bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring hospital-wide activity volume for patient safety and infection control: a multi-centre study in Japan
Authors: Hayashida Kenshi , Imanaka Yuichi , Fukuda Haruhisa 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
In Japan, as in many other countries, several quality and safety assurance measures have been implemented since the 1990's. This has occurred in spite of cost containment efforts. Although government and hospital decision-makers demand comprehensive analysis of these activities at the hospital-wide level, there have been few studies that actually quantify them. Therefore, the aims of this study were to measure hospital-wide activities for patient safety and infection control through a systematic framework, and to identify the incremental volume of these activities implemented over the last five years.

Methods
Using the conceptual framework of incremental activity corresponding to incremental cost, we defined the scope of patient safety and infection control activities. We then drafted a questionnaire to analyze these realms. After implementing the questionnaire, we conducted several in-person interviews with managers and other staff in charge of patient safety and infection control in seven acute care teaching hospitals in Japan.

Results
At most hospitals, nurses and clerical employees acted as the main figures in patient safety practices. The annual amount of activity ranged from 14,557 to 72,996 person-hours (per 100 beds: 6,240; per 100 staff: 3,323) across participant hospitals. Pharmacists performed more incremental activities than their proportional share. With respect to infection control activities, the annual volume ranged from 3,015 to 12,196 person-hours (per 100 beds: 1,141; per 100 staff: 613). For infection control, medical doctors and nurses tended to perform somewhat more of the duties relative to their share.

Conclusion
We developed a systematic framework to quantify hospital-wide activities for patient safety and infection control. We also assessed the incremental volume of these activities in Japanese hospitals under the reimbursement containment policy. Government and hospital decision makers can benefit from this type of analytic framework and its empirical findings.
Genomic analysis reveals the major driving forces of bacterial life in the rhizosphere
Authors: Matilla Miguel A , Espinosa-Urgel Manuel , Rodríguez-Herva José J , Ramos Juan L , Ramos-González María Isabel 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Mutualistic interactions less well known than those between rhizobia and legumes are commonly found between plants and bacteria, frequently pseudomonads, which colonize roots and adjacent soil areas (the rhizosphere).

Results
A global analysis of Pseudomonas putida genes expressed during their interaction with maize roots revealed how a bacterial population adjusts its genetic program to this lifestyle. Differentially expressed genes were identified by comparing rhizosphere-colonizing populations with three distinct controls covering a variety of nutrients, growth phases and life styles (planktonic and sessile). Ninety rhizosphere up-regulated (rup) genes, which were induced relative to all three controls, were identified, whereas there was no repressed gene in common between the experiments. Genes involved in amino acid uptake and metabolism of aromatic compounds were preferentially expressed in the rhizosphere, which reflects the availability of particular nutrients in root exudates. The induction of efflux pumps and enzymes for glutathione metabolism indicates that adaptation to adverse conditions and stress (oxidative) response are crucial for bacterial life in this environment. The finding of a GGDEF/EAL domain response regulator among the induced genes suggests a role for the turnover of the secondary messenger c-diGMP in root colonization. Several mutants in rup genes showed reduced fitness in competitive root colonization.

Conclusion
Our results show the importance of two selective forces of different nature to colonize the rhizosphere: stress adaptation and availability of particular nutrients. We also identify new traits conferring bacterial survival in this niche and open a way to the characterization of specific signalling and regulatory processes governing the plant-Pseudomonas association.
Identification by Proteomic Tool of Atypical Anti‐Liver/Kidney Microsome Autoantibodies Targets in de Novo Autoimmune Hepatitis after Liver Transplantation
Authors: HUGUET STÉPHANIE , VINH JOELLE , JOHANET CATHERINE , SAMUEL DIDIER , GIGOU MICHÈLE , ZAMFIR OANA , DUCLOS‐VALLÉE JEAN‐CHARLES , BALLOT ERIC 
Published: September 2007

Abstract:
De novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) occurs after liver transplantation for nonautoimmune disorders. Autoantibodies so‐called atypical anti‐liver/kidney microsome antibodies (LKMA) with an unusual liver/kidney cytoplasmic staining as judged by indirect immunofluorescence, can be detected in some patients' sera. Few studies investigated their molecular targets, and the aim of this work was to identify the atypical anti‐LKMA targets by proteomic tool. This proteomic approach consisted of (a) two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of cytosolic and microsomal proteins obtained by differential centrifugations of rat liver and rat kidney, followed by (b) two‐dimensional immunoblotting with sera of patients with de novo AIH (n= 8, including 2 with anti‐LKMA antibodies) and then (c) identifications of interest spots performed by ion trap mass spectrometry. By this way several proteins at 25 kDa were unambiguously identified: isoforms of carbonic anhydrase III, members of different glutathione S‐transferase (GST) families, and subunit β1 of proteasome. This is the first report of proteasome and carbonic anhydrase III as autoantigens in de novo AIH. These results could lead to a better diagnosis of this disease using identified autoantigens in diagnostic tests, and strengthen proteomic approach as a new way of autoantigens investigation.
Greedoid-Based Noncompensatory Inference
Authors: Yee Michael , Dahan Ely , Hauser John R. , Orlin James 
Published: September 2007

Greedoid languages provide a basis to infer best-fitting noncompensatory decision rules from full-rank conjoint data or partial-rank data such as consider-then-rank, consider-only, or choice data. Potential decision rules include elimination by aspects, acceptance by aspects, lexicographic by features, and a mixed-rule lexicographic by aspects (LBA) that nests the other rules. We provide a dynamic program that makes estimation practical for a moderately large numbers of aspects. We test greedoid methods with applications to SmartPhones (339 respondents, both full-rank and consider-then-rank data) and computers (201 respondents from Lenk et al. 1996). We compare LBA to two compensatory benchmarks: hierarchical Bayes ranked logit (HBRL) and LINMAP. For each benchmark, we consider an unconstrained model and a model constrained so that aspects are truly compensatory. For both data sets, LBA predicts (new task) holdouts at least as well as compensatory methods for the majority of the respondents. LBA’s relative predictive ability increases (ranks and choices) if the task is full rank rather than consider then rank. LBA’s relative predictive ability does not change if (1) we allow respondents to presort profiles, or (2) we increase the number of profiles in a consider-then-rank task from 16 to 32. We examine trade-offs between effort and accuracy for the type of task and the number of profiles.
Outcome of single-event multilevel surgery in untreated cerebral palsy in a developing country
Authors: Khan M. A. 
Published: September 2007

In developed countries, children with cerebral palsy are treated from the time of diagnosis. This is usually not the case in developing countries where such patients often present at an age when it is traditionally believed that if walking has not already commenced, it is unlikely to. This study reports the outcome of the surgical treatment of 85 spastic diplegic patients at a mean of 8.5 years (5 to 12). All presented as untreated non-walkers and had achieved sitting balance by the age of five to six years. They underwent single-event multilevel surgery followed by physiotherapy and orthotic support. For outcome assessment, a modified functional walking scale was used at a mean of 3.5 years (2 to 5) post-operatively. At all levels, static joint contractures had resolved almost completely. All patients improved and became walkers, 18 (21.2%) as exercise, 39 (45.9%) as household and 28 (33%) as community walkers. This study shows that children with cerebral palsy who cannot walk and have not been treated can be helped by single-event multilevel surgery, provided that inclusion criteria are followed and a structural, supervised rehabilitation programme is in place.
Post-operative blood salvage with autologous retransfusion in primary total hip replacement
Authors: Smith L. K. , Williams D. H. , Langkamer V. G. 
Published: September 2007

Clinical, haematological or economic benefits of post-operative blood salvage with autologous blood re-transfusion have yet to be clearly demonstrated for primary total hip replacement. We performed a prospective randomised study to analyse differences in postoperative haemoglobin levels and homologous blood requirements in two groups of patients undergoing primary total hip replacement. A series of 158 patients was studied. In one group two vacuum drains were used and in the other the ABTrans autologous retransfusion system. A total of 58 patients (76%) in the re-transfusion group received autologous blood. There was no significant difference in the mean post-operative haemoglobin levels in the two groups. There were, however, significantly fewer patients with post-operative haemoglobin values less than 9.0 g/dl and significantly fewer patients who required transfusion of homologous blood in the re-transfusion group. There was also a small overall cost saving in this group.
Retrieval analyses of highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners four and five years after implantation
Authors: Knahr K. , Pospischill M. , Köttig P. , Schneider W. , Plenk H. 
Published: September 2007

Two Durasul highly crosslinked polyethylene liners were exchanged during revision surgery four and five years after implantation, respectively. The retrieved liners were evaluated macroscopically and surface analysis was performed using optical and electron microscopy. A sample of each liner was used to determine the oxidation of the material by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Samples of the capsule were examined histologically. The annual wear rate was found to be 0.010 and 0.015 mm/year, respectively. Surface analysis showed very little loss of material caused by wear. Histological evaluation revealed a continuous neosynovial lining with single multinucleated foreign-body giant cells. Our findings showed no unexpected patterns of wear on the articulating surfaces up to five years after implantation and no obvious failure of material.
Treatment of benign bone tumours using external fixation
Authors: Tsuchiya H. , Morsy A. F. , Matsubara H. , Watanabe K. , Abdel-Wanis M. E. , Tomita K. 
Published: September 2007

We present a retrospective study of patients suffering from a variety of benign tumours in whom external fixators were used to treat deformity and limb-length discrepancy, and for the reconstruction of bone defects. A total of 43 limbs in 31 patients (12 male and 19 female) with a mean age of 14 years (2 to 54) were treated. The diagnosis was Ollier’s disease in 12 limbs, fibrous dysplasia in 11, osteochondroma in eight, giant cell tumour in five, osteofibrous dysplasia in five and non-ossifying fibroma in two. The lesions were treated in the tibia in 19 limbs, in the femur in 16, and in the forearm in eight. The Ilizarov frame was used in 25 limbs, the Taylor Spatial Frame in seven, the Orthofix fixator in six, the Monotube in four and the Heidelberg fixator in one. The mean follow-up was 72 months (22 to 221). The mean external fixation period was 168 days (71 to 352). The mean external fixation index was 42 days/cm (22.2 to 102.0) in the 22 patients who required limb lengthening. The mean correction angle for those with angular deformity was 23° (7° to 45°). At final follow-up all patients had returned to normal activities. Four patients required a second operation for recurrent deformity of further limb lengthening. Local recurrence occurred in one patient, requiring further surgery.
Iliopsoas impingement after total hip replacement
Authors: Dora C. , Houweling M. , Koch P. , Sierra R. J. 
Published: September 2007

We have reviewed a group of patients with iliopsoas impingement after total hip replacement with radiological evidence of a well-fixed malpositioned or oversized acetabular component. A consecutive series of 29 patients (30 hips) was assessed. All had undergone a trial of conservative management with no improvement in their symptoms. Eight patients (eight hips) preferred continued conservative management (group 1), and 22 hips had either an iliopsoas tenotomy (group 2) or revision of the acetabular component and debridement of the tendon (group 3), based on clinical and radiological findings. Patients were followed clinically for at least two years, and 19 of the 22 patients (86.4%) who had surgery were contacted by phone at a mean of 7.8 years (5 to 9) post-operatively. Conservative management failed in all eight hips. At the final follow-up, operative treatment resulted in relief of pain in 18 of 22 hips (81.8%), with one hip in group 2 and three in group 3 with continuing symptoms. The Harris Hip Score was significantly better in the combined groups 2 and 3 than in group 1. There was a significant rate of complications in group 3. This group initially had better functional scores, but at final follow-up these were no different from those in group 2. Tenotomy of the iliopsoas and revision of the acetabular component are both successful surgical options. Iliopsoas tenotomy provided the same functional results as revision of the acetabular component and avoided the risks of the latter procedure.
A conservative approach is feasible in unexplained pain after knee replacement
Authors: Elson D. W. , Brenkel I. J. 
Published: September 2007

Pain is the main indication for performing total knee replacement (TKR). In most patients after TKR there is an improvement, but a few continue to have pain. Generally, the cause of the pain can be addressed when it is identified. However, unexplained pain can be more difficult to manage because revision surgery is likely to be unrewarding in this group. In our study of 622 cemented TKRs in 512 patients with a mean age of 69 years (23 to 90) treated between January 1995 and August 1998, we identified 24 patients (knees) with unexplained pain at six months. This group was followed for five years (data was unavailable for 18 knees) and ten patients (55.5%) went on to show an improvement without intervention. In the case of unexplained pain, management decisions must be carefully considered, but reassurance can be offered to patients that the pain will improve in more than half with time.
Analysis of the Ductile-to-Brittle Transition Temperature Shift in a Commercial Power Plant With High Nickel Containing Weld Material
Authors: Efsing Pål , Jansson Christer , Mager Tom , Embring Göran 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Plant specific surveillance programs that ideally include all relevant materials and materials combinations that are subjected to neutron irradiation during operation address the degradation due to irradiation of the reactor pressure vessel material for nuclear electric power plants. Plant specific surveillance programs are not unique to the two power plants treated in this study. The current Swedish regulatory system does, however, call for a fairly rigid approach within the surveillance program. In the Swedish case, this means that there is a plant specific predetermined inspection∕test program that has to be followed in order to verify the operability of the power plant and also to verify the operational limits with respect to pressure∕temperature effects on a repetitive basis. The two pressurized water reactor plants Ringhals 3 and 4 have in common that the weld metal used for the butt welds of the reactor pressure vessel is a high nickel type material, above the current limits of the NUREG Reg. Guide 1.99, rev. 2. In the original state, the high nickel content provides excellent fracture toughness in the unirradiated material condition and a low ductile-to-brittle transformation temperature (DBTT). It has, however, been highlighted in several studies that high nickel materials exhibit a very large DBTT shift as a consequence of irradiation, and also that the precipitates that form during the irradiation are not as easily controlled during a heat treatment to remove the irradiation damage as are the copper rich clusters. This paper will present the current state of the art regarding these effects as observed in the weld metal specimens. The paper will present the results from the Charpy V notched and fracture mechanics specimen test encapsulated in the Ringhals Units 3 and 4 surveillance programs. The results from the Ringhals Units 3 and 4 surveillance programs show that there is a need for corrective action to be taken in order to ensure 60 y of operability for the two power plants.
Preventing Stroke Among Children With Sickle Cell Anemia: An Analysis of Strategies That Involve Transcranial Doppler Testing and Chronic Transfusion
Authors: Mazumdar Maitreyi , Heeney Matthew M. , Sox Colin M. , Lieu Tracy A. 
Published: September 2007

BACKGROUND. Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography can identify children with sickle cell anemia who are at elevated risk of stroke and may benefit from chronic transfusions. Uncertainty about the risk/benefit trade-offs of chronic transfusion has led some clinicians to decide not to offer transcranial Doppler ultrasonography screening.OBJECTIVES. Our goals were to (1) compare the projected benefits and risks of 6 primary stroke-prevention strategies, (2) estimate the optimal frequency of screening, and (3) identify key assumptions that influence the risk/benefit relationship.METHODS. We designed a decision model to compare 6 primary stroke-prevention strategies: (1) annual transcranial Doppler ultrasonography screening until age 16 with children at high risk of stroke receiving monthly transfusion for life; (2) annual transcranial Doppler ultrasonography until age 16 with transfusions until age 18; (3) biannual transcranial Doppler ultrasonography until age 16 with transfusions until age 18; (4) annual transcranial Doppler ultrasonography until age 10 with transfusion until age 18; (5) 1-time screening at age 2 with transfusion until age 18; and (6) no intervention. Assumptions were derived from the published literature.RESULTS. For a hypothetical cohort of 2-year-old children, the optimal strategy was transcranial Doppler ultrasonography screening annually until age 10 with children at high risk receiving monthly transfusions until age 18. The optimal strategy would prevent 32% of strokes predicted to occur without intervention. The optimal strategy led to benefits similar to more intensive screening and transfusion strategies but resulted in fewer adverse events. All the intervention strategies resulted in net losses in life expectancy, because the projected mortality averted by stroke prevention was outweighed by the projected increase in mortality from transfusion. Results were sensitive to adherence rates to iron-chelation therapy.CONCLUSIONS. The optimal stroke-prevention strategy was projected to be annual transcranial Doppler ultrasonography screening until age 10 with transfusion for children at high risk until age 18. Better adherence to chelation therapy would improve life expectancy in all intervention strategies.
Amplifiers, Optical
Authors: Mukai Takaaki 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
An overview of optical amplifiers, which are used for direct amplification of optical signals, is presented. The article includes the physics and device performance of practical optical amplifiers, such as semiconductor optical amplifiers, rare‐earth ion‐doped fiber amplifiers, fiber Raman amplifiers and fiber Brillouin amplifiers. System applications of optical amplifiers are also reviewed.
Color Vision
Authors: Webster Michael A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractColor provides important cues to both the nature and location of objects in our environment. Normal human color vision is trichromatic because it depends on sampling the light spectrum with three classes of cone photoreceptor maximally sensitive to short, medium, or long wavelengths. Most forms of color‐blindness are genetic and result from losses or alterations of the cone photopigments. Postreceptoral neurons sum the cone signals to form luminance‐sensitive channels and contrast them to form color‐opponent channels. Color opponency is suggested by both physiology and color appearance, though higher stages of color coding in the visual system remain unclear. Perceived color is strongly affected by adaptation to colors viewed previously and by induction from surrounding colors. These processes help normalize the response to color and contribute to color constancy for objects viewed in different lighting.
Colorimetry
Authors: Stockman Andrew 
Published: August 2007

AbstractColorimetry is concerned with the measurement and numerical specification of the color of visual stimuli. Color depends on the underlying biology of the human visual system, and in the first instance on the spectral properties of the three types of light‐sensitive cone photoreceptors in the eye. Color and color matches are trichromatic, meaning they can be specified by three variables that are linearly related to the outputs of the three cone types. The primary aim of colorimetry is to be able to specify those variables for lights of any spectral composition.
Diodes, Light‐emitting
Authors: Gardner Nathan F. , George Craford M. , Steranka Frank M. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
A light‐emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that emits monochromatic ultraviolet, visible, or infrared electromagnetic radiation when an electric current is passed through it. The semiconductor material is a compound or alloy of elements from columns III and V of the periodic table. Light‐emitting diodes are compact, mechanically rugged, energy efficient, are of low voltage, and have long operating lifetimes. For colored lighting applications, the efficiency of LEDs far exceeds that of filtered incandescent sources and they are becoming the dominant technology. LEDs are widely used as indicator lights, for backlighting small displays in electronic equipment, in exterior and interior lighting of automobiles, in large‐area full‐color displays, and for data communication. LEDs will be used for general white‐light illumination purposes to the extent that the energy efficiency improves and higher‐power, higher‐flux devices become available.
Image Processing of Optical Data
Authors: Petrou Maria 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Image processing is concerned with the processing of digital images for the purpose of image enhancement, image restoration, image compression, and feature salienation so that the processed image can be viewed by a higher‐level computer vision module. These objectives are achieved by using linear and nonlinear methods. From the mathematical point of view, a digital image is a two‐dimensional array of numbers; so the linear methods used are based on linear algebra. The nonlinear methods used are various types of thresholding as well as methods based on statistics and probability.