bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Undertaking qualitative health research in social virtual worlds
Authors: McElhinney Evelyn , Cheater Francine M. , Kidd Lisa
Published: October 2013

Aims

This paper discusses the methodological challenges of using the 3D social virtual world Second Life for research and offers some solutions on a range of research issues including research ethics committee approval, gaining consent, recruitment of sample, data collection and engagement with ‘in – world culture’.

Background

The attraction of social virtual worlds to researchers is their ability to mimic the physical world, as they, are seen as ‘places’ where people have a feeling of presence (being there) and social presence (being there with others) through the use of a ‘customisable’ avatar (digital self‐representation). Emerging research demonstrating the persuasive nature of avatars on health behaviours through virtual worlds, online games and the 3D web has increased the use of and interest in these areas for delivering health information, advice and support. However, conducting research can be challenging in a 3D world where people are represented as anonymous avatars in an environment unlike any other online media.

Data sources

25 semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Second Life from September 2011–June 2012.

Implications for nursing

Nurses wishing to undertake research in social virtual worlds should spend time in‐world to acquire technical skills and gain an understanding of the culture of the world.

Conclusion

Our experience of an interview‐based study in virtual worlds indicates that researchers require several virtual world technical skills to create innovative tools to recruit, gain consent and collect data and an understanding of in‐world culture, language and social norms to increase the chances of successful research.
New population of amelanotic spindle cells are clearly demonstrated in vitiliginous skin after ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Awad S.S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Phototherapy is a well‐known method to treat vitiligo and is able to repopulate the skin with new melanocytes. Examination of the pathological changes in vitiligo after ultraviolet therapy revealed the presence of unusual cells.

Aim of study

This study intended to investigate and confirm the repopulation of epidermis with new spindle cells, possibly as precursors for melanocytes after UV therapy.

Methods

Retrospective study was carried out on paraffin sections of biopsies obtained from 30 vitiligo patients treated successfully with ultraviolet therapy. Routine, special and immune staining were utilized to examine these biopsies.

Results

Amelanotic spindle cells with slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm and dark flattened nuclei were characteristically demonstrated in all examined sections after ultraviolet therapy. These cells were abundant near infundibular portion of hair follicles. They subsequently developed dendrites and became melanized.

Conclusions

Melanocyte precursors can be demonstrated pathologically and immunologically on tissue samples after ultraviolet therapy. They are capable of proliferation and migration into depigmented epidermis to repopulate it with new generations of melanocytes.
Psoriasis concurrent with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Park H.S. , Koh S.J. , Park G.Y. , Lee D.H. , Yoon H.S. , Youn J.I. , Cho S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Previous studies have indicated an association between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and the concurrence of the two diseases reportedly has higher morbidities in Caucasian populations. However, reports on the concurrence of psoriasis with IBD in the Asian population in the literature are scarce.

Objective

To analyse the characteristics of psoriasis concurrent with IBD and investigate the associated morbidity in the Asian population.

Methods

We retrospectively examined the medical records of 15 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of both psoriasis and IBD. Sixty age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched patients with a confirmed diagnosis of only psoriasis were included as controls. Both cases and controls had visited the Seoul National University Hospital or Seoul National University Boramae Hospital between 1990 and 2012. The characteristics of psoriasis, presence of comorbidity and laboratory parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

Compared to controls with psoriasis only, cases of psoriasis concurrent with IBD had a younger age of onset, longer duration of psoriasis and a higher Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) score. A larger proportion of cases was treated with phototherapy, systemic therapy and biologics. However, all these differences above were not statistically significant. Cases of psoriasis with concurrent IBD showed higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels compared with the controls (both P = 0.000). Furthermore, this case group had a higher proportion of patients with psoriatic arthritis and with more than one autoimmune disease as compared with the control group (P = 0.007 and 0.005 respectively).

Conclusion

Asian patients having psoriasis concurrent with IBD exhibited different characteristics as compared with those having psoriasis only, particularly in terms of psoriasis severity, risk of psoriatic arthritis, systemic inflammatory parameters and presence of autoimmune comorbidity. However, further studies elucidating the exact pathogenesis and including a larger number of patients are required.
Home Birth in North America: Attitudes and Practice of US Certified Nurse‐Midwives and Canadian Registered Midwives
Authors: Vedam Saraswathi , Stoll Kathrin , Schummers Laura , Rogers Judy , Paine Lisa L.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Scope of practice, competencies, and philosophy of maternity practice are similar among midwives in the United States and Canada. However, there are marked differences in intrapartum practice sites between registered midwives (RMs) and certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs).

Methods

This study linked data from 2 national surveys: 1) a 2007 survey of CNM members of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (n = 1893); and 2) the Canadian Birth Place Study of maternity providers, including RM members of the Canadian Association of Midwives (n = 451) to compare the demographics, practice experience, and attitudes to home birth between these 2 types of North American midwives. A Provider Attitudes To Planned Home Birth scale–international (PAPHB‐i) was developed for this analysis. Descriptive and bivariate analyses are presented.

Results

Educational exposure to planned home birth varied greatly when comparing CNMs and RMs, as did practice patterns regarding continuity of care, primary and gynecologic care, and involvement with research and teaching. Registered midwives were almost 4 times more likely than CNMs to have practiced in the home (99.1% vs 26.0%). Certified nurse‐midwives scored significantly lower than RMs on the PAPHB‐i scale (36.5 vs 41.0), indicating less favorable attitudes toward home birth overall. Certified nurse‐midwives were less confident than RMs in their management skills for home birth practice. Age, exposure to planned home birth during midwifery education, and practice experience in the home setting emerged as significant covariates of attitudes toward home birth. Significantly more RMs and CNMs with home birth experience expressed concerns about disapproval of hospital‐based peers, but they were significantly less likely to agree that midwives face other systemic barriers than CNMs with no home birth experience.

Discussion

Differences in favorability toward and confidence with practice during planned home births among CNMs and RMs were predicted associated with differences in educational and practice exposure to planned home birth. We recommend that clinical experiences and theoretical content about planned home birth and preparation for multidisciplinary collaboration across settings be integrated as essential and required components of all health professional education programs.
Determining the correlation between quality of life and self‐concept in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Dolgun G. , Savaşer S. , Yazgan Y.
Published: October 2013

Accessible summary

An assessment was made of how attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects children's quality of life and their self‐concept.

It was concluded at the end of the study that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder has an adverse effect on children's quality of life and self‐concept, particularly in school and in the psychosocial realm, and that this outcome is consistent with literature.

It is believed that this research can be a resource for nurses who work in this area, and that research results may provide guidance to families, teachers and others with an interest in this condition.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between how children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) perceive their quality of life and their self‐concept. The study involved descriptive/correlational research with 70 children, ages 9–12 with ADHD. Data were collected with the ADHD Quality of Life Scale (ADHD/QoLS) and the Piers–Harris Children's Self‐Concept Scale (PHCSCS). Data were assessed using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation analysis; the level of significance was accepted as P < 0.05. The analysis of the data determined that there was a significant relationship between all of the domains of the Self‐Concept Scale and ADHB/QoLS and its subscales (P < 0.001). An evaluation of the correlation analysis for the relationship between ADHD/QoLS and PHCSCS and their subscales revealed that there was a strong, positive and very significant relationship between ADHD and self‐concept, both at school and at home.
A Comparative Randomized Prospective Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Combination of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil vs. Tamsulosin or Tadalafil Alone in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Singh Dig Vijay , Mete Uttam Kumar , Mandal Arup Kumar , Singh Shrawan Kumar
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction are common disorders of advancing age.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin and tadalafil in patients with LUTS due to BPH.

Methods

In this prospective randomized study, 133 men complaining of LUTS due to BPH were included. Forty-five patients received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day alone (Group A), 44 patients received tadalafil 10 mg/day (Group B), and combination therapy (tamsulosin and tadalafil both) was instituted in 44 patients (Group C). After a 2-week medication free run-in period, they were evaluated for International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function score (IIEF5), quality of life (IPSS QoL), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR) volume, and safety parameters before and at 3 months of treatment.

Main Outcome Measures

There were primary (IPSS, IPSS QoL index, Qmax, and PVR) and secondary (erectile function [EF] domain scores from IIEF5) efficacy end points. Safety assessment included laboratory tests and patient's reporting of adverse event.

Results

A significant improvement in IPSS score was observed in all the 3 groups A, B, and C (−50.90%, P < 0.05; −33.50%, P < 0.05; and −53.90%, P < 0.05, respectively). IIEF5 score increased significantly in these three groups (+39.28%, P < 0.05; +45.96%, P < 0.05; and +60.23%, P < 0.05, respectively). A significant increase in Qmax and decrease in PVR were also observed (33.99%, P < 0.05; 29.78%, P < 0.05; and 37.04%, P < 0.05) and (−60.90%, P < 0.05; −49.45%, P < 0.05; and −62.97%, P < 0.05, respectively). The QoL scores improved significantly (−73.35%, P < 0.05; −70.26%, P < 0.05; and −79.65%, P < 0.05, respectively). Side effects were dyspepsia, heartburn, headache, flushing, myalgia, and backache. Adverse effect dropout was 3.7%. No participant experienced any severe or serious adverse events.

Conclusions

In patients with LUTS due to BPH, tamsulosin and tadalafil alone or in combination cause a significant improvement in patients with LUTS. Their EF also improves with these medications. The improvement is better with combination therapy compared with single agent alone.
ATP Evokes Inward Currents in Corpus Cavernosum Myocytes
Authors: Doyle Claire , Sergeant Gerard P. , Hollywood Mark A. , McHale Noel G. , Thornbury Keith D.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Although adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has often been reported to relax the corpus cavernosum, this may be mediated by indirect effects, such as release of nitric oxide from the endothelium. Recent data suggest that P2X1 receptors may be up-regulated in diabetes, and these exert an anti-erectile effect by causing the corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) to contract. However, to date, there is no functional evidence that ATP can directly stimulate CCSMC.

Aims

This study aims to (i) to directly examine the effect of ATP on membrane currents in freshly isolated CCSMC, where influences of endothelium and other cells are absent; and (ii) to determine the receptor subtypes, ionic currents, and Ca2+ signals stimulated by ATP.

Methods

CCSMCs were enzymatically dispersed from male New Zealand White rabbits for patch clamp recording and measurement of intracellular Ca2+ in fluo-4-loaded cells using spinning disk confocal microscopy.

Main Outcome Measures

Patch clamp recordings were made of ATP-evoked membrane currents and spontaneous membrane currents. Spinning disk confocal imaging of intracellular Ca2+ was performed, and the response to ATP was recorded.

Results

ATP evoked repeatable inward currents in CCSMC (1st application: −675 ± 101 pA; 2nd application: −694 ± 120 pA, N = 9, P = 0.77). ATP-induced currents were reduced by suramin from −380 ± 121 to −124 ± 37 pA (N = 8, P < 0.05), by α,β-methylene ATP from −755 ± 235 to 139 ± 49 pA (N = 5, P < 0.05), and by NF449 from −419 ± to −51 ± 13 pA (N = 6, P < 0.05). In contrast, MRS2500, a P2Y1 antagonist, had no effect on ATP responses (control: −838 ± 139 pA; in MRS2500: −822 ± 184 pA, N = 13, P = 0.84) but blocked inward currents evoked by 2-MeSATP, a P2Y1,12,13 agonist (control: −623 ± 166 pA; in MRS2500: −56 ± 25 pA, N = 6, P < 0.05). The ATP-evoked inward current was unaffected by changing the transmembrane Cl− gradient but reversed in direction when extracellular Na+ was reduced, indicating that it was a cation current.

Conclusions

ATP directly stimulates CCSMC by evoking a P2X-mediated cation current.
Response to Elder‐Vass: “Seven Ways to be A Realist about Language”
Authors: Sealey Alison , Carter Bob
Published: October 2013

Given that explicitly realist perspectives are currently quite unfashionable in applied linguistics, we very much welcome your thorough and careful discussion of the various forms they might take. We find the various categories you identify quite persuasive, and we find much to agree with in your characterisation of several of the positions you outline, particularly in the earlier part of the paper. However, we do take issue with aspects of your characterisation of both “social” and “linguistic systems” realism, and with some of the arguments you adduce particularly against the latter and in favour of your seventh way (“linguistic norm circles realism”). Our response, then, concentrates particularly on the challenges arising from these parts of your paper, and addresses: (1) the ways in which we may define language itself, for the purposes of this debate; (2) the distinction between social and linguistic norms; (3) the properties of language; (4) the role of empirical evidence; and (5) the methodological problems we find with the norm circle approach.
“Sweating meteorites”—Water‐soluble salts and temperature variation in ordinary chondrites and soil from the hot desert of Oman
Authors: Zurfluh Florian J. , Hofmann Beda A. , Gnos Edwin , Eggenberger Urs
Published: October 2013

The common appearance of hygroscopic brine (“sweating”) on ordinary chondrites (OCs) from Oman during storage under room conditions initiated a study on the role of water‐soluble salts on the weathering of OCs. Analyses of leachates from OCs and soils, combined with petrography of alteration features and a 11‐month record of in situ meteorite and soil temperatures, are used to evaluate the role of salts in OC weathering. Main soluble ions in soils are Ca2+, SO42−, HCO3−, Na+, and Cl−, while OC leachates are dominated by Mg2+ (from meteoritic olivine), Ca2+ (from soil), Cl− (from soil), SO42− (from meteoritic troilite and soil), and iron (meteoritic). “Sweating meteorites” mainly contain Mg2+ and Cl−. The median Na/Cl mass ratio of leachates changes from 0.65 in soils to 0.07 in meteorites, indicating the precipitation of a Na‐rich phase or loss of an efflorescent Na‐salt. The total concentrations of water‐soluble ions in bulk OCs ranges from 600 to 9000 μg g−1 (median 2500 μg g−1) as compared to 187–14140 μg g−1 in soils (median 1148 μg g−1). Soil salts dissolved by rain water are soaked up by meteorites by capillary forces. Daily heating (up to 66.3 °C) and cooling of the meteorites cause a pumping effect, resulting in a strong concentration of soluble ions in meteorites over time. The concentrations of water‐soluble ions in meteorites, which are complex mixtures of ions from the soil and from oxidation and hydrolysis of meteoritic material, depend on the degree of weathering and are highest at W3. Input of soil contaminants generally dominates over the ions mobilized from meteorites. Silicate hydrolysis preferentially affects olivine and is enhanced by sulfide oxidation, producing local acidic conditions as evidenced by jarosite. Plagioclase weathering is negligible. After completion of troilite oxidation, the rate of chemical weathering slows down with continuing Ca‐sulfate contamination.
Crystallization temperature determination of Itokawa particles by plagioclase thermometry with X‐ray diffraction data obtained by a high‐resolution synchrotron Gandolfi camera
Authors: Tanaka Masahiko , Nakamura Tomoki , Noguchi Takaaki , Nakato Aiko , Ishida Hatsumi , Yada Toru , Shirai Kei , Fujimura Akio , Ishibashi Yukihiro , Abe Masanao , Okada Tatsuaki , Ueno Munetaka , Mukai Toshifumi
Published: October 2013

The crystallization temperatures of Itokawa surface particles recovered by the space probe Hayabusa were estimated by a plagioclase geothermometer using sodic plagioclase triclinicity. The Δ131‐index required for the thermometer, which is the difference in X‐ray diffraction peak positions between the 131 and 11 reflections of plagioclase, was obtained by a high‐resolution synchrotron Gandolfi camera developed for the third generation synchrotron radiation beamline, BL15XU at SPring‐8. Crystallization temperatures were successfully determined from the Δ131‐indices for four particles. The observed plagioclase crystallization temperatures were in a range from 655 to 660 °C. The temperatures indicate crystallization temperatures of plagioclases in the process of prograde metamorphism before the peak metamorphic stage.
Cytokinesis in Trypanosoma brucei differs between bloodstream and tsetse trypomastigote forms: implications for microtubule‐based morphogenesis and mutant analysis
Authors: Wheeler Richard J. , Scheumann Nicole , Wickstead Bill , Gull Keith , Vaughan Sue
Published: October 2013

Trypanosomes use a microtubule‐focused mechanism for cell morphogenesis and cytokinesis. We used scanning electron and video microscopy of living cells to provide the first detailed description of cell morphogenesis and cytokinesis in the early‐branching eukaryote Trypanosoma brucei. We outline four distinct stages of cytokinesis and show that an asymmetric division fold bisects the two daughter cells, with a cytoplasmic bridge‐like structure connecting the two daughters immediately prior to abscission. Using detection of tyrosinated α‐tubulin as a marker for new or growing microtubules and expression of XMAP215, a plus end binding protein, as a marker for microtubule plus ends we demonstrate spatial asymmetry in the underlying microtubule cytoskeleton throughout the cell division cycle. This leads to inheritance of different microtubule cytoskeletal patterns and demonstrates the major role of microtubules in achieving cytokinesis. RNA interference techniques have led to a large set of mutants, often with variations in phenotype between procyclic and bloodstream life cycle forms. Here, we show morphogenetic differences between these two life cycle forms of this parasite during new flagellum growth and cytokinesis. These discoveries are important tools to explain differences between bloodstream and procyclic form RNAi phenotypes involving organelle mis‐positioning during cell division and cytokinesis defects.
MoeH5: a natural glycorandomizer from the moenomycin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Ostash Bohdan , Campbell Jennifer , Luzhetskyy Andriy , Walker Suzanne
Published: October 2013

The biosynthesis of the phosphoglycolipid antibiotic moenomycin A attracts the attention of researchers hoping to develop new moenomycin‐based antibiotics against multidrug resistant Gram‐positive infections. There is detailed understanding of most steps of this biosynthetic pathway in Streptomyces ghanaensis (ATCC14672), except for the ultimate stage, where a single pentasaccharide intermediate is converted into a set of unusually modified final products. Here we report that only one gene, moeH5, encoding a homologue of the glutamine amidotransferase (GAT) enzyme superfamily, is responsible for the observed diversity of terminally decorated moenomycins. Genetic and biochemical evidence support the idea that MoeH5 is a novel member of the GAT superfamily, whose homologues are involved in the synthesis of various secondary metabolites as well as K and O antigens of bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Our results provide insights into the mechanism of MoeH5 and its counterparts, and give us a new tool for the diversification of phosphoglycolipid antibiotics.
The REL3‐mediated TAS3 ta‐siRNA pathway integrates auxin and ethylene signaling to regulate nodulation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Lei Mingjuan , Yan Zhongyuan , Wang Qi , Chen Aimin , Sun Jie , Luo Da , Wang Yanzhang
Published: October 2013

The ta‐siRNA pathway is required for lateral organ development, including leaf patterning, flower differentiation and lateral root growth. Legumes can develop novel lateral root organs – nodules – resulting from symbiotic interactions with rhizobia. However, ta‐siRNA regulation in nodule formation remains unknown. To explore ta‐siRNA regulation in nodule formation, we investigated the roles of REL3, a key component of TAS3 ta‐siRNA biogenesis, during nodulation in Lotus japonicus.

We characterized the symbiotic phenotypes of the TAS3 ta‐siRNA defective rel3 mutant, and analyzed the responses of the rel3 mutant to auxin and ethylene in order to gain insight into TAS3 ta‐siRNA regulation of nodulation.

The rel3 mutant produced fewer pink nitrogen‐fixing nodules, with substantially decreased infection frequency and nodule initiation. Moreover, the rel3 mutant was more resistant than wild‐type to 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) in root growth, and exhibited insensitivity to auxins but greater sensitivity to auxin transport inhibitors during nodulation. Furthermore, the rel3 mutant has enhanced root‐specific ethylene sensitivity and altered responses to ethylene during nodulation; the low‐nodulating phenotype of the rel3 mutant can be restored by ethylene synthesis inhibitor L‐α‐(2‐aminoethoxyvinyl)‐glycine (AVG) or action inhibitor Ag+.

The REL3‐mediated TAS3 ta‐siRNA pathway regulates nodulation by integrating ethylene and auxin signaling.
Brown adipose tissue as an anti‐obesity tissue in humans
Authors: Chechi K. , Nedergaard J. , Richard D.
Published: October 2013

During the 11th Stock Conference held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, world‐leading experts came together to present and discuss recent developments made in the field of brown adipose tissue biology. Owing to the vast capacity of brown adipose tissue for burning food energy in the process of thermogenesis, and due to demonstrations of its presence in adult humans, there is tremendous interest in targeting brown adipose tissue as an anti‐obesity tissue in humans. However, the future of such therapeutic approaches relies on our understanding of the origin, development, recruitment, activation and regulation of brown adipose tissue in humans. As reviewed here, the 11th Stock Conference was organized around these themes to discuss the recent progress made in each aspect, to identify gaps in our current understanding and to further provide a common groundwork that could support collaborative efforts aimed at a future therapy for obesity, based on brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.
Quantitative relationship between body weight gain in adulthood and incident type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kodama S. , Horikawa C. , Fujihara K. , Yoshizawa S. , Yachi Y. , Tanaka S. , Ohara N. , Matsunaga S. , Yamada T. , Hanyu O. , Sone H.
Published: October 2013

This meta‐analysis quantified the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) preceded by body weight (BW) gain in the general population. Systematic literature searches retrieved 15 eligible studies. The BW gain was divided into early weight‐gain, which was defined as BW gain from early adulthood (18–24 years of age) to cohort entry (≥25 years of age), and late weight‐gain, which was defined as BW gain from cohort entry. The pooled relative risk (RR; 95% confidence interval [CI]) of T2DM for an increment of BW gain standardized into a 5‐kg m−2 increment in the body mass index (BMI) was 3.07 (2.49–2.79) for early weight‐gain and 2.12 (1.74–2.58) for late weight‐gain. When limiting analysis to studies that concurrently examined T2DM risk for current BMI (defined in both groups as BMI at cohort entry), a larger magnitude of T2DM risk was revealed for early weight‐gain compared with current BMI (RR [95% CI], 3.38 [2.20–5.18] vs. 2.39 [1.58–3.62]), while there was little difference between late weight‐gain (RR [95% CI], 2.21 [1.91–2.56]) and current BMI (RR [95% CI], 2.47 [1.97–3.30]). The meta‐analysis suggested that BW gain was a quantifiable predictor of T2DM, as well as current obesity in adults. Particularly, BW gain in early rather than middle‐to‐late adulthood played an important role in developing T2DM.
Placebo effect in burning mouth syndrome: a systematic review
Authors: Kuten‐Shorrer M , Kelley JM , Sonis ST , Treister NS
Published: October 2013

Placebo controls play a critical role in the evaluation of any pharmacotherapy. This review surveys the placebo arm in 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and documents a positive placebo response in 6 of them. On average, treatment with placebos produced a response that was 72% as large as the response to active drugs. The lack of homogeneity in the use of placebos adds to the difficulty in comparing results and aggregating data. Future RCTs investigating BMS would benefit from larger sample sizes, adequate follow‐up periods, and use of a standard placebo.
Changes in Follow‐Up ECG and Signal‐Averaged ECG in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: BAE MYUNG HWAN , KIM JAE HEE , JANG SE YONG , PARK SUN HEE , LEE JANG HOON , YANG DONG HEON , PARK HUN SIK , CHO YONGKEUN , CHAE SHUNG CHULL
Published: October 2013

Background

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and signal‐averaged ECG (SAECG) are important as diagnostic tools in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). The aim of this study was to investigate changes in follow‐up ECGs and SAECGs in patients with ARVC.

Methods

We collected 185 follow‐up ECGs from 38 patients and 35 follow‐up SAECGs from 18 patients during a mean follow‐up period of 64 ± 36 months.

Results

On baseline ECG and SAECG, epsilon waves, T‐wave inversion (TWI), and terminal activation delay (TAD) of QRS ≥55 ms in right precordial leads, and late potentials (LPs) were observed in six (16%), 11 (29%), 13 (34%), and 23 (68%) patients, respectively. During the follow‐up period, 15 (39%) patients had 18 changes in ECG and/or SAECG features included in modified Task Force Criteria (TFC) of ARVC. Two patients developed new epsilon waves, and another two patients had dynamic epsilon waves. Newly developed TAD of QRS ≥55 ms was observed in two patients and disappeared in one patient. Eight patients, seven with and one without TWI in V1–V3 or beyond, showed dynamic changes. LP developed in three patients. One patient with dynamic change of TWI and another patient with dynamic change of epsilon wave and TAD of QRS ≥55 ms could not satisfy the modified TFC during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Follow‐up ECGs and SAECGs showed changes in 39% of patients with ARVC. Larger studies with a longer follow‐up period are needed to investigate the clinical implications of changes in follow‐up ECG and SAECG.
Impact of Wait times on Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Kumar Krishna , Rizvi Syed , Nguyen Rita , Abbas Mariam , Bishop Sharon , Murthy Vignesh
Published: October 2013

Objective

Presently, the long‐term success rate of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) ranges from 47% to 74%. SCS efficacy is inversely proportional to the passage of time between development of chronic pain syndrome and time of implantation. To improve outcomes, implantation should be performed early. This study identifies sources of delay and offers suggestions for improvement.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 437 SCS patients examines delays to accessing SCS at various points in the referral stream, from initial diagnosis, family physician, and various specialist treatments, to implantation. Analysis of variance evaluated the effect of age, sex, treating specialty, and their interactions on implantation delay. A multiple linear regression model was developed to assess factors contributing to implantation delay.

Results

From time of onset of chronic pain to implantation, patients endured a delay of 65.4 ± 2.04 months. Initial physician contact occurred at a mean of 3.4 ± 0.12 months after development of pain syndrome. Family physicians managed cases for 11.9 ± 0.45 months and various specialists for an additional 39.8 ± 1.22 months. Neurosurgeons were quickest to refer to an implant physician (average wait‐time 32.28 ± 2.64 months), while orthopedic surgeons and nonimplanting anesthesiologists took the longest, contributing to wait times of 51.60 ± 5.04 months and 58.08 ± 5.76 months, respectively. Once the decision for implantation was made, the implanting physician required 3.31 ± 0.09 months to organize the procedure. A gradual decline in wait times was observed from 1980 to present.

Conclusion

To improve SCS success rates, physicians involved in the treatment for chronic pain should refer these cases early to an implant physician once failure of medical management becomes apparent.
Kyphoplasty Increases Vertebral Height, Decreases Both Pain Score and Opiate Requirements While Improving Functional Status
Authors: Tolba Reda , Bolash Robert B. , Shroll Joshua , Costandi Shrif , Dalton Jarrod E. , Sanghvi Chirag , Mekhail Nagy
Published: October 2013

Vertebral compression fractures can result from advanced osteoporosis, or less commonly from metastatic or traumatic insults to the vertebral column, and result in disabling pain and decreased functional capacity. Various vertebral augmentation options including kyphoplasty aim at preventing the sequelae of pain and immobility that can develop as the result of the vertebral fractures. The mechanism for pain relief following kyphoplasty is not entirely understood, and the restoration of a portion of the lost vertebral height is a subject of debate. We retrospectively reviewed radiographic imaging, pain relief, analgesic intake and functional outcomes in 67 consecutive patients who underwent single‐ or multilevel kyphoplasty with the primary goal of quantifying the restoration of lost vertebral height. We observed a mean of 45% of the lost vertebral height restored postprocedurally. Secondarily, kyphoplasty was associated with significant decreases in pain scores, daily morphine consumption and improvement in patient‐reported functional measures.
WHY WE CANNOT RELY ON OURSELVES FOR EPISTEMIC IMPROVEMENT
Authors: Ahlstrom‐Vij Kristoffer
Published: October 2013

There is something very appealing about the idea that we are epistemic agents. One reason—if not the main reason—is that, while we are undoubtedly fallible creatures, us being epistemic agents that do things means that it might just be within our power to improve and thereby do better. One important way in which we would want to improve is in relation to our well‐established tendency for cognitive bias. Still, the proper role of epistemic agency in us avoiding or correcting for cognitive bias is highly limited. In fact, what we know from empirical psychology—particularly with respect to our tendencies for overconfidence—suggests that we cannot rely on ourselves for epistemic improvement, and have good reason to impose significant constraints on our ability to exercise such agency in ameliorative contexts.
Proportion of mast cells in normal canine hepatic cytologic specimens: comparison of 2 staining methods
Authors: Masserdotti Carlo
Published: October 2013

Background

Although the presence of mast cells is considered a normal finding in canine hepatic tissue, the normal proportion of these cells in cytologic specimens from normal livers was not previously established.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the normal proportion of hepatic mast cells in cytologic specimens from normal canine liver by the use and comparison of the May–Grünwald–Giemsa and the Toluidine Blue staining methods.

Methods

The cytologic specimens obtained from fine‐needle aspirates of livers of 13 healthy dogs were investigated by counting of hepatocytes and mast cells per high‐power field (HPF, x40 objective). The ratio of mast cells/100 hepatocytes was then compared between the 2 staining methods.

Results

A median of 0.17 (range: 0–0.33) mast cells/100 hepatocytes and of 0.47 (range: 0–0.86) mast cells/100 hepatocytes was obtained with May–Grünwald–Giemsa and Toluidine Blue stains, respectively.

Conclusions

Toluidine Blue stain detects more hepatic mast cells than May–Grunwald–Giemsa in normal canine livers. With both stains, < 1% mast cells were detected in normal canine liver samples.
A Validated Numerical-Experimental Design Methodology for a Movable Supersonic Ejector Compressor for Waste-Heat Recovery
Authors: Alimohammadi Sajad , Persoons Tim , Murray Darina B. , Tehrani Mohamadreza S. , Farhanieh Bijan , Koehler Juergen
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to develop the technical knowledge, especially the optimum geometries, for the design and manufacturing of a supersonic gas–gas ejector for a waste-heat driven vehicle cooling system. Although several studies have been performed to investigate the effects of geometrical configurations of gas–gas ejectors, a progressive design methodology of an ejector compressor for application to a vehicle cooling system has not yet been described. First, an analytical model for calculation of the ejector optimum geometry for a wide range of operating conditions is developed, using R134a as the working fluid with a rated cooling capacity of 2.5 kW. The maximum values of entrainment ratio (ω) have been estimated by correlation of the main parameters in a nondimensional form. The optimum values of nozzle throat diameter (dnt) and mixing chamber diameter (dmc) thus obtained are used as a starting point for the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) optimization covering a wide range of geometrical configurations. To assess the effect of various dimensional quantities, an optimization technique has been proposed for calculation of the most efficient geometry of the target ejector for manufacturing. Using a vehicle cooling system as a test case, the final optimized dimensions are reported and discussed. An experimental validation confirms the CFD results and the ejector performance with a normalized deviation of 5% between observed and simulated results, demonstrating that the methodology is a valid ejector design tool for a wide range of applications.
The Effect of Wet Compression on a Multistage Subsonic Compressor
Authors: Luo Mingcong , Zheng Qun , Sun Lanxin , Deng Qingfeng , Yang Junjie
Published: October 2013

In this paper, wet compression effect on an eight-stage axial subsonic compressor is simulated by steady numerical methods. Special attention is paid to the compressor design operating condition and rotating stall boundary to contrast and analyze the changes, such as the compressor performance and the flow-field characteristics under dry and wet conditions. The motions of water droplets are also simulated and analyzed. The results indicate that wet compression could weaken or eliminate the flow separation; improve the flow capacity, efficiency, and pressure ratio of this compressor; and make the compressor operating near the rotating stall boundary enter into the normal working condition.
Utilizing a simple CT dosimetry phantom for the comprehension of the operational characteristics of CT AEC systems
Authors: Tsalafoutas Ioannis A. , Varsamidis Athanasios , Thalassinou Stella , Efstathopoulos Efstathios P.
Published: October 2013

Purpose:

To investigate the utility of the nested polymethylacrylate (PMMA) phantom (which is available in many CT facilities for CTDI measurements), as a tool for the presentation and comparison of the ways that two different CT automatic exposure control (AEC) systems respond to a phantom when various scan parameters and AEC protocols are modified.

Methods:

By offsetting the two phantomˈs components (the head phantom and the body ring) half‐way along their longitudinal axis, a phantom with three sections of different x‐ray attenuation was created. Scan projection radiographs (SPRs) and helical scans of the three‐section phantom were performed on a Toshiba Aquilion 64 and a Philips Brilliance 64 CT scanners, with different scan parameter selections [scan direction, pitch factor, slice thickness, and reconstruction interval (ST/RI), AEC protocol, and tube potential used for the SPRs]. The dose length product (DLP) values of each scan were recorded and the tube current (mA) values of the reconstructed CT images were plotted against the respective Z‐axis positions on the phantom. Furthermore, measurements of the noise levels at the center of each phantom section were performed to assess the impact of mA modulation on image quality.

Results:

The mA modulation patterns of the two CT scanners were very dissimilar. The mA variations were more pronounced for Aquilion 64, where changes in any of the aforementioned scan parameters affected both the mA modulations curves and DLP values. However, the noise levels were affected only by changes in pitch, ST/RI, and AEC protocol selections. For Brilliance 64, changes in pitch affected the mA modulation curves but not the DLP values, whereas only AEC protocol and SPR tube potential selection variations affected both the mA modulation curves and DLP values. The noise levels increased for smaller ST/RI, larger weight category AEC protocol, and larger SPR tube potential selection.

Conclusions:

The nested PMMA dosimetry phantom can be effectively utilized for the comprehension of CT AEC systems performance and the way that different scan conditions affect the mA modulation patterns, DLP values, and image noise. However, in depth analysis of the reasons why these two systems exhibited such different behaviors in response to the same phantom requires further investigation which is beyond the scope of this study.
Optimized geometry for ground impedance measurement
Authors: Kruse Roland , Mellert Volker , Rong Ping
Published: October 2013

The two-microphone method is a convenient and well-known procedure for the in situ determination of the surface impedance both in room acoustics and for outdoor use. In light of its possible use in a future revision of ANSI S1.18-1999, its sensitivity towards measurement errors has been investigated. Unfortunately, both measurements and simulations show that the method is very sensitive to errors, especially in the transfer function, at low frequencies, and for high surface impedances when using one of the three suggested geometries from the standard. Therefore, an improved geometry is proposed to reduce the effect of errors. However, even with this optimization, the use of the two-microphone method cannot be recommended for surfaces with a high impedance at low frequencies as the necessary precision is unacceptably high.
Low-frequency acoustic resonances from the axi-symmetrical bubble plume
Authors: Buckingham Michael J. , Hahn Thomas R. , Berger Thomas K.
Published: October 2013

Experiments were performed on the sound from an axi-symmetric, conical bubble plume formed by a vertical freshwater jet as it plunges into a freshwater pool. The fluxes of air and water entering the pool were controlled during the experiments, and, outside the plume sound was monitored over the frequency band 0.1 to 1 kHz. Up to five non-uniformly spaced peaks were observed in the acoustic spectrum, associated with the coherent, collective oscillations of the bubbles within the plume. The biphasic bubbly medium behaves as a continuum, acting as a resonant, conical cavity beneath the jet. The eigenfrequencies scale inversely as the square-root of the jet velocity and the fourth root of the air entrainment ratio. A two-component, theoretical model for the eigenfrequencies involves a fluid-dynamics argument, which shows that the sound speed increases as the square-root of depth in the plume. This is incorporated into an acoustic analysis in which the wave equation is solved analytically, taking account of the cone-like geometry of the bubble plume cavity. The theoretical frequencies of the lowest-order longitudinal modes of the bubbly cavity are found to exhibit the same inverse-fractional power-law scalings as those observed in the experiments. [Research supported by ONR.]
Experiment on acoustic wave propagation in a bubbly water: Frequency influence
Authors: Duro Vincent , Decultot Dominique , Maze Gerard
Published: October 2013

Commander and Prosperetti works [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 85, 732–746 (1989)] show that an acoustic wave, propagating in a bubbly water, is very strongly damped and its phase speed is disturbed for bubble resonance frequency neighboring. In relation to our experimental results, numerical results obtained with these analytical works are presented. Experiments are realized in a large water-filled tank. A frequency modulated burst, generated with broadband transducers of central frequency 100, 200, and 500 kHz, propagates through the bubble cloud obtained by a high pressure water jet. Our measurements show simultaneously, after the stop of jet, a strong damping of acoustic signal and a small change of its phase speed. After some minutes, this signal gets back progressively its initial amplitude and phase speed values. One can notice that the acoustic signal amplitude and phase speed are not identical in all emission frequency domain. To explain this phenomenon, we assume the existence of frequency band gaps related to the multiple scattering from the bubble cloud. [Work supported by Bassin d’Essais des Carènes (France).]
Wedge diffractions: Biot-Tolstoy normal coordinate solution and Medwin’s lab experiments
Authors: Clay Clarence S.
Published: October 2013

In the 1960s, the Hudson Labs of Columbia University had coffee hours. The coffee gang included Ivan Tolstoy, Antares Parvulescu, Bob Frosch, Mel Hinich, and Peter Rona. We tested our crazy ideas, scribbled on the blackboard, and listened. Wave propagation in a messy ocean was the problem. We were well beyond ideal layered waveguides with plane interfaces. Tolstoy did normal coordinates and modes [Tolstoy and Clay, Ocean Acoustics (1966, 1986)-AO]. One summer, Hank Medwin joined us and conversations led to research on sound scatter from rough surfaces. Helmholtz-Kirchhoff (H-K) computations were accurate for sound scattered in specular directions, AO Ch. 6. Diffractions are different. The AO (1986) includes Biot-Tolstoy diffraction of impulses by rigid wedges (B-T). Interior wedge angles=?/n have no diffracted waves. Clay and Medwin’s Acoustical Oceanography (1977) detailed H-K methods and ignored B-T. Pushing hard, was H-K accurate for all diffraction waves? In 1978–82, Bremhorst, Jebsen, and Hank did wedge experiments and proved B-T is exact and H-K is limited. See Figs. 12.3, 2–3.3 in Medwin and Clay, ‘‘Fundamentals of Acoustical Oceanography’’ (1998). Chapters 11 and 12 give details. Use normal coordinate B-T for wedges.
Open plan privacy index measurement source speaker evaluation
Authors: Good Kenneth , Roy Kenneth
Published: October 2013

Open Plan Privacy Index (PI) results have shown to have variability based on source speakers used for the field qualification measurements. Earlier studies have suggested that acoustic energy projected from the back of the source speaker may have an impact on this variability. The concern is that the ASTM E 1179 source speaker qualification required for ASTM E 1130 (Standard Test Method for Objective Measurement of Speech Privacy in Open Offices Using Articulation Index) is vague regarding the energy from the rear and sides of the source. Therefore, it is conceivable that different source speakers that qualify per E 1179 will produce different PI results due to differences in energy output from the back of the speaker, and the reflectivity of the subject environment. This study will discuss measurements using a variety of source speakers over a variety of open offices environments and how the speaker directivity differences impacted results.
The open office conundrum: Post-occupancy assessment of speech privacy in offices
Authors: Powell Kevin , Salter Charles , Waldeck Randy
Published: October 2013

Post-occupancy evaluation is used to assess whether a completed building is delivering to its occupants and owners the benefits which were set as goals in the design process, and utilizing this information to improve future projects. As part of its workplace research program, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has embarked upon an ambitious program where both objective measures of physical conditions (e.g., Articulation Index) and occupant satisfaction are assessed. Comprehensive evaluation of eleven GSA workplaces has shown that both before and after renovation, employees consistently rank acoustical privacy high in importance, but low in performance. This presentation will address three questions. First, what have we learned about the objective acoustical performance of contemporary open plan workplaces? Second, what have we learned about occupants subjective perception of office acoustics? Third, what guidance for new projects can GSA provide designers to improve occupant satisfaction with office acoustics, within the context of contemporary workstyles and current business objectives for the workplace, based on these post-occupancy evaluations?