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Acceptable Range (acceptable + range)
Selected AbstractsHPV detection rate in discordant Pap tests between cytotechnologists and pathologistsDIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2009David C. Chhieng M.D. Abstract When a Pap test is referred for pathologist review, it is accompanied by the cytotechnologist's provisional interpretation. Discordant interpretations between pathologists and cytotechnologists are sometimes noted. The objective is to correlate HPV detection rate with both estimated false-negative fraction (EFNF) and ASC to SIL ratio among discordant ASC cases. ThinPrep Pap tests in which the cytotechnologists' provisional interpretations were up- or down-graded by pathologists to ASC were retrieved between January and December 2006. HPV DNA testing was performed using hybrid capture technique. EFNFs and ASC to SIL ratio were estimated for cytotechnologists and pathologists, respectively. Overall, the EFNF ratio was 3.4% and the high-risk HPV DNA detection rates in cases that were "over-" or "under-" interpreted by technologists were 0.71 and 0.40, respectively. The overall ASC to SIL ratio was 1.41 and the high-risk HPV DNA detection rates in cases that were upgraded or downgraded to ASC were 0.40 and 0.71, respectively. In conclusion, our ASC to SIL ratios and EFNF were within acceptable range. We did not observe any association between ASC to SIL ratio and HPV detection rate in cases that were upgraded or downgraded to ASC by pathologists or between EFNF ratio and HPV detection rate in cases that were "over-interpreted" (or "under-interpreted") by cytotechnologists. The HPV detection rates for ASC cases that were originally "over-interpreted" by cytotechnologists were comparable to the HPV detection rates for LSIL, whereas those that were underinterpreted were comparable to the HPV detection rate for ASC. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Optimal Control of Voltage in Distribution Systems by Voltage Reference ManagementIEEJ TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2009Tomonobu Senjyu Student member Abstract Recently, renewable energy technologies such as wind turbine generators and photovoltaic (PV) systems have been introduced as distributed generations (DGs). Connections of a large amount of distributed generations may cause voltage deviation beyond the statutory range in distribution systems. A reactive power control of DGs can be a solution of this problem, and it also has a possibility to reduce distribution loss. In this paper, we propose a control methodology of voltage profile in a distribution system using reactive power control of inverters interfaced with DGs and tap changing transformers. In the proposed method, a one-day schedule of voltage references for the control devices are determined by an optimization technique based on predicted values of load demand and PV power generation. Reactive power control of interfaced inverters is implemented within the inverter capacity without reducing active power output. The proposed method accomplishes voltage regulation within the acceptable range and reduction of distribution loss. The effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed by simulations. Copyright © 2009 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. [source] Generalization of robustness test procedure for error estimators.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2005Part II: test results for error estimators using SPR Abstract In this part of the paper we shall use the formulation given in the first part to assess the quality of recovery-based error estimators using two recovery methods, i.e. superconvergent patch recovery (SPR) and recovery by equilibrium in patches (REP). The recovery methods have been shown to be asymptotically robust and superconvergent when applied to two-dimensional problems. In this study we shall examine the behaviour of the recovery methods on several three-dimensional mesh patterns for patches located either inside or at boundaries. This is performed by first finding an asymptotic finite element solution, irrespective of boundary conditions at far ends of the domain, and then applying the recovery methods. The test procedure near kinked boundaries is explained in a step-by-step manner. The results are given in a series of tables and figures for various cases of three-dimensional mesh patterns. It has been experienced that the full superconvergent property is generally lost due to presence of boundary layer solution and the definition of the recoveries near boundaries though the results of the robustness test is still within an acceptable range. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] CONSUMER ACCEPTABILITY OF COLOR IN PROCESSED TOMATO PRODUCTS BY AFRICAN-AMERICAN, LATINO AND PROTOTYPICAL CONSUMERSJOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY, Issue 6 2002KENEKO T. CLAYBON African-American, Latino, and Prototypical consumers rated the color of ketchup, salsa, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, spaghetti sauce, and barbecue sauce. For most products, ethnicity had little influence on acceptance. Prototypical consumers rated products the highest and had the widest preference range. All but one commercially available product was in the acceptable range, but they were not always in the most preferred range. Ketchup was the only product with no commercially available products in the color most preferred by Prototypical and African-American consumers. The leading brand was within the most preferred range for all products and ethnic groups except African-Americans and Prototypical consumers for ketchup and salsa. A peak color acceptance existed for all products: too red or too brown was undesirable. Understanding the optimum color range can help tomato processors increase the quality of their product for all consumers. [source] Response Surface Model for the Estimation of Escherichia coli O 157:H7 Growth under Different Experimental ConditionsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005Rose Maria García-Gimeno ABSTRACT: In this study, a Response Surface Model (RSM) of Escherichia coli O157:H7 as affected by pH levels, sodium chloride and nitrite concentrations, temperature, and aerobic/anaerobic conditions is presented. The standard error of prediction (%SEP) obtained was acceptable for the growth rate prediction (33%SEP), although a bit high for lag time (53.01 %SEP). Mathematical validation demonstrated that the RSM predicts growth rate values on the fail-safe side in aerobic conditions and within the acceptable range (bias factor [Bf] = 0.99) with acceptable accuracy (accuracy factor [Af] = 1.15), as well as for lag time (Bf = 1.05; Af = 1.25). Temperature was found to have the greatest effect on the kinetic parameters, followed by NaCl concentration and pH. In the experimental range considered here (0 to 200 ppm), NaNO2 concentration was found to have a significant effect on growth rate but not on lag time. [source] BP NEURAL NETWORK FOR EVALUATING SENSORY TEXTURE PROPERTIES OF COOKED SAUSAGEJOURNAL OF SENSORY STUDIES, Issue 6 2009QING-LI DONG ABSTRACT In order to replace sensory evaluation by instrumental measurement with more accuracy for texture properties of cooked sausage, correlation analysis between sensory and instrumental texture was established by multiple regression and back propagation (BP) neural network, respectively. Effect of different fat, salt, moisture and starch addition on the texture of cooked sausage was also investigated in this paper. It indicated that the accuracy and goodness of fit of predicting sensory hardness, cohesiveness and juiciness by BP neural network were more significant than those by multiple regressions with lower root mean square error and standard error of prediction. Although both accuracy and bias factors of two models were in acceptable range, BP neural network provides an accurate and selective method for predicting sensory texture evaluation in similar meat products. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The effect of different fat, salt, moisture and starch addition on textural properties of cooked sausage could be valuable to the meat industry in order to select the appropriate components for improving the texture of sausage. Artificial neural network technology used in this study can be useful for the fast, on-time and convenient detection of texture measurement by instrumental instead of sensory evaluation. [source] Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores, acceptability and storage stability of ready-to-eat supplementary foods for pre-school age children in TanzaniaJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 9 2005Theobald CE Mosha Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate protein quality, acceptability and storage stability of processed cereal,bean,sardine composite foods for pre-school age children in Tanzania. Four composite products namely corn,bean,sardine meal (CBSM), bean meal (BM), sorghum,bean,sardine meal (SBSM) and rice,bean,sardine meal (RBSM) were formulated to maximize the amino acid score for pre-school age children and were processed by extrusion, drum-processing and conventional cooking. The products were evaluated for true protein digestibility (TPD) and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). The TPD and PDCAAS were highest in the extruded products. The TPD values for the products ranged from 82 to 93%. The PDCAAS values for the composite foods were 64,86% and were greater than the minimum value of 60% recommended by FAO/WHO/UNU. There were no significant (p > 0.05) variations in the amino acid contents for foods processed by extrusion, drum-processing or conventional cooking. Threonine was most limiting in the CBSM, SBSM and RBSM while methionine + cysteine were most limiting in the BM. Sensory evaluation showed that, relative to the traditional cornmeal,Uji, the extruded CBSM and SBSM had significantly superior (p , 0.05) texture and highly acceptable color and taste. Storage of the products up to 16 weeks at 38 °C resulted in a small but significant increase (p , 0.05) in the malondialdehyde concentrations; nevertheless, the levels remained within the acceptable range found in processed commercial supplements. Total acids, pH and organoleptic attributes did not change significantly (p > 0.05) during storage and the foods were acceptable to the end of the storage period. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry [source] The reliability of crown,root ratio, linear and angular measurements on panoramic radiographsORTHODONTICS & CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH, Issue 4 2000Steve Stramotas The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of crown and root length, crown,root ratio and angular measurements of teeth relative to constructed reference lines and to other teeth in the same region on consecutive (T1 and T2) panoramic radiographs (OPGs). This retrospective study employed 20 cases; ten with five implants in each jaw (age range between 20 and 60 years) and ten with a full permanent dentition (age range between 12 and 16 years). The consecutive pairs of OPGs ranged from 6 months to 3 years apart. Four variables were measured and compared: 1) the crown or coronal segment length and the root or apical segment length; 2) the crown,root ratio; 3) the angulations of teeth and implants relative to specific reference lines in each jaw; 4) the angle between teeth and implants in the same sextant. The results revealed that comparisons of measurements taken of the same structures at T1 and T2, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between vertical linear measurements. The crown,root ratios and coronal,apical segment ratios too, showed no significant differences (p>0.05). Whereas, angulations of teeth or implants relative to respective reference lines showed significant differences (p=0.001) for some of the teeth. These differences, however, were less than 5°; a clinically acceptable range. Angles measured between teeth or implants in the same sextant showed no significant differences (p>0.05). These results seem to support the hypothesis, therefore, that the linear vertical measurements, ratio calculations and angular measurements can be used to compare crown and root lengths, crown,root ratios and tooth angulations on OPGs taken of the same patient at different times with consistent accuracy. [source] Comparability of a hand-held nitric oxide analyser with online and offline chemiluminescence-based nitric oxide measurementPEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2009Barbara Schiller Practicability is crucial for successful implementation of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurement into asthma management. The study aimed at comparing a conventional chemiluminescence NO analyser (EcoMedics®) with a hand-held device (NIOX MINO®) and offline FeNO measurement using a commercially available system in an unselected cohort of children aged 6,16 yr. A secondary objective was to confirm FeNO stability over time in 15 samples from adult volunteers obtained using the offline system. Sixty-six children (mean ± s.d. age 11.8 ± 3.0 yr) underwent single breath FeNO measurement in triplets with each device. Offline collected FeNO was measured after offline breath collection into a Mylar balloon and subsequent analysis using the chemiluminescence NO analyser. Variability and between-method agreement were assessed, and stability over time within the Mylar balloons was tested by repeated hourly measurements. FeNO levels ranged from 2 to 113 p.p.b. Intra-class correlation was excellent (r = 0.98, p < 0.001 for each pair). Bland,Altman plots and back-transformation of logarithmic mean differences revealed fair agreement between methods. Stability over time was confirmed over 10 h both at room temperature and when stored under cooling conditions. FeNO values obtained using the chemiluminescence NO analyser, the portable NIOX MINO® system and the offline collection technique show between-method agreement within clinically acceptable range. [source] Electrochemical bleaching of kraft bagasse pulp using a new cell designTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 1 2010El-Sayed Z. El-Ashtoukhy Abstract In situ single-stage electrochemical bleaching of kraft bagasse pulp was carried out in a cylindrical agitated vessel fitted with four graphite rod anodes and a cylindrical stainless steel screen cathode, using NaCl as an electrolyte. The effect of current density, pH, NaCl concentration, impeller rotational speed, temperature, and pulp consistency on the rate of bleaching was studied. It was found that the rate of bleaching increased with increasing current density, NaCl concentration, and temperature and decreased with increasing pH and pulp consistency. The effect of temperature was found to fit Arrhenius equation with an activation energy of 0.515,kcal/mol, which denotes a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Energy consumption (EC) calculation showed that EC ranged from 0.225 to 3.11,kWh/kg dry pulp depending on the current density. The strength of bleached pulp was little affected by bleaching lying within an acceptable range. Le blanchiment électrochimique à une étape in situ de pâte de bagasse kraft a été effectué dans un réservoir cylindrique agité doté d'une anode sous forme de tige au graphite (4) et de cathode sous forme de treillis cylindrique en acier inoxydable, utilisant le NaCl comme électrolyte. L'effet de la densité du courant, du pH, de la concentration de NaCl, de la vélocité rotationnelle de la roue et de la température de la consistance de la pâte sur le taux de blanchiment a été étudié. L'effet de la température s'est avéré s'inscrire dans l'équation d'Arrhenius avec une énergie d'activation de 0,515 kcal/mol, ce qui dénote un mécanisme de diffusion contrôlé. Le calcul de consommation d'énergie montre que la consommation d'énergie se situe de 0,225 à 3,11,kWh/kg de pâte sèche, selon la densité du courant. La résistance de la pâte blanchie est peu touchée par le blanchiment et se situe en deçà de la plage acceptable. [source] Computer-aided navigation for arthroscopic hip surgery using encoder linkages for position tracking,THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ROBOTICS AND COMPUTER ASSISTED SURGERY, Issue 3 2006Emily Monahan Abstract Background While arthroscopic surgery has many advantages over traditional surgery, this minimally invasive technique is not often applied to the hip joint. Two main reasons for this are the complexity of navigating within the joint and the difficulty of correctly placing portal incisions without damaging critical neurovascular structures. This paper proposes a computer-aided navigation system to address the challenges of arthroscopic hip surgery. Methods Unlike conventional arthroscopic methods, our system uses a hyper-redundant encoder linkage to track surgical instruments, thus eliminating the occlusion and distortion problems associated with standard optical and electromagnetic tracking systems. The encoder linkage position information is used to generate a computer display of patient anatomy. Results The tracking error from the encoder linkage was evaluated to be within an acceptable range for this tracking prototype, and the new computer-aided approach to arthroscopic hip surgery was applied to a prototype system for concept verification. Conclusion This navigation system for arthroscopic hip surgery can be used as a tool to address the challenges of joint navigation and portal placement in arthroscopic hip surgery by visually supplementing the limiting view from the arthroscope. The introduction of a tracking linkage shows significant potential as an alternative to other tracking systems. Positive feedback about the completed demo system was obtained from surgeons who perform arthroscopic proceduces. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Impeller Behavior and Displacement of the VentrAssist Implantable Rotary Blood PumpARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 3 2004Michael K.H. Chung Abstract:, The VentrAssist implantable rotary blood pump, intended for long-term ventricular assist, is under development and is currently being tested for its rotor-dynamic stability. The pump is of the centrifugal type and consists of a shaftless impeller, also acting as the rotor of the brushless DC motor. The impeller remains passively suspended in the pump cavity by hydrodynamic forces, resulting from the small clearances between the impeller outside surfaces and the pump cavity. In the older version of the pump tested, these small clearances range from approximately 50 µm to 230 µm; the displacement of the impeller relative to the pump cavity is unknown in use. This article presents two experiments: the first measured displacement of the impeller using eddy-current proximity sensors and laser proximity sensors. The second experiment used Hall-effect proximity sensors to measure the displacement of the impeller relative to the pump cavity. All transducers were calibrated prior to commencement of the experiments. Voltage output from the transducers was converted into impeller movement in five degrees of freedom (x, y, z, ,x, and ,y). The sixth degree of freedom, the rotation about the impeller axis (,z), was determined by the commutation performed by the motor controller. The impeller displacement was found to be within the acceptable range of 8 µm to 222 µm, avoiding blood damage and contact between the impeller and cavity walls. Thus the impeller was hydrodynamically suspended within the pump cavity and results were typical of centrifugal pump behavior. This research will be the basis for further investigation into the stiffness and damping coefficient of the pump's hydrodynamic bearing. [source] Zur Diskussion des Böenreaktionsfaktors G nach DIN 1055-4:2005BAUTECHNIK, Issue 10 2009BayIKBau Robert Hertle Dr.-Ing., Beratender Ingenieur VBI, Prüfingenieur für Standsicherheit vpi Allgemeines; Baumechanik; General Topics; Structural Mechanics Abstract Mit Einführung der DIN 1055-4:2005 fand ein Paradigmenwechsel bei der Beschreibung der Windlasten statt. Das bisherige, deterministische Konzept zur Definition der Windeinwirkung wurde verlassen und durch ein auf stochastischen Überlegungen fußendes ersetzt. Für Konstruktionen und Bauwerke, die nicht schwingungsanfällig unter böigen Windeinwirkungen sind, ergeben sich daraus keine nennenswerten Änderungen bei der rechnerischen Untersuchung. Für die Analyse von schwingungsanfälligen Konstruktionen hat diese Neukonzeption tiefgreifende Konsequenzen. Die bekannte und einfach zu handhabende Ermittlung des Böenreaktionsfaktors auf Grundlage der Normen der achtziger und neunziger Jahre des vergangenen Jahrhunderts wurde durch ein komplexes, unübersichtliches und mit einfachen Ingenieurmethoden nicht mehr zu überprüfendes Berechnungsschema abgelöst. In diesem Beitrag wird dieses Schema diskutiert, und es wird ein einfaches Näherungsverfahren zur Ermittlung der Böenreaktion einer Konstruktion vorgeschlagen, welches, insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der sonstigen Unschärfen und Unsicherheiten einer Berechnung, ausreichende Genauigkeit zeigt. On the discussion of the gust reaction factor acc. DIN 1055-4:2005. With the introduction of DIN 1055-4:2005 a change of paradigm concerning the description of wind loads took place. The previous concept, based on a deterministic view, was replaced by an approach using stochastic considerations. For constructions and buildings deemed to be not susceptible to gust action, no significant changes within the structural analysis arise. Enormous consequences, on the other hand, have to be faced when analyzing structures susceptible to gust action. The well known and easy to handle method for calculating the gust reaction factor using the standards of the 80th and 90th of the last century, was redeemed by a complex, partly confused calculation scheme which is not checkable with usual engineering tools. In the following paper this calculation scheme is discussed. Following to this discussion, a simplified method for calculating the gust reaction factor is presented. The accuracy of this method lies, having the usual uncertainties and deficits of structural analyses in mind, in an acceptable range. [source] Determination of secnidazole in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and its application to the bioequivalence studiesBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2007Xiaoyu Li Abstract A simple, accurate, precise and sensitive HPLC-UV method was developed for the determination of secnidazole in human plasma. Secnidazole and tinidazole (IS) were extracted from 0.2 mL of human plasma by ethyl acetate. Secnidazole was then separated by HPLC on a Diamond C18 column and quantified by ultraviolet detection at 319 nm. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile,aqueous 5 mm sodium acetate (30:70, v/v) containing of 0.1% acetic acid adjusted to pH 4.0, and the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min. The low limit of quantification was 0.1 µg/mL. The method was linear over the concentration range 0.1,25.0 µg/mL (R2 = 1.000). The recovery of secnidazole from human plasma ranged from 76.5 to 89.1%. Inter- and intra-assay precision ranged from 3.3 to 10.7%. Secnidazole in plasma was stable when stored at ambient temperature for 8 h, at ,20°C for 2 weeks and at ,20°C for three freeze,thaw cycles. The developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence studies between test and reference secnidazole tablets following a single 500 mg oral dosage to 20 healthy volunteers of both genders. Pharmacokinetics parameters Tmax, Cmax, AUC0,t, AUC0,,, T1/2 were determined of both preparations. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show any significant difference between the two preparations and 90% confidence intervals fell within the acceptable range for bioequivalence. It was concluded that the two secnidazole preparations are bioequivalence and may be used interchangeably. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An HPLC-MS method for simultaneous estimation of ,,, -arteether and its metabolite dihydroartemisinin, in rat plasma for application to pharmacokinetic studyBIOMEDICAL CHROMATOGRAPHY, Issue 7 2003M. Rajanikanth Abstract This manuscript reports, the development and validation of a sensitive and selective assay method for simultaneous determination of ,,, -arteether and its metabolite dihydroartemisinin (DHA) in rat plasma by liquid chromatography,mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separations were achieved by gradient elution of the analytes with an initial composition of methanol,potassium acetate buffer (pH 4; 73:27, v/v) to 100% methanol in 3 min and maintained for 5 min on a Spheri-10, RP18 (100 × 4.6 mm i.d.) column following an RP18 (30 × 4.6 mm i.d.) guard column. The total ef,uent from the column was split so that one-tenth was injected into the electrospray LC/MS interface. ESI-MS analysis was performed using a Micromass Quattro II Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer equipped with an electrospray source. The MS analysis was carried out at cone voltage of 22 V with a scan range of 200,500 Da. The analytes were quanti,ed from the [M+ K]+ ion chromatograms of ,,, -arteether at m/z 352, DHA at m/z 323, artemisinin at m/z 321 and propyl ether analogue of arteether at m/z 365. Liquid,liquid extractions with a combination of n -hexane and hexane,ethyl acetate (8:2) were used to isolate ,,, -arteether and DHA from rat plasma. The method was validated and gave good accuracy and precision for the studied domain. Linearity in serum was observed over the range 4.375,70 ng/mL for a -arteether and 10,160 ng/mL for , -arteether and DHA. Percentage bias (accuracy) and within- and between-assay precision were well within the acceptable range. This method was applied to study the pharmacokinetics following oral administration of ,,, -arteether (30 mg/kg) in rats. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cell Separator Operation within Temperature Ranges To Minimize Effects on Chinese Hamster Ovary Cell Perfusion CultureBIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRESS, Issue 6 2007Hans Drouin A cell retention device that provides reliable high-separation efficiency with minimal negative effects on the cell culture is essential for robust perfusion culture processes. External separation devices generally expose cells to periodic variations in temperature, most commonly temperatures below 37 °C, while the cells are outside the bioreactor. To examine this phenomenon, aliquots of ,5% of a CHO cell culture were exposed to 60 s cyclic variations of temperature simulating an acoustic separator environment. It was found that, for average exposure temperatures between 31.5 and 38.5 °C, there were no significant impacts on the rates of growth, glucose consumption, or t-PA production, defining an acceptable range of operating temperatures. These results were subsequently confirmed in perfusion culture experiments for average exposure temperatures between 31.6 and 38.1 °C. A 25,1 central composite factorial design experiment was then performed to systematically evaluate the effects of different operating variables on the inlet and outlet temperatures of a 10L acoustic separator. The power input, ambient temperature, as well as the perfusion and recycle flow rates significantly influenced the temperature, while the cell concentration did not. An empirical model was developed that predicted the temperature changes between the inlet and the outlet of the acoustic separator within ±0.5 °C. A series of perfusion experiments determined the ranges of the significant operational settings that maintained the acoustic separator inlet and outlet temperatures within the acceptable range. For example, these objectives were always met by using the manufacturer-recommended operational settings as long as the recirculation flow rate was maintained above 15 L day,1 and the ambient temperature was near 22 °C. [source] Two Typical Examples of Scaling Ionic Partition Scheme for Estimating Correlation Energy of A2 Type MoleculesCHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2004Shu-Ping Zhuo Abstract Based on the calculation results of pair correlation energy contributions of the various electron pairs in Naz and H2NNH2 systems and the application of the scaling ionic partition scheme for symmetrical A2 type systems, the total correlation energies of Na2 and H2NNH2 have been reproduced by using this simple scheme. The two results show that the absolute deviations are within an acceptable range of mr, however, in this way, more than 90% of computational work can be. saved. The most attractive result in present paper is that, in these two molecules the coefficients c1 and c2 in the estimation equation can be obtained by the proportion of correlation energy of A, to that of A+ singlet system. Therefore, it is believed that the proposed ionic partition scheme for symmetrical A2 molecules would be very useful to estimate the correlation energies of large symmetrical molecules. [source] Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy versus Saline Lock DevicesACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 1 2007Jill Corbo MD Abstract Objectives To assess the utility of a peripheral saline lock device (SLD) as an alternative to a second venipuncture for obtaining selected blood samples. Methods This prospective study used a comparative design and was conducted in an urban emergency department (ED). Adult patients with an existing SLD in place who required serial phlebotomy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Each subject had blood samples obtained by venipuncture (control) with a Vacutainer adapter according to standard protocols. Within 5 minutes of obtaining the control samples, a sample was obtained from the patients' SLDs; a tourniquet was applied proximal to the intravenous line, a 5-mL waste portion was obtained, and a Vacutainer adapter was placed to draw specimens for testing. Each of the paired samples was analyzed for hematocrit, electrolytes, and cardiac enzymes. The Bland-Altman method was used to analyze the concordance between each pair of measurements. Paired t-tests for each of the eight laboratory tests were used to assess whether the values were statistically different from each other. The 95% limits of agreement around the mean differences were calculated. Differences between SLD aspirates and venipuncture aspirates also were compared with the federal regulatory standards that ensure reliable and accurate laboratory testing. Results Eighty-one patients were eligible for the study; in 73 (90.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 81.5% to 95.6%) of the patients, the SLD could be aspirated for testing. The paired t-tests indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the mean values of the two methods of testing. Of the 584 paired values analyzed, 35 (6.0%; 95% CI = 4.3% to 8.2%) exceeded the Bland-Altman limits of agreement, and 43 (7.4%; 95% CI = 5.4% to 9.8%) fell outside the acceptable range determined by the federal regulation of clinical laboratories. Of those values that exceeded the acceptable Bland-Altman limits of agreement, none would have resulted in clinical intervention. Conclusions Aspirating blood via an SLD is an acceptable method of obtaining serial laboratory values in a group of stable, consenting adult ED patients. [source] Mouse lymphoma thymidine kinase gene mutation assay: Follow-up meeting of the international workshop on Genotoxicity testing,Aberdeen, Scotland, 2003,Assay acceptance criteria, positive controls, and data evaluation,ENVIRONMENTAL AND MOLECULAR MUTAGENESIS, Issue 1 2006Martha M. Moore Abstract The Mouse Lymphoma Assay (MLA) Workgroup of the International Workshop on Genotoxicity Testing (IWGT), comprised of experts from Japan, Europe, and the United States, met on August 29, 2003, in Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom. This meeting of the MLA Workgroup was devoted to reaching a consensus on the appropriate approach to data evaluation and on acceptance criteria for both the positive and negative/vehicle controls. The Workgroup reached consensus on the acceptance criteria for both the agar and microwell versions of the MLA. Recommendations include acceptable ranges for mutant frequency, cloning efficiency, and suspension growth of the negative/vehicle controls and on criteria to define an acceptable positive control response. The recommendation for the determination of a positive/negative test chemical response includes both the requirement that the response exceeds a defined value [the global evaluation factor (GEF)] and that there also be a positive dose,response (evaluated by an appropriate statistical method). Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2006. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Addition of Soluble Soybean Polysaccharides to Dairy Products as a Source of Dietary FiberJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 6 2010Wenpu Chen Abstract:, Increasing consumption of dietary fiber in food leads to many important health benefits: for example, reduction in blood cholesterol, reduced risk of diabetes, and improved laxation. Water soluble soybean polysaccharide (SSPS) is a dietary fiber extracted and refined from okara, a byproduct of soy manufacturing. It was incorporated into 3 categories of dairy-based products, thickened milkshake-style beverages, puddings, and low-fat ice cream, to the maximum amount without over-texturing the food. Rheological measurements and sensory tests were used to develop desirable SSPS-fortified products. From the rheological data, 4% SSPS-fortified dairy beverages and 4% SSPS -fortified puddings were in the range of commercial products. From sensory analyses, 4% SSPS-fortified dairy beverage with 0.015%,,carrageenan, 4% SSPS-fortified pudding with 0.1%,,carrageenan, and 2% SSPS-fortified low-fat ice cream gained the highest scores in consumer hedonic rating. Panelists also indicated their willingness to consume those products if they were available commercially. Practical Application:, Since the dietary fiber intake of many people is below their suggested adequate intake values, strategies to successfully fortify foods with fiber may help alleviate this gap. We have developed 3 dairy products, a beverage, a pudding, and a low-fat ice cream, that have been fortified with soluble soybean polysaccharide at levels of 4%, 4%, and 2%, respectively. These products were within acceptable ranges of rheological parameters and other physical stability measurements and were judged to be acceptable by sensory analyses. [source] Psychometric Analysis of the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure (B-PEM)JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 1 2010Anndrea Flint RN, MHSc(HSM) Abstract Purpose: To undertake rigorous psychometric testing of the newly developed contemporary work environment measure (the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure [B-PEM]) using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. Methods: Content validity of the 33-item measure was established by a panel of experts. Initial testing involved 195 nursing staff using principal component factor analysis with varimax rotation (orthogonal) and Cronbach's alpha coefficients. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using data from a further 983 nursing staff. Results: Principal component factor analysis yielded a four-factor solution with eigenvalues greater than 1 that explained 52.53% of the variance. These factors were then verified using confirmatory factor analysis. Goodness-of-fit indices showed an acceptable fit overall with the full model, explaining 21% to 73% of the variance. Deletion of items took place throughout the evolution of the instrument, resulting in a 26-item, four-factor measure called the Brisbane Practice Environment Measure-Tested. Conclusions: The B-PEM has undergone rigorous psychometric testing, providing evidence of internal consistency and goodness-of-fit indices within acceptable ranges. The measure can be utilised as a subscale or total score reflective of a contemporary nursing work environment. Clinical Relevance: An up-to-date instrument to measure practice environment may be useful for nursing leaders to monitor the workplace and to assist in identifying areas for improvement, facilitating greater job satisfaction and retention. [source] Assessing postprandial glucose using 1,5-anhydroglucitol: An integrative literature reviewJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF NURSE PRACTITIONERS, Issue 10 2009Brian Lee Christensen MS, CDE CDE-certified Diabetes Educator, FNP-BC Abstract Purpose: Recent studies have determined postprandial blood glucose is an independent risk factor for macrovascular complications. This risk exists, despite having HbA1C results within acceptable ranges for diabetes. 1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5AG) has been proposed as an appropriate indicator to detect and screen for postprandial hyperglycemia (PPHG). This review discusses the efficacy of 1,5AG to predict PPHG in order to reveal those who may be at risk for macrovascular complications. Data Sources: An electronic search was conducted from 2003 to 2008 in the following databases: Medline, CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, and Pre-CINAHL. Any articles relating to 1,5AG as a marker for PPHG were used. The search was limited to any human research articles published in English. All articles were reviewed for additional relevant studies. Conclusions: 1,5AG was found to be a reliable indicator of PPHG, even when HbA1C levels were within target ranges. 1,5AG may be a simple and effective tool for primary care providers to identify those at risk for macrovascular complications, who would otherwise go unnoticed if assessed by HbA1C alone. [source] Cerebral state index response to incision: a clinical study in day-surgical patientsACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2006R. E. Anderson Background:, Inadequate anaesthesia, with somatic/autonomic response or awareness, is often revealed at intubation and surgical incision. Anaesthetic depth monitors should be able to prevent this risk. This explorative study examined the ability of the cerebral state monitor to predict autonomic/somatic responses to incision. Methods:, Forty-two ASA I,II day-surgical patients [19 men and 23 females; mean age 52 (29,79) years, mean weight 77 (50,118) kg] were induced clinically with fentanyl/propofol with sevoflurane after placement of the laryngeal mask airway. The cerebral state index (CSIÔ) was blindly recorded 4 min prior to and 4 min after incision. Results:, During the 4 min prior to incision, the mean CSIÔ was 45 (16,62) and increased by 9 (,13,40) when the mean value for the first 4 min after incision was subtracted from the value prior to incision, corresponding to a relative change of 21% (,21,118). The change in CSIÔ did not show any consistent relation to the value before incision. Five patients showed minor movements after incision and six patients had > 25% increase in blood pressure. Neither CSIÔ nor the change in index differed between patients who did or did not respond somatically or autonomically to incision. The last CSIÔ value just prior to incision was 44 for non-responders and 40 and 42 for somatic and autonomic responders, respectively. Conclusion:, The CSIÔ in the majority of patients was within acceptable ranges during clinically adjusted anaesthesia prior to incision but seems not to be able to reliably predict an autonomic or somatic response to incision. [source] Does Size Really Matter?PACING AND CLINICAL ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2008A Comparison of the Riata Lead Family Based on Size, Its Relation to Performance Background: Recently, the performance and safety of smaller diameter implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads has been questioned. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the impact of size on lead performance and perforation rates by comparing the performance of 7 French (7F) and 8 French (8F) leads with similar design characteristics implanted by a single operator. Methods: Patients implanted with a Riata 1580 (8F) or 7000 (7F) series leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA) over a 2-year period were evaluated to compare performance and perforation rates. Results: There were 357 Riata 8F leads and 357 Riata 7F leads implanted in 714 patients. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 24 months. The 8F leads were implanted in the right ventricular apex more often than were 7F leads (129 or 37% vs 72 or 20%, P < 0.0001). Oversensing that did not result in therapy occurred in 2 pts (0.56%) with 8F leads and 1 pt. (0.28%) with a 7F lead (P = 0.56). Oversensing with therapy occurred once in both groups (0.28%, P = NS). One perforation occurred in each group (0.28%, P = NS). Both occurred in leads that were implanted in the right ventricular apex (P = 0.02). Conclusions: The performance of St. Jude Medical 7F and 8F Riata leads was similar. The incidence of lead-related adverse events was within or below the low end of published acceptable ranges for ICD lead perforation and sensing anomalies. Perforations were less likely to occur in leads that were implanted in nonapical positions. [source] Intravascular Mechanical Cavopulmonary Assistance for Patients With Failing Fontan PhysiologyARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 11 2009Sonya S. Bhavsar Abstract To provide a viable bridge-to-transplant, bridge-to-recovery, or bridge-to-surgical reconstruction for patients with failing Fontan physiology, we are developing a collapsible, percutaneously inserted, magnetically levitated axial flow blood pump to support the cavopulmonary circulation in adolescent and adult patients. This unique blood pump will augment pressure and thus flow in the inferior vena cava through the lungs and ameliorate the poor hemodynamics associated with the univentricular circulation. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed to create the design of the impeller, the protective cage of filaments, and the set of diffuser blades for our axial flow blood pump. These analyses included the generation of pressure,flow characteristics, scalar stress estimations, and blood damage indexes. A quasi-steady analysis of the diffuser rotation was also completed and indicated an optimal diffuser rotational orientation of approximately 12°. The numerical predictions of the pump performance demonstrated a pressure generation of 2,25 mm Hg for 1,7 L/min over 3000,8000 rpm. Scalar stress values were less than 200 Pa, and fluid residence times were found to be within acceptable ranges being less than 0.25 s. The maximum blood damage index was calculated to be 0.068%. These results support the continued design and development of this cavopulmonary assist device, building upon previous numerical work and experimental prototype testing. [source] An Evaluation of a Polyethersulfone Hollow Fiber Plasma Separator by Animal ExperimentARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 1 2001Zhao Chang-sheng Abstract: Membrane plasma separators are being used routinely for therapy in various diseases. In this study, a newly developed plasma separator made of polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fibers was evaluated for its plasma filtration efficiency and blood compatibility by animal experiment. Hemolysis did not occur under the usual conditions of plasma separation. The sieving coefficients of total protein and albumin were over 95%, and the total cholesterol was over 90% throughout the perfusions. Decreases in white blood cells, platelets, fibrinogen, and coagulation factors were observed during the early stage of plasma separation, but appear to be within acceptable ranges for clinical use. [source] Kangaroo Mother Care: 25 years afterACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2005Nathalie Charpak Abstract The components of the Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) intervention, their rational bases, and their current uses in low-, middle-, and high-income countries are described. KMC was started in 1978 in Bogotá (Colombia) in response to overcrowding and insufficient resources in neonatal intensive care units associated with high morbidity and mortality among low-birthweight infants. The intervention consists of continuous skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the infant, exclusive breastfeeding, and early home discharge in the kangaroo position. In studies of the physiological effects of KMC, the results for most variables were within clinically acceptable ranges or the same as those for premature infants under other forms of care. Body temperature and weight gain are significantly increased, and a meta-analysis showed that the kangaroo position increases the uptake and duration of breastfeeding. Investigations of the behavioral effects of KMC show rapid quiescence. The psychosocial effects of KMC include reduced stress, enhancement of mother,infant bonding, and positive effects on the family environment and the infant's cognitive development. Conclusion: Past and current research has clarified some of the rational bases of KMC and has provided evidence for its effectiveness and safety, although more research is needed to clearly define the effectiveness of the various components of the intervention in different settings and for different therapeutic goals. [source] ABO-incompatible renal transplantation in Epstein syndromeCLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 2010Masao Ogura Ogura M, Kikuchi E, Kaito H, Kamei K, Matsuoka K, Tanaka H, Kuroda T, Sekine T, Ito S. ABO-incompatible renal transplantation in Epstein syndrome. Clin Transplant 2010: 24 (Suppl. 22): 31,34. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract:, Epstein syndrome (ES) is an autosomal dominant hereditary disease characterized by hereditary nephritis, sensory deafness, and thrombocytopenia. We herein report the case of a 20-yr-old man with ES who underwent ABO blood type-incompatible living-donor kidney transplantation from his mother. He was given platelet transfusion, and his pre-operative number of platelets were 108 × 103/,L. After transplantation, urine output and the decrease in serum creatinine (sCr) were within the acceptable ranges. On the seventh post-operative day (POD), sCr had risen and urine output decreased. Anti-type A antibody rapidly elevated from <2 times (×2) just before transplantation to 64 times (×64), and the patient required hemodialysis again. Resistance index (RI) by ultrasound increased from an average of 0.5 , 0.6 on POD 1 to an average of 0.7 , 0.8 on POD 7. However, several biopsies (POD 4, 7, and 10) showed no obvious findings of acute rejection except for intense C4d deposition. Because acute antibody-mediated rejection was not completely ruled out, he was treated with methyl-prednisolone pulse therapy, plasma exchange, cyclophosphamide, and immunoglobulin. Regardless, his titer of anti-type A antibody was still high, and he still presented oliguria. We performed an emergent splenectomy. Consequently, the levels of anti-type A antibody decreased, the RI also dropped to an average of 0.6. However, on POD 19 and 25 (platelets were 27 × 103/,L and 36 × 103/,L), he developed a massive intraperitoneal hematoma around the graft and region of the removed spleen, which pushed the graft out and caused acute tubular necrosis, resulting in anuria. The RI rose to an average of 0.8 , 1.0 after these episodes. He also experienced bleeding from a duodenal ulcer on POD 21. However, his renal function has fully recovered after acute hemodialysis for 35 d. The latest sCr was 1.5 mg/dL with a recovery in RI to 0.6. Although his platelet count was maintained at a minimum of 50 × 103/,L, he had several severe bleeding episodes, concluding that sufficient platelets are necessary after transplantation in ES. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||