures: We measured scores on the McCarthy scale adjusted for 26 influences of neurodevelopment including parental intellect, home environment, breast or formula fed, growth retardation, and use of postnatal drugs.
Results: A total of 442 infants ≤34 wk gestation who had serum T4 measurements on postnatal d 7, 14, or 28 and 100 term infants who had serum T4 measured in cord blood were followed up at 5.5 yr. Infants with hypothyroxinemia (T4 level ≤ 10th percentile on d 7, 14, or 28 corrected for gestational age) scored significantly lower than euthyroid infants (T4 level greater than the 10th percentile and less than the 90th percentile on all days) on all McCarthy scales, except the quantitative. After adjustment for confounders of neurodevelopment, hypothyroxinemic infants scored significantly lower than euthyroid infants on the general cognitive and verbal scales.
Conclusions: Our findings do not support the view that the hypothyroxinemic state, in the context of this analysis, is harmless in preterm infants. Many factors contribute both to the etiology of hypothyroxinemia and neurodevelopment; strategies for correction of hypothyroxinemia should acknowledge its complex etiology and not rely solely on one approach.
Malignancy Risk for Fine-Needle Aspiration of Thyroid Lesions According to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology
Authors: Jo Vickie Y. , Stelow Edward B. , Dustin Simone M. , Hanley Krisztina Z. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an important test for triaging patients with thyroid nodules. The 2007 National Cancer Institute Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration State-of-the-Science Conference helped instigate the recent publication of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. We reviewed 3,080 thyroid FNA samples and recorded interpretations according to the proposed standardized 6-tier nomenclature, and pursued follow-up cytology and histology. Of the 3,080 FNAs, 18.6% were nondiagnostic, 59.0% were benign, 3.4% were atypical follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AFLUS), 9.7% were “suspicious” for follicular neoplasm (SFN), 2.3% were suspicious for malignancy (SM), and 7.0% were malignant. Of 574 cases originally interpreted as nondiagnostic, 47.9% remained nondiagnostic. In 892 cases, there was follow-up histology. Rates of malignancy were as follows: nondiagnostic, 8.9%; benign, 1.1%; AFLUS, 17% (9/53); SFN, 25.4%; SM, 70% (39/56), and malignant, 98.1%. Thus, classification of thyroid FNA samples at the University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, according to The Bethesda System yields similar results for risk of malignancy as reported by others. Universal application of the new standardized nomenclature may improve interlaboratory agreement and lead to more consistent management approaches.
The World Health Organization African Region Laboratory Accreditation Process
Authors: Gershy-Damet Guy-Michel , Rotz Philip , Cross David , Belabbes El Hadj , Cham Fatim , Ndihokubwayo Jean-Bosco , Fine Glen , Zeh Clement , Njukeng Patrick A. , Mboup Souleymane , Sesse Daniel E. , Messele Tsehaynesh , Birx Deborah L. , Nkengasong John N. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Few developing countries have established laboratory quality standards that are affordable and easy to implement and monitor. To address this challenge, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO AFRO) established a stepwise approach, using a 0- to 5-star scale, to the recognition of evolving fulfillment of the ISO 15189 standard rather than pass-fail grading. Laboratories that fail to achieve an assessment score of at least 55% will not be awarded a star ranking. Laboratories that achieve 95% or more will receive a 5-star rating.
This stepwise approach acknowledges to laboratories where they stand, supports them with a series of evaluations to use to demonstrate improvement, and recognizes and rewards their progress. WHO AFRO’s accreditation process is not intended to replace established ISO 15189 accreditation schemes, but rather to provide an interim pathway to the realization of international laboratory standards. Laboratories that demonstrate outstanding performance in the WHO-AFRO process will be strongly encouraged to enroll in an established ISO 15189 accreditation scheme. We believe that the WHO-AFRO approach for laboratory accreditation is affordable, sustainable, effective, and scalable.
Field Experience in Implementing ISO 15189 in Kisumu, Kenya
Authors: Zeh Clement E. , Inzaule Seth C. , Magero Valentine O. , Thomas Timothy K. , Laserson Kayla F. , Hart Clyde E. , Nkengasong John N. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Quality medical laboratory services are an integral part of routine health care, medical research, and public health systems. Despite this vital role, quality laboratory services in Africa are scarce. The crucial need for expanding quality laboratory services throughout sub-Saharan Africa is especially critical because of the region’s burden of disease. Fortunately, several plans from supporting international partners are underway to help strengthen laboratory infrastructure in this region. A key component of these initiatives is the enforcement of quality assurance services through accreditation by international standards such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189. However, acquisition and maintenance of these standards are a significant challenge, especially in resource-limited settings. The most common limiting factors can include funding, government support, equipment, training opportunities, and poor procurement infrastructure. In this article, we discuss the challenges and benefits accrued in pursuing and sustaining ISO 15189 accreditation for the Kenya Medical Research Institute/Centre for Disease Control HIV-Research Laboratory in Kisumu, Kenya.
The use of serial patient blood gas, electrolyte and glucose results to derive biologic variation: a new tool to assess the acceptability of intensive care unit testing
Authors: Cembrowski George S. , Tran David V. , Higgins Trefor N. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Background: Most estimates of biologic variation (sb) are based on periodically acquiring and storing specimens, followed by analysis within a single analytic run. We demonstrate for many intensive care unit (ICU) tests, only patient results need be statistically analyzed to provide reliable estimates of sb.

Methods: Over 11 months, approximately 28,000 blood gas measurements (including electrolyte panels and glucose) were performed on one of two Radiometer ABL800 FLEX analyzers (Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark) from 1676 ICU patients. We tabulated the measurements of paired intra-patient blood samples drawn within 24 h of each other. After removal of outliers, we calculated the standard deviations of duplicates (SDD) of the intra-patient pairs grouped in 2-h intervals: 0–2 h, 2–4 h, 4–6 h, … 20–22 h and 22–24 h. The SDDs were then regressed against the time intervals of 2–14 h; extrapolation to zero time represents the sum of sb and short-term analytic variation (sa).

Results: Substitution of experimentally derived analytic error permitted the calculation of coefficient of variation (biologic) (CVb) (100 sb/mean): pH, 0.3%; pCO2, 5.7%; pO2, 13%; Na+, 0.6%; K+, 4.8%; Cl–, 0.8%; HCO3
–, 3.2%; iCa++, 2.4%; and glucose, 10.3%. The CVb of the electrolytes very closely matches the lowest estimates obtained in the usual manner.

Conclusions: Derivation of the ratio of biologic to analytic variation indicates that the ABL800 is extremely suitable for ICU testing. This analysis should be extended to other point of care instrument systems.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1447–54.
Effects of Barrier Width on Spectral Response of Strained Layer Superlattices for High Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: Bradshaw Geoffrey K. , Carlin Conrad Zachary , Colter Peter C. , Harmon Jeffrey L. , Samberg Joshua P. , Bedair Salah M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCharacteristics of strained layer superlattices (SLS) consisting of alternating layers InxGa1-xAs and GaAs1-yPy are examined for use in high efficiency solar cells. The effects of SLS quantum barrier widths on tunneling probability and short circuit current are discussed through analysis of J-V and spectral response measurements. Results indicate a threshold barrier thickness for which tunneling effects are deleterious. Effect of the number of SLS periods incorporated into a p-i-n structure and maximum number of periods are presented through spectral response and CV analysis. It is demonstrated that SLS show increasing responsivity with increasing number of periods due to higher absorption. CV analysis is performed to determine zero bias depletion widths for verifying appropriate number of SLS periods and fully depleted SLS region.
GaAs Based InAs/InGaAs Quantum Dots-in-a-Well Solar Cells and Their Concentration Applications
Authors: Yang Kai , El-Emawy Mohamed A , Gu Tingyi , Stintz Andreas , Lester Luke F 
Published: August 2010

AbstractQuantum dot (QD) solar cells have been actively investigated recently since they have been theoretically shown to have the potential to realize high conversion efficiencies. However, very little research has analyzed the effect the dots have on the transport or recombination effects in the device. In this paper, we report the I-V and spectral response characteristics of InAs/InGaAs “dots-in-a-well” (DWELL) solar cells and compared them with GaAs control cells. The QD cells show higher short circuit density (Jsc) and better long-wavelength efficiency compared to the control cell. By comparing the dark current behavior of the QD cells to the GaAs control cells, we have conservatively estimated the concentration level at which the QD solar cells would surpass GaAs control devices.The quantum dot solar cells are grown by molecular beam epitaxy using the DWELL technique and a standard pin structure. The control cell structure is similar to the QD one except that there are no InAs dots or surrounding InGaAs quantum wells. The light I-V characteristics were measured under AM1.5G at 100 mW/cm2 illumination. The control cell has a Voc of 0.89V and a Jsc of 9.1 mA/cm2. The InAs QD solar cell has a Voc of 0.68 V and a Jsc of 12.2 mA/cm2. The QD cell has about a 33% larger short circuit current density compared to the GaAs control cell, which is mainly due to the higher photon absorption rate related to the DWELL structure. The spectrum response data show that the GaAs control cell and the QD cell have similar external quantum efficiency (EQE) in the visible to near-IR range (400-870nm). Beyond the GaAs absorption edge (870nm), the QD solar cell shows extended response with much higher measured EQE up to ˜1200 nm. This is strong evidence of the contribution from the InAs QDs and InGaAs QWs, the latter being the primary contributor to the increased Jsc.We calculated the “local” ideality factor from measured dark IV data, and then substituted it into a single diode equation to get the “local” reverse saturation current. Whereas the GaAs control shows the typical monotonically decreasing ideality from 0.3 to 0.8V, a linearly increasing ideality is observed in the QD cell. Based on the measured dark currents, and neglecting series resistance, we extrapolated the IV curves to higher voltages and found that they intercept at ˜2×104 mA/cm2. Dividing the intercept point Jdark by the Jsc of the QD cell conservatively estimates the light concentration (˜1400×) above which the QD cell would have a higher Voc than the GaAs cell assuming additivity applies. This result is mainly attributed to the unique carrier transport properties that are introduced into the solar cell devices that utilize QDs.
Inorganic Photo-sensitized Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) Nanocomposite Thin Films for Photovoltaic (PV) Energy Conversion
Authors: Allen Cary G. , Shih Grace H. , Potter B.G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNanophase semiconductor composites are widely researched for the development of third-generation photovoltaic (PV) devices. Through quantum-size effects and phase assembly manipulation the optical absorption and carrier transport properties of nanocomposite films can be influenced. We investigate the potential for improved PV-relevant material performance by examining the photo-sensitization of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) with nanophase germanium (Ge). Nanocomposite films are produced by a sequential, RF-magnetron sputter deposition technique. Deposition control and post-deposition annealing are used to demonstrate the manipulation of the extended-assembly of the nanocrystalline Ge phase. Optical absorption characteristics were correlated to variations in the composite film structure as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. In addition to structure-dependent variation in spectral absorption, spectrally resolved photoconductivity measurements demonstrate enhanced photoconductivity of composite films associated with the incorporation of the Ge phase into the ITO host. These results support the further evaluation of such nanocomposite TCO materials in optoelectronic devices, including PV systems.
Photovoltaic Properties of Polyaniline-Titania Composite for Hybrid Solar Cells Applications
Authors: Ibrahim Michael Ibrahim , Bassil Maria Joseph , Demirci Umit B. , El Hajj Moussa Georges , Salles Vincent , El Tahchi Mario Remond , Miele Philippe 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSolar energy harvesting has been extensively studied in the last three decades to provide a green energy source. Hybrid photovoltaics (HPV) based on titania (TiO2) are researched for their easiness of production and low cost. Nanostructured mesoporous titania films and conductive polymers were used recently to form hybrid solar cells [1]. TiO2, mainly an n-type semiconductor with a band gap of 4.2 eV, is employed in several applications from which paints form the highest world use of titania making it an attractive material to use in HPV industry. On the other side, our targeted conductive polymer is polyaniline (PANI), a hole conductor polymer, which is used in such HPV cells due to its high charge-carriers mobility, absorption coefficient in the visible range and environmental stability. PANI and nanocrystalline TiO2 films fabricated using spin coating or layer by layer assembly techniques behave as a p-n heterojunction diode and can be used as solar cells [2-4].Precursor solutions are prepared by polymerizing aniline-HCl inside an aqueous solution of titania. To study the effect of the precursor concentration on the PANI-TiO2 composite, polymerization of aniline is held in diverse TiO2 concentrations in water. Industrial grade TiO2 powders with particle size ranging from 200 nm to several μm are used. PANI-TiO2 precursor solutions are dip coated or slot dyed on various substrates such as PMMA, PET and PP, all with metal oxide conductive coatings. Bulk PANI-TiO2 pellets are prepared for comparison. The electrical and photovoltaic properties of the obtained films and pellets are investigated to choose the optimum blend composition for HPV cell. Finally a theoretical study and an analytical model of the HPV cell are presented relating the size of TiO2 and PANI particles and their respective geometrical distribution inside the blend to the transport characteristics of charge carriers and the overall efficiency of the HPV cell.[1] M. McGehee, MRS Bulletin, Vol. 34, No. 2, February 2009.[2] Z. Liu, W. Guo, D. Fu and W. Chen, Synthetic Metals, Vol. 156, pp. 414–416, 2006.[3] Z. Liu, J. Zhou, H. Xue, L. Shen, H. Zang and W. Chen, Synthetic Metals, Vol. 156, pp. 721–723, 2006.[4] X. Zhang, G. Yan, H. Ding and Y. Shan, Materials Chemistry and Physics, Vol. 102, pp. 249–254, 2007.
First Principles Calculations of Complex Intermediate Band Materials for Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Wahnón Perla , Aguilera Irene , Palacios Pablo , Sánchez Kefren 
Published: August 2010

AbstractAn ab initio study of several compounds candidates to behave as intermediate band materials is presented. The use of these materials as the active element in solar cells is a promising way to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency. Indeed from this point of view, most interesting compounds are those whose host semiconductor presents a band-gap close to the optimum value of 2 eV. Chalcogenide compounds substituted by light transition metals are solid candidates to this end. While they are being further characterized and experimentally synthesized, another approach is being examined. It consists of using Si as host semiconductor. Ti implantation at concentrations several orders of magnitude above equilibrium solubility has shown a probable intermediate band material behavior, the origin of the intermediate band being related to levels of interstitial Ti. Optoelectronic characterization of this material is completed. A novel possibility consists of combining chalcogen S implantation with boron. In this case preliminary results of electronic structure are shown.
Enhanced Efficiency Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Through Acid Pre-treatment
Authors: Watson Trystan , Bryant Daniel , Worsley David 
Published: August 2010

AbstractA nitric acid (2M) pre-treatment is shown to increase the efficiency of a standard dye sensitized solar cell mounted on a FTO glass substrate from 4.15% to 5.12%. The pre-treatment involves immersing an FTO glass electrode coated with commercial ethyl cellulose based TiO2 paste for 1-60 minutes prior to sintering at 450°C. The pre-treatment leads to agglomeration of the TiO2 creating a scattering layer which covers the acid treated surface on short term immersion (<30 mins) and penetrates the bulk layer upon long immersion. The scattering layer itself takes up less of the sensitizing (N719) dye but scatters photons in the rest of the film. The optimum immersion time under room temperature conditions was found to be ca 20 minutes since at much longer immersion times the bulk film particle agglomeration reduced efficiency. The choice of anion in the acid is critical with certain species, notably phosphate, resulting in blockage of dye absorption sites in the entire film resulting in reduced cell efficiency.
Impedance spectroscopy study of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells with varying Spiro-OMeTAD concentration
Authors: Góes Márcio S , Fabregat-Santiago Francisco , Bueno Paulo R , Bisquert Juan 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThis work reports on the changes of solid-state cells dye-sensitized solar cells performance with the variation of concentration of spiro-OMeTAD between 5% and 25% in the fabrication of the cell. The changes in charge recombination and capacitance correlate with the improvement of current-potential characteristics a increasing spiro-OMeTAD content, which is explained by reduction of transport resistance for hole transport, the increase of charge separation in the dye molecules, and importantly, with the increase of the β-factor in the recombination resistance, that causes a reduction of the diode ideality factor.