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Registration
Kinds of Registration Terms modified by Registration Selected AbstractsFINAL CALL FOR ABSTRACTS AND REGISTRATIONTHE JOURNAL OF EUKARYOTIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Article first published online: 11 JUL 200 [source] Range Scan Registration Using Reduced Deformable ModelsCOMPUTER GRAPHICS FORUM, Issue 2 2009W. Chang Abstract We present an unsupervised method for registering range scans of deforming, articulated shapes. The key idea is to model the motion of the underlying object using a reduced deformable model. We use a linear skinning model for its simplicity and represent the weight functions on a regular grid localized to the surface geometry. This decouples the deformation model from the surface representation and allows us to deal with the severe occlusion and missing data that is inherent in range scan data. We formulate the registration problem using an objective function that enforces close alignment of the 3D data and includes an intuitive notion of joints. This leads to an optimization problem that we solve using an efficient EM-type algorithm. With our algorithm we obtain smooth deformations that accurately register pairs of range scans with significant motion and occlusion. The main advantages of our approach are that it does not require user specified markers, a template, nor manual segmentation of the surface geometry into rigid parts. [source] State of Research in High-consequence Hospital Surge CapacityACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 11 2006Carl H. Schultz MD High-consequence surge research involves a systems approach that includes elements such as healthcare facilities, out-of-hospital systems, mortuary services, public health, and sheltering. This article focuses on one aspect of this research, hospital surge capacity, and discusses a definition for such capacity, its components, and future considerations. While conceptual definitions of surge capacity exist, evidence-based practical guidelines for hospitals require enhancement. The Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) definition and benchmarks are extrapolated from those of other countries and rely mainly on trauma data. The most significant part of the HRSA target, the need to care for 500 victims stricken with an infectious disease per one million population in 24 hours, was not developed using a biological model. If HRSA's recommendation is applied to a sample metropolitan area such as Orange County, California, this translates to a goal of expanding hospital capacity by 20%,25% in the first 24 hours. Literature supporting this target is largely consensus based or anecdotal. There are no current objective measures defining hospital surge capacity. The literature identifying the components of surge capacity is fairly consistent and lists them as personnel, supplies and equipment, facilities, and a management system. Studies identifying strategies for hospitals to enhance these components and estimates of how long it will take are lacking. One system for augmenting hospital staff, the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals, is a consensus-derived plan that has never been tested. Future challenges include developing strategies to handle the two different types of high-consequence surge events: 1) a focal, time-limited event (such as an earthquake) where outside resources exist and can be mobilized to assist those in need and 2) a widespread, prolonged event (such as pandemic influenza) where all resources will be in use and rationing or triage is needed. [source] A public-health perspective on violenceACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 2002K. Melinder Objective:, To describe how specific theories and methods used in public health, especially regarding injuries, are related to violence. Method:, Theories and preventive work in injury research (above accidents) are presented and related to violence. Results: Registration of injuries and an interest in the environment are seen as specific for injuries. In prevention there is a focus on community work and the concept of ,a safe community' has been developed. Haddon's matrix offers a foundation for theoretical injury research. It is formed by cross-tabulating the trichotomy of host-agent-environment against a time dimension. Conclusion:, One practical and one theoretical model on how violence might be seen as an injury have been demonstrated. No clear evaluation has been made of the practical model up to now. The theoretical model has the advantage that the model makes it easier to get a more comprehensive picture of how different factors influence violence. [source] Implications of REACH for developing countriesENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE, Issue 1 2008Frank Ackerman Abstract The new European Union (EU) chemicals regulation, the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals, or REACH, went into effect in 2007. In the extensive advance discussion of the expected impacts of REACH, questions were raised about the effects of this new chemical policy on developing countries. In particular, will it harm the economies of the group of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries that historically have been connected to Europe? We found, in brief, that there are only limited, isolated cases where REACH could be problematical for ACP exporters. Almost all ACP exports subject to REACH face insignificant obstacles from the new regulation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [source] Emergency Department Information System Implementation and Process Redesign Result in Rapid and Sustained Financial Enhancement at a Large Academic CenterACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Jason S. Shapiro MD Abstract Objectives:, The objectives were to measure the financial impact of implementing a fully integrated emergency department information system (EDIS) and determine the length of time to "break even" on the initial investment. Methods:, A before-and-after study design was performed using a framework of analysis consisting of four 15-month phases: 1) preimplementation, 2) peri-implementation, 3) postimplementation, and 4) sustained effects. Registration and financial data were reviewed. Costs and rates of professional and facility charges and receipts were calculated for the phases in question and compared against monthly averages for covariates such as volume, collections rates, acuity, age, admission rate, and insurance status with an autoregressive time series analysis using a segmented model. The break-even point was calculated by measuring cumulative monthly receipts for the last three study phases in excess of the average monthly receipts from the preimplementation phase, corrected for change in volume, and then plotting this against cumulative overall cost. Results:, Time to break even on the initial EDIS investment was less than 8 months. Total revenue enhancement at the end of the 5-year study period was $16,138,953 with an increase of 69.40% in charges and 70.06% in receipts. This corresponds to an increase in receipts per patient from $50 to $90 for professional services and $131 to $183 for facilities charges. Other than volume, there were no significant changes in trends for covariates between the preimplementation and sustained-effects periods. Conclusions:, A comprehensive EDIS implementation with process redesign resulted in sustained increases in professional and facility revenues and a rapid initial break-even point. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:527,535 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine [source] Registration of plant protection products in EPPO countries: current status and possible approaches to harmonizationEPPO BULLETIN, Issue 2 2001J. Rüegg A survey concerning registration of plant protection products was carried out in 41 EPPO member countries. Twenty six countries responded and results are summarized in three groups. Various models are discussed which seek to adapt product dosage to the crowns of fruit-tree crops. The tree row volume model (TRV) is favoured by the authors since it can adequately cope with the wide variability of orchards encountered across Europe. It is suggested that experimenters who carry out registration field trials should measure the height and width of the tree crowns and the distance between the tree rows to facilitate comparison of registration trials including residue data. [source] A national stroke quality register: 12 years experience from a participating hospitalEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2007P. Appelros Registration of all hospitalized stroke patients is practiced in Sweden in order to assess care quality. Data in this register, Riks-Stroke (RS), may be biased due to incomplete registration. The purpose of this paper was to report changes in stroke outcome in relation to fluctuations in registration. Patients registered in RS at a hospital during the period 1994,2005 were analyzed. Case fatality at 28 days, living conditions, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance at 3 months were correlated to the number of patients registered and follow-up frequency. A total of 4994 stroke cases were registered during the period. A high annual registration rate was significantly correlated to a high case fatality ratio. A low annual follow-up rate was associated with a low proportion of patients living in their own home without any need of help. Quality parameters are sensible for selection bias, which make them difficult to compare over time and between hospitals. We suggest that by weighing outcome data against stroke severity, safer conclusions may be drawn. Additionally, hospitals considering setting up quality registers should make every effort to attain complete case ascertainment at all times, including patients managed outside the hospital, in order to avoid selection bias. [source] Registration open for the 3rd International Symposium of Integrative ZoologyINTEGRATIVE ZOOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009Article first published online: 29 MAY 200 No abstract is available for this article. [source] Lactate concentrations in the rectal lumen in patients in early septic shockACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 7 2010M. IBSEN Background: Previously, we observed that rectal luminal lactate was higher in non-survivors compared with survivors of severe sepsis or septic shock persisting >24 h. The present study was initiated to further investigate this tentative association between rectal luminal lactate and mortality in a larger population of patients in early septic shock. Methods: A prospective observational multicentre study of 130 patients with septic shock at six general ICU's of university hospitals. Six to 24 h after the onset of septic shock, the concentration of lactate in the rectal lumen was estimated by a 4-h equilibrium dialysis. Dialysate concentrations of lactate were determined using an auto-analyser. Results: The overall 30-day mortality was 32%, with age and Simplified acute physiology scores II and sequential organ failure assessment scores being significantly higher in non-survivors. In contrast, there were no differences in concentrations of lactate in the rectal lumen [2.2 (1.4,4.1) and 2.8 (1.6,5.1) mmol/l (P=0.34)] (medians and 25th,75th percentiles) or arterial blood [2.1 (1.4,4.2) and 2.0 (1.3,3.2) mmol/l (P=0.15)] between non-survivors and survivors. The rectal,arterial difference of the lactate concentration was higher in survivors. There were no differences in blood pressure, noradrenaline dose or central venous oxygen saturation between the groups. Conclusion: In this prospective, observational study of unselected patients with early septic shock, there was no difference in the concentration of lactate in the rectal lumen between non-survivors and survivors. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov (no: NCT00197938). [source] An assessment of pharmaceutical inspection reports from nursing and residential homes for the elderly in Northern IrelandINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACY PRACTICE, Issue 3 2004Anna K. Schweizer Phd student Objectives To highlight issues currently being inspected in nursing, residential and dual-registered homes (care homes) for the elderly in Northern Ireland as part of a pharmaceutical inspection. Methods A cross-sectional survey and analysis of reports from pharmaceutical inspections in Northern Ireland care homes between January 1999 and December 2000 was undertaken, using reports provided by the four Registration and Inspection Units (R & I Units 1,4) within the region. Reports were reviewed and all recommendations made by inspectors were classified into 11 main categories. Binary logistic regression was used to examine possible relationships between the type of home (nursing, residential or dual-registered) or the R & I unit and the recommendations made by the inspectors, with corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Key findings Reports from 415 homes (one report per home) formed the final sample for analysis. Each R & I unit used different documentation to conduct a pharmaceutical inspection. Homes received the majority of recommendations from inspectors in the categories ,Records' (66.7% of all homes), ,Policies and protocols' (39.3%) and ,Medication' (31.8%). More recommendations in a number of categories emanated from R & I unit 4 compared with R & I unit 1 (referent). Dual-registered homes (those registered as a nursing and residential facility) were more likely to receive a recommendation in the categories ,Storage of medicine', ,Order and receipt of medication' and ,Equipment' than nursing or residential homes. Conclusion Inspections of care homes should be standardised in terms of documentation used and facilities should be given guidance on issues that are likely to result in recommendations from inspectors. In the longer-term, pharmaceutical inspections should move from a focus on structure/process measures to those that emphasise quality in prescribing. [source] Time course of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block after pre-treatment with magnesium sulphate: a randomised studyACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 3 2010C. CZARNETZKI Background: A previously published study suggested that pre-treatment with magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) had no impact on the speed of onset of rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block. We set out to verify this assumption. Methods: Eighty patients (18,60 years) were randomly allocated to MgSO4 60 mg/kg or placebo (saline). Study drugs were given intravenously for 15 min before induction of anaesthesia with propofol, sufentanil and rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg. Anaesthesia was maintained with a target-controlled propofol infusion. Neuromuscular transmission was measured using train-of-four (TOF)-Watch SX® acceleromyography. Results: Onset was analysed in 37 MgSO4 and 38 saline patients, and recovery in 35 MgSO4 and 37 saline patients. Onset time (to 95% depression of T1) was on average 77 [SD=18] s with MgSO4 and 120 [48] s with saline (P<0.001). The total recovery time (DurTOF0.9) was on average 73.2 [22] min with MgSO4 and 57.8 [14.2] min with saline (P<0.003). The clinical duration (Dur25%) was on average 44.7 [14] min with MgSO4 and 33.2 [8.1] min with saline (P<0.0002). The recovery index (Dur25,75%) was on average 14.0 [6] min with MgSO4 and 11.2 [5.2] min with saline (P<0.02). The recovery time (Dur25%TOF0.9) was on average 28.5 [11.7] min with MgSO4 and 24.7 [8.4] min with saline (P=0.28). Conclusion: Magnesium sulphate given 15 min before propofol anaesthesia reduces the onset time of rocuronium by about 35% and prolongs the total recovery time by about 25%. Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00405977. [source] Determinants of skin sensitisation potentialJOURNAL OF APPLIED TOXICOLOGY, Issue 3 2008David W. Roberts Abstract Skin sensitisation is an important toxicological endpoint. The possibility that chemicals used in the workplace and in consumer products might cause skin sensitisation is a major concern for individuals, for employers and for marketing. In European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) legislation, the sensitising potential should therefore be assessed for chemicals below the 10 ton threshold. Development of methods for prediction of skin sensitisation potential without animal testing has been an active research area for some time, but has received further impetus with the advent of REACH and the EU Cosmetics Directive (EU 2003). This paper addresses the issue of non-animal based prediction of sensitisation by a mechanistic approach. It is known that the sequence of molecular, biomolecular and cellular events between exposure to a skin sensitiser and development of the sensitised state involves several stages, in particular penetration through the stratum corneum, covalent binding to carrier protein, migration of Langerhans cells, presentation of the antigen to naïve T-cells. In this paper each of these stages is considered with respect to the extent to which it is dependent on the chemical properties of the sensitiser. The evidence suggests that, although penetration of the stratum corneum, stimulation of migration and maturation of Langerhans cells, and antigen recognition are important events in the induction of sensitisation, except in certain specific circumstances they can be taken for granted. They are not important factors in determining whether a compound will be a sensitiser or not, nor are they important factors in determining how potent one sensitiser will be relative to another. The ability to bind covalently to carrier protein is the major structure-dependent determinant of skin sensitisation potential. A chemistry-based prediction strategy is proposed involving reaction mechanistic domain assignment, reactivity and hydrophobicity determination, and application of quantitative mechanistic modelling (QMM) or read-across. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Dynamic Registration of Preablation Imaging With a Catheter Geometry to Guide Ablation in a Swine Model: Validation of Image Integration and Assessment of Catheter Navigation AccuracyJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010J. JASON WEST M.D. Image Integration with a Catheter Mapping System.,Background: Catheter ablation of atrial and ventricular tachyarrhythmia involves anatomically based cardiac ablation strategies. CT and MRI images provide the most detailed cardiac anatomy available. Integration of these images into a mapping system should produce detailed and accurate models suitable to guide ablation. Objective: The purpose of this study was to validate and assess the accuracy of a novel CT and MRI image integration algorithm designed to facilitate catheter navigation and ablation. Methods: Using a lateral thoracotomy, markers were sutured to the epicardial surface of each cardiac chamber in 12 swine. Detailed CT/MRI anatomy was imported into the mapping system. The CT/MRI image was then integrated with a detailed catheter geometry of the relevant chamber using a new image integration algorithm. The epicardial markers, identified from the CT/MRI images, were then displayed on the surface of the integrated image. Guided only by the integrated CT/MRI, a single RF lesion was directed at the corresponding endocardial site for each epicardial marker. At autopsy, the distance from the endocardial RF lesion to the target site was assessed. Results: The mean position error (CT/MRI) for the left atrium was 2.5 ± 2.4 mm/5.1 ± 3.9 mm, for the right atrium 6.2 ± 6.5 mm/4.3 ± 2.2 mm, for the right ventricle 6.2 ± 4.3 mm/6.6 ± 5.3 mm, and for the left ventricle 4.7 ± 3.4 mm/3.1 ± 2.7 mm. There was no cardiac perforation or tamponade. Conclusion: CT and MRI images can be effectively utilized for catheter navigation when integrated into a mapping system. This novel registration module with dynamic registration provides effective guidance for ablation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 81,87, January 2010) [source] Validation of Three-Dimensional Cardiac Image Integration: Use of Integrated CT Image into Electroanatomic Mapping System to Perform Catheter Ablation of Atrial FibrillationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006PETER M. KISTLER M.B.B.S., Ph.D. Introduction: Accurate visualization of the complex left atrial (LA) anatomy and the location of an ablation catheter within the chamber is important in the success and safety of ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF). We describe the integration of CT into an electroanatomic mapping (EAM) system and its validation in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Thirty patients (59.2 ± 8 years, 25 M) with paroxysmal (12) and persistent (18) AF underwent ablation using CT image integration into an electroanatomic mapping system. CT registration using the pulmonary veins as markers (landmark) was achieved with an error of 6.4 ± 2.8 mm with repeat registration required in two patients. Registration of the CT by best fit to a electroanatomic geometry (surface) was achieved with an error of 2.3 ± 0.4 mm. There was no significant difference in the regional LA registration error at superior (1.7 ± 0.7 mm), inferior (2.2 ± 1.4 mm), septal (1.7 ± 0.8 mm), and lateral (1.7 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.13) sites. Cardiac rhythm at the time of CT did not have a significant effect on total or regional surface registration accuracy (mean total 2.5 ± 0.3 in AF patients vs 2.3 ± 0.5 in SR patients, P = 0.22). The integrated CT was used to guide the encirclement of the pulmonary veins (PV) in pairs with electrical isolation achieved by maintaining ablation along the ablation line in 58 of 60 PV pairs. Postprocedural PV angiography did not demonstrate significant stenosis. Conclusion: CT image integration into an EAM system was successfully performed in patients undergoing catheter ablation for AF. With a greater appreciation of the complex and variable nature of the PV and LA anatomy this new technology may improve the efficacy and safety of the procedure. [source] Localization of Left Atrial Esophageal Anatomical Relationship Using CT-Fluoro RegistrationJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 12 2005JASBIR SRA M.D. No abstract is available for this article. [source] Green chemistry for the second generation biorefinery,sustainable chemical manufacturing based on biomassJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 7 2007James H Clark The material needs of society are reaching a crisis point. The demands of a growing and developing world population will soon exceed the capacity of our present fossil resource based infrastructure. In particular, the chemical industry that underpins most industries needs to respond to these challenges. The chemical manufacturing and user industries face an unprecedented range and intensity of drivers for change, the greatest of which, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) has yet to bite. In order to address the key issues of switching to renewable resources, avoiding hazardous and polluting processes, and manufacturing and using safe and environmentally compatible products, we need to develop sustainable and green chemical product supply chains. For organic chemicals and materials these need to operate under agreed and strict criteria and need to start with widely available, totally renewable and low cost carbon,the only source is biomass and the conversion of biomass into useful products will be carried out in biorefineries. Where these operate at present, their product range is largely limited to simple materials (e.g. cellulose), chemicals (e.g. ethanol) and bioenergy/biofuels. Second generation biorefineries need to build on the need for sustainable chemical products through modern and proven green chemical technologies such as bioprocessing, controlled pyrolysis, catalysis in water and microwave activation, in order to make more complex molecules and materials on which a future sustainable society will be based. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Prospective Registration of Clinical Trials in India: Strategies, Achievements & ChallengesJOURNAL OF EVIDENCE BASED MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009Prathap Tharyan Abstract Objective This paper traces the development of the Clinical Trial Registry-India (CTRI) against the backdrop of the inequities in healthcare and the limitations in the design, conduct, regulation, oversight and reporting of clinical trials in India. It describes the scope and goals of the CTRI, the data elements it seeks and the process of registering clinical trials. It reports progress in trial registration in India and discusses the challenges in ensuring that healthcare decisions are informed by all the evidence. Methods A descriptive survey of developments in clinical trial registration in India from publications in the Indian medical literature supplemented by firsthand knowledge of these developments and an evaluation of how well clinical trials registered in the CTRI up to 10 January, 2009 comply with the requirements of the CTRI and the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trial Registry (WHO ICTRP). Results Considerable inequities exist within the Indian health system. Deficiencies in healthcare provision and uneven regulation of, and access to, affordable healthcare co-exists with a large private health system of uneven quality. India is now a preferred destination for outsourced clinical trials but is plagued by poor ethical oversight of the many trial sites and scant information of their existence. The CTRI's vision of conforming to international requirements for transparency and accountability but also using trial registration as a means of improving trial design, conduct and reporting led to the selection of registry-specific dataset items in addition to those endorsed by the WHO ICTRP. Compliance with these requirements is good for the trials currently registered but these trials represent only a fraction of the trials in progress in India. Conclusion Prospective trial registration is a reality in India. The challenges facing the CTRI include better engagement with key stakeholders to ensure increased prospective registration of clinical trials and utilization of existing legislative opportunities to complement these efforts. [source] Development and Validation of a Risk Scoring Model to Predict Net Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients Pretreated with 600 mg Clopidogrel: Rationale and Design of the RISK-PCI StudyJOURNAL OF INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY, Issue 4 2009IGOR MRDOVIC M.D., Ph.D Background: No comprehensive primary PCI (pPCI) risk model to predict net adverse cardiovascular events (NACE) has been reported with the use of clopidogrel 600 mg, which is now considered the standard loading dose. The primary hypothesis of the RISK-PCI trial is that an accurate risk prediction may be achieved by using clinical, angiographic, and procedural variables available at the time of intervention. Methods: The present single-center, longitudinal, cohort study will include 1,750 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), undergoing pPCI after pretreatment with 300 mg aspirin and 600 mg clopidogrel. The primary end-points of the trial (NACE) include major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major bleeding. A logistic regression model will be developed to predict 30-day and 1-year NACE after pPCI. A risk score derived from study set data will be validated using validation set data. Results: Until June 1, 2008, 1,166 patients have been enrolled. Thirty-day follow-up is available in 1,007 patients. Conclusions: The RISK-PCI study is designed to develop an accurate risk scoring system, using variables available at the time of intervention, to predict long-term adverse outcomes after pPCI. Trial Registration: Current Controlled Trials Register,ISRCTN83474650,http://www.controlled-trials.com/ISRCTN83474650). [source] Cerebral Atrophy Measurement in Clinically Isolated Syndromes and Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis: A Comparison of Registration-Based MethodsJOURNAL OF NEUROIMAGING, Issue 1 2007Valerie M. Anderson BSc ABSTRACT Background and Purpose. Brain atrophy is a proposed marker of disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS). Many magnetic resonance imaging-based methods of atrophy quantification exist, but their relative sensitivity and precision is unclear. Our aim was to compare atrophy rates from the brain boundary shift integral (BBSI), structural image evaluation, using normalization of atrophy (SIENA) (both registration-based methods) and segmented brain volume difference, in patients with clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), and controls. Methods. Thirty-seven CIS patients, 30 with early RRMS and 16 controls had T1-weighted volumetric imaging at baseline and 1 year. Brain atrophy rates were determined using segmented brain volume difference, BBSI, and SIENA. Results. BBSI and SIENA were more precise than subtraction of segmented brain volumes and were more sensitive distinguishing RRMS subjects from controls. A strong correlation was observed between BBSI and SIENA. Atrophy rates were greater in CIS and RRMS subjects than controls (RRMS P < .001). With all methods, significantly greater atrophy rates were observed in CIS patients who developed clinically definite MS relative to subjects who did not. Conclusion. Registration-based techniques are more precise and sensitive than segmentation-based methods in measuring brain atrophy, with BBSI and SIENA providing comparable results. [source] Immediate and 5-year cumulative outcome after paediatric intensive care in SwedenACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 8 2008N. GULLBERG Background: Little has been reported about intensive care of children in Sweden. The aims of this study are to (I) assess the number of admissions, types of diagnoses and length-of-stay (LOS) for all Swedish children admitted to intensive care during the years 1998,2001, and compare paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) with other intensive care units (adult ICUs) (II) assess immediate (ICU) and cumulative 5-year mortality and (III) determine the actual consumption of paediatric intensive care for the defined age group in Sweden. Methods: Children between 6 months and 16 years of age admitted to intensive care in Sweden were included in a national multicentre, ambidirectional cohort study. In PICUs, data were also collected for infants aged 1,6 months. Survival data were retrieved from the National Files of Registration, 5 years after admission. Results: Eight-thousand sixty-three admissions for a total of 6661 patients were identified, corresponding to an admission rate of 1.59/1000 children per year. Median LOS was 1 day. ICU mortality was 2.1% and cumulative 5-year mortality rate was 5.6%. Forty-four per cent of all admissions were to a PICU. Conclusions: This study has shown that Sweden has a low immediate ICU mortality, similar in adult ICU and PICU. Patients discharged alive from an ICU had a 20-fold increased mortality risk, compared with a control cohort for the 5-year period. Less than half of the paediatric patients admitted for intensive care in Sweden were cared for in a PICU. Studies are needed to evaluate whether a centralization of paediatric intensive care in Sweden would be beneficial to the paediatric population. [source] The Determinants of Successful Micro-IPOs: An Analysis of Issues Made under the Small Corporate Offering Registration (SCOR) ProcedureJOURNAL OF SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2001James C. Brau In this article we extend the existing IPO literature to the case of micro-IPOs by analyzing a sample of Small Corporate Offering Registration (SCOR) documents from the U.S. state of Washington. Through theory, we identified variables that should impact the probability of success or failure in a SCOR offering and then empirically tested them. Empirical support was found for the relevance of (1) marketing mechanisms and expenses; (2) ownership and governance factors; (3) business life cycle stages; and (4) signaling factors consistent with our theoretical predictions. [source] Challenging the Registration of Scandalous and Disparaging Marks Under the Lanham Act: Who has Standing to Sue?AMERICAN BUSINESS LAW JOURNAL, Issue 2-3 2004Lynda J. Oswald [source] Registration and classification of adolescent and young adult cancer casesPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue S5 2008Brad H. Pollock MPH Abstract Cancer registries are an important research resource that facilitate the study of etiology, tumor biology, patterns of delayed diagnosis and health planning needs. When outcome data are included, registries can track secular changes in survival related to improvements in early detection or treatment. The surveillance, epidemiology, and end results (SEER) registry has been used to identify major gaps in survival for older adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients compared with younger children and older adults. In order to determine the reasons for this gap, the complete registration and accurate classification of AYA malignancies is necessary. There are inconsistencies in defining the age limits for AYAs although the Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Progress Review Group proposed a definition of ages 15 through 39 years. The central registration and classification issues for AYAs are case-finding, defining common data elements (CDE) collected across different registries and the diagnostic classification of these malignancies. Goals to achieve by 2010 include extending and validating current diagnostic classification schemes and expanding the CDE to support AYA oncology research, including the collection of tracking information to assess long-term outcomes. These efforts will advance preventive, etiologic, therapeutic, and health services-related research for this understudied age group. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008:50:1090,1093. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ecotoxicity testing of chemicals with particular reference to pesticidesPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2006Colin H Walker Abstract Ecotoxicity tests are performed on vertebrates and invertebrates for the environmental risk assessment of pesticides and other chemicals and for a variety of ecotoxicological studies in the laboratory and in the field. Existing practices and strategies in ecotoxicity testing are reviewed, including an account of current requirements of the European Commission for the testing of pesticides and the recent REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restrictions of Chemicals) proposals for industrial chemicals. Criticisms of existing practices have been made on both scientific and ethical grounds, and these are considered before dealing with the question of possible alternative methods and strategies both for environmental risk assessment and for ecotoxicological studies more generally. New approaches from an ecological point of view are compared with recent developments in laboratory-based methods such as toxicity tests, biomarker assays and bioassays. With regard to the development of new strategies for risk assessment, it is suggested that full consideration should be given to the findings of earlier long-term studies of pollution, which identified mechanisms of action by which environmental chemicals can cause natural populations to decline. Neurotoxicity and endocrine disruption are two cases in point, and biomarker assays for them could have an important role in testing new chemicals suspected of having these properties. In a concluding discussion, possible ways of improving testing protocols are discussed, having regard for current issues in the field of environmental risk assessment as exemplified by the debate over the REACH proposals. The importance of flexibility and the roles of ecologists and ecotoxicologists are stressed in the context of environmental risk assessment. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Solar UVR exposures of indoor workers in a Working and a Holiday Period assessed by personal dosimeters and sun exposure diariesPHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE, Issue 6 2001E. Thieden Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to quantify ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure of fully employed indoor workers during a Working Period and a Holiday Period in the summer months. A further aim was to investigate the correlation between individual personal UVR dosimeter reading and self-reported data in a diary about sun exposure habits and to investigate whether skin type, age and gender influence sun exposure. Methods: The solar UVR, in standard erythema doses (SED) measured by UV sensitive spore-film filter type personal dosimeters (VioSpor®), and sun exposure diaries were compared. The study included 44 healthy Danish adult indoor workers during a Working Period of a mean of 13 days and a Holiday Period of a mean of 17 days from June to September. Results: The individual total UVR exposure correlated significantly (P<0.001) in both the Holiday and Working Periods with individual total hours spent outdoors from 07:00 to 19:00 and with skin area exposure hours. There was no significant correlation between sun exposure dose and gender, age or skin type I-IV, or between the individual solar exposure dose in the Working and the Holiday Period. However, subjects with UVR exposures in the upper quartile spent their Holiday Period in Southern Europe, and/or had been more than the mean time outdoors at the beach/sea and/or between 12:00 and 15:00. Subjects with UVR exposure in the lower quartiles spent their holidays in Denmark or Northern Europe and did not stay at the beach at all. They received an average solar UVR dose which was 22% of ambient in Denmark in the same period while subjects having their holidays in Southern Europe received as much as 90% of the ambient dose in Denmark. Conclusions: Despite information campaigns to avoid the midday sun, on average 35% of the recorded hours outdoors were spent between 12:00 and 15:00 in the Holiday Period. Total hours outdoors give the best estimate of the total sun exposure dose. Registration in a diary of total hours outdoors and whether the Holiday Period was in Northern or Southern Europe can be used to predict the solar exposure dose in a Holiday Period of a few weeks. [source] The role of the monitor in veterinary clinical studiesQUALITY ASSURANCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2006Iain McPhee Abstract Regulatory requirements for veterinary clinical studies have developed over the last 24 years. This paper covers the current best practice for the clinical study monitor. It describes and qualifies these activities as outlined in the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Products (VICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines (GL9). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Communication as a determinant of organizational innovationR & D MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2000Mika Kivimäki This study of 32 small and medium-sized industrial enterprises explored eight distinct aspects of communication, as appraised by the staff (n = 493), and innovative performance, assessed by two indicators: perceived innovation effectiveness and patent statistics obtained from the Patent Register at the National Board of Patents and Registration of Trademarks. The results showed that intra-organizational aspects of communication, such as encouragement of initiatives and critical evaluation of performance, were associated with both indicators of innovative performance. In addition, a participative climate and interaction between the personnel in R&D, marketing and production were related to perceived innovative effectiveness, whereas interaction with clients and other firms related to the number of patents in the organization. The link between communication and innovation was interdependent with the organizational and staff characteristics including the number of personnel, administrative and R&D intensity, the level of vocational training, and the age distribution of the staff. [source] Curve registration by local regressionTHE CANADIAN JOURNAL OF STATISTICS, Issue 1 2000A. Kneip Abstract Functional data analysis involves the extension of familiar statistical procedures such as principal-components analysis, linear modelling and canonical correlation analysis to data where the raw observation is a function x, (t). An essential preliminary to a functional data analysis is often the registration or alignment of salient curve features by suitable monotone transformations hi(t). In effect, this conceptualizes variation among functions as being composed of two aspects: phase and amplitude. Registration aims to remove phase variation as a preliminary to statistical analyses of amplitude variation. A local nonlinear regression technique is described for identifying the smooth monotone transformations hi, and is illustrated by analyses of simulated and actual data. L'analyse de données se présentant sous la forme de fonctions x,(t) repose sur la généralisation d'outils statistiques familiers tels que l'analyse en composantes principales, les modèles linéaires et l'analyse des corrélations canoniques. L'étalonnage des caractéristiques saillantes des courbes à l'aide de transformations monotones hi(t) constitue souvent un préiequis essentiel au traitement statistique de telles données. II découle d'une décomposition en deux parties de la variation entre les fonctions observées: une phase et une amplitude. L'étalonnage vise à éliminer la première de ces deux sources de variation, ce qui permet de concentrer ensuite l'analyse sur la seconde. Les auteurs décrivent ici une technique de régression non linéaire locale facilitant l'identification de transformations monotones lisses hi appropriées. Leur propos est illustré à l'aide de données réelles et simulées. [source] The Sex Offender Register: Some Observations on the Time Periods for RegistrationTHE HOWARD JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Issue 3 2009TERRY THOMAS Abstract: The sex offender register requires offenders to notify the police every time their circumstances change. This notification requirement continues for time periods dependent on the severity of sentence received; some offenders are subject to a lifetime's registration. This article considers the basis of these time periods and the necessity of introducing a form of appeal to allow revision or suspension of the registration requirement for people unlikely to reoffend. Without such a form of judicial oversight the register could just become a meaningless ritual for many low-risk offenders who could be in danger of silting up the register and distracting from work with high-risk offenders. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||