On the linear correlation between microhardness and mechanical properties in polar polymers and blends

The tensile elastic modulus (E), yield stress (σ_Y) and microhardness (MH) of neat and binary and ternary blends of glassy semicrystalline ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), a glassy amorphous polyamide and a semicrystalline nylon‐containing ionomer covering a broad range of properties were examined. The tests were carried out on dry and water‐equilibrated samples to produce stiffer and softer materials, respectively. From the results, more accurate linear correlations were found to describe adequately the microhardness, modulus and yield stress of these strongly self‐associated polymers through hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2003 Society of Chemical Industry     

Automating and improving the data quality of a nursing department quality management program at a university hospital

BACKGROUND: The development and implementation of a relational database program for nursing quality management at a university hospital was stimulated by a lack of consistent data management and analysis tools in the existing noncomputerized program. PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION: An initial software prototype implemented in the critical care service included data collection instruments for five areas: medication errors, patient falls, returns to an intensive care unit within 48 hours, hospital-acquired skin breakdown, and unplanned extubations. Access to the database was limited and paper reports only were disseminated on a scheduled basis. In a second phase, the database is being deployed throughout the nursing department using a local area network. Nurse managers will enter and interact with the quality database online and have access to graphics, reports, and action plan development. POSSIBLE ERRORS: A wide range of potential errors influences decisions on how to collect, store, retrieve, and process quality management data. Each type of error affects the nurse manager's ability to identify significant patterns or trends that are amenable to intervention. There is no right way of constructing and implementing a quality improvement database; only an optimum balance between cost, complexity, and efficacy. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS: Initial feedback from end uses has been positive. A three-year experience with a personal computer database suggests that the personal computer-based information technology is appropriate for small to medium applications and can support departmentwide CQI efforts. A case scenario using simulated data is included to illustrate the use of computerized reports in assessing and taking action on an increase in falls.     

TraceLink: a model of amnesia and consolidation of memory

This investigation examined the feasibility of applying the conductance catheter technique for measurement of absolute aortic segmental volume. Aortic segment volume was estimated simultaneously in vitro by using the conductance catheter technique and sonomicrometer crystals. Experiments were performed in five isolated canine aortas. Vessel diameter and pressure were altered, as were the conductive properties of the surrounding medium. In addition, a three-dimensional finite-element model of the vessel and apparatus was developed to examine the electric field and parallel conductance volume under different experimental conditions. The results indicated that in the absence of parallel conductance volume, the conductance catheter technique predicted absolute changes in segmental volumes and segmental pressure-volume relationships that agreed closely with those determined by sonomicrometry. The introduction of parallel conductance volume added a significant offset error to measurements of volume made with the conductance catheter that were nonlinearly related to the conductive properties of the surrounding medium. The finite-element model was able to predict measured resistance and parallel conductance volume, which correlated strongly with those measured in vitro. The results imply that absolute segmental volume and distensibility may be determined only if the parallel conductance volume is known. If the offset volume is not known precisely, the conductance catheter technique may still be applied to measure absolute changes in aortic segmental volume and compliance.     

Reprocessing of Microcrystalline Cellulose Spheres with Low Drug Concentrations

Spherical dosage forms have been reported to be an efficient and effective method for delivering drugs into the body and controlling their dissolution rate. Substantial work has been conducted in these laboratories illustrating the advantages of microcrystalline cellulose-based spheres for these purposes. Through various methodologies, but most routinely the extrusion and marumerization technique, it has been determined by Funck, et al. that not more than 50% drug can be incorporated into a sphere formulation without the addition of other binders.

Because of the nature of the extrusion and marumerization manufacturing process, the type of drug being processed and the resultant particle size requirements of the spheres, the percent of spheres falling outside the desired particle size can range from between 3% and 20%. For this reason and the possibility of operator errors, our objective was to determine the parameters which needed monitoring when reprocessing was necessary.     

Establishment and characterization of three cell lines from Aedes triseriatus (Diptera: Culicidae)

The objectives of this study were to develop sex-, age-, and body size-specific nomograms and partition values for upper and lower limits of M-mode echocardiographic aortic root measurements derived from a large population-based cohort. The study sample consisted of 1433 male and 1816 female participants in the Framingham Heart Study and Framingham Offspring Study who were normotensive and free of clinically apparent heart disease at the baseline examination. Aortic root measurements were obtained by M-mode echocardiography by a leading-edge to leading-edge technique. The relations of age and measures of body size with aortic root dimensions were evaluated with sex-specific correlations and multiple stepwise linear regression analyses. Age was the most important determinant of aortic root size in both men and women in the multivariable regression models. Models with age and body surface area yielded R2 values of 0.214 in men and 0.222 in women. Models with age and height yielded lower R2 values of 0.136 in men and 0.181 in women. Thus aortic root dimensions vary widely with the age, sex, and body size of individuals. Sex-specific reference nomograms of aortic root dimensions in relation to age and body size (body surface area or height) are presented to facilitate the detection of abnormalities of aortic root size.     

Perception of nuclear energy and coal in France and The Netherlands

This study focuses on the perception of large scale application of nuclear energy and coal in the Netherlands and France. The application of these energy-sources and the risks and benefits are judged differently by various group in society. In Europe, France has the highest density of nuclear power plants and the Netherlands has one of the lowest. In both countries scientists and social scientists completed a questionnaire assessing the perception of the large scale application of both energy sources. Furthermore, a number of variables relating to the socio cultural and political circumstances were measured. The results indicate that the French had a higher risk perception and a more negative attitude toward nuclear power than the Dutch. But they also assess the benefits of the use of nuclear power to be higher. Explanations for these differences are discussed.