bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical quality control for local‐scale extreme temperatures. Case study: Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Lucio P. S. , Serrano A. I. , Deus R. J. R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOne of the biggest constraints to the study of meteorological fields is the fact that ground‐based meteorological networks do not operate over a common period of adequate length. In general, the biggest drawback is that recorded data must be gap‐filled and quality controlled (coherent, consistent and homogeneous) to provide a reliable, continuous, reference daily/monthly/yearly series. This paper addresses procedures for statistical quality control of extremes of air temperature (daily maximum and minimum) time series. The diagnostic was accomplished based on the analysis of daily time series (1941–1996), monthly time series (1941–2001) and yearly time series (1941–2001) from 18 meteorological stations located in the Lisbon (Portugal) metropolitan region. To obtain insight into the quality of the series of the temperature data, objective statistical tests for departure from homogeneity were applied to the time series. To illustrate the procedures, one assesses the homogeneity of the reconstructed time series to check the quality of the ‘virtual’ observations and some tests were run over the annual, seasonal and monthly series of extreme temperatures. None of these assessments was able to detect a spatial non‐homogeneity in the temperature series around the tested years. As expected, the optimal interpolation approach for time series reconstruction, proposed by Lucio and Deus (2005), seems to be robust, considering a wide range of methods to test homogeneity of the reconstructed time series. Afterwards, one can apply the reconstituted monthly series of extreme air temperature anomalies, for each meteorological station, to analyse the respective trends, when they exist. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Mesoscale simulation of an extreme rainfall event over Mumbai, India, using a high‐resolution MM5 model
Authors: Litta A. J. , Chakrapani B. , Mohankumar K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractMesoscale models are essential for the accurate prediction of high‐impact weather, such as severe thunderstorms, heavy rainfall events, mountain weather forecasting, cloudbursts and cyclones. An attempt has been made in the present study to simulate the heavy rainfall event that occurred during 26 July 2005 over Santa Cruz (19.20°N, 72.53°E) in Mumbai, India, using the Fifth‐Generation NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale Model (MM5). The cloud‐resolving mesoscale model with the right combination of the nesting domains, horizontal resolution and cloud parameterization schemes, is able to simulate the heavy rainfall event both qualitatively and quantitatively. The model results indicate the existence of an intense mesoscale vortex in the mid‐troposphere during this heavy rainfall event. The localized heavy rainfall which occurred over Santa Cruz may possibly be due to the subsidence of the mid‐tropospheric mesoscale vortex, superimposed on the active monsoon conditions over this region. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Geographical distribution of road slipperiness in Sweden, on national, regional and county scales
Authors: Andersson A. K. , Gustavsson T. , Bogren J. , Holmer B. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe influence of latitude on the distribution of slipperiness of roads in Sweden was studied at three scales: national, regional and county. Data from 654 Road Weather Information System (RWIS) stations were compiled over five winter seasons, from 1998/1999 to 2002/2003. The aim of the study was to establish a basis on which to model how future climate changes might affect frequency of slipperiness and costs for maintenance in winter. Four types of slipperiness were studied (slippery conditions due to moderate (HR1) or severe (HR2) hoarfrost, moist/wet surface that freezes (HT), and rain or sleet falling on a cold road (HN)), all adding up to form the winter index (WI).In Sweden, the distribution of slipperiness varies depending on the scale (national, regional or county). On the national and regional scales the mean temperatures give a general picture of the total slipperiness—i.e. dependence on latitude; different factors were tested and latitude proved to be the most correlated. Slipperiness caused by HR1 and HR2 hoarfrost tends to increase towards the north, while road icing (HT) decreases. On the county scale, neither latitude nor any other tested geographical variable, could explain much of the variance. Local climate and the directions of movement of individual weather systems may be more important. The regional scale is considered to be most suitable for future modelling of the influence of the effect of a changed climate on the slipperiness of the roads. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
An exploration of the NHS end of life care programme and its potential use for patients with end‐stage systemic sclerosis
Authors: Reay Naomi 
Published: August 2007

AbstractSystemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder with the highest case‐specific mortality of the rheumatic disorders (Denton and Black, 1999). Despite recent developments in the treatment of systemic sclerosis, patients are still dying from its complications. Therefore the palliative care needs of patients with end‐stage systemic sclerosis must be considered. There is little research into palliative care for patients with systemic sclerosis, but clinical experience suggests the level of care has been dependent upon local resources and the experience of the team responsible for the patient's care. The need for equitable, high‐quality palliative care for patients with end‐stage systemic sclerosis may be met by current developments in end of life care within the UK. The present paper outlines the NHS end of life care programme (DoH, 2003; NICE, 2003) and uses a case study approach to illustrate its application to palliative care in end‐stage systemic sclerosis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of clinical nurse specialists in rheumatology using an OSCE
Authors: Ryan Sarah , Stevenson Kay , Hassell Andrew B 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjective: To introduce a new method of assessment; an observed structured clinical examination (OSCE) into a postgraduate course for rheumatology clinical nurse specialists.Method: The OSCE was introduced into a physical assessment module, which focused on the nurses' ability to perform an examination of patients' shoulders, knees and hands. A modified blueprinting exercise was used to ensure adequate sampling of the different components of the syllabus. This resulted in five active stations and one rest station. The active stations included history‐taking, physical examination of the shoulder, knee and hand complexes and multidisciplinary management plans. To enhance authenticity real, rather than simulated, patients were used where practical.Results: All 11 students passed all stations, the lowest score related to history‐taking and the highest score related to devising a management plan. All 11 students rated the OSCE a worthwhile experience reflecting the learning outcomes of the module and recommended that the OSCE should be used to assess the next cohort of students. Eight students found the OSCE too ‘anxiety‐provoking’ and did not want this method of assessment to be used in other modules. All examiners felt this mode of assessment was more valid than the previous assessment format of a viva on a single patient.Conclusion: This was the first time an OSCE was used in a postgraduate course to assess the physical examination skills of rheumatology nurse specialists. The course faculty, examiners and students found it was a reliable and valid means of assessment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment choices, preferences and decision‐making by patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chilton Frances , Collett Raymond A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectives: To explore rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient treatment preferences, their decision‐making and the treatment choices they would make when faced with three anti‐tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) therapy options.Methods: Two methods of enquiry were used: postal questionnaire and one‐to‐one interviews. RA patients not taking anti‐TNF‐α medications were asked to complete a questionnaire after reading a written scenario, which involved choosing and identifying factors that influenced their treatment choice from three anti‐TNF‐α therapies: etanercept (Enbrel), adalimumab (Humira) and infliximab (Remicade). Patients who had tried more than one anti‐TNF‐α medication were asked at one‐to‐one interviews for their treatment preferences and how their current treatment had been decided.Results: Both interviewees and questionnaire respondents chose adalimumab as their preferred treatment. Interviewees identified lack of control, convenience and technical issues as influencing treatment choice. Questionnaire respondents were less likely than interviewees to want to participate in making decisions about the selection of anti‐TNF‐α therapy. There were few gender differences. Patients younger than 61 years old were more confident about self‐administering treatment, and preferred subcutaneous (sc) over intravenous (iv) medication, as this reduced regular hospital attendance. Older patients preferred health care staff to administer treatment and more readily identified ‘contact with other patients/meeting others’ and ‘staff availability if problems arise’ as factors influencing choice.Conclusions: RA patients demonstrate a clear treatment preference. Different factors influence patients who choose sc compared with iv medications. Many RA patients either wished to share in treatment decisions or relinquish responsibility to the health professional when choosing anti‐TNF‐α therapy. Patients require reassurance and continuing dialogue with clinicians to manage their condition optimally. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new quadrilateral area coordinate method (QACM‐II) for developing quadrilateral finite element models
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Ming , Cen Song , Fu Xiang‐Rong , Long Yu‐Qiu 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe quadrilateral area coordinate method proposed in 1999 (hereinafter referred to as QACM‐I) is a new and efficient tool for developing robust quadrilateral finite element models. However, such a coordinate system contains four components (L1, L2, L3, L4), which may make the element formulae and their construction procedure relatively complicated. In this paper, a new category of the quadrilateral area coordinate method (hereinafter referred to as QACM‐II), containing only two components Z1 and Z2, is systematically established. This new coordinate system (QACM‐II) not only has a simpler form but also retains the most important advantages of the previous system (QACM‐I). Hence, as an application, QACM‐II is used to formulate a new 4‐node membrane element with internal parameters. The whole process is similar to that of the famous Wilson's Q6 element. Numerical results show that the present element, denoted as QACII6, exhibits much better performance than that of Q6 in benchmark problems, especially for MacNeal's thin beam problem. This demonstrates that QACM‐II is a powerful tool for constructing high‐performance quadrilateral finite element models. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathophysiology and treatment of arterial dissection and stroke
Authors: Khanna Kunal , Richard Bella 
Published: August 2007

AbstractArterial dissection is the commonest cause of stroke in younger people; however, the mechanisms involved and how it is treated remain controversial. In this article, the authors outline the possible pathophysiology of arterial dissection causing stroke, how it is currently diagnosed and treated and how further large trials are required to improve the prognosis of this condition. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
Primhe: Primary Care Mental Health & Education
Authors: Banerjee Somnath , Brown Robert , Popli Gaurav 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPsychotropic drug prescribing patterns among CAMHS clinicians and paediatriciansThere has been an increase in the use of psychopharmacological agents by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) clinicians and paediatricians in recent years. This audit of FP10 prescriptions issued by secondary care clinicians in child health looked at the prescribing patterns among CAMHS clinicians and paediatricians in a secondary care setting. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Interface Ltd
New technique of processing highly oriented poly(vinylidene fluoride) films exclusively in the β phase
Authors: Branciforti Marcia Cristina , Sencadas Vitor , Lanceros‐Mendez Senentxu , Gregorio Rinaldo 
Published: August 2007

AbstractOriented β‐phase films were obtained by utilizing two different techniques: conventional uniaxial drawing at 80 °C of predominantly α‐phase films, and by drawing almost exclusively β‐phase films obtained by crystallization at 60 °C from dimethylformamide (DMF) solution with subsequent pressing. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) and pole figure plots showed that with the conventional drawing technique films oriented at a ratio (R) of 5 still contained about 20% of phase α, a crystallinity degree of 40% and β‐phase crystallographic c‐axis orientation factor of 0.655. Drawing at 90 °C and with R = 4 of originally β‐phase films results in exclusively β‐phase films with crystallinity degree of 45% and orientation factor of 0.885. Crystalline phase, crystallinity degree, and crystallographic c‐axis orientation factor of both phases were also determined for α‐phase oriented films obtained by drawing α‐phase films at 140 °C. For films drawn at 140 °C the α to β phase transition drops to about 22%. Reduction in crystallinity degree with increasing R is more pronounced at draw temperature of 140 °C compared with 80 °C. Moreover, for both phases the c‐axis orientation parallel to the draw direction is higher at draw temperature of 140 °C than at 80 °C. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2793–2801, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of an epoxy based thermoset containing a fluorinated thermoplastic
Authors: Penoff M. E. , Papagni G. , Yañez M. J. , Montemartini P. E. , Oyanguren P. A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA novel fluorinated thermoplastic (FT) was synthesized from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), and 3‐(trifluoromethyl)aniline. FT was found to be miscible with DGEBA as shown by the existence of a single glass transition temperature (Tg) within the whole composition range. On the basis of several experimental techniques, it was found that upon heating etherification reaction takes place between FT and DGEBA. A DGEBA‐aromatic diamine (4,4′‐methylenebis(3‐chloro 2,6‐diethylaniline) formulation was modified with the FT. The influence of FT on the epoxy‐amine kinetics was investigated. Both structural parameters, gelation, and vitrification, were found to be affected by etherification reaction between epoxy and hydroxyls groups belonging to FT. The presence of ether linkages induced system stoichiometry modification. In addition, the curing conditions influence on FT migration towards the surface was studied on samples prepared with 20 wt % of modifier. SEM–EDX analysis confirmed that modified systems exhibits notable fluorine enrichment within the uppermost 200 μm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2781–2792, 2007
Volume targeted ventilation (volume guarantee) in the weaning phase of premature newborn infants
Authors: Scopesi F. , Calevo M.G. , Rolfe P. , Arioni C. , Traggiai C. , Risso F.M. , Serra G. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveSeveral options are currently available in neonatal mechanical ventilation: complete breathing synchronization (patient triggered ventilation, synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation—SIPPV); positive pressure flow‐cycled ventilation (pressure support ventilation, PSV); and volume targeted positive pressure ventilation (volume guarantee, VG). The software algorithm for the guarantee volume attempts to deliver a tidal volume (Vt) as close as possible to what has been selected by the clinician as the target volume. Main objectives of the present study were to compare patient–ventilator interactions and Vt variability in premature infants recovering from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who were weaned by various ventilator modes (SIMV/PSV + VG/SIPPV + VG and SIMV + VG).MethodsThis was a short‐term crossover trial in which each infant served as his/her own control. Ten premature infants born before the 32nd week of gestation in the recovery phase of RDS were enrolled in the study. All recruited infants started ventilation with SIPPV and in the weaning phase were switched to synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV). Baseline data were collected during an initial 20‐min period of monitoring with the infant receiving SIMV alone, then they were switched to SIPPV + VG for a 20‐min period and then switched back to SIMV for 15 min. Next, they were switched to PSV + VG for the study period and switched back to SIMV for a further 15 min. Finally, they were switched to SIMV + VG and, at the end of monitoring, they were again switched back to SIMV alone.ResultsEach mode combined with VG discharged comparable Vts, which were very close to the target volume. Among the VG‐combined modes, mean variability of Vt from preset Vt was significantly different. Variability from the target value was significantly lower in SIPPV and PSV modes than in SIMV (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.04 respectively). SIPPV + VG showed greater stability of Vt, fewer large breaths, lower respiratory rate, and allowed for lower peak inspiratory pressure than what was delivered by the ventilator during other modes. No significant changes in blood gases were observed after each of the study periods.ConclusionsWith regards to the weaning phase, among combined modes, both of the ones in which every breath is supported (SIPPV/PSV) are likely to be the most effective in the delivery of stable Vt using a low working pressure, thus, at least in the short term, likely more gentle for the neonatal lung. In summary, we can suggest that the VG option, when combined with traditional, patient triggered ventilation, adheres very closely to the proposed theoretical algorithm, achieving highly effective ventilation. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:864–870. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The increased cost of complications in children with status asthmaticus
Authors: Carroll Christopher L. , Zucker Aaron R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractStatus asthmaticus is one of the most common causes of admission to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). There is little published data, however, examining the complications associated with the treatment of status asthmaticus in children in the PICU. Our hypothesis was that children experiencing a complication would have an increased duration of hospitalization for status asthmaticus. We performed a retrospective review of the complication profile and hospital course of all children admitted to a PICU with status asthmaticus over a 9 years period. Twenty‐two (8%) of the 293 children admitted to the ICU with status asthmaticus experienced one or more complications during their treatment. The most common complications were aspiration pneumonia, ventilator‐associated pneumonia, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and rhabdomyolysis. Intubated children were significantly more likely than non‐intubated children to experience a complication (RR 15.3; 95% CI 6.7–35). Fifteen (42%) of the 36 intubated children experienced a complication. Intubated children experiencing a complication had significantly longer duration of mechanical ventilation (163 ± 169 hr vs. 66 ± 65 hr, P = 0.03), ICU length of stay (237 ± 180 hr vs. 124 ± 86 hr, P = 0.02) and hospital charges ($117,184 ± 111,191 vs. $38,788 ± 27,784; P = 0.001) than intubated children not experiencing a complication. In this review, complications were associated with increased morbidity and duration of hospitalization in children with status asthmaticus, particularly in those intubated as part of their therapy. This suggests that intubation and mechanical ventilation itself may increase the risk of developing a complication in this population. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:914–919. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dornase alfa is well tolerated: Data from the Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: McKenzie S.G. , Chowdhury S. , Strandvik B. , Hodson M.E. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAfter closure of the Epidemiologic Registry of Cystic Fibrosis (ERCF), a comprehensive safety analysis of dornase alfa was performed. A planned subanalysis focused on children under 5 years old. Reported serious adverse events (SAEs) were assigned a preferred term and ascribed to a specific organ system. Possible serious adverse reactions to dornase alfa (SADRs) were identified by reporting clinics. Twenty‐eight of 15,865 SAEs (0.18%), occurring in 26 of 6,829 patients ever treated with dornase alfa (0.38%), and no deaths were reported as possible SADRs: most were typical complications of cystic fibrosis (CF). There was no evidence of any unrecognized risk of treatment. During 24,586 patient‐years of follow‐up (FU) of ever‐treated patients, SAEs (mostly typical respiratory complications of CF) were more frequent on‐treatment (0.4999/patient‐year; 95% CI 0.4921–0.5076) than off‐treatment (0.3889; 0.3787–0.3992). This was likely caused by within‐patient prescription bias. During 655 patient‐years of FU in 328 ever‐treated patients under 5 years old, SAEs (mostly pulmonary exacerbations of CF) were slightly less frequent during treatment: 0.2911 (0.2367–0.3455) versus 0.3563 (0.3086–0.4040; ns). Results confirm the safety of dornase alfa in CF patients of all ages. Children under 5 years old tolerate dornase alfa at least as well as older patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:928–937. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dysplasia: A review
Authors: Bokodi Géza , Treszl András , Kovács Lajos , Tulassay Tivadar , Vásárhelyi Barna 
Published: August 2007

AbstractBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common perinatal complication of very low birth weight preterm infants with a significant risk of long‐term disability and morbidity. While clinical conditions such as prematurity and mechanical ventilation are its major risk factors, studies suggest that there is an individual susceptibility to BPD. This comprehensive review summarizes data collected about the implication of genetic polymorphisms in BPD and in its risk factors. Some studies have directly related the risk of BPD to genotype. Indeed, carrier states of genetic variants of cytokines (IFNγ T+874A), adhesion molecules (L‐selectin‐Pro213Ser), elements of renin‐angiotensin system (ACE‐I/D), antioxidant enzymes (GST‐P1 Val105Ile), and surfactant proteins (SPA1, SPB intron 4) has been identified as risk factors to BPD. Other studies investigated the role of genotype in BPD risk factors. Premature birth has been linked to carrier states of genetic variants with an impact on immune status (such as IL‐6 G−174C, MBL2 54G/A, VEGF G+405C, HSP72 A+1267G genes) and matrix metalloproteases. Fetal inflammatory response syndrome, a major determinant of BPD is also affected by genotype (including LTα A+250G). Disturbed intrauterine lung development and vascularization may also contribute to BPD; these processes may be impaired in the presence of some rare genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is also a genetic component in the susceptibility to other perinatal adaptational disturbances such as respiratory distress syndrome that are associated with an increased need for mechanical ventilation, and, hence, with lung damage. The genetic variants presented in this article may help to identify infants at risk for BPD. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:952–961. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.