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Kinds of Safe Terms modified by Safe Selected AbstractsCURRENT TECHNIQUES AND DEVICES FOR SAFE AND CONVENIENT ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION (ESD) AND KOREAN EXPERIENCE OF ESDDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 3 2008Sang-Yong Seol Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) technique has limitations in its capacity of achieving en bloc resection and, for lesions greater than 20 mm, removal in a piecemeal resection is often required. This leads to uncertainty as to whether or not the lesion has been completely removed and to an increase in local recurrence. To overcome this limitation, a new technique using specifically designed cutting devices, termed endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been developed. The present article discuss the current indication, new diagnostic, cutting and hemostatic devices and long-term outcomes of EMR and ESD in early gastric cancer in Korea. [source] Influence of reed stem density on foredune developmentEARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 11 2001S. M. Arens Abstract Vegetation density on foredunes exerts an important control on aeolian sediment transport and deposition, and therefore on profile development. In a long-term monitoring field experiment, three plots were planted with regular grids of reed bundles in three different densities: 4, 2 and 1 bundles per m2. This study reports on the differences in profile development under the range of vegetation densities. Topographic profiles were measured between May 1996 and April 1997. Results indicate important differences in profile development for the three reed bundle densities: in the highest density plot a distinct, steep dune developed, while in the lowest density a more gradual and smooth sand ramp was deposited. When the stems had been completely buried, differences in profile evolution vanished. After a second planting of reed stems in January 1997 the process was repeated. In May 1997, all plots had gained a sand volume ranging from 11·5 to 12·3 m3 m,1, indicating that the sediment budget is relatively constant, regardless of the particular profile evolution. The field evidence is compared with simulations of profile development, generated by the foredune development model SAFE. The model successfully reproduces the overall profile development, but in general, the equations used for vegetation,transport interaction overestimate the effect of vegetation. This causes some deviations between field and model results. Several reasons for this are discussed. Based on the experiments reported here, recommendations are given for further research. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] MONITORING SYSTEM PROVES ROOFTOP SAFE AFTER SEATTLE EARTHQUAKEEXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES, Issue 3 2001Vincent P. Wnuk No abstract is available for this article. [source] Aroma-impact compounds in Lysimachia foenum-graecum extractsFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Na Shu Abstract Two different extraction methods were used to obtain representative extracts from stems and leaves of Lysimachia foenum-graecum, a Chinese plant with a smoky, spicy, green, woody and caramel aroma. An extract was obtained by steam distillation followed by pentane back-extraction. Plants were also extracted with dichloromethane, and the non-volatile compounds were separated from volatiles by high-vacuum distillation (SAFE). Compared to the steam distillate extract, the SAFE-distilled extract was judged to be more similar to the aroma of the starting materials. The aroma-impact compounds of the SAFE extract were then determined using multidimensional GC. From the detection frequencies and the intensities of the peaks, 47 peaks with odour-activity were determined, using an adaptation of the GC,SNIFF method, to have an impact on the overall aroma of the extract. Fifty-four compounds responsible for the peaks presenting odour-activity were identified from mass spectral data, retention indices, olfactory character and co-injection of authentic standards. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Odour-active compounds of Jinhua hamFLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2008Huanlu Song Abstract Using DHS, SAFE, GC,O and GC,MS, the odour-active compounds of Jinhua ham were identified and ranked according their odour potencies. For DHS, the ham powder was purged with a nitrogen stream at a flow rate of 50 ml/min for 25 min, 5 min and 1 min, respectively. The effluent of sample headspace was trapped by a Tenax tube, which was placed onto the vessel for GC,O. The most important odorants (FD factor = 125) in Jinhua ham headspace were ethyl 2-methylbutanoate/ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, hexanal, 1-hexen-3-one, 1-octen-3-one, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline and 2-methoxyphenol, followed by the following odorants (FD factor = 25): 3-methyl butanal, dimethyl trisulphide, 1-nonen-3-one, butanoic acid, phenylacetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-methyl(3-methyldithio)furan, , -nonalctone and 4-methylphenol (p -cresol). For SAFE, the ham powder was extracted with diethyl ether, distilled by SAFE and then separated into neutral/basic and acidic fractions. Both fractions were subjected to AEDA. The relatively high-odour impact compounds (Log3FD Factor ,5) of the N/B fraction of SAFE extract of Jinhua ham were 1-octen-one, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, methional, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-phenylethanol, (E)-4,5-epoxy-(E)-decenal, p -cresol (4-methylphenol); 3-methylbutanal, hexanal, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, decanal, (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and (E,E)-decadienal. The important odorants of the Ac fraction of SAFE extract of Jinhua ham were butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid, phenylacetic acid and an unknown. It was shown that the aroma of Jinhua ham consisted of a variety of compounds having different odour properties; a single compound could not characterize the aroma of Jinhua ham. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] SAFE biopsy: A validated method for large-scale staging of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C,HEPATOLOGY, Issue 6 2009Giada Sebastiani The staging of liver fibrosis is pivotal for defining the prognosis and indications for therapy in hepatitis C. Although liver biopsy remains the gold standard, several noninvasive methods are under evaluation for clinical use. The aim of this study was to validate the recently described sequential algorithm for fibrosis evaluation (SAFE) biopsy, which detects significant fibrosis (,F2 by METAVIR) and cirrhosis (F4) by combining the AST-to-platelet ratio index and Fibrotest-Fibrosure, thereby limiting liver biopsy to cases not adequately classifiable by noninvasive markers. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients (2035) were enrolled in nine locations in Europe and the United States. The diagnostic accuracy of SAFE biopsy versus histology, which is the gold standard, was investigated. The reduction in the need for liver biopsies achieved with SAFE biopsy was also assessed. SAFE biopsy identified significant fibrosis with 90.1% accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.90) and reduced by 46.5% the number of liver biopsies needed. SAFE biopsy had 92.5% accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-0.94) for the detection of cirrhosis, obviating 81.5% of liver biopsies. A third algorithm identified significant fibrosis and cirrhosis simultaneously with high accuracy and a 36% reduction in the need for liver biopsy. The patient's age and body mass index influenced the performance of SAFE biopsy, which was improved with adjusted Fibrotest-Fibrosure cutoffs. Two hundred two cases (9.9%) had discordant results for significant fibrosis with SAFE biopsy versus histology, whereas 153 cases (7.5%) were discordant for cirrhosis detection; 71 of the former cases and 56 of the latter cases had a Fibroscan measurement within 2 months of histological evaluation. Fibroscan confirmed SAFE biopsy findings in 83.1% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion: SAFE biopsy is a rational and validated method for staging liver fibrosis in hepatitis C with a marked reduction in the need for liver biopsy. It is an attractive tool for large-scale screening of HCV carriers. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.) [source] Psychometric Properties of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale and the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in Older WomenJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 2 2008Kristine M.C. Talley MS OBJECTIVES: To compare the psychometric properties of the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly (SAFE). DESIGN: Secondary analysis using baseline and 12-week data from a randomized, controlled trial on fall prevention. SETTING: Upper Midwest metropolitan area with assessments conducted in participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Population-based sample of 272 noninstitutionalized female Medicare beneficiaries aged 70 and older at risk of falling. MEASUREMENTS: Participants self-administered the ABC, SAFE, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Survey. During a home visit, a nurse practitioner administered the Berg Balance Test and Timed Up and Go, measured gait speed, and asked about falls and chronic illnesses. RESULTS: Baseline internal consistency measured using Cronbach alpha was 0.95 for the ABC and 0.82 for the SAFE. Baseline concurrent validity between the ABC and SAFE measured using a correlation coefficient was ,0.65 (P<.001). ABC and SAFE scores were significantly correlated at baseline with physical performance tests and self-reported health status. The ABC had stronger baseline correlations than the SAFE with most measures. Neither instrument demonstrated responsiveness to change at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: The ABC and SAFE demonstrated strong internal-consistency reliability and validity when self-administered. The ABC had stronger associations with physical functioning and may be more appropriate for studies focused on improving physical function. Both instruments demonstrated ceiling effects, which may explain the lack of responsiveness to change in relatively nonfrail older women. Instruments sensitive to measuring lower levels of fear of falling are needed to capture the full range of this phenomenon in this population. [source] Characterization of Aroma-Active Compounds in Microwave Blanched PeanutsJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 9 2006A.V. Schirack ABSTRACT:, Microwave blanching of peanuts has been explored as an alternative to conventional oven methods based on its speed of operation, energy savings, and efficiency of process control. Although processing times can be greatly reduced, the occurrence of stale/floral and ashy off-flavors has been reported at high process temperatures. This study examined the chemical compounds responsible for this off-flavor using solvent extraction/solvent assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC/O), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). Select compounds were quantified based on AEDA results using SAFE and GC/MS. Quantification, threshold testing, and analysis of model systems revealed increased formation of guaiacol and phenylacetaldehyde in the off-flavored peanuts, which resulted in the burnt and stale/floral flavors noted by a trained panel. [source] Characterization of a Cabbage Off-flavor in Whey Protein IsolateJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 2 2006Joy M. Wright ABSTRACT Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a value-added protein with multiple ingredient applications. A bland flavor is expected in WPI, and off-flavors can limit its use in foods. Recently, a cabbage off-flavor was noted in some WPI. The objective of this study was to characterize the source of cabbage flavor in WPI. WPI with and without cabbage flavor were collected, and descriptive sensory analysis was conducted on the rehydrated WPI using a trained panel and a previously identified sensory language. Volatile compounds were extracted by solvent extraction followed by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE), followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactometry (GCO), to identify and characterize aroma-active compounds. Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) (cabbage aroma) was identified by GCO and GC-MS in WPI with the cabbage flavor. DMTS was quantified by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with GC-MS. Orthonasal thresholds of DMTS in deodorized water and WPI were determined by ascending forced choice analysis, and descriptive analysis of model systems was used to confirm instrumental results. DMTS levels were 1.94 ± 0.26 and 3.25 ± 0.61 parts per billion (ppb) in WPI with cabbage flavor, and 0.44 ± 0.25 and 0.43 ± 0.18 ppb in those without cabbage flavor. The orthonasal thresholds for DMTS in water and WPI were 0.07 ± 1.28 parts per trillion (ppt) and 0.80 ± 0.45 ppb, respectively. Descriptive analysis of model systems confirmed the role of DMTS in the cabbage off-flavor. Knowledge of the source of this flavor will aid in identification of ways to minimize or prevent DMTS formation in WPI. [source] The combination of a blood test and Fibroscan improves the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosisLIVER INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2009Jérôme Boursier Abstract Background and aims: Blood tests and liver stiffness evaluation (LSE) by ultrasonographic elastometry are accurate tools for diagnosing liver fibrosis. We evaluated whether their synchronous combination in new scores could improve the diagnostic accuracy and reduce liver biopsy requirement in algorithm. Methods: Three hundred and ninety patients with chronic liver disease of miscellaneous causes were included. Five blood fibrosis tests were evaluated: APRI, FIB-4, Hepascore, Fibrotest and FibroMeter. The reference was fibrosis Metavir staging. Results: Diagnosis of significant fibrosis (Metavir F,2). The most accurate synchronous combination was FibroMeter+LSE, which provided a significantly higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.892) than LSE alone (0.867, P=0.011) or Fibrometer (0.834, P<10,3). An algorithm using the FibroMeter+LSE combination and then a liver biopsy in indeterminate cases had 91.9% diagnostic accuracy and required significantly fewer biopsies (20.2%) than previously published Bordeaux algorithm (28.6%, P=0.02) or sequential algorithm for fibrosis evaluation (SAFE) (55.7%, P<10,3). The Angers algorithm performance was not significantly different between viral hepatitis and other causes. Diagnosis of cirrhosis. The most accurate synchronous combination was LSE+FibroMeter, which provided ,90% predictive values for cirrhosis in 90.6% of patients vs 87.4% for LSE (P=0.02) and 57.9% for FibroMeter (P<10,3). An algorithm including the LSE+FibroMeter combination, and then a liver biopsy in indeterminate cases, had a significantly higher diagnostic accuracy than the SAFE algorithm (91.0 vs 79.8%, P<10,3), and required significantly fewer biopsies than the Bordeaux algorithm (9.3 vs 25.3%, P<10,3). Conclusion: The synchronous combination of a blood test plus LSE improves the accuracy of the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis and, consequently, markedly decreases the biopsy requirement in the diagnostic algorithm, notably to <10% in cirrhosis diagnosis. [source] SAFE,The Special Non-invasive Advances in Fetal and Neonatal Evaluation Network: aims and achievementsPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 2 2008Lyn S. Chitty Abstract In this short review, the objectives and work of SAFE,the Special Non-invasive Advances in Fetal and Neonatal Evaluation Network, a European Union Framework VI network of excellence is described. We demonstrate how this network facilitates the implementation of non-invasive prenatal diagnosis (NIPD) for single gene disorders, fetal rhesus typing, aneuploidy and pregnancy complications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] THYROIDECTOMY IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR RETROSTERNAL GOITREANZ JOURNAL OF SURGERY, Issue 4 2006Ajay Chauhan Background: Retrosternal goitre was defined as any thyroid enlargement identified below the thoracic inlet at operation, with the patient's neck held in extension. The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of the patients, the goitres, the surgery and its morbidity (including tracheomalacia, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and hypocalcaemia) and the incidence of malignancy in order to establish guidelines for managing patients with a retrosternal goitre. Methods: Data were collected prospectively on all thyroidectomies carried out by a single surgeon over 14 years. Patients underwent appropriate preoperative assessment and thyroidectomy was carried out using a standardized capsular dissection technique. There were 199 cases of retrosternal extension. Results: Retrosternal extension was significantly more common on the left side than on the right side (ratio 3:2, P < 0.05). Most patients (83.4%) had significant symptoms that were relieved by surgery. Of the 199 thyroidectomies, none required a sternal split. The rate of malignancy was low (2.5%). Postoperative morbidity was 30%, the majority being asymptomatic temporary hypocalcaemia. There were no patients with permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsies or permanent hypoparathyroidism. There was one case of tracheomalacia. There was no death. Conclusion: Retrosternal goitre is a frequently symptomatic condition, with a low but definite rate of malignancy. Surgery is usually possible through a cervical incision and with an acceptable risk of significant morbidity. Thyroidectomy should be recommended as the treatment of choice. [source] Early Markers of Prolonged Hospital Stays in Older People: A Prospective, Multicenter Study of 908 Inpatients in French Acute HospitalsJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 7 2006Pierre-Olivier Lang MD OBJECTIVES: To identify early markers of prolonged hospital stays in older people in acute hospitals. DESIGN: A prospective, multicenter study. SETTING: Nine hospitals in France. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand three hundred six patients aged 75 and older were hospitalized through an emergency department (Sujet Âgé Fragile: Évaluation et suivi (SAFEs) ,Frail Elderly Subjects: Evaluation and follow-up). MEASUREMENTS: Data used in a logistic regression were obtained through a gerontological evaluation of inpatients, conducted in the first week of hospitalization. The center effect was considered in two models as a random and fixed effect. Two limits were used to define a prolonged hospital stay. The first was fixed at 30 days. The second was adjusted for Diagnosis Related Groups according to the French classification (f-DRG). RESULTS: Nine hundred eight of the 1,306 hospital stays that made up the cohort were analyzed. Two centers (n=298) were excluded because of a large volume of missing f-DRGs. Two-thirds of subjects in the cohort analyzed were women (64%), with a mean age of 84. One hundred thirty-eight stays (15%) lasted more than 30 days; 46 (5%) were prolonged beyond the f-DRG-adjusted limit. No sociodemographic variables seemed to influence the length of stay, regardless of the limit used. For the 30-day limit, only cognitive impairment (odds ratio (OR)=2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2,4.0) was identified as a marker for prolongation. f-DRG adjustment revealed other clinical markers. Walking difficulties (OR=2.6, 95% CI=1.2,16.7), fall risk (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.7,5.3), cognitive impairment (OR=7.1, 95% CI=2.3,49.9), and malnutrition risk (OR=2.5, 95% CI=1.7,19.6) were found to be early markers for prolonged stays, although dependence level and its evolution, estimated using the Katz activity of daily living (ADL) index, were not identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: When the generally recognized parameters of frailty are taken into account, a set of simple items (walking difficulties, risk of fall, risk of malnutrition, and cognitive impairment) enables a predictive approach to the length of stay of elderly patients hospitalized under emergency circumstances. Katz ADLs were not among the early markers identified. [source] Shifting Boundaries on the Professional Knowledge Landscape: When Teacher Communications Become Less SafeCURRICULUM INQUIRY, Issue 4 2004CHERYL J. CRAIG ABSTRACT Researched in the narrative-inquiry tradition, this article continues to map the terrain of teachers' professional knowledge landscapes by distinguishing knowledge communities from other teacher groups. It brings to light a bridging space in which the boundaries of teachers' landscapes may shift, and their transactions may become less safe, particularly when hotly contested matters reach narrative plateaus that are difficult to surmount. This personal experience study conducted in relationship with African-American teachers, Hope and Lorne, makes these distinctions known amid the unexamined narrative freight that pervaded their school contexts and against the backdrop of the historical African-American neighborhood within which their campuses were located. [source] Short Report: Safe and rapid resolution of severe hypertriglyceridaemia in two patients with intravenous insulinDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 9 2010J. M. Triay Diabet. Med. 27, 1080,1083 (2010) Abstract Aim, To rapidly reduce serum triglyceride to a safe serum level. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with uncontrolled diabetes, obesity and poor physical activity. Even moderate increases in triglyceride levels (> 5mmol/L) confer an increased risk of pancreatitis and coronary artery disease. We present two patients with diabetes and serum triglyceride levels of greater than 85mmol/L despite polypharmacy intervention. Method, 72-hour intravenous insulin infusion was administered. Results, Serum triglyceride levels fell to 9.4 and 4.6 mmol/L respectively, without adverse events and sustained effect over several months. Conclusion, We suggest the use of intravenous insulin infusion where lifestyle and oral drug therapies have failed can impact on severe hypertriglyceridaemia. [source] Droperidol Use in the Emergency Department Is Not SafeACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2006Robert L. Prosser Jr MD No abstract is available for this article. [source] Growth hormone secretagogue receptor antagonists as potential therapeutic agents for obesityDRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 2 2005Hongyu Zhao Abstract Safe and efficacious medicines for obesity treatment are greatly needed. As an endogenous ligand of growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R 1a), ghrelin is the only known circulating orexigen. Administration of ghrelin causes food intake and body weight increase in both rodents and humans, whereas inhibiting its actions by antibodies, peptide antagonists, and anti-sense oligonucleotides leads to decreased food intake and weight loss. Recent progress in developing nonpeptidyl small molecule GHS-R antagonists is reviewed in this article. Drug Dev. Res. 65:50,54, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Reducing sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol for patients in substance abuse treatmentADDICTION, Issue 1 2010Donald A. Calsyn ABSTRACT Aims In a previous report, the effectiveness of the Real Men Are Safe (REMAS) intervention in reducing the number of unprotected sexual occasions among male drug abuse treatment patients was demonstrated. A secondary aim of REMAS was to reduce the frequency with which men engage in sex under the influence (SUI) of drugs or alcohol. Design Men in methadone maintenance (n = 173) or out-patient psychosocial treatment (n = 104) completed assessments at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Participants The participants were assigned randomly to attend either REMAS (five sessions containing information, motivational exercises and skills training, including one session specifically targeting reducing SUI) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) education (HIV-Ed; one session containing HIV prevention information). SUI during the most recent sexual event served as the primary outcome in a repeated measures logistic regression model. Findings Men assigned to the REMAS condition reporting SUI at the most recent sexual event decreased from 36.8% at baseline to 25.7% at 3 months compared to a increase from 36.9% to 38.3% in the HIV-Ed condition (tintervention = ,2.16, P = 0.032). No difference between the treatment groups was evident at 6-month follow-up. At each assessment time-point, sex with a casual partner versus a regular partner, and being in methadone maintenance versus psychosocial out-patient treatment, were associated with engaging in SUI. Conclusions Overall, a motivational and skills training HIV prevention intervention designed for men was associated with greater reduction in SUI than standard HIV education at the 3-month follow-up. [source] Is Eradication of Helicobacter pylori With Colloidal Bismuth Subcitrate Quadruple Therapy Safe?HELICOBACTER, Issue 2 2001Rosemary H. Phillips ABSTRACT Background. When standard triple therapy fails to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, quadruple ,rescue' therapy is often used which, in Europe, generally comprises colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) based triple therapy and a proton pump inhibitor. Since hypochlorhydria could greatly increase absorption of the toxic bismuth ion from CBS, we investigated the bismuth status of patients receiving anti- H. pylori quadruple therapy. Materials and Methods. In a prospective open label study 34 patients with nonulcer dyspepsia or peptic ulcer disease, who had failed to eradicate H. pylori with standard triple therapy, were subsequently treated with CBS, omeprazole, amoxycillin and metronidazole (BOAM). A further 35 patients received triple therapy for the eradication of H. pylori: CBS, amoxycillin and metronidazole (BAM) (n = 18); placebo bismuth, amoxycillin and metronidazole (AM) (n = 9); or omeprazole, amoxycillin and metronidazole (OAM) (n = 8). Whole blood bismuth levels were determined before and within 24 hours of completing treatment. Analysis of bismuth was by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and concentrations were compared between groups and with the Hillemand ,alarm level' for blood bismuth (50,100 µg/l). Results. BOAM gave higher blood bismuth levels than BAM (difference in means 13.1, CI 6.0,20.2, p < .001); three (8.8%) patients taking BOAM had concentrations within the Hillemand alarm level at 54.2, 64.7 and 91.8 µg/l. OAM and AM did not alter baseline blood bismuth levels. Conclusions. Caution should be observed in prescribing CBS with gastric acid suppression, and alternative bismuth preparations should be considered. [source] A New, Safe, High-Rate and High-Energy Polymer Lithium-Ion BatteryADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 47 2009Jusef Hassoun A polymer lithium-ion battery based on an original combination of new electrodes and electrolyte materials are reported. This advanced battery has unique performances in terms of energy density, power capability, cycle life and safety (see figure). [source] Emerging Economies in East Asia: Are they Safe from Future Crises?IDS BULLETIN, Issue 4 2007Yung Chul Park First page of article [source] Comparative Reactivity of Hypervalent Iodine Oxidants in Metalloporphyrin-Catalyzed Oxygenation of Hydrocarbons: Iodosylbenzene Sulfate and 2-Iodylbenzoic Acid Ester as Safe and Convenient Alternatives to IodosylbenzeneADVANCED SYNTHESIS & CATALYSIS (PREVIOUSLY: JOURNAL FUER PRAKTISCHE CHEMIE), Issue 5 2009Abstract A comparative study of the reactivity of 2-iodylbenzoic acid isopropyl ester (IBX-ester), oligomeric iodosylbenzene sulfate [(PhIO)3,SO3]n, and iodosylbenzene in the oxygenation of anthracene in the presence of metal porphyrin or phthalocyanine complexes is reported. Results of this study demonstrate that oligomeric iodosylbenzene sulfate and the IBX-ester are the most reactive oxygenating reagents that can be used as a safe and convenient alternative to the thermally unstable and potentially explosive iodosylbenzene. [source] Express guideway transit: A case for further development in transit automationJOURNAL OF ADVANCED TRANSPORTATION, Issue 2 2002Justin Batelaan Safe and reliable coupling and decoupling of cars from a moving train is feasible with further developments in linear motor propulsion and control of transit vehicles. This allows the last car of a train to decouple and stop at a station for a relative long dwell time, before it accelerates and is coupled to a following train. Controlled doors in front and rear of the transit vehicle permit passengers to walk through the train to the car which stops at their destination. A proposed transit system using these features is described and compared to Bombardier's Advanced Rapid Transit. Potential advantages are high schedule speed, uncrowded trains, smaller and more stations, low energy requirements and a smaller vehicle fleet. [source] Tolterodine: A Safe and Effective Treatment for Older Patients with Overactive BladderJOURNAL OF AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY, Issue 6 2001James G. Malone-Lee MD OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of two dosages of tolterodine in older patients with symptoms attributable to overactive bladder. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multinational, phase III study. SETTING: Incontinence, older care, urological, and urogynecological clinics in the United Kingdom, France, and the Republic of Ireland. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and seventy-seven older patients (age ,65 years) with symptoms of urinary urgency, increased frequency of micturition (,8 micturitions/24 hours), and/or urge incontinence (,1 episode/24 hours). INTERVENTION: Tolterodine 1 mg or 2 mg twice daily (bid), or placebo, for 4 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Safety and tolerability were evaluated through spontaneously reported adverse events, electrocardiogram, and blood pressure measurements. Efficacy was assessed using micturition diary variables: mean change from baseline in frequency of micturition and number of incontinence episodes/24 hours. RESULTS: The mean age of the patient population was 75 years. Overall, ,87% of patients completed the study. Neither dosage of tolterodine was associated with serious drug-related adverse events during the study. No cardiac arrythmogenic events were noted. Dry mouth (mild to moderate intensity) was the most common adverse event in both the placebo and tolterodine treatment groups. Three percent of patients in the tolterodine 2 mg bid group discontinued treatment because of dry mouth, compared with 2% of placebo-treated patients. Compared with placebo, statistically significant decreases in micturition frequency were apparent in both tolterodine treatment groups. Furthermore, patients treated with tolterodine 2 mg bid had statistically significant decreases in urge incontinence episodes/24 hours and increases in volume voided per micturition compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Tolterodine (taken for 4 weeks) is safe and shows efficacy, particularly at a dosage of 2 mg bid, in the treatment of older patients with urinary symptoms attributable to overactive bladder. J Am Geriatr Soc 49:700,705, 2001. [source] The application of structure envelopes in structure determination from powder diffraction dataJOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2002Simon Brenner A structure envelope is a special type of periodic nodal surface that separates regions of high electron density from those of low electron density. Once such a surface has been generated, it can be used in combination with direct-space methods to facilitate structure solution from powder data. To generate an informative structure envelope, the phases of the structure factors of a few strong low-order reflections must be determined; an algorithm has been developed for this purpose. The program SayPerm combines (a) the use of error-correcting codes (e.c.c.'s) to sample phase space efficiently, (b) a pseudo-atom approximation of structure fragments to simulate atomic resolution at ca 2.5,Å, and (c) phase extension and phase set ranking using the Sayre equation. The effect of using a structure envelope in structure solution was first tested in combination with a subroutine for finding zeolite topologies in the program FOCUS. Then extension to molecular structures in combination with a simulated-annealing program was explored. This resulted in the development of the program Safe and the subsequent determination of the structure of a tri-,-peptide (C32N3O6H53) with 17 variable torsion angles. [source] Surgical Education is SafeJOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 1 2008Terrence Liu M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Introduction of an OPCAB Program Aimed at Total Arterial Grafting in a Multidisciplinary Setting: Feasible and Safe?JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2007Xavier M. Mueller M.D. Uniform surgical and anesthetic protocols were established and applied throughout the study period. Methods: From March 2003,when the first OPCAB procedure of the program was performed,to July 2004, the data related to all the coronary artery bypass grafting procedures (N = 408) were prospectively recorded. The program was divided into two stages: the purpose of the first stage was to perform OPCAB in more than 90% of the patients, and that of the second stage was to proceed toward total arterial revascularization. The patients were grouped into four periods (102 patients for each period). Comparisons were performed with analysis of variance test and chi-square test where appropriate. Results: For periods 1 to 4, the number of OPCAB procedures was 65/102 (64%), 82/102 (80%), 97/102 (95%), and 99/102 (97%), respectively (p < 0.001). The number of conversions did not vary significantly throughout the study (overall: 7/408, 1.7%), neither did the number of bypass/patient (overall: 3.05 ± 0.86). The number of arterial graft/patient was 1.03 ± 0.64, 1.01 ± 0.4, 1.29 ± 0.64, and 2.56 ± 1, respectively (p < 0.001). During the last period, 81% (253/312) of the grafts were arterial. Overall mortality was 4.6% (19/408). For the OPCAB group, mortality was 2.9% (10/343) and perioperative myocardial infarction rate was 1.5% (5/343) with no statistically significant difference between the periods. Conclusions: With predefined standardized and coordinated protocols, an OPCAB program aimed at total arterial revascularization can be implemented rapidly and safely in a multidisciplinary setting. [source] Invited Commentary: Introduction of An Opcab Program Aimed at Total Arterial Grafting In A Multidisciplinary Setting: Feasible and Safe?JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 2 2007F.A.C.S., F.R.C.S.C., M.Sc., Richard J. Novick M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Is It Safe to Initiate Selective Cerebral Perfusion with Normothermia?JOURNAL OF CARDIAC SURGERY, Issue 5 2005Mizuho Imamaki M.D. Cerebral circulation is isolated from systemic circulation to avoid cerebral embolization due to detachment of atherosclerotic material from the aorta, caused by the "sandblasting" effect of high-velocity jets of blood exiting the aortic cannula. However, neither the safety of SCP at normothermia nor the influence of extended SCP time has been sufficiently clarified. To clarify the safety of P-SCP, the comparison study of P-SCP and conventional SCP (C-SCP) was performed retrospectively. Methods: Fifty-seven patients (C-SCP group: 29 patients; P-SCP: 28 patients) underwent surgery between 1992 and 2002. Results: Nine (15.8%) in-hospital death occurred; 4 in the C-SCP group (13.8%) and 5 in the P-SCP group (17.9%) (NS). The SCP time was 136.6 ± 68.5 minutes in the C-SCP group and 195.8 ± 30.7 minutes in the P-SCP group (p < 0.05). One patient in each group exhibited postoperative neurological dysfunction. Conclusion: It may be little dangerous to initiate the SCP with normothermia. P-SCP may be useful in cases in which there is pedunculated atherosclerotic material, or mural thrombus in the ascending and arch aorta. [source] Safe and Effective Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Importance of Esophageal Temperature Monitoring to Avoid Periesophageal Nerve Injury as a Complication of Pulmonary Vein IsolationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009TAISHI KUWAHARA M.D. Introduction: Catheter ablation on the left atrial posterior wall has been reported to potentially damage the esophagus or periesophageal vagal nerve. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of esophageal temperature monitoring (ETM) in preventing esophageal or periesophageal vagal nerve injury in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Methods: This study included 359 patients with drug-refractory AF who underwent extensive PV isolation. The first 152 patients were treated without ETM (non-ETM) and the last 207 with ETM. In the ETM group, the esophageal temperature (ET) was measured with a deflectable temperature probe that was placed close to the ablation electrode, and the radiofrequency energy applications were stopped when the ET reached 42°C. Results: In all patients in the ETM group, the ET increased to 42°C in at least one site by 28 ± 14 seconds, mostly along the right side of the left PVs, especially near the left inferior PV. Less energy (6.3 ± 1.9 × 104 J) was required for PV isolation in the ETM group than that in the non-ETM (6.8 ± 1.9 ×104 J, P = 0.03). Gastric hypomotility owing to periesophageal nerve damage was observed in three patients in the non-ETM group, but in none in the ETM (P = 0.02). The recurrence rates of AF did not differ between the two groups (non-ETM, 29%; ETM, 27%). Conclusion: Titration of the duration of the ablation energy delivery while monitoring the ET could prevent periesophageal nerve injury due to the AF ablation, without decreasing the success rate of maintaining sinus rhythm. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||