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In many applications, like database management systems , is very useful to have an expression to compute the cardinality of cartesian product of k sets without repeated elements; we designate this problem as T ( k ) . The value of | T ( k ) | is upper-bounded by the multiplication of cardinalities of the sets. As long as we have searched, it has not been reported a general expression to compute T ( k ) using cardinalities of the intersections of sets, this is the main topic of this paper. Given three sets with indices { 0 , 1 , 2 } , C i is the cardinality of one set, C i , j ( i j ) and C i , j , l ( i j l ) are respectively the cardinalities of the intersections of 2 and 3 sets, then the searched formulas for T ( k ) are: T ( 1 ) = C 0 ; T ( 2 ) = C 0 C 1 - C 0 , 1 ; T ( 3 ) = C 0 C 1 C 2 - ( C 0 , 1 C 2 + C 0 , 2 C 1 + C 1 , 2 C 0 ) + 2 C 0 , 1 , 2 . In this paper, we prove formulas for computing T ( k ) and its specialization when a set is contained in the next sets. For this purpose, we will use concepts like partitions of the integer k in v parts, Bell numbers, Stirling numbers of the first kind and Stirling numbers of the second kind. Additionally, we present a complexity analysis for the computation of T ( k ) .

The Sao Paulo Microtron 10 − 100 keV electron beam-line described here was designed to allow precise measurements of the electron-atom interaction cross-sections using reproducible arrangements. The irradiation chamber has thirteen spectroscopy windows for x-ray detectors and a multi-target ladder. The photon background on the target was reduced by using a large and deep Faraday cup, lining the chamber's interior with plastic, and mounting the targets in carbon fiber frames. The current research plan includes measurements of: electron doubly differential bremsstrahlung cross sections; inner shell ionization cross sections; angular distributions of L X-rays, and the angular distribution of scattered electrons.

In anoxic environmental conditions and with a drastic reduction of the redox potential, the barium sulphate used in petroleum drilling fluids becomes a hazard to the ecosystem. A field study was conducted in Brazil in an area with a history of accidental Barium (Ba) contamination to evaluate the role of frequent plant cutting on phytoremediation. The plant species Typha domingensis and Eleocharis acutangula, cultivated in a combined plantation, were subjected to four different cut frequencies: every 90 days (four cuts), 120 days (three cuts), 180 days (two cuts), or 360 days (one cut). The total amount of Ba extracted from the soil by the plants was evaluated for each treatment and at different soil depths Overall, total Ba in the soil decreased the most dramatically for cut frequencies of 120 (37.83%) and 180 (47.73%) days at 0–0.2 m below the surface, and with cut frequencies of 120 (51.98%) and 360 (31.79%) at 0.2–0.4 m depth. Further, total Ba in the plant biomass was greatest in the 120 and 360-days frequency groups. Thus, cuts at intervals of 120 days or more are associated with high levels of Ba in the plant tissue and a decrease of soil Ba.

Aquatic macrophytes are potentially useful for phytoremediation on flooded areas. A field study in Brazil was conducted to evaluate Eleocharis acutangula (E), Cyperus papyrus (C) and Typha domingensis (T) in monocropping and intercropping, aiming to phytoremediate barium-polluted flooded soils. The treatments were: monocroppings (E, C and T); double intercroppings (EC, ET and CT); and triple intercropping (ECT). The 180-d field trial was performed in a flooded area with high barium content, with a randomized complete block design and three replicates. Plant stand size, biomass yield, and Ba concentration aboveground/Ba concentration in roots (translocation factor – TF) as well as Ba mass aboveground/Ba mass in roots (mass translocation factor – mTF) were determined. Most of the treatments did not differ on dry biomass, except for EC, which showed the lowest yield. Consistently with its biology, E. acutangula in monocropping showed the largest plant stand. Otherwise, intercroppings with T. domingensis achieved the highest amounts of barium absorbed from the soil and transferred most of the barium content from belowground to aboveground (mTF > 1.0), especially ET, which showed the highest mTF among the intercroppings (2.03). Remarkably, TF values did not reflect such phytoextraction ability for CT and ECT. Thus, mTF was more appropriate than TF to assess phytoextraction capacity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that intercropping can increase barium uptake from flooded soils. Particularly, the intercropping ET constituted the most cost-effective treatment, with the cyperaceous species providing high plant coverage while T. domingensis facilitated barium removal by translocating it to the aboveground biomass.

We investigate how the racial composition of entrepreneurs affects racial differences in labor market outcomes of workers. We create a novel data set that identifies the race of firm owners in Brazil and link it with matched employer-employee data that contains information on the universe of formal employment contracts. We first present evidence of assortative matching between nonwhite workers and nonwhite entrepreneurs. Controlling for a wide set of covariates, we find that the share of nonwhite workers is 18.7% higher in firms with at least one nonwhite owner. We then show that the adjusted racial wage gap is 28% smaller in firms with nonwhite entrepreneurs than in white-owned firms. This is partially explained by nonwhite workers accessing better occupations in firms with nonwhite entrepreneurs. Lastly, we show that nonwhite workers are 15% more likely to become entrepreneurs if they were previously employed by nonwhite entrepreneurs than if they were employed by white entrepreneurs.

Sleep disturbances are feasibly linked with poorer outcome in BD. This study aims to cross-sectionally investigate clinical factors associated with sleep disruption in euthymic BD patients. We assessed sleep quality in a sample of 209 euthymic BD patients with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. After multiple logistic regression analysis controlling for several confounding factors, the variables number of clinical diseases and Hamilton global score remained significant and independently associated with poor sleep quality. Our results suggest that euthymic BD patients presenting poor sleep quality are more likely to have clinical comorbidities and manifest subsyndromal depressive symptomatology.

The Los Humeros geothermal field is the third most important producer of geothermal electricity (70 MW) in Mexico. Geothermal fluids are hosted in fractured andesitic lavas and mostly consist of high enthalpy steam with limited water content (vapor fraction > 0.9). Despite the high reservoir temperature (~300–400 °C), thermal manifestations at the surface are scarce and locally appear as steaming grounds, weak steam vents and advanced argillic alteration. Geothermal fluid upflow from the reservoir towards the surface is limited by welded ignimbrite deposits that act as a low-permeability barrier. In this study, we present the first measurements of CO2, CH4 and H2S degassing rates from the soil performed at Los Humeros. Flux measurements were complemented with δ13C composition of degassing CO2 and soil temperatures to discuss gas origin and thermal anomalies. We measured high soil degassing rates (up to 7530 g m−2 d−1 CO2, 33 g m−2 d−1 CH4 and 22 g m−2 d−1 H2S) in three localized areas (Humeros North – HN, Humeros South – HS and Xalapazco – XA) as well as high soil temperatures reaching the boiling temperature at the local altitude (90.6 °C). The particular location of these three areas suggests that the steam-dominated reservoir degases to the surface through permeable faults crossing the ignimbritic deposits. The remaining surveyed areas are characterized by weak CO2 fluxes (≤44 g m−2 d−1), non-detectable CH4 and H2S fluxes, and lower soil temperatures (5–21 °C). The compositions in δ13CCO2 from HN-HS-XA areas (δ13CCO2 = −7.94 to −2.73‰) reflect a magmatic source with some possible contribution from the sedimentary basement, as well as fractionation induced by boiling and CO2 dissolution in shallow water bodies. We also discuss the processes causing the spread in CO2/CH4 flux ratios. Finally, we estimate the heat output from the three high degassing areas to a value of 16.4 MWt.

The maintenance of sugarcane straw on the field has an important role in preserving the soil properties and organic carbon content. However, there is a growing interest in removing part of this residue to use in bioenergy production. The effect of straw removal on soil quality is still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of short-term (2 years) straw removal from soil surface on soil quality. Two experiments were carried out in Sao Paulo state, Brazil: one in an Oxisol (sandy clay loam soil) and another in an Ultisol (sandy loam soil). We have tested five rates of straw removal (i.e., equivalent to 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). Soil samples were taken from 0 to 2.5, 2.5–5, 5–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm layers to analyze pH, total C and N, P, K, Ca, Mg, bulk density and soil penetration resistance. The effects of straw removal were limited to the soil surface layer and differed between the two types of soil. Under the Oxisol, the straw removal favored soil physical degradation (i.e., increased soil compaction and resistance to penetration) and depletion of soil C stocks. On the other hand, straw removal management only affected chemical properties in the Ultisol, reducing nutrient contents (e.g., Ca and Mg). Based on a multivariate analysis that involving all attributes, the sandy texture soil (Ultisol) showed more sensitivity to straw removal management, even over this short period (2 years), in which the removal of any amount of straw caused a negative impact on soil quality. In contrast, in the sand-clay-loam soil (Oxisol) the removal rate of up to 50% of the straw (i.e., the maintenance of ~ 8.7 Mg ha− 1 of straw on soil surface) proved to be sustainable. Therefore, sugarcane straw removal should be site-specific, taking into account intrinsic soil properties and climate conditions, which preventing soil degradation and negative impacts on the provision of multiple ecosystem services. This guarantees the sustainability of the Brazilian bioenergy production.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pig slurry (PS) and chemical fertilizer (NPK 02–20–20) applications on soil water infiltration; sediment, water and nutrient losses by runoff; and soybean yield during a soybean (Glycine max L.) cropping cycle. A field study was carried out in Rio Verde, Goias, Brazil on a Cerrado Oxisol managed with no tillage. The experiment was arranged as a randomized block design with three replications and treatments. The treatments consisted of two doses of PS, 25 and 100 m3 ha− 1, and chemical fertilization at 370 kg ha− 1 (NPK 02–20–20) applied to the soil surface in a single application. After the occurrence of rainfall events, the volume of percolated water in lysimeters and the sediment and water losses in plots was measured. To determine the macro and- (Ca, Mg, K, P) micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), runoff water was collected. We also assessed the dry biomass and productivity of soybean production at the end of the experiment. Treatment with 25 m3 ha− 1 of PS resulted in higher amounts of (106 mm) percolated water in the soil (p > 0.05). Neither losses of water, sediment and nutrients or biomass production and soybean productivity were significantly affected by the PS treatments compared with chemical (NPK) fertilization (p > 0.05). A trend of higher sediment and water losses was observed in the 25 m3 ha− 1 PS treatment (249.86 kg ha− 1 and 20.58 mm, respectively) compared with the 100 m3 ha− 1 PS and chemical (NPK) treatments; the 25 m3 ha− 1 PS treatment showed ~ 10% and ~ 43% higher values of sediment losses, respectively, and ~ 43% and ~ 23% higher values of water losses, respectively. Regarding soybean productivity, the 25 m3 ha− 1 PS treatment showed a tendency of low productivity (3405 kg ha− 1) that was ~ 15% and ~ 20% lower than that of the 100 m3 ha− 1 PS and chemical (NPK) treatments, respectively. The low values of sediment and water required per kilogram of soybean produced in the chemical fertilization and 100 m3 ha− 1 PS treatments indicate that these management regimes are more sustainable.

Specialized ceramics are manufactured under special conditions and contain specific elements. They possess unique electrical and thermal properties and are frequently used by the electronics industry. Ceramics containing neodymium-barium-copper (NBC) exhibit high conductivities at low temperatures. NBC-based ceramics are typically combined with oxides, i.e., NBCo produced from neodymium oxide, barium oxide and copper oxide. This study presents NBC ceramics that were produced with barium carbonate, copper oxide and neodymium oxide (NBCa) as starting materials. These ceramics have good electrical conductivities at room temperature. Their conductivities are temperature dependent and related to the starting amount of barium carbonate (w%).

Graphical abstractDisplay Omitted Highlights? We mapped Partners Master Drug Dictionary (MDD) to RxNorm. ? 74.7% of MDD terms had an exact semantic match to RxNorm. ? Natural language processing tool achieved a precision of 99.8% and a recall of 73.9%. ? Multiple challenges and gaps in mapping were identified. ? NLP tool followed by manual review is efficient for drug terminology mapping. ObjectiveTo develop an automated method based on natural language processing (NLP) to facilitate the creation and maintenance of a mapping between RxNorm and a local medication terminology for interoperability and meaningful use purposes. MethodsWe mapped 5961 terms from Partners Master Drug Dictionary (MDD) and 99 of the top prescribed medications to RxNorm. The mapping was conducted at both term and concept levels using an NLP tool, called MTERMS, followed by a manual review conducted by domain experts who created a gold standard mapping. The gold standard was used to assess the overall mapping between MDD and RxNorm and evaluate the performance of MTERMS. ResultsOverall, 74.7% of MDD terms and 82.8% of the top 99 terms had an exact semantic match to RxNorm. Compared to the gold standard, MTERMS achieved a precision of 99.8% and a recall of 73.9% when mapping all MDD terms, and a precision of 100% and a recall of 72.6% when mapping the top prescribed medications. ConclusionThe challenges and gaps in mapping MDD to RxNorm are mainly due to unique user or application requirements for representing drug concepts and the different modeling approaches inherent in the two terminologies. An automated approach based on NLP followed by human expert review is an efficient and feasible way for conducting dynamic mapping.

The synthesis of adsorbing zeolite materials requires fine control of the processing variables. There are distinct process variable settings for obtaining specific desired types of zeolites. The intent of this study was to obtain 4A zeolites from kaolin in order to obtain 5A zeolites through ionic exchange with the previously synthesized zeolite. This zeolite 5A was used as an adsorbent for arsenic ions. The results obtained were satisfactory.

A small scale documentation analysis was conducted to explore the medical and surgical nursing content of the patient record at a large teaching hospital affiliated with Partners Healthcare System (PHS), in preparation for a computerized documentation system. Through this study, we identified a number of problems associated with the paper record that require resolution in the new computerized system, including elimination of documentation redundancy, areas where more structure is needed to properly capture data on nursing practice, and various design considerations to support a more complete and accurate documentation of nursing care.

Provision of query systems which are intuitive for non-experts has been recognized as an important informatics challenge. We developed a prototype of a flowchart-based analytical framework called RetroGuide that enables non-experts to formulate query tasks using a step-based, patient-centered paradigm inspired by workflow technology. We present results of the evaluation of RetroGuide in comparison to Structured Query Language (SQL) in laboratory settings using a mixed method design. We asked 18 human subjects with limited database experience to solve query tasks in RetroGuide and SQL, and quantitatively compared their test scores. A follow-up questionnaire was designed to compare both technologies qualitatively and investigate RetroGuide technology acceptance. The quantitative comparison of test scores showed that the study subjects achieved significantly higher scores using the RetroGuide technology. Qualitative study results indicated that 94% of subjects preferred RetroGuide to SQL because RetroGuide was easier to learn, it better supported temporal tasks, and it seemed to be a more logical modeling paradigm. Additional qualitative evaluation results, based on a technology acceptance model, suggested that a fully developed RetroGuide-like technology would be well accepted by users. Our study is an example of a structure validation study of a prototype query system, results of which provided significant guidance in further development of a novel query paradigm for EHR data. We discuss the strengths and weakness of our study design and results, and their implication for future evaluations of query systems in general.

Adsorbent and corrosion resistant films are useful for sensor development. Therefore, the aim of this work is the production and characterization of plasma polymerized fluorinated organic ether thin films for sensor development. The polymerized reactant was methyl nonafluoro(iso)butyl ether. Infrared Spectroscopy showed fluorinated species and eventually CO but CH n is a minor species. Contact angle measurements indicated that the film is hydrophobic and organophilic but oleophobic. Optical microscopy reveals not only a good adherence on metals and acrylic but also resistance for organic solvents, acid and basic aqueous solution exposure. Double layer and intermixing are possible and might lead to island formation. Quartz Crystal Microbalance showed that 2-propanol permeates the film but there is no sensitivity to n-hexane. The microreactor manufactured using a 73 cm long microchannel can retain approximately 9 × 10 −4 g/cm 2 of 2-propanol in vapor phase. Therefore, the film is a good candidate for preconcentration of volatile organic compounds even in corrosive environment.

Austenitic stainless steels present unique characteristics, being that part of its behavior is due to the stability of the austenite, obtained primarily through variations of its chemical composition. When metastable austenite is present, this can be transformed in martensite by deformation and the amount induced is directly related to the level of deformation. These microstructural transformations result, in some cases, at a significant increase of the ductility. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of martensitic transformations during the deformation of AISI304 and AISI304N stainless steel plates, under different deformation paths. The evaluation was performed by Nakazima tests, by metallographic analyses, as well tensile and hardness tests. It was observed that the deformation-induced martensitic transformation tend to form a larger amount of α′-martensite when submitted to a tensile load conditions and to form a greater amount of ɛ-martensite when applied primarily compressive component load.

Aims The objective of this work was to evaluate the acute toxicity of long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing cisplatin (SpHL-CDDP), after their intraperitoneal administration in male and female mice. Main methods After single administration of free CDDP (5,10,and 20 mg/kg) or SpHL-CDDP (7,12,30,45 and 80 mg/kg), the body weight was recorded and the LD 50 was calculated. Blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analysis. Kidneys, liver, spleen and bone marrow were removed to histopathological examination. Key findings Mice treated with high doses of free CDDP showed a greater loss of body weight and more delayed recovery time than those treated with SpHL-CDDP. The LD 50 values for SpHL-CDDP treatment for male and female mice groups were 2.7 and 3.2 fold higher, respectively, than that obtained for free CDDP. The red and white blood cells counts and quantification of hemoglobin and hematocrit presented no change upon administration of SpHL-CDDP treatment. Free CDDP treatment, however, did lead to an appearance of mild anemia and a reduction in total white blood cell counts. As regards nephrotoxicity, it was observed that free CDDP treatment caused pronounced alterations in the blood urea and creatinine levels of mice. In contrast, these parameters were slightly altered only after SpHL-CDDP treatment at a dose of 30 mg/kg. Microscopic analysis of kidneys from mice treated with SpHL-CDDP showed no morphological alteration. Concerning hepatotoxicity, no histopathological alteration was observed after both treatments. Significance These findings reveal that SpHL-CDDP can eliminate CDDP-induced toxicity and is thus a promising candidate for intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

The aim of this work is the production and preliminary characterization of adsorbent new materials useful for sensor development. A new plasma chamber was simulated and designed in order to obtain multiple layers and/or composites in a single step. Plasma deposited organic fluorocompound and hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) thin films were produced and tested as adsorbent layers. Chemical characterization used ellipsometry, Raman, infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Hydrophobic and oleophobic character were determined by contact angle measurements. Adsorption characteristics were evaluated using quartz crystal microbalance. Not only HMDS but also the fluorocompound can polymerize but intermixing and a double layer are only obtained in very narrow conditions. The films are adsorbent and mildly hydrophobic. Films deposited on a microchromatographic column can be used on sample pretreatment to remove and/or preconcentrate volatile organic compounds. Therefore, with this approach it is possible to obtain films with different monomers on double layer or composites, with organic/inorganic materials or particles and use them on sample pretreatment for chemical analysis.

The aim of this work is the production of a simple and compactable device able to remove hydrocarbons from a gaseous sample. The device is composed of a microstructure, inlet/outlet, heating and detection systems. The microstructure (microreactor) corresponds to a manifold formed by an array of 192 three-dimensional microchannels, 40 μm wide and 8 mm long each. Microchannels surface was modified by electroless plating copper deposition in order to promote catalysis. The structure can be heated up to 300 °C in a few seconds. The flow mechanisms in the structure and the heating properties were simulated using FEMLAB 3.2b and COSMOS ® 5.0 packages, respectively. The microchannels were exposed to volatile organic compounds during catalysis. An inexpensive tin oxide sensor and correspondent electronic coupled to computer storage data provided detection. Catalysis occurred and could remove at least 10 μg of n-hexane in a single batch, but not 2-propanol. This simple miniaturized device is compact, low-cost and can be used not only for sample pretreatment in microanalysis but also in synthesis of new chemical compounds.

Adsorbent materials and composites are quite useful for sensor development. Therefore, the aim of this work is the surface modification of particulates and/or composite formation. The material was produced by plasma polymerization of HMDS (hexamethyldisilazane) in a single step. SEM analysis shows good surface coverage of particulates with a plasma polymerized film formed by several clusters that might increase adsorption. Particles (starch, 5 μm) recovered with HMDS films show good properties for retention of medium-size organic molecules, such as dye. Thin films formed by a mixture of particles and plasma polymerized thin film HMDS species were obtained in a single step and can be used for retention of organic compounds, in liquid or gaseous phase.

Thin films obtained by plasma polymerization of ethyl ether, methyl or ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, acetone and 2-propanol were compared. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), resistance to chemicals, contact angle measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were carried out. For all films FTIR showed high intensity for polar bonds yet the films are not resistant to polar solvents. Contact angle measurements revealed hydrophilic and organophilic surfaces and XPS pointed out a high proportion of oxygenated bonds. All films showed good step coverage and peeling was significant only with acetone and 2-propanol. All films are adsorbent for organic compounds in a large scale of polarity but acetaldehyde and 2-propanol act like a selective membrane. Also, deposition of these films on hydrophobic substrates leads to island formation. A possible model to explain the results must consider the hydrogen bridge formation on 2-propanol and acetaldehyde films. Ethyl ether, ethyl and methyl acetate showed good characteristics for development of sensor and sample pretreatment using miniaturized devices.

Catalytic properties of copper thin films deposited in small channels and cavities were tested using Raman microscopy and mass spectroscopy (MS) techniques, mainly. The catalytic surface conditions were addressed visually and chemically by optical microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The experimental conditions of present work induced copper oxidation; eventually a number of carbon species and graphite remained on the catalytic surface. Quartz crystal microbalance and mass spectroscopy data support both adsorption and catalysis phenomena. MS showed CO 2 formation during n -hexane heating process but not to 2-propanol, probably due to redox reactions. XPS of copper surface present in the cavity after catalysis tests detected Cu 2 O and a range of possible carbon species. The adsorption and catalytic performance of copper films deposited in cavities and microchannels were quite similar. A simple miniaturized device for microanalysis was proposed.

Objective: We have developed an automated knowledge base peer feedback system as part of an effort to facilitate the creation and refinement of sound clinical knowledge content within an enterprise-wide knowledge base. The program collects clinical data stored in our Clinical Data Repository during usage of a physician order entry program. It analyzes usage patterns of order sets relative to their templates and creates a report detailing the usage patterns of the order set template. This report includes a set of suggested modifications to the template. Design: A quantitative analysis was performed to assess the validity of the program's suggested order set template modifications. Measurements: We collected and deidentified 2951 instances of POE-based orders. Our program then identified and generated feedback reports for thirty different order set templates from this data set. These reports contained 500 suggested modifications. Five order set authors were then asked to 'accept' or 'reject' each suggestion contained in his/her respective order set templates. They were also asked to categorize their rationale for doing so ('clinical relevance' or 'user convenience'). Results: In total, 62% (309/500) suggestions were accepted by clinical content authors. Of these, authors accepted 32% (36/114) of the suggested additions, 74% (123/167) of the suggested pre-selections, 76% (16/25) of the suggested de-selections, and 68% (131/194) of the suggested changes in combo box order. Conclusion: Overall, the feedback system generated suggestions that were deemed highly acceptable among order set authors. Future refinements and enhancements to the software will add to its utility.

This work presents thin films obtained by plasma polymerization of tetraethoxysilane in two different reactors. FT-IR analysis showed that the films contain mainly SiOSi and OEt species. Contact angles formed by drops of water demonstrated the hydrophobic character of the film. However, water reacted with the films leading to EtOH and SiOH formation and to a complete loss of carbon. Ultraviolet exposure favored cross-linking between OEt radicals. Quartz crystal measurements (QCMs) showed that the films adsorb readily dodecane, hexane and water vapor. The adsorption capacity was greater for more polar and/or smaller molecules. The water permeation was probably due to the presence of microchannels with up to 200 A diameter as identified by atomic force microscopy. Preliminary results showed that Cu 2+ can permeate and be adsorbed by the channels if potential is applied through the film. The films obtained in this work could also be used on natural polymers, and in particular on grains, to avoid microorganism attack during storage but without any further problem with germination. The results presented in this paper indicate that the films produced are suitable for ultraviolet surface protection and nanofilter or sensors development.

Adsorbent thin films were deposited on low cost micromachined non-planar microchannels. The microchannels were obtained using ordinary tools and poly(methyl methacrylate) substrates and had 40 μm depth and 100 μm width. The films were deposited using plasma polymerization of ethyl ether, ethyl or methyl acetate. The films were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) contact angles formed by different liquids and piezoelectric quartz crystal measurements (QCM). The FTIR analysis showed high intensity for polar bonds such as CO and OH. The contact angle measurements revealed hydrophilic surfaces and the QCM pointed out that the obtained films adsorb readily hydrophilic organic compounds (such as 2-propanol and acetone). Plasma polymerization of methyl acetate leads to higher intensity of polar species, higher hydrophilicity and more adsorption ability. The results indicated that the deposition of methyl acetate on microchannels is a promising and low cost solution for preconcentration of polar organic compounds from the air.

A computerized provider order entry (CPOE) system can provide an efficient means of retrieving and consolidating order lists from multiple electronic clinical practice standards and protocols. However, the consolidated order list may contain exact duplicate or overlapping orders. Benner's framework for levels of nursing expertise can be used to explicate the variability of the nurse's responses to redundancies in order lists and the potential compromise to patient safety. An exploratory case method was performed to consolidate 74 orders from 11 sources. The consolidated order list contained 35% fewer orders after the redundant orders were removed. Our work has shown that many redundant orders may arise by consolidating order lists from multiple electronic standards. It is imperative that consolidated electronic order lists be manageable by the nurse according to their level of clinical and computer expertise, and that redundant orders are resolved before being displayed to the nurse.

The authors describe their experience designing a controlled medical vocabulary server created to support the exchange of patient data and medical decision logic. The first section introduces practical and theoretical premises that guided the design of the vocabulary server. The second section describes a series of structures needed to implement the proposed server, emphasizing their conformance to the design premises. The third section introduces potential applications that provide services to end users and also a group of tools necessary for maintaining the server corpus. in the fourth section, the authors propose an implementation strategy based on a common framework and on the participation of groups from different health-related domains.

Background Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is frequently requested for patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. When the distal esophagus mucosa shows no erosions, questions are posed: (1) Does the esophageal biopsy contribute to confirm reflux as the cause of the symptoms? (2) Do minimum endoscopic changes have correspondence with histology?