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Hospitalised neonates in Estonia commonly receive potentially harmful excipients
© Lass et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd. 2012
Received: 27 March 2012
Accepted: 21 August 2012
Published: 29 August 2012
Information on the neonatal exposure to excipients is limited. Our aim was to describe the extent of excipient intake by Estonian neonates; to classify the excipients according to potential neonatal toxicity and thereby to measure the extent of exposure of neonates to potentially harmful excipients.
A prospective cohort study that recorded all medicines prescribed to patients aged below 28 days admitted to Tartu University Hospital from 01.02-01.08 2008 and to Tallinn Children's Hospital from 01.02- 01.08 2009 was conducted. Excipients were identified from Summaries of Product Characteristics and classified according to toxicity following a literature review.
1961 prescriptions comprising 107 medicines were written for 348/490 neonates admitted. A total of 123 excipients were found in 1620 (83%) prescriptions and 93 (87%) medicines. 47 (38%) of these excipients were classified as potentially or known to be harmful to neonates. Most neonates (97%) received at least one medicine (median number 2) with potentially or known to be harmful excipient. Parabens were the most commonly used known to be harmful excipients and sodium metabisulphite the most commonly used potentially harmful excipient, received by 343 (99%) and 297 (85%) of treated neonates, respectively.
Hospitalised neonates in Estonia are commonly receiving a wide range of excipients with their medication. Quantitative information about excipients should be made available to pharmacists and neonatologists helping them to take into account excipient issues when selecting medicines and to monitor for adverse effects if administration of medicines containing excipients is unavoidable.
Excipients are essential components of medicinal products required for manufacturing processes to assure several properties such as solubility, bioavailability and stability of the final dosage form. Concerns about the safety of pharmaceutical excipients are growing due to the increasing number of adverse reports, especially in neonates [1–4]. According to regulatory requirements, excipients have to be appropriately evaluated for safety [5–7]. Similar to active pharmaceutical ingredients, in most instances the safety data of excipients is based on adult exposure. Thus, information about their acceptability and safety in relation to the age and development status of the child is often lacking [8].
Neonates are the most vulnerable patient population when adverse reactions of excipients are considered. This is mainly due to organ immaturity and differences in pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) profiles compared to adults [9]. The inclusion of inadequately studied excipients in products used in neonates has resulted in tragedies such as the E-ferol incident where over 30 infants died after receiving an intravenous vitamin E product containing polysorbate 80 [10]. The potential for dose-related adverse reactions of excipients are of particular concern in preterm infants due to the immaturity of hepatic and renal functions [11, 12].
The use of potentially toxic excipients in medicines given to neonates is not rare [13] as they are present in many commonly used drug products [14, 15]. However, neonatal exposure to excipients is still poorly studied. Previous studies have been selective in terms of populations, indications or excipients. For example, the studies have included premature neonates only [13] or have been restricted to medicinal products used in gastroenterology [14] or to excipients known to be toxic (sodium benzoate, propylene glycol, methyl- and propyl parahydroxybenzoate, saccharin sodium, benzyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80 and ethanol) [13, 16]. We are not aware of studies looking at frequency of excipient use in an unselected cohort of hospitalised neonates.
Our objectives were first, to record the frequency of using potentially harmful excipients in hospitalised neonates; second, to classify the excipients used in neonatal wards in Estonia into categories according to the possible toxicity to neonates; and third, to describe how many neonatal prescriptions included potentially harmful excipients.
This study used a cohort design recruiting in two centres over two non-overlapping but equivalent periods. A total of four wards in both paediatric hospitals of Estonia participated. All medicines prescribed to hospitalised neonates with postnatal age (PNA) below 28 days were recorded in Tartu University Hospital (TUH) from 1st of February to 1st of August 2008 and in Tallinn Children's Hospital (TCH) from 1st of February to 1st of August 2009 [17]. The following information was extracted from the hospital records on twice weekly visits: demographic data (gestational age [GA], birth weight, gender, date of birth, PNA), admission and discharge dates and prescriptions for all medicinal products (International Nonproprietary and product names, formulations). The dose and frequency of medicines were not recorded for the purpose of this study and the use of standard intravenous replacement solutions, nutritional and technical products (including contrast agents), basic creams and ointments, parenteral nutrition solutions, vaccines and vitamins were excluded, although we acknowledge that some of these products may also contribute to the general excipient exposure.
The data from the neonatal wards at both hospitals were pooled and patients categorised based on the GA as preterm (<37 weeks) and full term (≥37 weeks) neonates.
Classification of excipients to which studied neonates were exposed according to available safety data †
Safety status
No of excipients identified
Potentially safe
No adverse reactions reported
Potentially harmful and known to be harmful
Adverse reactions reported
No safety data found
No data found in the literature on human exposure and toxicity
Description of the excipient in SPC or PIL unspecific
Description does not allow a specific literature search
In this study, all excipients for which according to the abovementioned sources there were some safety concerns were classified as "potentially harmful" (Category 2 in Table 1).
The study was approved by the Ethics Review Committee of the University of Tartu. The study used anonymised data collected in routine clinical practice and did not require individual consent of the parent.
There were a total of 490 neonates (203 in TUH and 287 in TCH) hospitalised during the two study periods. Of these, 348 (176 preterm) received 1961 prescriptions for 107 medicines. Parenteral formulations were used most often (61/107) followed by manipulated oral solid formulations such as crushed tablets or opened capsules (19/107). Oral liquids (8/107), topical ointments and creams (6/107), ophthalmic (5/107), rectal (4/107) and inhalation (4/107) medicines were rarely used. In total 93 of 107 medicines (87%) and 1620 of 1961 prescriptions (83%) contained at least one excipient. The total number of different excipients was 123.
Classification of excipients and neonatal exposure
Excipients identified as known to be harmful and potentially harmful and the prescribing prevalence of medications containing them in studied neonates
No of medications containing / Total Number of prescriptions
Medications containing excipients (number of prescriptions†)
Known to be harmful to neonates
Parabens (methyl- and propyl parahydroxybenzoate)
6 / 343
Gentamicin inj (200), heparin inj (86), iron oral solution (32), heparin sodium ointment (12), prednisolone inj (7), cetirizine oral solution (6)
Saccharin sodium
6 / 173
Simeticone oral suspension (108), iron oral solution (32), zidovudine oral solution (17), cetirizine oral solution (6), miconazole ointment (6), sultamicilline powder for suspension (4)
Sodium benzoate
4 / 156
Simeticone oral suspension (108), caffeine solution (29), zidovudine oral solution (17), fludrocortisone inj (2)
Benzyl alcohol
6 / 125
Heparin inj (86), hydrocortisone inj (23), phenobarbital inj (13), clotrimazole ointment (1), diazepam rectal suspension (1), diclofenac inj (1)
Benzalkonium chloride
6 / 104
Salbutamol nebulisation solution (54), chloramphenicol ophthalmic solution (29), fusidic acid opthalmic solution (16), troxerutin gel (3), ipratropium bromide nebulisation solution (1), dexamethasone + neomycin + polymyxin B opthalmic solution (1)
Propylene glycol
7 / 79
Salbutamol nebulisation solution (54), phenobarbital inj (13), cetirizine oral solution (6), diazepam oral solution (3), ibuprofen tablet (1), diclofenac inj (1), diazepam rectal solution (1)
Polysorbate 80
4 / 70
Budesonide nebulisation solution (31), chloramphenicol ophalmic solution (29), miconazole ointment (6), tobramycin opthalmic ointment (4)
7 / 31
Heparin sodium ointment (12), miconazole ointment (6), dinoprostone inj (5), Lipase + amylase + protease tablet (3), diazepam oral solution (3), diosmectide powder for oral suspension (1), alprostadil inj (1)
Potentially harmful excipients
Sodium metabisulphite
6 / 297
Gentamicin inj (200), dobutamine inj (45), epinephrine inj (36), morphine inj (14), diclofenac inj (1), norepinephrine inj (1)
Silica, colloidal anhydrous
10 / 195
Simeticone oral suspension (108), phenobarbital tablet (29), hyoscine butylbromide tablet (20), spironolactone tablet (18), furosemide tablet (6), ursodeoxycholic acid tablet (5), sotalol tablet (4), propranolol tablet (3), diosmectide powder for oral suspension (1), ibuprofen tablet (1)
Sorbic acid
2 / 168
Simeticone oral suspension (108), laurilsulphate + sorbitol + sodium citrate rectal solution (60)
Anhydrous sodium hydrogen phosphate (monobasic, dibasic)
10 / 122
Paracetamol suppository (29), paracetamol infusion solution (24), hydrocortisone powder for infusion solution (23), epoetin beta inj (22), dexamethazone inj (8), oxacillin powder for infusion solution (7), sultamicillin powder for infusion solution (4), ranitidine inj (2), pentoxifylline inj (2), ipratropium bromide nebulisation solution (1)
Sodium cyclamate
1 / 108
Simeticone oral suspension (108)
Disodium edetate
10 / 106
Budesonide nebulisation solution (31), piperacillin + tazobactam inj (25), fusidic acid ophthalmic solution (16), metoclopramide inj (10), dexamethazone inj (8), sulphametizole opthalmic solution (6), aminophylline inj (4), troxerutin ointment (3), esomeprazole inj (2), acetylcysteine inj (1)
5 / 51
Phenobarbital tablet (29), hydrochlorothiazide tablet (10), ursodeoxycholic acid tablet (5), digoxin tablet (4), lipase + amylase + protease tablet (3)
Sodium bicarbonate
4 / 44
Meropenem inj (32), povidone-iodine ointment (8), ceftazidime powder for infusion solution (3), enalapril tablet (1)
Boric acid
2 / 33
Chloramphenicol opthalmic solution (29), tobramycin opthalmic solution (4)
1 / 29
Chloramphenicol opthalmic solution (29)
Macrogols - polyethylene glycol
5 / 25
Povidone-iodine ointment (8), pentoxifylline tablet (7), Hydrocortisone + chlorhexidine ointment (4), lipase + amylase + protease tablet (3), propranolol tablet (3)
2 / 25
Ibuprofen inj (21), tobramycin ophthalmic ointment (4)
1 / 22
Epoetin beta inj (22)
Calcium chloride dihydrate
1 / 22
Epoetin beta inj (22)
1 / 22
Epoetin beta inj (22)
Titanium dioxide
5 / 21
Pentoxifylline tablet (7), ursodeoxycholic acid tablet (5), lipase + amylase + protease tablet (3), propranolol tablet (3), sildenafil tablet (3)
4 / 19
Pentoxifylline tablet (7), furosemide tablet (6), drotaverine tablet (5), teophylline tablet (1)
2 / 15
Heparin sodium ointment (12), troxerutin ointment (3)
1 / 11
Diosmectide powder for oral suspension (1)
2 / 7
Tobramycin ophthalmic ointment (4), immunoglobuline inj (3)
1 / 7
Pentoxifylline tablet (7)
Benzethonium chloride
1 / 7
Ketamine inj (7)
Sodium acetate trihydrates
2 / 7
Cetirizine oral solution (6), flecainide inj (1)
Cetostearyl alcohol
2 / 5
Hydrocortisone + chlorhexidine ointment (4), clotrimazole ointment (1)
1 / 4
Aminophylline inj (4)
Macrogol cetostearyl ether
1 / 4
Hydrocortisone + chlorhexidine ointment (4)
Sodium laurilsulfate
1 / 3
Lipase + amylase + protease tablet (3)
Lactic acid
1 / 3
Milrinone inj (3)
1 / 3
Propranolol tablet (3)
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate
2 / 2
Diazepam rectal solution (1), diclofenac inj (1)
Castor oil
1 / 1
Teophylline tablet (1)
Sorbitan stearate
1 / 1
Clotrimazole ointment (1)
1 / 1
Diosmectide powder for oral suspension (1)
Almost all treated neonates (339/348; 97%) received medicines with at least one potentially harmful excipient and as many as 88% (307/348) received at least one of the eight excipients known to be harmful in neonates (Table 2). From the medicines prescribed, the median number of included excipients known to cause harm in neonates was two (interquartile range (IQR) 5–2; preterm neonates median of 3, range 1 to 15, IQR 4–2; term neonates median of 1, range 1 to 11, IQR 3–1).
Potentially and known to be harmful excipients in medicines used in neonates
Excipients known to be harmful and potentially harmful to neonates used in study population, their applications and safety concerns
Functional category†
Applications and typical concentration ranges†
Safety concern
Known to be harmful to neonates
Parabens (methyl- and propyl parahydroxybenzoate)
Antimicrobial activity against yeasts and molds. Combination of Methyparaben (0.18%) and propylparaben (0.02%) for parenteral formulations. In combinations with propylene glycol (2-5%)/ imidurea
Hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. Irritant in injections / ophthalmic drugs. Hypersensitivity reactions. [18, 19]
Saccharin sodium
0.02-0.5% w/w*
Urticaria with pruritus and photosensitivity reactions. [14]
Sodium benzoate
Antimicrobial, tablet / capsule lubricant
0.02-0.5% in oral medicines; 0.5% in parenteral medicines; 2-5% w/w tablet lubricant
Contact urticaria. [21] Topical irritant. Increased risk of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates.
Benzyl alcohol
Antimicrobial, solvent
Up to 2% v/v* in parenteral/oral preparations, typically 1% v/v. 5% v/v and up used as solubilisers. 10% v/v local anaesthetic properties (parenterals, ophthalmic solutions, oitments)
Headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metabolic acidosis, seizures, gasping. Hypersensitivity; fatal toxic syndrome in premature infants. Pain on injection, [8, 18–20]
Benzalkonium chloride
Antimicrobial, antiseptic, solubilising, wetting
Ophthalmic preparations – preservative, 0.01-0.02% w/v*; In combination with other preservatives
Ototoxic when applied to ear, skin irritation and hypersensitivity Bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Eye irritation. [18–20]
Propylene glycol
Antimicrobial, humectant, plasticizer, solvent, stabilizing, water-miscible cosolvent
Humectant – topical – approx.15%. Preservative –solutions / semisolids – 15-30%. Solvent or cosolvent: aerosol solutions 10-30%, oral solutions 10-25%, parenterals 10-60%, topical 5-80%
Skin irritation. Central nervous system (CNS) depression. High doses - cardiovascular, hepatic, respiratory adverse events. [18–20]
Polysorbate 80
Dispersing, emulsifying, non-ionic surfactant, solubilising, suspending, wetting
Emulsifying: alone in oil-in-water emulsions 1-15%; in combination 1-10%. To increase water-holding prop of ointments 1-10%. Solubilising: poorly soluble API*s in lipophilic bases 1-5%; insoluble APIs in lipophilic bases 0.1-3%
E-Ferol syndrome - thrombocytopenia, renal dysfunction, hepatomegaly, cholestasis, ascites, hypotension, metabolic acidosis. [18]
In the USA, the max quantity of alcohol included in over the counter (OTC) medicines 0.5% v/v for products for use by children under 6 years of age. Parenteral products containing up to 50% of alcohol (e 95 or 96% v/v)
CNS depression - muscle incoordination, visual impairment. Negative synergic effects on CNS when associated with dextromethorfan. Chronic toxicity [8, 18, 20]
Potentially harmful excipients
Sodium metabisulphite
Antimicrobial, antioxidant
Antioxidant in oral, parenteral, and topical formulations: 0.01–1.0% w/v, intramuscular 27% w/v. Antimicrobial: syrups.
Hypersensitivity. Paradoxical bronchospasm, wheezing, dyspnoe and chest tightness in asthmatic children.[18–20]
Colloidal anhydrous silica
Adsorbent; anticaking; emulsion stabilizer; glidant; suspending; tablet disintegrant; thermal stabilizer; viscosity-increasing
Improves flow properties of dry powders (0.1-0.5%) (tabletting); stabilizes emulsions (1.0-5.0%); thixotropic thickening/ suspending (2.0-10.0%); in aerosols to promote particulate suspension, eliminate hard settling, minimize clogging of spray nozzles (0.5-2.0%)
A possible sarcoidosis-inducing antigen [22]
Anhydrous sodium hydrogen phosphate (monobasic, dibasic)
Buffering; emulsifying; sequestering.
Buffering agent; sequestering agent. Concentrations are dependent on the formulation.
Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances including diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting [18]
Sodium bicarbonate
Alkalizing; therapeutic.
To produce or maintain an alkaline pH in a preparation
Exacerbation of chronic heart failure in elderly [18]
Macrogols - polyethylene glycol
Ointment base; plasticizer; solvent; suppository base; tablet and capsule lubricant.
High molecular weight macrogols can be used as lubricants in tablet formulations; water solubility and bad penetration through skin makes them useful as ointment bases
Hypersensitivity reactions, hyperosmolarity, metabolic acidosis, and renal failure in burn patients. [18]
Buffering agent, buffer range from 7.1–9
Hypersensitivity reactions. [23]
Cetostearyl alcohol
Emollient; emulsifying; viscosity-increasing.
Increasing viscosity; stabilizes emulsions; co-emulsifier; decreasing the amount of surfactant required
Sodium lauryl sulphate
Anionic surfactant; detergent; emulsifying; skin penetrant; tablet and capsule lubricant, wetting
Tablet lubricant (1.0-2.0%)
Irritation to the skin, eyes, mucous membranes, upper respiratory tract, and stomach. [18]
Sorbitan stearate
Dispersing; emulsifying; nonionic surfactant; solubilizing; suspending; wetting
When used alone produces water-in-oil emulsions / microemulsions. In combination with polysorbate produces water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions / creams.
Hypersensitive reactions.[18]
Lactic acid
In injections in the form of lactate as a source of bicarbonate (0.012-1.16%)
Neonates have difficulty in metabolizing R-lactic acid, and this isomer and the racemate should therefore not be used in infants aged less than 3 months old. [18]
Sodium cyclamate
0.17% w/v as sweeter, in combination with saccharin
Photosensitivity. [18]
Disodium edetate
Forms stable water-soluble complexes with alkaline earth and heavy-metal ions; concentrations 0.005-0.1%
Local inflammatory reactions. [18]
Coating; film-forming; gelling; suspending; tablet binder; viscosity-increasing
Tablet binder; microencapsulation
Local irritation. Hypersensitivity reactions, including serious anaphylactoid reactions [21]
Disintegrant; dissolution enhancer; suspending; tablet binder
Binder in wet-granulation process; coating; solubilizer for poorly soluble drugs (0.5-5%)
Subcutaneous granulomas at the injection site. [21]
Alkalizing; emulsifying
When mixed in equimolar proportions with a fatty acid an emulsifying agent to produce fine-grained, stable oil-in-water emulsions will be formed (2-4%)
Hypersensitivity, skin irritant. [18]
Antimicrobial preservative; disinfectant.
Antimicrobial preservative in parenteral formulations (0.15-0.3%)
Skin hypersensitivity reactions. [18]
Sweetening; tablet diluent
Osmotic - ophthalmic drops and parenteral inf.
Single report of hyponatremia in a liver transplantation patient. [18]
Sorbic acid
As antimicrobial preservative (0.05-0.2%)
Irritant and allergic hypersensitivity skin reactions. [18, 19]
Boric acid
Antimicrobial, buffering
As antimicrobial preservative in eye drops. Good buffering capacity to control pH.
Poisoning - abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, erythematous rash, CNS depression. Convulsions, hyperpyrexia, and renal tubular damage. [18]
Alkalizing; antimicrobial; buffering; disinfectant; emulsifying; stabilizing
Antimicrobial preservative in eye preparations
Vomiting, diarrhea, erythema, CNS depression, and kidney damage. [18]
Buffering; bulking; freeze-drying; tablet disintegrant; wetting
Cofreeze-dried excipient in injectable formulations
Disturbances of fluid and electrolyte balance; cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders. [18]
Calcium chloride dihydrate
Antimicrobial, water-absorbing.
Dehydrating properties
Stomach and heart disturbances. Eye irritant, dermatitis. [18]
Antiadherent; flavoring; lubricant
As antiadherent to improve the deagglomeration
Moderately toxic by the s/c route.[18]
Titanium dioxide
Coating as opacifier, pigment
As a white pigment and opacifier
Possibly carcinogenic [24]
Benzethonium chloride
Surfactant, antiseptic, wetting and/or solubilizing
As an antimicrobial preservative (0.01-0.02% w/v)
Probably neurotoxic [25]
Cherry-pink/red synthetic coal tar dye
Toxic to human lymphocytes in vitro, binds directly to DNA. [26]
Sodium cetate trihydrate
Antimicrobial; buffering; flavoring, stabilizing
As a buffering agent and as an antimicrobial preservative
Poisonous if injected i/v, an irritant to the skin and eyes. [18]
Counter ion
Counter ion of theophylline
Hypersensitivity reactions [27]
Macrogol cetostearyl ether
Emulsifying; penetration enhancer; solubilizing; wetting
Solubilizing agent, enhancing effect on the skin permeation
Moderately toxic. [18]
Film-forming; granulation aid; tablet binder
As a film-forming agent (0.5-5%); tablet binder (direct compression and wet granulation) (2.0-5.0%)
Moderately toxic by ingestion, gastric disturbances. [18]
Sodium formaldehyde sulfoxylate
Antioxidant in parental, rectal solutions
Moderately toxic by ingestion, when heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes. [18]
Castor oil
Emollient; oleaginous vehicle; solvent.
extended release agent
Contact dermatitis. [18]
Emulsifying; stabilizing; suspending; tablet binder; viscosity-increasing.
Viscosity increasing agent (as it is in powder for oral suspensions)
Hypersensitivity reactions. [18]
Most commonly prescribed medicines (received by >10 patients) containing known to be harmful or potentially harmful excipients
Active substance, drug formulation
No of prescriptions
Potentially harmful or known to be harmful excipients
Gentamicin, inj solution
Parabens, sodium metabisulphite
Simeticone, oral suspension
Sodium benzoate, saccharin sodium, silicium dioxide, sodium cyclamate, sorbic acid
Heparin, inj solution
Benzyl alcohol, parabens
Laurilsulphate + Sorbitol + Sodium citrate, rectal solution
Sorbic acid
Salbutamol, nebulisation solution
Benzalkonium chloride, propylene glycol
Dobutamine, inj solution
Sodium metabisulphite
Epinephrine, inj solution
Sodium metabisulphite
Iron, oral solution
Parabens, saccharin sodium
Budesonide, nebulisation solution
Polysorbate 80, disodiumedetate
Chloramphenicol, opthalmic solution
Benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, borax, boric acid
Caffeine, solution
Sodium benzoate
Phenobarbital, tablet
Silicium dioxide, gelatin
Paracetamol, suppository
Disodium hydrogen phosphate
Piperacillin + tazobactam, inj solution
Disodium edetate
Paracetamol, inj solution
Disodium hydrogen phosphate
Hydrocortisone, inj solution
Benzyl alcohol, disodium hydrogen phosphate
Epoetin beta, inj solution
Disodium hydrogen phosphate, glycine, calcium chloride dihydrate, leucine,
Ibuprofen, inj solution
Hyoscine butylbromide, tablet
Silicium dioxide
Spironolactone, tablet
Silicium dioxide
Zidovudine, oral solution
Sodium benzoate, saccharin sodium
Fusidic acid, ophthalmic solution
Benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate
Morphine, inj solution
Sodium metabisulphite
Phenobarbital, inj solution
Benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol
Heparin sodium, topical gel
Parabens, ethanol, trietanolamine,
Insulin, inj solution
Simeticone oral suspension was the second most commonly prescibed medicine, given to 31% of neonates. The simeticone product contained two excipients known to cause harm – saccharin sodium and sodium benzoate, and also three other potentially harmful excipients - colloidal anhydrous silica, sorbic acid and sodium cyclamate (Table 4).
Of excipients known to cause harm as an excipient in older age groups, but where there is no neonatal data, colloidal anhydrous silica and anhydrous sodium hydrogen phosphate were most commonly present, both in 10 medicines. Medicines containing sodium metabisulfite were prescribed most frequently in this category. Again its frequent exposure was driven by wide use of parenteral gentamicin.
Approximately two thirds of parenterally used products (29/47) contained some potentially harmful excipient. The situation was even worse for other formulations - all of the prescribed rectal, topical, inhalation, oral solutions and oral suspensions contained at least one potentially harmful excipient. The use of topical agents in neonates was rare and only 8/33 products contained excipient known to be toxic to neonates. Only one of the 19 orally administered solid drug formulations and one of the five ocular formulations were free of potentially harmful excipients. Not surprisingly, most of medicines free from potentially harmful excipients were parenteral single-dose antibacterial or antifungal formulations (13/ of all the 35 medicines without harmful excipients).
A total of 19 medicines were licensed for use in neonates (6 for preterm and all for term neonates). Approximately half of them (3/6 in preterm and 8/19 in term neonates) contained at least one potentially harmful excipient.
The amount of the excipients in the drug formulation was present in the SPCs for only two medications (metoclopramide injection solution and esomeprazole powder for injection).
To the best of our knowledge this is the first study looking at the excipients in medicines given to an unselected group of hospitalised neonates. We describe the presence of over a hundred different excipients and demonstrate that almost all drugs used in neonates (including those licensed for neonates) contain at least one potentially harmful excipient. The safety of the majority of these excipients in neonates is not easily assessable as the information in the SPCs is scarce and published studies on the topic are rare. The fact that over a third of excipients present in medicines are known or suggested to be potentially harmful to neonates is even more worrisome.
As we are not aware of any validated classification of excipients in terms of neonatal safety and tolerability, we created a tentative classification for the study purposes in which all administered excipients were divided into the categories by conducting a literature search. As a result we show, that in addition to excipients known to cause harm (e.g. propylene glycol, ethanol etc.), many other excipients (e.g. sodium metabisulfite and colloidal anhydrous silica) could possess some safety concerns to neonates as they have been found to be harmful in older children and adults (Table 3).
The proportion of medicines containing potentially harmful excipients in our study (68%) is higher than the one recently published by van Riet-Nales et al.[28] in the Netherlands (52% of oral liquid formulations and 7% of all parenteral products). This difference is most likely explained by the methodological variations, regional characteristics in marketed product ranges and by differences in classifying excipients into the toxicity categories. In the Dutch study only "known to be toxic" excipients were taken into the analysis while in our study a very conservative approach was taken and the excipients were classified into the "potentially harmful" category even if only some data on human toxicity had been published (also when used as a substance) as one could not assure that the same agent does not cause any harm when used in small quantities as an excipient. However, we declare that all classifications without clear data from appropriately designed studies are hypothetical.
The use of excipients is unavoidable. Some can be found in food and WHO has set an acceptable daily intake for several of these. Nevertheless the amount of excipients in drug formulations is rarely reported in the SPCs making the evaluation of precise exposure and assessment of true harmfulness of these substances to neonates impossible. Investigators have requested information about exact excipient amounts from the manufacturers [13], but this is very time-consuming and does not allow a large number of medicines to be investigated. Whilst the FDA provides an online database of excipient concentrations in licensed medicines, it does not identify the marketed medicinal products for confidentiality reasons (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/iig/getiigWEB.cfm; last accessed 14th January 2012). The limits on data about excipients are exemplified by the 24 products (22% of the total used), which were not officially registered in Estonia or through the centralised EU mutual recognition agreement. These medicines were imported to Estonia according to the ad hoc approval of the Estonian State Agency of Medicines. The list of these drugs included parenteral phenobarbital, petidine and sodium oxybutyrate. The SPCs of most of these products could not be accessed, as they did not have European SPCs. The lack of quantitative data despite considerable effort to obtain information from the manufacturers means that our results may underestimate the extent of excipient exposure in these patients. However, this does not affect our conclusions. We suggest that quantitative information about high-risk excipients should be made available to pharmacists and physicians working with neonates.
Despite the lack of quantitative information, it could be that even if the excipient is known to be harmful, the daily intake will not exceed the toxic threshold due to the small quantities used in drug formulations. For example, from using a parenteral gentamicin product, a premature infant weighting 500 g and receiving a daily dose of 2 mg gets a maximum of 0.1mcg of parabens (methyl- and propylparahydroxybenzoate, parenteral formulations contain up to 0.75% parabens). When comparing this value to the allowed daily intake of 10 mg/kg body weight in adults it is obvious that the quantities are far below the toxic threshold. However, the fact that in neonates organs and thus the PK pathways are not fully matured may change the situation drastically [20]. Furthermore Allegaert et al. showed recently that a short duration of unintended propylene glycol administration at a median dose of 34 mg/kg over 48 hours was well tolerated by (pre)term neonates [29]. At the same time the authors stress that long-term safety of propylene glycol is still not established. We believe that the well-known toxic or potentially harmful excipients need careful safety assessment and determination of PK/PD profiles in neonates.
It has been stated that certain colouring and flavouring agents such as erythrosine (cherry-pink dye) need to be avoided in children [30]. This study also found that the SPC description of 15 excipients was too unspecific to allow a safety evaluation. Many of these excipients were flavouring agents such as banana flavour, cherry aroma, strawberry, raspberry flavour etc. Without further information in the SPC the safety assessment and critical evaluation of the administration of these agents to neonates is impossible in clinical practice.
We found that the formulation of the most commonly used drug in Estonian neonates, gentamicin, contains well-known harmful excipients – parabens. However a paraben-free gentamicin product is also registered in Europe. With this our data are in line with van Riet-Nales et al.[28] who also showed that for 22% of oral liquid paediatric medicines contain potentially harmful excipients an alternative formulation lacking such excipient was available with the same active chemical entity. This indicates that health professionals have a low awareness on safety of excipients. We recommend that when compiling a formulary for the treatment of vulnerable patients such as neonates attention should also be paid to the identification of excipients in medicines.
The most important limitation of our study is the lack of information on the exact amounts of excipients in medicines which precludes us making any conclusions on the real excipient exposure. This limitation was beyond our control because manufacturers do not disseminate this information. The other challenges are the use of a novel and non-validated classification system and restriction of the study to one country only. Also we did not collect information about dosage regimens since this would have been uninterpretable in the absence of quantitative information about the excipient content of the prescribed medicines. Another issue, possibly characteristic of other small markets, was the significant use (22%) of unlicensed medicines and thus unavailability of SPCs. In these cases the excipient content was recorded according to the package insert leaflets. Altough we appreciate that only excipients of intravenous, topical and opthalmic products and known to be toxic excipients have to be declared in the package leaflet, we assume that this will not significally affect our conclusions. Finally the study was conducted in a small country and thus these results cannot be generalised to other countries. These limitations do not undermine our findings that neonates are frequently exposed to a range of potentially harmful and known to be toxic excipients. Many of these limitations will be addressed in a recently commenced international research project, the European Study of Neonatal Excipient Exposure (ESNEE) [31], which evaluates the neonatal excipient exposure of over 20 European countries. The aims of the project are to show which excipients are used in formulations given to neonates treated in European hospitals, to conduct a review of toxicological studies on excipients and to investigate excipient kinetics during treatment with commonly prescribed neonatal medicines.
Hospitalised neonates commonly receive numerous excipients, several of which have not until now been discussed regarding their potential harm to neonates. There is an urgent need for the careful toxicological assessment of excipients as the information in the published literature is limited. Information about excipients should be made available to pharmacists and neonatologists to assist the selection of the most appropriate medicines for neonates. When excipients cannot be avoided, professionals should have access to quantitative and qualitative information that allows them to assess risk and monitor vulnerable patients appropriately.
MAT, US, HV and IL work on the European Study of Neonatal Excipient Exposure project funded through the PRIOMEDCHILD initiative by the Estonian Science Foundation and UK Medical Research Council.
JL and IL was also supported by the Estonian Target Financing No. 2726.
Authors' Affiliations
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- Shehab N, Lewis CL, Streetman DD, Donn SM: Exposure to the pharmaceutical excipients benzyl alcohol and propylene glycol among critically ill neonates. Pediatr Crit Care Med. 2009, 10 (2): 256-259. 10.1097/PCC.0b013e31819a383c.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
- Lass J, Käär R, Jõgi K, Varendi H, Metsvaht T, Lutsar I: Drug utilisation pattern and off-label use of medicines in Estonian neonatal units. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2011, 67: 1263-1271. 10.1007/s00228-011-1072-x.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
- Rowe RC, Sheskey PJ, Quinn ME: Handbook of pharmaceutical excipients. 2009, London: Pharmaceutical Press, 6Google Scholar
- European Commission: The Rules Governing Medicinal Products in the European Union. Excipients in the Label and Package leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use. 2003, http://pharmacos.eudra.org/F2/eudralex/vol-3/pdfs-en/3bc7a_200307en.pdf. Accessed August, 2011, 2011Google Scholar
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- van Riet-Nales DA, de Jager KE, Schobben AFAM, Egberts TCG, Rademaker C: The availability and age-appropriateness of medicines authorized for children in the Netherlands. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2011, 72 (3): 465-473. 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2011.03982.x.View ArticlePubMedPubMed CentralGoogle Scholar
- Allegaert K, Vanhaesebrouck S, Kulo A, Cosaert K, Verbesselt R, Debeer A, et al: Prospective assessment of short-term propylene glycol tolerance in neonates. Arch Dis Child. 2010, 95 (12): 1054-1058. 10.1136/adc.2010.190330.View ArticlePubMedGoogle Scholar
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- The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2431/12/136/prepub
Pre-publication history
This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.


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Bolton Wanderers midfielder Tamir Cohen paid an emotional tribute to his late father after scoring a late winner against Arsenal on Sunday.Israel international Cohen came off the bench to make it 2-1 to Bolton in the 90th minute at the Reebok Stadium.
Arsenal's league title hopes are all but over after Bolton substitute Tamir Cohen grabbed a last-minute winner at the Reebok Stadium.Cohen celebrated by removing his Wanderers top to reveal a T-shirt complete with a photograph of his late father Avi, the former Liverpool defender.
|Match-winner Cohen´s tribute to late father
|Premier League: Bolton 2 Arsenal 1

subset: commoncrawl


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Hocheisspitze surely belongs to the "big" Berchtesgaden summits though it is very well hidden behind Hochkalter if you make your approach from the north. With the adjacent summit of Kammerlinghorn and the connecting ridge between these two summits Hocheisspitze builds a huge and high mountain massif which can be best seen from the surrounding mountains and which is rarely to bee seen from the surrounding valleys. Together with its rather remote positions in the Berchtesgaden Alps Hocheisspitze is rarely summited in summer and autumn and a little bit more frequented as ski hike in spring.
Hocheisspitze is the second highest summit after Hochkalter in the Hochkalter subgroup of the Berchtesgaden Alps. It is - together with Kammerlinghorn - the southernmost summit of this subgroup, mostly consisting of a northeast - southwest - running rock ridge with many side valleys and impressive rock cirques.
The ridge between Kammerlinghorn and Hocheisspitze, being the frontier between Austria and Germany and the southern limitation of the Berchtesgaden National Park (see chapter Red Tape), builds the top of the south rock face of the Hochkalter subgroup, looking down into Saalach valley. To the east there is another impressive rockface dropping down into Wimbachgries, the beautiful and wild valley between Watzmann (east), Großer Hundstod (south) and Hochkalter / Hocheisspitze (west), thus forming one of the most impressive alpine valleys in the Berchtesgaden region.
To the northeast there is the connecting rock arete to Hochkalter. To the northwest there are two impressive alpine cirques, the Sittersbachtal opening to the north and, separated by a subridge with the summit of Hinterberghorn, the Hintereis cirque which runs down in more northwestern direction. The normal route to the summit uses this valley.
Getting There
Hintersee is part of the Ramsau valley between Berchtesgaden and Lofer.
You reach Ramsau:
from Salzburg and Berchtesgaden region by using the E 55 highway from Salzburg and the road number 160 (Austria) and 305 (Germany to Berchtesgaden and Ramsau.
From Bad Reichenhall follow road number 20 and 305 to Berchtesgaden and Ramsau.
Coming from München leave the highway A 8 to Salzburg at the exit Siegsdorf and follow road number 306 to Inzell and 305 to Schneizreuth, Unterjettenberg, Schwarzbachwacht to Ramsau.
From Lofer / Austria use road number 178 to Schneizlreuth and follow road number 305 to Ramsau.
Hintersee can be reached on a signposted and narrow road from Schwarzbachwacht, when you enter Ramsau coming from the west or on road ST2099 passing Ramsau village if you enter Ramsau from the east.
Routes & Trails
Summit Routes
Ski Route
Hocheisspitze is mainly a winter and spring ski hike mountain so I will mainly describe the normal ski route to the summit. Read the "Mountain Conditions" section carefully, Hocheisspitze can be a very dangerous ski hike !
The trailhead is some 500 m southwest of Hintersee, there is a big parking area (parking fee required, no overnight camping).
Behind the parking area the road is closed for public traffic because you enter the Berchtesgaden National Park (see the Red Tape section).
Get on your bike and follow the road to the southwest into Grundübelau. The first section is nearly level then there is a first ascent before you reach Engerthütte, a national park hut. After passing the hut there is a steep ascent and another short level part before a forest road branches off to the left. Follow this forest road (moderate ascent) to Bindalm, where you can leave your bike.
The part Hintersee - Bindalm is about 6 km one way, so a bike comes in handy for that. If you intend to go by feet you have to plan some 3 to 4 hours back and forth to Bindalm. With the bike its about ¾ hours forth and less than half an hour back to Hintersee.
At Bindalm follow - by foot now and normally with you skis attached to the backpack - the steep forest road up to Mittereisalm. At Mittereisalm (or shortly below) there will be enough snowcover in spring to continue the hike on skis.
At Mittereisalm there is a route junction: to the right is the ski ascent to Kammerlinghorn, the neighbouring summit of Hintereisspitze. This ascent route uses the lower part of Kleineis cirque and a steep chute leading up to the broad west ridge. This ridge is the way up to Kammerlinghorn summit.
From Mittereisalm straight on (or slightly to the right) there is a steep slope which leads up to the lower parts of Hintereis cirque. Kleineis and Hintereis cirque are separated by the sharp arete of Kleineishörndl, which can be seen left of Kleineis cirque from Mittereisalm.
The ski route zigzags up this slope and enters the lower meadows of Hintereis cirque. This is a breathtaking mountain scenery with steep walls and - normally - snowpacked ledges.
Follow Hintereis cirque to the southeast, keeping to the left part of the cirque. The route reaches the summit slopes of Hocheisspitze by traversing the southwest slope of Hinterberghorn, the northern neighbour summit of Hocheisspitze. This traverse is necessary to avoid steep rock faces in the lower middle part of the summit slope. The ski descent can be made left or right of those rockfaces, the ascent is better on the left (= northern) side.
At last the ski route zigzags up the summit slope to a notch in the connecting arete Hocheisspitze - Kammerlinghorn (which is a great traverse in the summer / autumn: in parts UIAA grade IV). The notch is directly west of Hocheisspitze summit.
At the notch is the ski depot. Follow the easy arete to the east up to the summit, there will be steep snow, a short exposed snow ridge and some easy rock scramble. The views from the summit with its tiny summit cross are simply overwhelming - if you have good weather.
The ski descent mainly follows the slopes of the ascent. There is the short variation at the lower part of the summit slope mentioned above.
Summer Route
The summer and autumn route is the same like the ski route until you reach Mittereisalm. At Mittereisalm there is a trail leading up to Hocheisalm which is located north of the lower parts of Hintereis cirque. The trail is north of the ski ascent to Hintereis cirque from Mittereisalm.
From Hocheisalm follow another trail to the south which leads into Hintereis cirque. Continue to the summit slope, the notch and the summit, this is partly off trail.
Hinterberghorn, the northern neighbour of Hocheisspitze, can be climbed from the notch between these two summits via the southeast arete - it looks like UIAA grade I and maybe II in parts. The tower north of the notch has to be bypassed on the southwestern side before gaining the arete again.
Kammerlinghorn can be reached via the connecting arete, this is a difficult climb with parts UIAA grade IV.
Red Tape & Mountain Conditions
Red Tape
Hocheisspitze and the whole ascent are part of the Nationalpark Berchtesgaden, a huge alpine national park. Learn about the national park on its homepage.
There is no entrance fee but normally parking fees are required. At each main trailhead there are information panels and / or visitor centers where you can get informations about what to do and not to do and what to respect.
Mountain Conditions
Hocheisspitze can be summited the whole year round. Main season is springtime with good cornsnow conditions.
Be careful: The Hintereis cirque is a huge avalanche gully !! There are many potential avalanche chutes and slopes to be crossed, traversed and ascended / descended during this ski hike. Avalanche conditions should be very very secure for this hike. Check out my images of the may 2009 ski hike: you will see many avalanches !
Check the Salzburg avalanche bulletin here
Check the Salzburg weather conditions here
For winter you need full ski hike gear and avalanche gear. Crampons and ice axe are normally not required.
For summer / autumn you need full hiking gear and good shoes as parts of the journey are off-trail. For summiting Hocheisspitze ropes and additional climbing gear is not required.
There are many possibilities for an overnight stay at Ramsau or Berchtesgaden:
See the homepage of Gemeinde Ramsau
See the Berchtesgaden homepage
There is a camping area not far away from the trailhead. Overnight camping is forbidden within the national park and at the trailhead parking areas.
Map & Guide Book
Unfortunately Hocheisspitze is not covered by the excellent Alpenverein topo maps, scale 1 : 25.000.
You use best the 1 :50.000 topo map
Berchtesgadener Alpen
Bayerisches Landesvermessungsamt München
Hocheisspitze is mentioned in the guide book
Bernhard Kühnhauser
Berchtesgadener Alpen alpin
Bergverlag Rudolf Rother, 2009
available only in German.


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The following one-page table summarizing President's Bush's 2004 proposal compares it to the 2003 federal budget.
Generally, the President's 2004 budget proposal focuses on the priorities of: 1) protecting the nation from foreign threats and terrorists through defense and homeland security increases; and 2) helping the economy get back on track by reducing taxes. To balance those costs, the President would hold non-defense, non-homeland security spending to a 3.8 percent increase, which is significantly less than the 8 to 10 percent annual increases over the past three years. This would leave the 2004 budget deficit at $307 billion, or 3% of the Gross Domestic Product.For a wartime budget in a slow-growing economy, that is a relatively small budget deficit (by comparison, 1980s budget deficits reached 6 percent of the GDP or the equivalent of $604 billion today).
Overall spending is projected to grow by 4.2 percent, while revenue is expected to grow 4.7 percent.Most discretionary spending increases are concentrated in defense, homeland security, education, veteran's aid, and foreign aid.The President is also proposing Medicare and Medicaid reforms that will slightly increase 2004 mandatory spending.
On the revenue side, the proposal to accelerate the scheduled income tax rates reductions, marriage penalty elimination and the child tax credit expansion, as well as the proposal to end double taxation of dividends and provide business tax relief, are estimated to reduce revenues by $111 billion in 2004. A new White House proposal to simplify and expand tax-free savings and retirement accounts for families would actually increase revenue by $11 billion in 2004.
Chart: President's Bush's 2004 budget proposal summary.
Brian Riedl is the Grover M. Hermann fellow in federal budgetary issues at The Heritage Foundation.


text:
Pizza lovers unite! It's time to return to the farm to create your favorite food. From China to Germany and from Italy to New York City, your mouth-watering creations will be enjoyed around the world!
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text:
Tagged: read more option
Sometimes I need to short down text, so its more simple.
How can I activate at "read more" option?
Is it the theme, or should I go for at a new plugin editor included read more?
… but I love the theme, and it is working very easy.
Hey benteasbjorn!
The Read More tag was added to WordPress fore exactly that. You can add it into a post to break it up on the blog feed.
See: http://en.support.wordpress.com/splitting-content/more-tag/
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text:
Nirmal Bang is bullish on HCL Technologies (HCLT) and has recommended buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 840 in its February 21, 2013 research report.
Nirmal Bang is bullish on HCL Technologies (HCLT) and has recommended buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 840 in its February 21, 2013 research report.
"RDA, a key client of HCLTech has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with the US Bankruptcy Court in the southern district of New York. RDA, owner of the popular magazine, Reader's Digest, is reeling under a high debt burden and will restructure it to finally emerge with a debt of around US$100mn, around US$465mn lower. It should be noted that this is the second time since August 2009 that RDA has filed for bankruptcy. RDA's international operations are not part of the filing."
"RDA had signed a seven-year, US$350mn deal with HCLT in March 2009, encompassing application development and infrastructure management services spanning 45 countries across North America, Latin America and Asia. Thus, annualised deal revenue amounts to US$50mn. In our view, an important event to watch out for is RDA's emergence from bankruptcy. In our view, a worstcase scenario would be RDA shutting down, in which case HCLT would lose the contract and write down receivables to the tune of US$4.3mn. There could also be uncertainty regarding RDA's IT strategy after emerging out of bankruptcy, in which case HCLT's revenue from RDA could also decline."
In a worst case scenario of HCLT losing the RDA contract, we expect revenue impact of 0.9%, EBITDA margin impact of 50bps and EPS impact of 2.5% in FY14E. Currently, in the wake of stronger-than-peer revenue growth, healthy EPS CAGR of 28.8% over FY12-FY14E and reasonable valuation at 12.2 FY14E EPS, we have retained our buy rating on HCLT with a target price of Rs840," says Nirmal Bang research report.
Institutional holding more than 40% in Indian cos
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Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition is divided into 21 chapters and walks new users through the entire process of installing and using Ubuntu. The books come packaged with a CD containing version 10.04 of Ubuntu that you can use to experiment or install Linux on your computer, so everything you need is contained right here. Home users accustomed to purchasing software for hundreds or thousands of dollars may be surprised, but affordability is one part of the growing appeal of Linux. The authors make a point of walking us through the process of downloading and using the most common programs available in Ubuntu, plus sharing information on how to access even more of the goodness out there in the world of free and open-source software.
Linux books packaged with CDs or DVDs are nothing new, but the difference is in the details. Used to be, installing was half the battle and the other half was trying to get things working so you could even enjoy your desktop. Hardware support for things like monitors, mice, keyboards, and modems was dicey at best. Ubuntu, as many have observed, Just Works. It quickly identifies hardware and lets you get down to business, play, or whatever. The most interesting thing about Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition is that it just assumes the reader is installing and using Ubuntu as we use any Operating System. The usual ramp-up chapters about getting online and discovering your browser may seem incredibly remedial for Linux veterans, hence the "non-geek" aspect of Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition. Software is introduced with a focus on common, consumer uses, such as email, social media, photo storage, and video editing. Command-line stuff appears halfway through the book, introducing a level of geekiness that somewhat betrays the book's titular goal, but it's true that "there's a lot of cool stuff that can be done via the command-line," as the authors state. Other niche topics include chapters focused on specialized applications and non-English language support.
If you've used Linux seriously on the desktop within the last ten years but haven't tried Ubuntu, you probably don't need Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition. However, if you're looking for a world-class Operating System that falls outside the Microsoft and Mac camps, Ubuntu is a great place to start. Especially if you don't consider yourself a "tech" person, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition contains all kinds of good information that will help get you up and running on Ubuntu quickly. Beyond the first 25% of the book, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition is more for browsing, but there are some good nuggets that even experienced users will appreciate. Clearly presented and aimed squarely at the non-technical end user, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition lands very much on target.


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Join the fun and share with those in need by attending the Holiday Fashion Show 2001 and Charity Gala on Nov. 16 at the Hood River Hotel.
Holiday and fun fashions will be shown from Kerrits, Windwear, Frolik, Silverado and A Salon Day Spa Boutique.
There will be prizes, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.
Tickets for the event are $6 and can be purchased in advance at participating merchants listed above.
All proceeds to to the Tree of Joy, a gift request tree for seniors or children living in alternative living situations, and to the Hood River Christmas Project, a community effort to provide food baskets for low income families.
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A trial will be scheduled for Zachary H. Fry, 9837 N. Clear Lake Ave., Milton. He appeared in Rock County Court on Monday on a charge of second-degree sexual assault of a child.
Fry has been the starting quarterback at Milton High School for three years. He helped the school win three straight conference titles and was second-team All-Badger South Conference quarterback his junior and senior years.
Minnesota State University at Moorhead has offered him a scholarship, and Fry is listed on the team�s Web site as a member of its football recruiting class.
According to the criminal complaint:
The girl told police she and a friend were given a ride Jan. 24 by Fry and another man to a home on Madison Avenue in Milton.
At the home, the girl�s friend had to use the bathroom, and the two of them went upstairs. Fry and the other man followed.
The girl told police Fry forced her into an upstairs bedroom and sexually assaulted her. She said she yelled, �No,� but Fry covered her mouth so no one would hear her.
The girl was examined at Mercy Hospital in Janesville the following day. An investigator concluded the results of the examination were consistent with the girl�s report of sexual assault.
Fry has been ordered to obey a 7 p.m. curfew, but his attorney, Trish Arreazola, asked the court Monday to let Fry miss his curfew for school athletics and college visits.
Fry is on the golf team and might have meets or practices after 7 p.m., Arreazola said.
He also needs to visit Minnesota to register for college classes, she said.
The court commissioner decided Fry would be allowed to miss curfew for those reasons.
Fry remains free on a signature bond, and he is not allowed to contact the girl.
If convicted, he faces up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
A jury trial will be scheduled at a future date.
Last updated: 9:54 am Thursday, December 13, 2012


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BOSTON (CBS/AP) – The state auditor's office was actually audited in the last year and found to be lacking in several areas.
As a result, 27 staffers have been fired and another 12 have been demoted. Their jobs will be posted on the web starting on Friday.
"As you can imagine, the staff that had been performing this work over the years are feeling a bit dispirited," said State Auditor Suzanne Bump.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope reports.
Twenty of the laid off employees were from audit operations and seven from the Bureau of Special Investigations, which probes waste, fraud and abuse in public assistance programs like MassHealth and food stamps.
Bump said she'll fill the 20 positions in audit operations, but not those in the Bureau of Special Investigations. She said she doesn't expect the personnel decisions to reduce the quantity and quality of the office's investigations.
Bump said a peer review committee took a hard look at how the auditor's office works and gave the office a bad report card.
"The peer review noted deficiencies in several areas: audit planning, staff competence, audit documentation, and audit reporting. These are serious flaws," said Bump.
The evaluation was done during the tenure of long-time auditor Joe DeNucci, who held the post for 24 years.
"I'm sure that Auditor DeNucci is going to be somewhat chagrined," said Bump.
(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)


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Fabien Redon, VP of technology development at Achates Power (pronounced A-kay-tees), is currently prevented from revealing the recognizable commercial vehicle makers working with his company by confidentiality agreements. But if I want to get a sense of the energy and efficiency of his company's flagship products, opposed-piston engines (OPE), Redeon suggests that all I have to do is observe the stream of delivery trucks pulling in and out of large grocery chains.
Dubbed "An Engine That Uses One-Third Less Fuel" in MIT Technology Review (Jan. 14, 2013, TechnologyReview.com), Achates' engine bypasses the need for cylinder heads, "which are a major contributor to heat losses in conventional engines," according to the company. The OPE contains two pistons per cylinder, working in opposite reciprocating action. In a paper authored by Achates' staff, the company states that its opposed-piston, two-stroke diesel engine design "provides a step-function improvement in brake thermal efficiency compared to conventional engines while meeting the most stringent, mandated emissions requirements."
That significant advantage is one the reasons the trucking industry has been quick to adopt it. Other sectors deploying the same technology include military (for tanks), aerospace and marine ("Eight Companies Determined to Change Diesel Engines Forever," March 2012, Diesel Power, DieselPowerMag.com). Whereas Achates' clients rely on the company's OPE technology, Achates relies on CONVERGE Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), computer-aid flow simulation software, to study and perfect its engine design.
The Chemistry of Combustion
In the software the company was previously using, and in many other commercial codes available, using a combustion model including detailed chemical kinetic mechanisms wasn't an option, noted Rishikesh Venugopal, Achates' senior staff engineer. "CONVERGE is one of the earliest adopters of detailed chemistry," he adds. "It took too much time to simulate with detailed chemistry ]in other software]. CONVERGE uses an automatic adaptive meshing technique, which lets us use not only detailed chemistry, but also reduces computing time."
Observing detailed chemical reactions in engine operations is important for Achates because the company is "not only trying to optimize engine performance but also emissions," says Venugopal. "Studying detailed chemistry reactions lets us understand, for instance, the oxidation of fuel through several reaction steps. If the chemistry is not detailed, then we can't capture the sensitivity of the emissions, such as nitrogen oxides and soot, when the engine's operating conditions change."
Adaptive Meshing
The simulation usually begins with a Pro/ENGINEER CAD model, converted into .STL format. Other than fixing a few triangulation problems that occur during the conversion process, Achates engineers seldom do any other additional work on the .STL model.
"We refined the process of developing the Pro/E model to make the .STL implementation into CONVERGE software easy," explains Redon. "It has taken us some time to refine that process to understand the characteristics of the Pro/E model we can readily use when converting to .STL."
"With CONVERGE, we don't need to clean up the .STL model as much as in other software," adds Rodrigo Zerme ±o, Achates' development engineer. "The automatic mesher takes care of the small features ]details such as rounded corners, small holes and fasteners not needed for simulation]."
To study the best possible configuration of its engine, Achates uses CONVERGE CFD software.
The adaptive mesher also makes the job easier by automatically using an appropriate degree of details for each region of the model. The software doesn't blindly apply fine meshes on the entire model, explains Venugopal. This method keeps the number of elements as low as possible, thus reducing computing time during simulation.
Known and Unknown
From experience and years of R&D, Achates has developed fairly accurate engine combustion data, such as the inside temperature of the engine walls — critical for calculating heat transfer in digital simulation. For the rest of the data needed for simulation, engineering judgment has to be used, Venugopal says.
"Take, for instance, the spray characteristics," Venugopal continues. "It requires very detailed breakup time-scale and droplet-dynamics related constants, which cannot easily be measured." For those, Achates relies on real-world tests conducted with fuel injectors in its state-of-the-art fuel lab to obtain the right approximations. "Physical lab tests guiding simulation" is the only way to remove uncertainties, Venugopal says.
Finding the Best Way to Combust
The purpose of simulating the engine is to "optimize combustion," Redon says. "We have so many combinations we can lay out our engine. So it's critical to use simulation tools to study the options we have."
During simulation of the engine scavenging process, Achates encountered a scenario the software couldn't faithfully replicate. The OPE has two sets of ports: one set for exhaust, another set for the intake.
"In an opposed-piston two-stroke diesel engine, the areas of the ports change as the pistons move past them, and this is a geometric feature that CONVERGE initially couldn't capture," explains Redon.
As robust as the software is, "when you have very thin regions with high-pressure flows, it's difficult to simulate the event in a mathematically stable manner," Venugopal says. So, in collaboration with CONVERGE, Achates engineers came up with a workaround. They shrank the pistons' diameter by 0.1% and added a thin layer of cells — called liner gaps — between the ports and the pistons. This allowed the fluid motion to occur.
"Using the disconnect triangle feature ]in the software] and the liner gaps, we were able to simulate where the flow was occurring and where it was blocked when the ports were uncovered by the pistons," says Venugopal. "That was significant because we were able to observe the gas exchange happening in the open-cycle scavenging."
The workaround didn't compromise the fidelity of the simulation, but it did require diligent monitoring of the process, notes Venugopal. "We had to use two sets of geometry — with liner gaps, and without. So we couldn't run the entire scavenging cycle as one cycle. We split it into two simulations," he said. "We had to use good bookkeeping to make sure we were using the right geometry for the right phase."
This workaround is no longer needed because CONVERGE CFD now has a sealing feature that resolves the issue, according to Rob Kaczmarek, director of sales and marketing, CONVERGE.
Injection Innovation
The use of optimization driven by CONVERGE software's genetic algorithm (GA) has allowed Achates to find the best configuration of injectors, among others.
"Even though the solution was what we anticipated and it made sense, we also saw how far we could push it," Venugopal reflects. "It also showed that, even as we were pushing the design's limits, the engine was still giving good performance."
In keeping with its biological metaphor, the GA optimization begins with a set number of design options, and then spawn a greater number by varying different parameters.
"In one such GA run, I believe we ran about 200 to 300 designs before arriving at the desired solution," Venugopal recalls. "But the software wasn't running all ]parameter] combinations at all times; it was only running those that were favorable, so it didn't waste time."
Achates uses a Linux cluster and Windows cluster to run the software. For optimization jobs, Achates relies on the Linux cluster because, Venugopal explained, the code is deeply rooted in the Linux environment, as it's often the case with combustion CFD codes. At Achates, a typical combustion simulation involves 100,000 to 200,000 elements, running on eight to 16 CPU cores. In larger jobs, it could involve a few million cells, running on 32 cores. The jobs can take anywhere from eight hours to five days.
"CONVERGE possesses extensive technologies to minimize the runtimes on high-performance computing platforms," says Kaczmarek. The company is also working with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Cummins Inc., Indiana University and NVIDIA, and will be releasing CONVERGE with GPU support later this year, he adds.
The design of Achates' opposed-piston engine in a rendered 3D model.
"Keep in mind that, after a certain number of cores, the performance benefits are no longer proportional to the number of cores you add because there'll be increased chatter," notes Venugopal, referring to communication between cores. "So it's really about balancing the number of licenses you have, the cores, and the job. We tried to take into account all these factors."
CONVERGE CFD's licensing policy is multicore-friendly, he says.
Reality and Simulation
"Our engine technology is much more complicated than conventional engines, so some of our strategies cannot be applied blindly," says Achates' Redon. "It's very important to anchor simulation in physical tests."
CONVERGE's Kaczmarek agrees: "While it's our goal to provide our customers with the most advanced CFD tools on the market, it's important to remember that simulation and validation must always coexist."
As the use of simulation gains popularity, there's a risk that designers might place unwarranted trust in simulation results. Achates' philosophy — always make sure simulation stays close to the physical response of the engine — serves as a good reminder not to lose touch with reality.
Kenneth Wong is Desktop Engineering's resident blogger and senior editor. Email him at email@example.com or share your thoughts on this article at deskeng.com/facebook.
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Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
In drug production, maximum output is essential. Whether handling and packaging of IV bags, syringes and vials, aseptic dispensing or loading and unloading of insulators, Stäubli robots score particularly well in terms of ultra-short cycle times.
Filling and closing machine for syringes
This innovative system for filling and closing syringes achieves a maximum output of up to 4,000 units per hour. The manufacturer uses a stainless steel machine with laminar-flow-friendly design incorporating an accurate TX60 cr robot.
In addition to boosting productivity versus glove boxes manual work the TX60 extends the capabilities of the system and brings flexibility to the handling, filling and closing processes. Thanks to the robot, they have even been able to integrate additional tasks into the cell.
Robots in aseptic drug manufacturing
The manufacture of drugs poses particular challenges. In order to establish the highest safety standards, the industry relies on the so-called Advanced Aseptic Processing (AAP) system. This is a comprehensive package of measures aimed at systematically avoiding contamination whilst using the latest automation technologies.
With its TX stericlean series, Stäubli has developed the world's first robot that can work permanently in aseptic production areas. This is due to its unique enclosed structure, to the use of stainless steel for stressed parts and to its special surface treatment. The process safety and reliability of the stericlean robot conform to the stringent requirements of the AAP system and ensure comprehensive protection of the product groups.
Automatic packaging of parenteral bags
Two Stäubli robots demonstrate their cleanroom performance in a production line for the automatic filling and packing of parenteral bags. The smaller RX160 is responsible for handling the bags, while the larger TX200 exchanges the heavy trays.
To ensure that production is not interrupted, the CS8C robot controller for the TX200 coordinates all processes from buffering the bag feed to synchronizing all handling operations. In this way, continuous production is maintained.
Inspection of pharmaceutical drugs
The development of a new testing technology marks a new chapter in the inspection of pharmaceutical products. A compact Stäubli robot and a pioneering cell layout bring unprecedented flexibility into play, facilitating the automatic inspection of small batches. Centrally located within the module, a Stäubli six-axis robot takes care of all handling tasks.
Manufacture and filling of infusion bags
The requirements for equipment used in the production of infusion bags with integrated filling are by no means straightforward: stringent quality and hygiene standards, systematic cleanroom suitability, unrestricted flexibility, maximum output and minimum demands on space. In a pioneering facility for the production and filling of infusion bags, a Stäubli TX60 ensures a consistent output of up to 7,200 units per hour. Even in its standard version, the robot already complies with the ISO 5 cleanroom classification and is therefore perfect for use at the filling stage.
Large volume, single cell-line production
The Cellmate production line is an established system that fully automates all the processes needed to culture cells in roller bottles and T-flasks. It takes cell culture processing from the lab bench to high volume production without process change. The latest generation of Cellmate is supplied with software to support the validation of the system, if used in processes that require compliance with a 21 CFR Part 11.
The Stäubli highly precise TX60 cleanroom robot forming the core of the large volume, single cell-line production, guarantees a high product consistency day to day, batch to batch.
Filling and Closing Machine for small batches
By the use of stericlean robots the flexible, high-performance filling and closing machine for small batches (KCP) provides a wide range of applications. Virtually any customary container can be processed here without major conversion times. Completely different work steps can be integrated in the work flow. Up to four work stations can be installed in the machine, these can easily be exchanged later by the operating staff as required. The configuration illustrated is equipped with a filling, stopper insertion and cap crimping station. The vials are brought to the individual work stations by the robots which can convey up to four containers at once. Up to 1000 containers per hour can be achieved with 100 per cent in-process-control.
Mixing of granules in cleanroom
This autonomous production cell has a Stäubli TX90L articulated robot at its center. The robot operates the processing units, i.e. dosing, pressing stamping and the microwave oven. The robot performs the handling of containers and the mixing of granules. The customer friendly Human Machine Interface (HMI) allows the operator to adjust the various process parameters in line with new requirements, so that other products can easily be integrated at a later stage.
High availability and optimized processes enable cycle times to be kept to a minimum. If an error occurs at any stage, the defective item is automatically removed by the robot. This ensures that the end product leaving the production cell conforms to a consistent high quality. Automated production eliminates impurities.


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Legendary Nike designer himself, Tinker Hatfield let the cat out of the bag when he revealed that the Nike Air Zoom Talaria will be making a retro return in his hidden message for those that call 1-800-250-2652 (or 800-023-4844 in the UK).
The iconic silhouette was originally designed by Tinker Hatfield back in 1997, the model came equipped with a full-length, bottom-loaded Zoom technology and Flex Grooves.
As of right now there has yet to be any images to surface, but in the message Tinker does say that the Nike Air Zoom Talaria Retro will return on March 31st, 2016. Stay tuned to Sneaker Bar for further release updates as they develop.
UPDATE: The Nike Air Zoom Talaria Retro is set to re-release in the original colorway on March 31st, but spots like NikeLab have already started to debut the classic runner. For those that are looking to scoop these up early, head over to NikeLab in NYC as well as Dover Street Market in NYC. Stay tuned to Sneaker Bar for further updates as they develop on a wider release.


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I took the Trex outdoors today and flew two batteries. I also flew 4 batteries in each of my V911s and 9958s. Frankly, I'm pretty disappointed with the TRex. I was being blown all over the place in wind that the V911s and 9958s could handle quite well. What to do? Well, here's my list of things to consider:
- The headspeed just seems low on this guy. I programmed in a pretty aggressive throttle curve so that I could get the head speed up pretty darned fast. I think replacing the 100X main motor, which has a 9 tooth pinion, with a MSR/9958 motor with an 8 tooth pinion, or, probably better, a V911 or Bravo SX motor with a 7 tooth pinion will help. I'll have to try them on the main gear and see if I can get a good mesh with either one of those.
- The cyclic just doesn't have a lot of authority. I'm bummed that even with my Xtreme swashplate that in theory *SHOULD* have maxed out how much I could tilt my blades, I still had a lot of troubles pushing upwind. I kept ballooning and even had a crash where I was pushed to the side and hit the pavement in a little roll. HIt the throttle hold first though so I don't think there was any damage. Not sure what to do about this.
- The blades are pretty wide and are swept up at the end. I'm thinking that this may have something to do with the low headspeed. Big fat lifting surfaces that work like sails when the the wind blows into them. Perhaps trimming down the blades or finding some other blades to put on might be appropriate. That would increase the headspeed as well. The guys in the MSR/MSRX threads have talked about doing that to help handle wind.
Hmmm...some good options to think about.
I just flew both of my batteries tonight but I only got 2 minutes of flight out of them both before the heli couldn't maintain altitude! What the heck?
I've heard that main or tail motors going bad might potentially be a cause for batteries to give out prematurely. I can't imagine that it's terribly likely that both of my "new(?)" batteries are crapping out right now at the same time. I'll fly again and see what might be going on.
Well, crap. This time, I took a freshly charged battery and had the heli hover right in front of my face rather than flying it all over the place. I put back a "linear" throttle curve. However, my flight time was about 3 minutes before the heli couldn't maintain altitude.
The main motor was pretty warm...maybe my main motor is starting to crap out already?
Just flew the other battery. This time, I only got about 1:45 before it dropped down to ground effect. Both the main motor and tail rotor were pretty hot to the touch. Not so painful that I couldn't keep my fingers on them, but it was definitely up there....
Hmm... could be bad motors? I flew two 4 minute flights earlier today but I was flying them outdoors in the wind so that might have helped cool things down?
Okay! Some success!
Remember that experiment earlier where I tried soldering an eflite plug to my skids so that I could use both kinds of batteries? Well, it occurred to me tonight that maybe--just maybe--I had introduced a bad solder joint there or something.
So, since I have another spare set of skids on the way to me, I went ahead and completely desoldered the power wires from the skids and spliced an eflite plug directly onto them. Now my skids aren't connected to anything so I can't use the Align batteries but now I can plug in one of my Turnigy NanoTechs.
I flew 2 full 4:30 minute flights with a 7-minute cool-down period between them! No problems. The heli seemed to have more punch on takeoff, too. Until something else "breaks", I'm going to call this one solved.
Now I just have to find a nice way to secure my Nano-Techs onto my TRex skids. I'm using a wire right now. Unlike the V911, the canopy is too fat for me to just shove the battery into it. What I probably need to do is fabricate a small lightweight cage or something out of plastic. I wonder if the skids from another heli that can comfortably hold an eflite battery would fit on the Align.
Hello everyone, first post on these forums.
I've been flying fixed pitch single rotor for a few months now, and I've gotten fairly comfortable with flying and repairing my helis. I recently picked up a Trex 100x, bound it to my 9x and started flying it around.
At first, I had some serious problems, major TBE and on increasing throttle, it would yaw slowly for about 15 degrees, then swing quickly to 180 degrees and cut hard left. I adjusted the gyro gain and it's now holding direction much better (still some fine adjustment to go), however the TBE just won't go away.
So far I have: loosened all flybar links to the point of unrestricted movement; lubed the feathering shaft and checked for obstructions; loosened jesus bolt to make sure no deformation. There is no restriction at all in the blades/flybar. I can breathe on the paddle and change the pitch of the blades. All this has reduced the TBE to the point where it's fairly manageable, but it still hovers in a 3-4 foot area instead of holding position.
I have not disassembled the swash, as it looks fine (no separation or binding). Servo arms and all linkages are not binding. One thing I have noticed is that the main drive gear is warped. Could this cause the TBE?
Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
hi larrydust, welcome to RCG! Nice to hear from another TRex 100X owner.
TBE is a tough one to solve. Since you've done so much with your existing parts, I'd hate to say it but you *might* need to start swapping out parts with new ones to see if that helps. I've had to debug TBE on some of my coaxials when I first got into the hobby and it pretty much revolved around swapping out flybars and linkages until it went away. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear ($$$) especially if it doesn't immediately solve your problem.
Have you crashed your heli? Is it possible that your mainshaft might have a little warp in it?
I know that this little heli can be made to work well because I have one that does.... good luck with it and let us know how things are going. Some RCG folks take close-up shots of linkages and rotor head and post them for others to see and comment on. Might help?
Thank you for the welcome and response!
I have had a few crashes, but I just checked the main shaft and it appears to be straight. Damage so far has been a bent tail boom (which I straightened out) and a cracked canopy. There is no other damage that I can see. I've uploaded a couple pics in case there is something I've missed.
Is it possible that the flybar is too loose now? I had lightly sanded down part of the rotor housing to allow for better movement. I didn't think it would be a problem, but now I'm wondering.
I'm just now noticing that when I spin the gear by hand that the swash is "jiggling" a little. Looking at it from behind, the servo links are and swash guide pin are moving left/right as the shaft spins. I'll probably try to take apart the swash later tonight and see if that helps.
Hmmm... it seems like it would make sense not to make the screws too loose. Shouldn't they be tight enough not to be wobbly but loose enough that they move freely?
Is your flybar straight? Do the paddles move in the same plane? Is your flybar balanced (e.g. paddles the same weight)? I'm not entirely sure how to test the last part but I do know some guys that do when they make custom paddles for their V911 helis. Let me know if you want to try that and I'll get you in touch with some guys who know more about that then me.
(EDIT: you can check this thread out for instance... https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show....php?t=1611495 it's all about the S107G but some of the principles are the same)
(EDIT 2: here's some more good info... http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/toilet-bowl-effect.html)
FWIW, Amazon.com sells most of the Trex 100X parts, as far as I can tell. Nice if your LHS doesn't stock them.
Last edited by RoboHeli; Jul 23, 2012 at 08:01 PM. Reason: added URLs
TBE gone!
TBE is gone. I spent a few hours going over the swash and finally got rid of the TBE.
On close inspection, I found minor binding between the upper swash and the ball pivot. After removing the ball pivot, I found an imperfection on the inside of the upper swash. This small piece of plastic was keeping the ball pivot from moving freely. I've attached a photo of the upper swash. It's tough to see, but it's inside the ring, on the lower part.
I sanded down the inside of the upper swash until there was unrestricted movement of the pivot ball. In fact... I may have taken off too much. I can pop the ball pivot out by tapping it, instead of having to dig it out.
However, after putting it all back together... the dreaded "Toilet Bowl Effect" is gone! I am able to hold a steady hover for a while now, and was even able to do a few laps in my small room. It slides a little, but I can adjust my flying style to it or mix it out on TX and it's not really an issue.
Now to put in some flying time with this bird!
Congrats on fixing theTBE. Perhaps more people with this heli have the same cause for their 100s/100x TBE.
Battery recommendation
I have about twenty flights done on each of the original 150mAh batteries that came with my TRex 100x, and they don't seem to be very good. The longest flight I've had (out of approx. 40) is 3m45s. My average flight times are closer to 2m30s. I only use the stock CH-100 charger. (My other helis average 7-8min on their 150mAh batteries.)
The main and tail motors are not hot at all. After a 2 1/2 min flight, they are barely warm to the touch. I have decided to try a new set of batteries and hope for the best. Does anyone have any batteries that they have had good results with? Preferably ones which fit the stock skids, and can use the stock charger.
I saw these at HK. Any opinions?
Hi larrydust!
I fly the Turnigy Nano-tech 160s with the Eflite plug. I modded my TRex so that I could use those batteries instead of the stock ones. That way, all of my helicopters use the same battery.
If the TRex nano-techs are exactly the same battery as the ones I'm using:
then you should bet able to get 4 minutes+ fairly easily. I only ever fly to 4 minutes as a general rule so I can't speak for how much you can push it after that. Mind you, I've seen that the heli doesn't have a lot of lift compared to others (maybe slow headspeed?) and so the lack of lift is the first thing you start to see.
Still though, can't beat the price, right?
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You are here:ActiveXperts.com > Administration > WMI Counters
ActiveXperts Network Monitor ships with a large collection of WMI based PowerShell scripts and VBScript scripts to monitor and manage a network.
Use ActiveXperts Netork Monitor to monitor your virtualization servers, domains, computers and devices. It runs on a single Windows server, without agents required on the monitored systems. It has many built-in checks and also allows administrators to create custom checks using PowerShell, VBScript, WMI and SSH.
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a scalable, extensible management infrastructure, included as part of Windows 2000 and later. An implementation of the Web-based Enterprise Management (WBEM), and based on the Common Information Model (CIM) adopted by the Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF), it includes a rich set of management data about computer systems, the operating system, and applications on a given managed system.
Through a set of object classes derived from the CIM model, applications and scripts can view and change properties, execute methods, and receive events about modeled objects. For example, WMI exposes a wealth of information about the operating system (how many processes are running, the operational state of a particular service, current processor usage, etc.) and publishes it in a common schema that is accessible locally and remotely through standard script languages. Other benefits of WMI include:
WMI is complementary to Active Directory, bringing detailed information about an individual system together with the Active Driectory's distributed, enterprise-level view. Since there are many occasions where a script or application writer might be interested in collecting information or performing configuration based on both the Active Directory and WMI, it is extremely convenient to have both available in a common format. This integration is supplied by the WMI's Active Directory provider, which automatically discovers and maps the information stored in the Active Directory to a set of equivalent WMI classes that you view and manipulate the contents as if they were any other class.


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Ohmite Manufacturing, a leading provider of thermal solutions and resistors for high current, high voltage and high energy applications, introduces a new line of heat sinks for single LED power modules. The SV300 Series is composed of high performance, low cost, scalable heat sinks designed to accommodate a single LED.
Ideal for use with LEDs in medical industry applications, SV300 Series heat sinks have been used in illuminated headsets for surgeons and dentists. These high aspect ratio devices are available in two standard lengths, 14mm and 25mm, with a 9.9mm mounting surface. Customizable options for this series include length, surface finish, mounting holes, and custom machining.
For more information, visit www.ohmite.com.


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Jal El Dib Highway 444
Seaside Road
Tel.: +961 4 724 866
Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm
Ziad Najem
gallery manager
The Timothy Oulton stand alone store in Lebanon is situated on one of the busiest highways of Beirut, The Jal El Dib Seaside Highway. The building which the store resides in was built in 1915. This location was carefully chosen in order to reflect Timothy Oulton's vintage, and unique avant garde sense of style. The 375m² showroom displays multiple roomsets from the Timothy Oulton collection – one of the most sought after furniture brands in the world. Also on display are vignettes from the Michael Yeung and Oxford University collections.
Come in and explore the mesmerising world of Timothy Oulton.


text: All News Appointments Events Insight Transactions Videos 16th March 2017 VIDEO: Understanding Asia as a strategic growth opportunity SI Partners co-founder Alistair Angus, who leads the firm's APAC M&A practice, discusses expanding into Asia and understanding this diverse region as a strategic growth opportunity for internationalising businesses. Related news from SI Partners Videos 23rd November 2015Trade sales: the process An introduction to what is involved in selling a business from SI Partners' Joe Hine. Videos 23rd November 2015Trade sales: the earn out SI Partners' Tristan Rice discusses life after sale. Rarely does the deal end at completion, hear how SI Partners support clients through the earnout. Videos 23rd November 2015A passion for creative and technology businesses An introduction to corporate finance and management consultancy practice, SI Partners, from founding Partner, Charles Fallon. Back to all News


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Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
To kick off the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, "Today's" Savannah Guthrie (with a cameo by Ryan Seacrest) spoke with the women's gymnastics team, made up of Gabby Douglas, Jordyn Wieber, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Kyla Ross — a.k.a. the Fab Five.
"It feels amazing. It's still so surreal to be here. We've been working so hard. I'm just so proud. All these girls are my best friends," says Raisman.
The Fab Five are heavily favored to win the team gold medal, which the U.S. has only done in 1996, when Kerri Strug hit her infamous one-footed vault to clinch the title. It does put added pressure on the girls in 2012.
"Living up to that expectation of winning the gold, it's going to be hard work," says Wieber. "But the main thing we have to remember is to go out there and hit our routines."
"We dreamed about going to the Olympics," says Ross, who has been training with Wieber since they were little girls. "We never thought it would come true … It's crazy that we both made it."