bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bronchial provocation testing with dry powder mannitol in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Minasian Caro , Wallis Colin , Metcalfe Chris , Bush Andrew 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackground/AimThere has been recent interest in dry powder inhaled mannitol as a therapeutic agent in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is has been shown to increase mucociliary clearance (MCC) by rehydrating the airway. To date there have been no studies exclusively in children with CF examining the effect of dry powder mannitol on the airways. The aim of this study was to determine acute tolerability of inhaled mannitol in children with CF.MethodsThirty‐nine children (aged 8–18 years) with CF underwent a bronchial provocation challenge with incrementally increasing doses of dry powder mannitol (up to a maximum cumulative dose of 475 mg). A positive challenge was defined as a drop in FEV1 of ≥15% from baseline.ResultsNine out of 38 subjects (24%; 95% confidence interval 10–38%) had a positive challenge. Only two of these nine subjects had a PD15 (dose of mannitol required to cause a 15% reduction in FEV1) prior to the 315 mg dose, the remaining seven children dropping their FEV1 by ≥15% on the 315 or 475 mg (final) cumulative dose. We found no association between patient characteristics and a positive challenge. Although cough was common during the challenge, other adverse events were infrequent.ConclusionsWe report that 24% of children with CF had a positive airway challenge with inhaled mannitol. This compares with a previously reported 12% of subjects in a study including both adults and children. We could not identify factors predictive of a positive mannitol challenge in our children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1078–1084. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sputum eosinophil apoptotic rate is positively correlated to exhaled nitric oxide in children
Authors: Pontin Jennifer , Blaylock Morgan G. , Walsh Garry M. , Turner Stephen W. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRationale for StudyExhaled nitric oxide (FENO), a potential biomarker for asthma, is positively correlated with eosinophilic airway inflammation. Eosinophil apoptotic rate (AR) may be increased by NO but the relationship between eosinophil AR and NO has not been studied in vivo. This study tested the hypothesis that eosinophil AR will be positively related to FENO.MethodsChildren with and without asthma were recruited and participated in an assessment that included FENO measurement, skin prick reactivity, spirometry, and sputum induction. The absolute sputum eosinophil count and eosinophil AR were determined by morphology under light microscope after staining.ResultsThere were 31 children recruited, mean age 11 years, 21 were asthmatic and 19 were boys. The median FENO (range) was 15.6 parts per billion (3.1–102.6), 17 were atopic and the mean (SD)% FEV1 was 85 (10)%. Sputum eosinophil AR was determined in 19 children (16 asthmatics), mean (SD) value 0.49 (0.13). There were positive relationships between eosinophil AR and FENO (Spearman rho = 0.46, P = 0.046), eosinophil AR and % eosinophil count (Spearman rho = 0.45, P = 0.050) and also FENO and % eosinophil count (Spearman rho = 0.49, P = 0.024).ConclusionThere is a positive relationship between FENO and eosinophil AR. Nitric oxide may be involved in regulation of eosinophil AR in the airways. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1130–1134. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Outcome measures in physiotherapy management of patients with stroke: a survey into self‐reported use, and barriers to and facilitators for use
Authors: Van Peppen Roland P.S. , Maissan Francois J.F. , Van Genderen Frank R. , Van Dolder Rob , Van Meeteren Nico L.U. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective. To investigate physiotherapists' self‐reported use of outcome measures as recommended in the Dutch Clinical Practice Guideline on Physiotherapy Management of Patients with Stroke (CPGPS) and to assess perceived barriers to and facilitators for the use of outcome measures in everyday practice. Method. A 41‐item survey, including the barriers and facilitators questionnaire (BFQ), was sent by post to 400 physiotherapists in each of the following settings in the Netherlands: acute care hospitals (ACH; n = 100), rehabilitation centres (RC; n = 100), nursing homes (NH; n = 100) and private physiotherapy practices (PPP; n = 100). Results. One hundred and eighty‐nine physiotherapists returned the survey (47%; ACH, n = 57; RC, n = 67; NH, n = 26 and PPP, n = 39) and the surveys of 167 physiotherapists involved in stroke settings were analysed. These physiotherapists reported regularly using three (median; range 0–7) of the seven recommended outcome measures, with those working in RC or ACH reporting a significantly higher use than their colleagues in PPP (4 vs. 0 and 3 vs. 0; p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively). The BFQ revealed that there were setting‐specific facilitators, such as ‘a positive attitude towards outcome measures’ (as mentioned by 93% of the physiotherapists) and ‘acquaintance with outcome measures’ (90%), and barriers such as ‘changing routines’ (32%), ‘time investment’ (29%) and ‘financial compensation’ (21%). Conclusion. Despite an almost uniformly positive attitude, physiotherapists infrequently use the outcome measures recommended in the CPGPS. Robust setting‐specific tailored implementation strategies based on the reported barriers and facilitators are needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use root cause analysis to understand and improve process safety culture
Authors: Sutton Ian S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article describes the topics of root cause analysis and company culture. An evaluation of the root causes of incidents can help identify areas where the culture requires improvement. In addition, an analysis of the nature of root cause can help companies understand their culture.Following an incident, root cause analysis can be conducted for at least four levels of management, (a) line supervision, (b) facility management, (c) executive management, and (d) professionals who write and then implement regulations and standards.This article makes a distinction between root causes for occupational losses and for major process accidents; it emphasizes the teachings that improve one does not automatically improve the other. In other words, a root cause analysis program that addresses the behaviors that correct occupational safety problems may not help correct those behaviors that cause process safety incidents.Examples of how root cause analysis can help a company understand and improve its culture are provided. For instance, companies should recognize the need for both training and education. If process risk is to be reduced, employees need to be educated as well as trained because education creates new behaviors that allow for improved root cause analysis and the aversion of major events. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008
Ontology driven certification of pressure equipments
Authors: Camossi Elena , Giannini Franca , Monti Marina , Bragatto Paolo , Pittiglio Paolo , Ansaldi Silvia 
Published: October 2008

AbstractStandards and engineering codes rule design, construction and operation of chemical plant equipments to ensure reliability and safety. In this article, we exploit knowledge‐based methodologies and technologies to guarantee safety rules compliance of pressure equipments. Specifically, we describe a knowledge‐based tool defined on top of a knowledge‐based computer‐aided design system, which can serve inspection bodies, i.e., for certification purposes, and pressure equipment designers for the verification of the appropriate safety normative (i.e., the pressure equipment directive). The article focuses on the knowledge base of the tool, which has been formalized through the PED&I (Pressure Equipment Design and Inspection) ontology. The ontology has been enriched by logical axioms, which ensure the consistency of the knowledge base, and by reasoning rules, which enable to infer new relationships among the class instances stored in the ontology. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008
Identification of Diisobutyl Phthalate (DIBP) suspected as possible contaminant in recycled cellulose for take‐away pizza boxes
Authors: Bononi Monica , Tateo Fernando 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe above article (DOI:10.1002/pts.805) was published online on 19 November 2007 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). An error was subsequently identified. In this paper, the word ‘regenerated’ was incorrectly used and should be corrected to ‘virgin’ (as opposed to ‘recycled’).Reference 2 is corrected to the following link: http://www.ministerosalute.it/imgs/C_17_comunicati_909_testo.rtf [accessed 1 October 2008]
Spin polarization of field‐emitted electrons from ferromagnetic half‐metallic Heusler alloy Co2MnSi
Authors: Nagai Shigekazu , Fujiwara Yuji , Hata Koichi 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo develop a spin‐polarized field emitter with high brightness available at room temperature, spin polarization of Heusler alloy Co2MnSi thin film deposited onto a chromium buffer layer on a polycrystalline tungsten needle tip surface was measured with Mott polarization analyzer. Typical electron emission pattern of Co2MnSi thin film displayed a mosaic pattern, which consisted of small bright spots, and the substrate plane of the brightest spot was a W(001) facet. Polarization direction obtained from the brightest spot was < 110> direction of substrate tungsten which corresponded to a magnetic easy axis of Co2MnSi, if the film grew epitaxially on the W(001) plane via the chromium buffer layer. About 30% of spin polarization was obtained from Co2MnSi film annealed at 600 K for 2 h. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility study of SR‐TXRF‐XANES analysis for iron contaminations on a silicon wafer surface
Authors: Meirer F. , Streli C. , Pepponi G. , Wobrauschek P. , Zaitz M. A. , Horntrich C. , Falkenberg G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe ability to chemically characterize the contamination on silicon wafers is of critical importance to the semiconductor industry. It provides information on possible unwanted chemical processes taking place on the wafer surface and helps in determining the true source of the contamination problem. This type of information is not readily accessible with standard laboratory equipment. Synchrotron radiation‐induced total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (SR‐TXRF) was combined with X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure (XANES) to determine the chemical state of Fe contaminations on a silicon wafer surface. Main purpose of the study was to test the method for a contamination issue as it could appear in a microelectronic VLSI production fab. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment and prediction of daylight performance in high‐rise office buildings
Authors: Ko Dong‐Hwan , Elnimeiri Mahjoub , Clark Raymond J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEffective use of daylighting is an essential component to achieve a sustainable building design. In a tall building, the amount of useable space with a potential for the use of daylight is the space between the exterior wall and the core. This is commonly referred to as the ‘lease span’. Class A office buildings in the USA have typically utilized lease spans of around 45 ft (13·7 m), primarily due to efficiency of space usage. In Europe, however, lease spans in high‐rise office buildings have typically been shortened due to concerns of natural light penetrations and views. For instance, in Germany, the amount of leasable space per floor is less than in the USA. The maximum allowable depth of space in Germany is typically about 18 ft (5·5 m), whereas in the USA, as much as 50 ft (15 m) is no rarity. The lease span also has an impact on other items, such as the aspect ratio, floor‐to‐floor height, total height and total floor area. In this study, to assess and predict daylight performance, two different requirements were analysed: daylight factor (DF) and the daylight requirement of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) 2.2 green‐building rating system. The recommended average DF (DFave) ranges from 2 to 5% and LEED 2.2 requires that a minimum daylight illumination of 25 footcandles be achieved in at least 75% of all regularly occupied areas. This study conducted a series of computer simulations using RADIANCE to first show the effects of each of the fenestration parameters and then to provide an optimum effective aperture to meet the two daylight requirements in four lease span types ranging from 20 to 50 ft. As a final step, regression models and simple evaluation tools were developed to correlate the DF, daylight requirement in LEED 2.2 and the various fenestration parameters, such as window area, visible transmittance and lease span in four different cities (London, Chicago, Dubai and Bangkok). This paper provides a simplified method for evaluating indoor daylight performance to meet the two daylight requirements. This can be used as a pre‐design tool, not only to achieve more credits in LEED 2.2 green‐building rating systems, but also to evaluate based on DFave to ensure that the building meets the recommended level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is Adenocarcinoma of the Esophagogastric Junction Different between Japan and Western Countries? The Incidence and Clinicopathological Features at a Japanese High‐Volume Cancer Center
Authors: Hasegawa Shinichi , Yoshikawa Takaki , Cho Haruhiko , Tsuburaya Akira , Kobayashi Osamu 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundWe clarified the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG) at a Japanese high‐volume cancer center and its clinicopathological features between the Siewert subtypes.MethodsPatients with AEG were selected from a prospective database of gastric and esophageal tumors established by Kanagawa Cancer Center. The Siewert subtypes were determined retrospectively by examining pathological pictures of the resected specimens and by evaluating the pathology and endoscopy findings.ResultsFrom January 1986 to December 2005, 147 (4.0%) patients were determined to have AEG; 2,794 (75.8%) were diagnosed to be true gastric cancer, whereas 745 (20.2%) were true esophageal cancer. Of these 147 patients with AEG, 5 (3.4%) were classified as type I, 82 (55.8%) as type II, and 60 (40.8%) as type III tumors. The depth of tumor invasion was deeper and the nodal metastases were more frequent in type III compared with type II. The risk factors for nodal metastases included the depth and size of the tumor, but not the Siewert subtypes itself. Mediastinal nodal metastases were strongly influenced by a thoracotomy and the extent of the dissection. The pathological grade was higher in type III than in type II. Although the 5‐year survival rate was significantly higher in type II than in type III tumors, the survival difference disappeared when the patients were restricted to an R0 resection, even though type III patients demonstrated a more advanced stage.ConclusionsThe proportions of AEG were strikingly different between Japan and western countries. Although each Siewert subtype had some different characteristics, nodal metastases were determined by both the tumor progression and the extent of the nodal dissection. An R0 resection was a key for the survival in AEG.
Total Parathyroidectomy Without Autotransplantation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Shih Ming‐Lang , Duh Quan‐Yang , Hsieh Chung‐Bao , Lin Shih‐Hua , Wu Hurng‐Sheng , Chu Paul‐Ling , Chen Tien‐Yu , Yu Jyh‐Cherng 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundTo treat secondary hyperparathyroidism with subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation might cause the disease to recur because of growth of the parathyroid remnant or the autografts. The aim of the present study was to determinate an alternative surgical treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism.MethodsOf 94 uremic patients, 44 (median age: 50.5 years; 33 women/11 men) were assigned to group A, patients who were not expected to receive kidney transplantation for various reasons and had total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation; 50 (median age 46 years; 33 women/17 men) were assigned to group B, patients who had either total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation or subtotal total parathyroidectomy with preservation of parathyroid tissue in situ. Parameters measured included demographics, perioperative and follow‐up biochemistry tests, operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, patients’ compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy‐viatmin D supplementation regimen, symptom relief, and presence of recurrence.ResultsMean operative times were 103 and 122 min (P = 0.007); postoperative complication rates were 18.2% and 12.0% (P = 0.563); mean hospital stays were 6 and 9 days (P = 0.259); adequate patient compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy‐viatmin D regimens were 84.1% and 78.0%, respectively (P = 0.6); symptom relief rates were 88.6% and 80.0% (P = 0.277). Recurrence rates over 60 months in group A and group B were 4.5% and 18.0%, resectively (P = 0.028 by Kaplan‐Meier analysis).ConclusionsBecause of the lower recurrent rate and shorter operative time, total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation may be an option for treating patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism who are not expected to receive kidney transplantation.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Clinical Presentation, Surgical Outcomes, and the Accuracy of the Boey Scoring System in Predicting Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Lohsiriwat Varut , Prapasrivorakul Siriluck , Lohsiriwat Darin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe purposes of this study were to determine clinical presentations and surgical outcomes of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU), and to evaluate the accuracy of the Boey scoring system in predicting mortality and morbidity.MethodsWe carried out a retrospective study of patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU between 2001 and 2006 in a university hospital. Clinical presentations and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of each Boey score on morbidity and mortality rate was compared with zero risk score. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the predictive ability between Boey score, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI).ResultsThe study included 152 patients with average age of 52 years (range: 15–88 years), and 78% were male. The most common site of PPU was the prepyloric region (74%). Primary closure and omental graft was the most common procedure performed. Overall mortality rate was 9% and the complication rate was 30%. The mortality rate increased progressively with increasing numbers of the Boey score: 1%, 8% (OR = 2.4), 33% (OR = 3.5), and 38% (OR = 7.7) for 0, 1, 2, and 3 scores, respectively (p < 0.001). The morbidity rates for 0, 1, 2, and 3 Boey scores were 11%, 47% (OR = 2.9), 75% (OR = 4.3), and 77% (OR = 4.9), respectively (p < 0.001). Boey score and ASA classification appeared to be better than MPI for predicting the poor surgical outcomes.ConclusionsPerforated peptic ulcer is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The Boey risk score serves as a simple and precise predictor for postoperative mortality and morbidity.
Localization of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer Using Intraoperative Ultrasound‐Guided Dye Injection
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Elaraj Dina M. , Poder Liina , Duh Quan‐Yang , Kebebew Electron , Clark Orlo H. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundSmall, nonpalpable lymph node recurrences are frequently identified in the follow‐up of patients with thyroid cancer, and finding and removing these lesions in a reoperative field can be very challenging. The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of preincision ultrasound‐guided injection of blue dye into the abnormal lymph nodes to facilitate their safe and efficient removal.MethodsWe performed a prospective study between January and June 2007 at a single academic institution. Ten patients with isolated, nonpalpable nodal recurrences of papillary thyroid cancer underwent an operation for a neck recurrence (8 central, 2 lateral). A preincision ultrasound was performed in the operating room to localize the lesions, and 0.1 ml of blue dye was injected under ultrasound guidance into each abnormal lymph node. We examined the feasibility of the injection procedure, the accuracy of identifying pathologic lymph nodes, and the complications of injection.ResultsThe pathologic lymph nodes averaged 11 mm in size (range = 6–16 mm) and were detectable by ultrasound in all cases. Ultrasound‐guided blue dye injection was successful in all cases. There were no complications related to dye injection. The blue node was easily identified and removed in all cases. The mean operative time was 80.4 min (range = 37–157 min).ConclusionsBlue dye injection was feasible and was very useful for the identification of lymph node recurrences, especially in the reoperative neck. There were no complications related to the injection in this series. Further study is needed to determine the widespread safety and efficacy of this technique.
The Process of Rice Domestication: A New Model Based on Recent Data
Authors: Izawa Takeshi 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Rice domestication involved a complex process of selection by ancient humans, leading to the development of a new species, Oryza sativa, during the last 10,000 years. Recent rice genome research and the cloning of domestication-related genes have provided novel knowledge about the domestication process, although recent reviews have revealed more complexity than previously suspected. Some of this additional complexity may arise from a poor fit between the new data and previous models. DNA divergence observed in existing landraces, cultivars, and wild relatives can now be determined accurately, so the order of major DNA changes such as single nucleotide polymorphisms during the domestication process can be abducted owing to relatively low mutation rates. Therefore, a new model to explain the selection process during rice domestication, such as the one proposed for further discussion in this paper, is needed to accommodate the new DNA evidence.
Luteolin inhibits proliferation and affects the function of stimulated rat synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Hou Yanan , Wu Jiacai , Huang Qin , Guo Lihe 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts is considered to be a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Luteolin, a flavonoid, inhibits the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in collagen‐induced arthritic rats. Treatment with luteolin also decreases the secretion of matrix metalloprotease‐1 and −3 and the expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐15, and TGF‐β. Luteolin treatment caused a delay of cells in the G2/M phase. Interestingly, combination treatment with luteolin and TNF‐α exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect in all experiments. Western blotting demonstrated that treatment with luteolin alone or combined with TNF‐α inhibited the MAPK/ERKs and PI3K‐Akt pathways. These results indicate that luteolin inhibits the proliferation and partially blocks the pathogenic function of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis.