bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Hospital-wide Quality-Improvement Collaborative to Reduce Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Wheeler Derek S. , Giaccone Mary Jo , Hutchinson Nancy , Haygood Mary , Bondurant Pattie , Demmel Kathy , Kotagal Uma R. , Connelly Beverly , Corcoran Melinda S. , Line Kristin , Rich Kate , Schoettker Pamela J. , Brilli Richard J. 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:
Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CA BSIs) are associated with increased hospital length of stay, total hospital costs, and mortality. Quality-improvement collaboratives (QICs) are frequently used to improve health care quality. Our PICU was previously involved in a successful national QIC to reduce the incidence of CA BSI in critically ill children.

OBJECTIVE:
We hypothesized that the formation of a hospital-wide QIC would reduce the incidence of CA BSI throughout our institution.

METHODS:
We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of CA BSI from March 2006 to March 2010. The collaborative approach included hospital-wide implementation of central-line insertion and maintenance bundles that emphasized full sterile barrier precautions and chlorhexidine skin preparation during line insertion, daily discussion of catheter necessity, and meticulous site and tubing care. The hospital units involved were our 3 critical care units, the oncology unit, the bone marrow transplant unit, and wards. Each individual unit was responsible for collecting unit-specific data and performing event-cause analysis within 48 hours of identifying a CA BSI. These results were shared with the other hospital units during monthly meetings. Compliance with the insertion and maintenance bundles was monitored and reported to each unit monthly.

RESULTS:
The hospital-wide CA-BSI rate decreased from a baseline of 3.0 to &lt;1.0 CA BSI per 1000 line-days after implementation of the QIC.

CONCLUSIONS:
Our hospital-wide QIC resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of CA BSI at our children's hospital. A collaborative model based on improvement science methodology is both feasible and effective in reducing the incidence of CA BSI.
Four-Year Prospective Study of BMI and Mental Health Problems in Young Children
Authors: Sawyer Michael Gifford , Harchak Taylor , Wake Melissa , Lynch John 
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:
To investigate prospectively the relationship between BMI and the mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of young children.

METHODS:
In this study we used data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children obtained when children were 4 to 5 and 8 to 9 years old. BMI was available for 3363 children at both waves. Mental health problems were assessed by using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which was completed by parents and teachers. HRQoL was assessed by using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), which was completed by the parents.

RESULTS:
Logistic regression models were adjusted for children's age, gender, baseline SDQ or PedsQL scores, and maternal characteristics. A 1-SD increase in BMI in children aged 4 to 5 years was associated with increased odds of scoring in the abnormal range of the SDQ peer problems scale of 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.28) for parent reports and 1.20 (95% CI: 1.04–1.37) for teacher reports when these children were aged 8 to 9 years. The odds ratio for children who scored above the at-risk cutoff on the parent-reported PedsQL social problems scale was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.06–1.28) for each 1-SD increase at 4 to 5 years of age. There were also increased odds for teacher reports of childhood emotional problems.

CONCLUSIONS:
Higher BMI in children aged 4 to 5 years was positively related to poorer peer relationships and teacher-reported emotional problems but not to other childhood mental health problems, in these children at 8 to 9 years of age. Prospective studies are needed to determine if peer problems experienced by children with higher BMI predict subsequent mental health problems in other areas.
Comparative Study of HgI2, PbI2 and TlBr Films Aimed for Ionizing Radiation Detection in Medical Imaging
Authors: Mulato Marcelo , Condeles José F. , Ugucioni Julio C. , Caldeira-Filho Ademar M. , Destefano Natalia 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWide bandgap semiconductor films were obtained by spray pyrolysis, thermal evaporation and casting. These films were characterized under similar conditions in order to compare their structures, surface morphology and photocurrent properties. All films show either a crystalline or a polycrystalline structure. SEM pictures of sprayed films present holes and fissures and non-total covering of the substrate. The photoresponse was obtained for evaporated TlBr films, HgI2 casted with polystyrene (PS) scaffold, sprayed and evaporated PbI2 films. The photo to dark current ratio is discussed as well as the difference of photo to dark current at an electric field of 100 V/cm. The discussion also focuses on a future optimized material.
The Influence of Lattice Strain on Single Vacancy and Krypton Atom Diffusion in Uranium Dioxide
Authors: Semi Torey , Bartel Timothy J. , Lusk Mark T. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTNuclear fuel pins exhibit distortions in the UO2 lattice in response to temperature gradients, defects and the introduction of fission product (FP) gases. These distortions can have a significant influence on the activation barriers associated with fission product gas diffusion. A predictive understanding of this relationship is particularly relevant to anticipating the evolution of fission product gases during rapid temperature transients. Density Functional Theory (DFT) has the capacity to provide a relationship between lattice distortion and FP gas diffusivity by generating estimates of dilation dependent activation energies.As a first step in this direction, the relation between lattice dilation and activation energy for isolated vacancies within an otherwise pristine block of alpha-quartz is quantified, where precise experimental data is readily available. The results lend confidence to the basic approach which is based on a one-shot transition state method, developed to lessen the computational resources required by the full transition state method. This technique is first applied to α-quartz for O vacancy hopping and diamond-Si for Si vacancy hopping. The method is subsequently extended to consider isolated uranium vacancies in UO2. This in turn is further generalized to estimate the activation volume for Kr atoms in UO2. Thus two different types of defects are considered; those of species native to the material and, in the case of UO2, FP gases introduced through the fission process.
Seebeck Coefficient Effects of Nanoscale Conductors in a Gaseous Flow Environment
Authors: Garrity Patrick L. , Stokes Kevin L. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe surrounding ambient introduces a gaseous boundary to many potential nanotechnology applications such as nanoscale thermoelectric devices and low dimensional thermal control devices. Despite the large surface area to volume ratio of nanostructures, a formal study of the surface scattering effects induced by a gaseous boundary has received little attention. In this work, we consider the perturbing effects to the electron cloud or jellium of conducting nanostructures when submitted to a gaseous interface of varying interaction energies. Specifically, we incorporate the novel experimental method of Dynamic Electron Scattering (DES) to measure the Seebeck coefficient of 30 nm thick Au and Cu metal films in He and Ar atmospheres. The gas particle impact energy is varied by changing the flow speed from stationary (non-moving gas field) to high speed flow over the metal films. The scattering effects of each gas are clearly observable through a Seebeck coefficient increase as the gas impact energy increases. We find the high collision density of He to induce a greater increase in thermopower than the much heavier Ar with lower collision density. The perturbed transport properties of the Au and Cu thin films are explained by kinetic surface scattering mechanisms that dominate the scattering landscape of high surface area to volume ratio materials as suggested by comparative measurements on bulk Cu.
Zeolite H-ZSM-5: A Microporous Proton Conductor for the in situ Monitoring of DeNOx-SCR
Authors: Simons Thomas , Simon Ulrich 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTImpedance spectroscopy was applied on zeolite H-ZSM 5 as a proton conducting NH3 sensor material and DeNOx-SCR (selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3) catalysts at the same time under SCR conditions. We show that in situ monitoring of the NH3 conversion with NOx becomes feasible when the zeolite is loaded with NH3 first and NOx is applied afterwards to the gas phase. Temperature dependent measurements allow discriminating NH3 desorption from catalytic conversion and time dependent measurement give first hints on the thermal activation of the conversion.
Metal and Metal-oxide Nanoparticle Synthesis by Laser Ablation of Aqueous Aerosols
Authors: Gleason Kristofer L. , Keto John W. , Kovar Desiderio , Becker Michael F. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTWe present a scalable, continuous manufacturing method of nanoparticle production based on laser ablation of an aerosol generated from an aqueous precursor solution. A Collison nebulizer is used to generate a mist of ~10 μm diameter water droplets containing dissolved transition metal salts, suspended in 1 atmosphere of buffer gas. Water from the droplets quickly evaporates, leaving solid particles ~2 μm in diameter for a typical solution concentration. These microparticles are then ablated by a pulsed KrF excimer laser (10 ns, λ = 248 nm, 2 J/cm2 at focus). Ablation results in plasma breakdown of the microparticle and photothermal decomposition of the precursor material. Following ablation, nanoparticles 5-20 nm in diameter are formed and collected. For AgNO3 ablated in He gas, metal Ag nanoparticles were produced. For Cu(NO3)2 ablated in He, crystalline Cu2O nanoparticles were produced. For Ni(NO3)2 ablated in He, crystalline NiO nanoparticles were produced. A combination of AgNO3 and Cu(NO3)2 ablated in a reducing atmosphere of 10% H2 and 90% He yielded Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles. In contrast to conventional wet-chemical synthesis processes, our nanoparticles are formed ‘bare,’ without surfactants or organic material contaminating the surface. Owing to their small size and high free surface area, nanoparticles produced by this process are ideally suited for applications that include catalysis and facilitated transport membranes.
An Interactive 3D Visualization Tool for Large Scale Data Sets for Quantitative Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Dahal Hari , Stukowski Michael , Graf Matthias J. , Balatsky Alexander V. , Rajan Krishna 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTSeveral visualization schemes have been developed for imaging materials at the atomic level through atom probe tomography. The main shortcoming of these tools is their inability to parallel process data using multi-core computing units to tackle the problem of larger data sets. This critically handicaps the ability to make a quantitative interpretation of spatial correlations in chemical composition, since a significant amount of the data is missed during subsequent analysis. In addition, since these visualization tools are not open-source software there is always a problem with developing a common language for the interpretation of data. In this contribution we present results of our work on using an open-source advanced interactive visualization software tool, which overcomes the difficulty of visualizing larger data sets by supporting parallel rendering on a graphical user interface or script user interface and permits quantitative analysis of atom probe tomography data in real time. This advancement allows materials scientists a codesign approach to making, measuring and modeling new and nanostructured materials by providing a direct feedback to the fabrication and designing of samples in real time.
Study of depth-dependent radiation-induced defects using coherent acoustic phonon spectroscopy
Authors: Steigerwald A. , Gregory J. , Varga K. , Hmelo A.B. , Liu X. , Furdyna J. K. , Feldman L. C. , Tolk N. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTHere we study the effect of radiation-induced point defect distributions on the optical reflectivity signal in GaAs using coherent acoustic phonon spectroscopy. We demonstrate that the presence of point defects significantly modifies the optical response, allowing estimation of the depth-dependent defect distribution in a nondestructive and noninvasive manner. We show that the observed changes are dependent on defect-induced changes to the electronic structure, namely defect-induced band tailing of the direct 1.43eV band edge. This provides a method for subsurface investigations on the complex interaction between different defects species and optoelectronic structure.
Microduplication of the ICR2 domain at chromosome 11p15 and familial Silver–Russell syndrome
Authors: Bonaldi Adriano , Mazzeu Juliana F. , Costa Silvia S. , Honjo Rachel S. , Bertola Débora R. , Albano Lilian M.J. , Furquim Isabel M. , Kim Chong A. , Vianna‐Morgante Angela M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSilver–Russell syndrome (SRS) is characterized by severe intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation in association with a typical small triangular face and other variable features. Genetic and epigenetic disturbances are detected in about 50% of the patients. Most frequently, SRS is caused by altered gene expression on chromosome 11p15 due to hypomethylation of the telomeric imprinting center (ICR1) that is present in at least 40% of the patients. Maternally inherited duplications encompassing ICR1 and ICR2 domains at 11p15 were found in a few patients, and a microduplication restricted to ICR2 was described in a single SRS child. We report on a microduplication of the ICR2 domain encompassing the KCNQ1, KCNQ1OT1, and CDKN1C genes in a three‐generation family: there were four instances of paternal transmissions of the microduplication from a single male uniformly resulting in normal offspring, and five maternal transmissions, via two clinically normal sisters, with all the children exhibiting SRS. This report provides confirmatory evidence that a microduplication restricted to the ICR2 domain results in SRS when maternally transmitted. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Axial spondylometaphyseal dysplasia: Additional reports
Authors: Suzuki Shigeru , Kim Ok‐Hwa , Makita Yoshio , Saito Tetsuya , Lim Gye‐Yeon , Cho Tae‐Joon , Al‐Swaid Abdulrahman , Alrasheed Shatha , Sadoon Eiad , Miyazaki Osamu , Nishina Sachiko , Superti‐Furga Andrea , Unger Sheila , Fujieda Kenji , Ikegawa Shiro , Nishimura Gen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAxial spondylometaphyseal dysplasia (SMD) (OMIM 602271) is an uncommon skeletal dysplasia characterized by metaphyseal changes of truncal‐juxtatruncal bones, including the proximal femora, and retinal abnormalities. The disorder has not attracted much attention since initially reported; however, it has been included in the nosology of genetic skeletal disorders [Warman et al. (2011); Am J Med Genet Part A 155A:943–968] in part because of a recent publication of two additional cases [Isidor et al. (2010); Am J Med Genet Part A 152A:1550–1554]. We report here on the clinical and radiological manifestations in seven affected individuals from five families (three sporadic cases and two familial cases). Based on our observations and Isidor's report, the clinical and radiological hallmarks of axial SMD can be defined: The main clinical findings are postnatal growth failure, rhizomelic short stature in early childhood evolving into short trunk in late childhood, and thoracic hypoplasia that may cause mild to moderate respiratory problems in the neonatal period and later susceptibility to airway infection. Impaired visual acuity comes to medical attention in early life and function rapidly deteriorates. Retinal changes are diagnosed as retinitis pigmentosa or pigmentary retinal degeneration on fundoscopic examination and cone‐rod dystrophy on electroretinogram. The radiological hallmarks include short ribs with flared, cupped anterior ends, mild spondylar dysplasia, lacy iliac crests, and metaphyseal irregularities essentially confined to the proximal femora. Equally affected sibling pairs of opposite gender and parental consanguinity are strongly suggestive of autosomal recessive inheritance. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ramos‐Arroyo syndrome: Confirmation of an entity
Authors: Tooley Madeleine J. , Cosgrove Mike , Laws David E. , Pilz Daniela T. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn 1987, Ramos‐Arroyo et al. described a family with a previously unreported combination of features, which included corneal anesthesia, short stature, sensorineural deafness, learning difficulties, and a characteristic facial appearance. The family was reviewed in 2008 and additional features were noted. The name Ramos‐Arroyo syndrome was proposed. The condition can be delineated by corneal anesthesia, absence of the peripapillary choriocapillaris and retinal pigment epithelium, bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, unusual facial appearance, persistent ductus arteriosus, Hirschprung disease, short stature, and intellectual disability. No other patient has been described since. Here, we report on a 5‐year‐old girl with features consistent with Ramos‐Arroyo syndrome. We propose an overlap of this condition with dysautonomia syndromes. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
International Pig‐a gene mutation assay trial: Evaluation of transferability across 14 laboratories
Authors: Dertinger Stephen D. , Phonethepswath Souk , Weller Pamela , Nicolette John , Murray Joel , Sonders Paul , Vohr Hans‐Werner , Shi Jing , Krsmanovic Ljubica , Gleason Carol , Custer Laura , Henwood Andrew , Sweder Kevin , Stankowski Leon F. , Roberts Daniel J. , Giddings Amanda , Kenny Julia , Lynch Anthony M. , Defrain Céline , Nesslany Fabrice , van der Leede Bas‐jan M. , Van Doninck Terry , Schuermans Ann , Tanaka Kentaro , Hiwata Yoshie , Tajima Osamu , Wilde Eleanor , Elhajouji Azeddine , Gunther William C. , Thiffeault Catherine J. , Shutsky Thomas J. , Fiedler Ronald D. , Kimoto Takafumi , Bhalli Javed A. , Heflich Robert H. , MacGregor James T. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA collaborative international trial was conducted to evaluate the reproducibility and transferability of an in vivo mutation assay based on the enumeration of CD59‐negative rat erythrocytes, a phenotype that is indicative of Pig‐a gene mutation. Fourteen laboratories participated in this study, where anti‐CD59‐PE, SYTO 13 dye, and flow cytometry were used to determine the frequency of CD59‐negative erythrocytes (RBCCD59−) and CD59‐negative reticulocytes (RETCD59−). To provide samples with a range of mutant phenotype cell frequencies, male rats were exposed to N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) via oral gavage for three consecutive days (Days 1–3). Each laboratory studied 0, 20, and 40 mg ENU/kg/day (n = 5 per group). Three sites also evaluated 4 mg/kg/day. At a minimum, blood samples were collected three times: predosing and on Days 15 and 30. Blood samples were processed according to a standardized sample processing and data acquisition protocol, and three endpoints were measured: %reticulocytes, frequency of RETCD59−, and frequency of RBCCD59−. The methodology was found to be reproducible, as the analysis of technical replicates resulted in experimental coefficients of variation that approached theoretical values. Good transferability was evident from the similar kinetics and magnitude of the dose‐related responses that were observed among different laboratories. Concordance correlation coefficients showed a high level of agreement between the reference site and the test sites (range: 0.87–0.99). Collectively, these data demonstrate that with adequate training of personnel, flow cytometric analysis is capable of reliably enumerating mutant phenotype erythrocytes, thereby providing a robust in vivo mutation assay that is readily transferable across laboratories. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
School‐related predictors of smoking, drinking and drug use: Evidence from the Belfast Youth Development Study
Authors: Perra Oliver , Fletcher Adam , Bonell Chris , Higgins Kathryn , McCrystal Patrick 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo examine whether students’ school engagement, relationships with teachers, educational aspirations and involvement in fights at school are associated with various measures of subsequent substance use.MethodsData were drawn from the Belfast Youth Development Study (n = 2968). Multivariate logistic models examined associations between school‐related factors (age 13/14) and substance use (age 15/16).ResultsThe two factors which were consistently and independently associated with regular substance use among both males and females were student–teacher relationships and fighting at school: positive teacher‐relationships reduced the risk of daily smoking by 48%, weekly drunkenness by 25%, and weekly cannabis use by 52%; being in a fight increased the risk of daily smoking by 54%, weekly drunkenness by 31%, and weekly cannabis use by 43%. School disengagement increased the likelihood of smoking and cannabis use among females only.ConclusionFurther research should focus on public health interventions promoting positive relationships and safety at school.
Differential effects of lidocaine on nerve growth factor (NGF)‐evoked heat‐ and mechanical hyperalgesia in humans
Authors: Weinkauf B. , Obreja O. , Schmelz M. , Rukwied R. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe investigated the effects of a non‐specific sodium channel blocker (lidocaine) on heat pain thresholds and mechanical impact pain at day 7 and 21 after intradermal injection of 1 μg NGF. Measurements were performed in 12 healthy male subjects prior to and 5 min after intradermal injection of 150 μl lidocaine administered at concentrations of 0.01% (∼0.4 mM) and 0.1% (∼4 mM) to both NGF and control skin sites.NGF caused a maximum reduction of heat pain thresholds at day 7 (NGF 42.6 ± 0.6 vs. 49.4 ± 0.3 °C in control skin). Lidocaine sensitized normal skin for heat pain, but reduced heat hyperalgesia after NGF at day 7 (44.3 ± 0.8 °C, lidocaine 0.1%; p < 0.005). Pain upon supra‐threshold mechanical impact stimulation was increased after NGF at day 7 (VAS 29 + 5) and massively enhanced at day 21 (VAS 64 + 5, p < 0.001). Lidocaine dose‐dependently attenuated mechanically‐induced pain at both control and NGF‐treated sites. Maximum lidocaine effects on mechanical hyperalgesia were recorded at day 21 in NGF skin (pain reduction to VAS 37 ± 4, p < 0.00001). Repetitive impact stimuli caused increasingly more pain at the NGF sites at day 21 and this pain increase was efficiently suppressed by lidocaine 0.1%.Lidocaine differentially affects NGF‐induced mechanical hyperalgesia (analgesic effect) and heat sensitivity of nociceptors (sensitizing effect). These opposing responses may be attributed to block of sodium channels vs. sensitization of TRPV1. NGF‐evoked extreme mechanical impact pain indicates high action potential discharge frequencies, which might be more susceptible to lidocaine block.