Sources d'exposition aux phtalates dans une unité de soins néonatals [Phthalate exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit].

There are growing concerns on long-term health consequences, notably on fertility rates, of plasticizers such as phthalates. While di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is currently used in several medical devices, newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit are both more exposed and more vulnerable to DEHP. The objectives of this study were to identify, count, and describe possible sources of DEHP in a neonatal care unit. Our method consisted in the listing and the inspection of the information on packaging, complemented by contact with manufacturers when necessary. According to the results, 6% of all products and 10% of plastic products contained some DEHP; 71% of these involved respiratory support devices. A vast majority of the items showed no information on the content of DEHP. Further research is needed, particularly to determine the effects of such an early exposure and to study and develop safer alternatives.

Remote Control of Mobile Devices in Android Platform

Remote control systems are a very useful element to control and monitor devices quickly and easily. This paper proposes a new architecture for remote control of Android mobile devices, analyzing the different alternatives and seeking the optimal solution in each case. Although the area of remote control, in case of mobile devices, has been little explored, it may provide important advantages for testing software and hardware developments in several real devices. It can also allow an efficient management of various devices of different types, perform forensic security tasks, etc ... The main idea behind the proposed architecture was the design of a system to be used as a platform which provides the services needed to perform remote control of mobile devices. As a result of this research, a proof of concept was implemented. An Android application running a group of server programs on the device, connected to the network or USB interface, depending on availability. This servers can be controlled through a small client written in Java and runnable both on desktop and web systems.

Electronic Construction Collaboration - Phase 1, 2009

Bridge construction projects are becoming increasingly complex as the demand for context-sensitive solutions, aesthetic designs, and accelerated bridge construction becomes more prevalent. In addition, the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is entering a phase of design and construction of large border bridges, such as the I-80 (let 2008 for $56 million) and US 34 bridges over the Missouri River and I-74 over the Mississippi River. Compared to typical construction projects, these bridges generate more contractor Requests for Information (RFIs), Value Engineering (VE) proposals, Requests for Changes (RFCs), and shop drawings. Management of these submittals is a significant challenge for Resident Construction Engineers (RCEs) and other Iowa DOT staff. In addition, some submittals require cross-departmental and project consultant reviews. Commercially available software exists for managing submittals and project collaboration teams; in-house solutions may also be possible. Implementation is intended to speed construction submittal review time, reduce incidence of delay claims, and free up Iowa DOT staff from project management administrative tasks. Researchers from Iowa State University working with the Iowa DOT conducted a multi-pronged approach to indentify a web-based collaboration solution for Iowa DOT bridge projects. An investigation was launched to determine the functional needs of the Iowa DOT. Commercially available software programs were also evaluated to find what functionality is currently available. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was written to select a commercial web-based collaboration solution for pilot testing. In the second phase of research, a solution will be selected and implemented on two pilot projects. Lessons learned from these pilot projects will assist the Iowa DOT in developing and implementing a long-term solution to improve the management of Iowa DOT bridge projects.

Electronic Reference Library Phase I Report, 1999

This report describes the first phase in a project to develop an electronic reference library (ERL) to help Iowa transportation officials efficiently access information in critical and heavily used documents. These documents include Standard Specifications for Bridge and Highway Construction (hereinafter called Standard Specifications), design manuals, standard drawings, the Construction Manual, and Material Instruction Memoranda (hereinafter called Material IMs). Additional items that could be included to enhance the ERL include phone books, letting dates, Internet links, computer programs distributed by the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), and local specifications, such as the Urban Standard Specifications of Public Improvements. All cross-references should be hyper linked, and a search engine should be provided. Revisions noted in the General Supplemental Specifications (hereinafter called the Supplemental Specifications) should be incorporated into the text of the Standard Specifications. The Standard Specifications should refer to related sections of other documents, and there should be reciprocal hyper links in those other documents. These features would speed research on critical issues and save staff time. A master plan and a pilot version were both developed in this first phase of the ERL.

Brain multimodality monitoring: an update.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An important goal of neurocritical care is the management of secondary brain injury (SBI), that is pathological events occurring after primary insult that add further burden to outcome. Brain oedema, cerebral ischemia, energy dysfunction, seizures and systemic insults are the main components of SBI. We here review recent data showing the clinical utility of brain multimodality monitoring (BMM) for the management of SBI. RECENT FINDINGS: Despite being recommended by international guidelines, standard intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring may be insufficient to detect all episodes of SBI. ICP monitoring, combined with brain oxygen (PbtO(2)), cerebral microdialysis and regional cerebral blood flow, might help to target therapy (e.g. management of cerebral perfusion pressure, blood transfusion, glucose control) to patient-specific pathophysiology. Physiological parameters derived from BMM, including PbtO(2) and microdialysis lactate/pyruvate ratio, correlate with outcome and have recently been incorporated into neurocritical care guidelines. Advanced intracranial devices can be complemented by quantitative electroencephalography to monitor changes of brain function and nonconvulsive seizures. SUMMARY: BMM offers an on-line comprehensive scrutiny of the injured brain and is increasingly used for the management of SBI. Integration of monitored data using new informatics tools may help optimize therapy of brain-injured patients and quality of care.

Glucocorticoids exert direct toxicity on microvasculature: analysis of cell death mechanisms.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are routinely administered systemically or injected into the eye when treating numerous ocular diseases; however, their toxicity on the retinal microvasculature has not been previously investigated. In this article, the effects of hydrocortisone (Hydro), dexamethasone, dexamethasone-phosphate and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) were evaluated in vitro on human skin microcirculation cells and, bovine endothelial retinal cells, ex-vivo, on flat mounted rat retinas. The degree of GCs induced endothelial cell death varied according to the endothelial cell type and GCs chemical properties. GCs toxicity was higher in skin microvascular endothelial cells and for hydrophobic GC formulations. The mechanism of cell death differed between GCs, Hydro and TA activated the leukocyte elastase inhibitor/L-DNase II pathways but did not activate caspases. The mechanisms of cell death observed in cell cultures were similar to those observed in rat retinal explants. Taken together these results indicate that particular attention should be paid to the potential vascular side effects when administrating GCs clinically and in particular when developing sustained-release intraocular devices.

Predictors of mortality from pump failure and sudden cardiac death in patients with systolic heart failure and left ventricular dyssynchrony: results of the CARE-HF trial.

BACKGROUND: Determining a specific death cause may facilitate individualized therapy in patients with heart failure (HF). Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) decreased mortality in the Cardiac Resynchronization in Heart Failure trial by reducing pump failure and sudden cardiac death (SCD). This study analyzes predictors of specific causes of death. METHODS AND RESULTS: Univariate and multivariate analyses used 8 baseline and 3-month post-randomization variables to predict pump failure and SCD (categorized as "definite," "probable," and "possible"). Of 255 deaths, 197 were cardiovascular. There were 71 SCDs with a risk reduction by CRT of 0.47 (95% confidence interval 0.29-0.76; P = .002) with similar reductions in SCD classified as definite, probable, and possible. Univariate SCD predictors were 3-month HF status (mitral regurgitation [MR] severity, plasma brain natriuretic peptide [BNP], end-diastolic volume, and systolic blood pressure), whereas randomization to CRT decreased risk. Multivariate SCD predictors were randomization to CRT 0.56 (0.53-0.96, P = .035) and 3-month MR severity 1.82 (1.77-2.60, P = .0012). Univariate pump failure death predictors related to baseline HF state (quality of life score, interventricular mechanical delay, end-diastolic volume, plasma BNP, MR severity, and systolic pressure), whereas randomization to CRT and nonischemic cardiomyopathy decreased risk; multivariate predictors of pump failure death were baseline plasma BNP and systolic pressure and randomization to CRT. CONCLUSION: CRT decreased SCD in patients with systolic HF and ventricular dyssynchrony. SCD risk was increased with increased severity of MR (including the 3-month value for MR as a time-dependent covariate) and reduced by randomization to CRT. HF death was increased related to the level of systolic blood pressure, log BNP, and randomization to CRT. These results emphasize the importance and interdependence of HF severity to mortality from pump failure and SCD.

Evidence of systematic and proportional error in a widely used glucose oxidase analyser: Impact for clinical research?

Real time glycemia is a cornerstone for metabolic research, particularly when performing oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) or glucose clamps. From 1965 to 2009, the gold standard device for real time plasma glucose assessment was the Beckman glucose analyzer 2 (Beckman Instruments, Fullerton, CA), which technology couples glucose oxidase enzymatic assay with oxygen sensors. Since its discontinuation in 2009, today's researchers are left with few choices that utilize glucose oxidase technology. The first one is the YSI 2300 (Yellow Springs Instruments Corp., Yellow Springs, OH), known to be as accurate as the Beckman(1). The YSI has been used extensively for clinical research studies and is used to validate other glucose monitoring devices(2). The major drawback of the YSI is that it is relatively slow and requires high maintenance. The Analox GM9 (Analox instruments, London), more recent and faster, is increasingly used in clinical research(3) as well as in basic sciences(4) (e.g. 23 papers in Diabetes or 21 in Diabetologia). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Computational and Energy Costs of Cryptographic Algorithms on Handheld Devices

Networks are evolving toward a ubiquitous model in which heterogeneousdevices are interconnected. Cryptographic algorithms are required for developing securitysolutions that protect network activity. However, the computational and energy limitationsof network devices jeopardize the actual implementation of such mechanisms. In thispaper, we perform a wide analysis on the expenses of launching symmetric and asymmetriccryptographic algorithms, hash chain functions, elliptic curves cryptography and pairingbased cryptography on personal agendas, and compare them with the costs of basic operatingsystem functions. Results show that although cryptographic power costs are high and suchoperations shall be restricted in time, they are not the main limiting factor of the autonomyof a device.

Monitoring of noninvasive ventilation by built-in software of home bilevel ventilators: a bench study.

BACKGROUND: Current bilevel positive-pressure ventilators for home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) provide physicians with software that records items important for patient monitoring, such as compliance, tidal volume (Vt), and leaks. However, to our knowledge, the validity of this information has not yet been independently assessed. METHODS: Testing was done for seven home ventilators on a bench model adapted to simulate NIV and generate unintentional leaks (ie, other than of the mask exhalation valve). Five levels of leaks were simulated using a computer-driven solenoid valve (0-60 L/min) at different levels of inspiratory pressure (15 and 25 cm H(2)O) and at a fixed expiratory pressure (5 cm H(2)O), for a total of 10 conditions. Bench data were compared with results retrieved from ventilator software for leaks and Vt. RESULTS: For assessing leaks, three of the devices tested were highly reliable, with a small bias (0.3-0.9 L/min), narrow limits of agreement (LA), and high correlations (R(2), 0.993-0.997) when comparing ventilator software and bench results; conversely, for four ventilators, bias ranged from -6.0 L/min to -25.9 L/min, exceeding -10 L/min for two devices, with wide LA and lower correlations (R(2), 0.70-0.98). Bias for leaks increased markedly with the importance of leaks in three devices. Vt was underestimated by all devices, and bias (range, 66-236 mL) increased with higher insufflation pressures. Only two devices had a bias < 100 mL, with all testing conditions considered. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians monitoring patients who use home ventilation must be aware of differences in the estimation of leaks and Vt by ventilator software. Also, leaks are reported in different ways according to the device used.

JXTA security in mobile constrained devices

JXME is the JXTA protocols implementation formobile devices using J2ME. Two different flavors of JXME have been implemented, each one specific for a particular set of devices, according to their capabilities. The main value of JXME is its simplicity to create peer-to-peer (P2P) applications in limited devices. In addition to assessing JXME functionalities, it is also important to realize the default security level provided. This paper presents a brief analysis of the current state of security in JXME, focusing on the JXME-Proxied version, identifies existing vulnerabilities and proposes further improvements in this field.

Measurement with an automated oscillometric wrist device with position sensor leads to lower values than measurements obtained with an automated oscillometric arm device from the same manufacturer in elderly persons.

OBJECTIVE: Home blood pressure (BP) monitoring is recommended by several clinical guidelines and has been shown to be feasible in elderly persons. Wrist manometers have recently been proposed for such home BP measurement, but their accuracy has not been previously assessed in elderly patients. METHODS: Forty-eight participants (33 women and 15 men, mean age 81.3±8.0 years) had their BP measured with a wrist device with position sensor and an arm device in random order in a sitting position. RESULTS: Average BP measurements were consistently lower with the wrist than arm device for systolic BP (120.1±2.2 vs. 130.5±2.2 mmHg, P<0.001, means±SD) and diastolic BP (66.0±1.3 vs. 69.7±1.3 mmHg, P<0.001). Moreover, a 10 mmHg or greater difference between the arm and wrist device was observed in 54.2 and 18.8% of systolic and diastolic measures, respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with the arm device, the wrist device with position sensor systematically underestimated systolic as well as diastolic BP. The magnitude of the difference is clinically significant and questions the use of the wrist device to monitor BP in elderly persons. This study points to the need to validate BP measuring devices in all age groups, including in elderly persons.

Factors affecting the adoption of electronic invoicing

Tämän diplomityön tarkoituksena oli selvittää tekijät, jotka vaikuttavat verkkolaskutuksen leviämiseen yrityksissä sekä selvittää verkkolaskutuksen levinneisyys Etelä-Karjalassa. Erityisesti haluttiin selvittää tekijät, jotka hidastavat diffuusiota. Työn teoreettinen osuus esittelee lyhyesti diffuusionkäsitettä; pääpaino on kirjallisuudesta löytyvillä innovaatioiden omaksumiseen vaikuttavilla tekijöillä. Teorian pohjalta muodostettiin 16 hypoteesia, jotka testattiin empiirisessä osassa. Empiirinen aineisto kerättiin eteläkarjalaisilta pk-yrityksiltä postikyselyn avulla. Vastanneet yritykset jaettiin verkkolaskutuksen omaksuneisiin ja ei-omaksuneisiin yrityksiin. Vastanneista yrityksistä 7.5 % käytti verkkolaskutusta. 17.8 % vasta testasi verkkolaskujen lähetystä ja/tai vastaanottamista. Näin ollen 25.3 % yrityksistä oli verkkolaskuominaisuudet tietojärjestelmissään. Suurin osa vastaajista ei ollut tehnyt päätöstä verkkolaskutukseen siirtymisen suhteen. Seitsemän hypoteesia jäi voimaan ja yhdeksän hylättiin.Hypoteesien ulkopuolelta löydettiin lisäksi kaksi tärkeää tekijää, joilla on mahdollisesti vaikutusta verkkolaskutuksen omaksumiseen yrityksissä. Yritykset kokivat, että suurempi painostus yrityksen ulkopuolelta nopeuttaisi penetraatiota, ja toisaalta verkkolaskutusta koskevan informaation määrä on koettu liian alhaiseksi. Työn lopussa esitellään toimenpide-ehdotuksia verkkolaskutuksen leviämisennopeuttamiseksi.

GTK+ toolkit on mobile Linux devices

Linux -käyttöjärjestelmä on laajasti käytössä palvelin- ja työpöytätietokoneissa. Linux on lisäämässä suosiotaan kuitenkin myös sulautetuissa laitteissa, kuten PDA:issa, kännyköissä sekä erilaisissateollisuusjärjestelmissä. Näytön koko, suorituskyky ja käytettävyys asettavat omia erityisiä tarpeitaan laitteiden graafiselle käyttöliittymälle. Linux -käyttöjärjestelmälle on olemassa useita käyttöliittymäkirjastoja, joista GTK+ on yksi yleisimmin käytetyistä. Tämä diplomityö esittelee sulautetun Linux -käyttöjärjestelmän ja GTK+ käyttöliittymäkirjaston, selvittäen miten hyvin ne soveltuvat mobiileihin päätelaitteisiin. Yksi suurimmista esteistä työpöytäkäyttöön suunnattujen teknologioiden, kuten GTK+, muokkaamisessa mobiileihin päätelaitteisiin on suorituskyky. Osana tätä työtä kehitettiin GtkPerf -niminen työkalu, jolla GTK+:n suorituskykyä eri alustoilla pystytään helposti mittaamaan ja havaitsemaan mahdollisia pullonkauloja. Tämän työn johtopäätöksenä on, että pienillä muokkailuilla ja optimoinneilla GTK+ soveltuu myös mobiileihin päätelaitteisiin. Ensimmäinen kaupallisesti saatavilla oleva GTK+ -pohjainen päätelaite, Nokia 770 Internet Tablet, on tästä osoituksena.