bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volumetric analyses of cerebral white matter hyperintensity lesions on magnetic resonance imaging in a Japanese population undergoing medical check‐up
Authors: Honda Yuko , Noguchi Akio , Maruyama Keisuke , Tamura Akira , Saito Isamu , Sei Kazumi , Soga Takamasa , Ushiba Katsuaki , Hirano Teruyuki , Sakurai Takashi , Shiokawa Yoshiaki 
Published: December 2015

AimTo clarify growth patterns, spatial distribution and risk factors of cerebral white matter hyperintensity (WMH) lesions on magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsWe analyzed volumes of cerebral WMH lesions in those who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging as a hospital‐based health check‐up in 2012 and 2013 by using a computational quantitative image analysis software (Software for NeuroImage Processing in Experimental Research). After excluding subjects not suitable for volumetric analyses because of pathological brain conditions, a total of 1047 healthy participants (mean age 56.6 years) were included for the analyses. First, the relationship of computational volumetry and conventional qualitative visual evaluation by Shinohara grading was evaluated. Volumes of WMH lesions were analyzed according to age and the different cerebral lobes. Finally, clinical risk factors associated with WMH lesions were assessed.ResultsVolumes of WMH lesions were significantly correlated with Shinohara grading (P < 0.001). WMH lesions significantly enlarged with aging (P < 0.001) except for the occipital lobe, especially in participants aged 50 years or older. Age and systolic blood pressure were significantly related to volumes of WMH lesions in all the lobes, whereas diastolic blood pressure was not related only in the occipital lobe.ConclusionBased on computational quantitative volumetric analyses, cerebral WMH lesions increased with age, and were associated with blood pressure. However, the occipital lobe was the only exception to these findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15 (Suppl. 1): 43–47.
Potential of alpha‐fetoprotein as a prognostic marker after curative radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Dohi Chihiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Miyahara Koji , Morimoto Yuki , Wada Nozomu , Kinugasa Hideaki , Takeuchi Yasuto , Kuwaki Kenji , Onishi Hideki , Ikeda Fusao , Nakamura Shinichiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Okada Hiroyuki 
Published: December 2015

AimRecurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is observed frequently, even after curative treatments. The aim of this study is to elucidate the risk factors for recurrence of HCC after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), focusing on the carcinogenic potential of the liver assessed by α‐fetoprotein (AFP).MethodsWe enrolled 357 consecutive patients who underwent complete ablation by RFA for primary HCC (≤3 cm, ≤3 tumors) and analyzed the correlation between 17 critical parameters, including AFP and HCC recurrence.ResultsRecurrence was observed in 236 patients during a mean observation period of 54.3 months. Multivariate analysis revealed that multiple tumors (risk ratio [RR] = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–2.26, P < 0.001), high AFP (>10 ng/mL, RR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.09–1.94, P < 0.001) and high des‐γ‐carboxyprothrombin (>40 mAU/mL, RR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.13–2.02, P < 0.005) were significantly correlated with recurrence. AFP was selected as a significant factor even when the cut‐off level was set lower (≤5 ng/mL). The risk of recurrence increased linearly according to the increase of the lowest AFP level after RFA and the adjusted ratios relative to AFP less than 5 ng/mL were 1.56, 2.14, 2.57 and 3.13 in AFP 5–10 ng/mL, 10–20 ng/mL, 20–50 ng/mL and over 50 ng/mL, respectively. In addition, the recurrence rate was predicted by the AFP level after RFA, regardless of the level before the treatment.ConclusionAFP less than 5 ng/mL after curative RFA was an important predictor of a better prognosis and was considered to indicate the low carcinogenic potential of the non‐cancerous liver.
Predictive factors of pathological vascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion
Authors: Masuda Toshiro , Beppu Toru , Okabe Hirohisa , Nitta Hidetoshi , Imai Katsunori , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Chikamoto Akira , Yamamoto Kenichiro , Ikeshima Satoshi , Kuramoto Masafumi , Shimada Shinya , Baba Hideo 
Published: December 2015

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors of pathological vascular invasion as contra‐indicators for ablation therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion.MethodsTwo hundred and seventeen patients with HCC within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion who underwent hepatic resection were retrospectively investigated.ResultsPathological vascular invasion was positive in 46 patients, consisting of 38 portal vein invasions, three hepatic vein invasions, two hepatic artery invasions, one hepatic duct invasion and two with portal and hepatic vein invasions. In univariate analysis, patients with α‐fetoprotein (AFP) of more than 100 ng/mL had higher rates of pathological vascular invasion than those without. In addition, patients with protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKA‐II) of more than 100 mAU/mL had higher rates of pathological vascular invasion than those without. Multivariate analysis revealed that AFP of more than 100 ng/mL and PIVKA‐II of more than 100 mAU/mL were independent predictive factors for pathological vascular invasion. As these patients were treated with hepatic resection, cumulative 5‐year recurrence‐free and overall survivals were not significantly different between the pathological vascular invasion negative and positive cases.ConclusionAFP of more than 100 ng/mL and PIVKA‐II of more than 100 mAU/mL can predict pathological vascular invasion in patients with HCC within 3 cm and three nodules without radiological vascular invasion. In treating such cases, hepatic resection rather than local ablation therapy is recommended.
An evaluation of paediatric medicines reconciliation at hospital discharge into the community
Authors: Huynh Chi , Wong Ian Chi Kei , Tomlin Stephen , Halford Ellisha , Jani Yogini , Ghaleb Maisoon 
Published: December 2015

Abstract

Objective
A UK national survey of primary care physicians has indicated that the medication information on hospital discharge summary was incomplete or inaccurate most of the time. Internationally, studies have shown that hospital pharmacist's interventions reduce these discrepancies in the adult population. There have been no published studies on the incidence and severity of the discrepancies of the medication prescribed for children specifically at discharge to date. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incidence, nature and potential clinical severity of medication discrepancies at the point of hospital discharge in a paediatric setting.

Methods
Five weeks prospective review of hospital discharge letters was carried out. Medication discrepancies between the initial doctor's discharge letter and finalised drug chart were identified, pharmacist changes were recorded and their severity was assessed. The setting of the review was at a London, UK paediatric hospital providing local secondary and specialist tertiary care. The outcome measures were: – incidence and the potential clinical severity of medication discrepancies identified by the hospital pharmacist at discharge.

Key findings
142 patients (64 female and 78 males, age range 1 month – 18 years) were discharged on 501 medications. The majority of patients were under the care of general surgery and general paediatric teams. One in three discharge letters contained at least one medication discrepancy and required pharmacist interventions to rectify prior to completion. Of these, 1 in 10 had the potential for patient harm if undetected.

Conclusions
Medicines reconciliation by pharmacist at discharge may be a good intervention in preventing medication discrepancies which have the potential to cause moderate harm in paediatric patients.
Implementing oral chemotherapy services in community pharmacies: a qualitative study of chemotherapy nurses' and pharmacists' views
Authors: Butt Farida , Ream Emma 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectivesChanges in health-care provision have led to cancer patients being offered oral chemotherapy in the community. Three levels of oral chemotherapy services have been proposed (levels 1, 2 and 3) with community pharmacies playing differing roles within them. This study aims to explore health-care professionals' views on oral chemotherapy services being delivered by community pharmacies and to gain insights into the barriers, facilitators and training/knowledge needs of community pharmacists with respect to providing them.MethodsQualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of three chemotherapy nurses, five oncology pharmacists and five community pharmacists. Data were analysed thematically using Framework Analysis.Key findingsFindings for level 1 and 2 services included uncertainty on community pharmacists' professional responsibilities, the expertise of GPs in prescribing oral chemotherapy and the training and competency of community pharmacists. The lack of patient information, care and support provision was emphasised for all the models. Although level 1 was achievable in current practice, level 2 was considered the safest option, while level 3 was ideal but risky option.For all levels, training and education for community pharmacists and inter-professional issues were facilitators to oral chemotherapy services. The service environment, dispensing process-related constraints (access to blood test results and protocols) were significant barriers for levels 2 and 3.Advanced communication skills, patient education and counselling were identified as key areas for education and training for community pharmacists.ConclusionThe study suggests there are significant concerns and challenges associated with community pharmacies implementing any of the proposed levels of oral chemotherapy services. Educational and training opportunities for community pharmacists and the careful development of safe infrastructures will be essential in the future planning and implementation of any community pharmacy oral chemotherapy service.
Prevalence of HIV infection among burn patients: is there a relationship with patients' outcomes?
Authors: Salehi Seyed Hamid , As'adi Kamran , Tabatabaeenezhad Seyedeh Azam , Naderan Mohammad , Shoar Saeed 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among acute burn patients and its impacts on patient's outcomes in an Iranian burn care hospital. A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a tertiary burn care hospital in Iran, retrospectively reviewing the data records of all patients admitted between February 2011 and February 2012. The HIV status of all the patients was assessed in relation to clinical outcomes and the patient's prognosis. A total of 969 patients were included in this study. Five patients (0·5%) were HIV positive, and all of them were male. Mean burn area was significantly larger in HIV‐positive patients than the healthy group (P < 0·05). HIV‐positive patients had a longer period of hospitalisation than HIV‐negative patients (23·2 ± 16·3 versus 13·1 ± 14·6, P = 0·008). Nonetheless, the average number of procedures and the mortality rate did not significantly differ between the study groups (P > 0·05). Comparison of age, sex and burn extent between HIV‐positive patients and HIV‐negative cases also revealed similar results. Prevalence of HIV infection among our burn population was 0·5%; thus, HIV status may be related with more extensive injuries and longer hospital stays.
SIMPLIFIED TECHNIQUES FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPY
Authors: King J. 
Published: December 2015

SYNOPSIS.A method is described for using the compact‐source high‐pressure mercury‐vapour lamp for fluorescence microscopy in place of the conventional monochromator, with the aid of compound filters consisting of glass and liquid filters, giving bands of frequencies through a range from 2652 Å. to 3655 Å. “Perspex” or one of the new high ultra‐violet transmission glasses may be used for the condenser lenses and the ends of the liquid filters, in place of quartz. The adaptation of a reflecting objective, or a modification of the Chapman and Aldrich illuminator, each having aluminized surfaces, enables a concentrated beam of ultra‐violet light to be used with a fairly high magnification. A new range of fluorescent dyes known commercially as “optical bleaches” has been used for fluorescent staining of fibres and plant sections.
A Minicomputer System for the Synthesis of Animal Vocalizations
Authors: Zoloth Stephen , Dooling Robert J. , Miller Richard , Peters Susan 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA software system is described for the synthesis and modification of animal vocalizations using the PDP 11/10 laboratory minicomputer. The modification of part of a natural song is described.ZusammenfassungEin Satz von Computerprogrammen zur Veränderung natürlicher Lautäußerungen wird beschrieben. Diese Programme laufen auf einem Kleincomputer und ersetzen teilweise die Funktionen eines Spektrographen, den sie an Präzision übertreffen. Lautäußerungen können in einer Vielzahl akustischer Parameter verändert werden, während andere Kenngrößen des Komplex‐signals unbeeinflußt bleiben. Diese Möglichkeiten können genutzt werden bei der Untersuchung der akustischen Faktoren, die für das Erlernen des Gesanges bei Vögeln wichtig sind.
Evidence for Scavenging Behavior in the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
Authors: GILLINGHAM JAMES C. , BAKER RANDY E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe use of dead and decaying animals for food appears often as an adaptive strategy in birds and mammals but is apparently rare within the reptiles. Scanty evidence exists for the utilization of such a scavenging strategy by rattlesnakes but convincing data gathered under properly controlled circumstances in this regard have not been forthcoming.Western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) were cage and arena tested for putrescent mouse preference and putrescent mouse location ability. Adults and neonates readily accepted mice that had been aged up to 48 h while black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) failed to accept putrescent mice and would accept fresh‐killed rodents only if the latter were moving. Adult rattlesnakes could locate putrescent mice buried in gravel but failed to find fresh‐killed animals. The results were used to document strong evidence for a scavenging feeding strategy for this species and perhaps for the viperids as a whole.
Extranidal Behaviour of Parischnogaster nigricans serrei (Du Buysson) (Hymenoptera, Stenogastrinae)1
Authors: Turillazzi Stefano 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryParischnogaster nigricans serrei (Du Buysson) forages almost exclusively on little arthropods that females, in flight, pick off of spider webs. The foundress performs such extranidal activities as foraging, pulp and water collection only in the pre‐emergence period, after which she leaves the nest only for defensive flights and to defecate. Males hover near forest landmarks that they defend against other males in ritualized aerial fights. The daily patrolling periods of male P. nigricans and P. mellyi (the only two species living in the observation area) do not overlap and occur in the central hours of the day. It is quite probable that this behaviour is related to reproduction.ZusammenfassungDie Weibchen von Parischnogaster nigricans serrei (Du Buysson) erbeuten fast nur kleine Arthropoden, die sie während des Fluges aus Spinnennetzen reißen. Nur vor dem Schlüpfen der Nachkommen betreibt die Nestgründerin Außenarbeiten, z. B. Baumaterial‐ und Wassereintragen, Nahrungsammeln. Später verläßt sie das Nest nur zur Verteidigung und zum Koten. Die Männchen patrouillieren im Schwirrflug an bestimmten Stellen des Waldes und verteidigen sie in rituellen Flugkämpfen gegen andere Männchen. Die Tageszeiten, in denen die Patrouillierflüge von P. nigricans und P. mellyi stattfinden, greifen nicht ineinander. Dieses Verhalten könnte der Paarung dienen.
Dissecting Cowbird Song Potency: Assessing a Song's Geographic Identity and Relative Appeal
Authors: King Andrew P. , West Meredith J. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryTo investigate the acoustic elements that constitute song potency in cowbirds, a playback experiment was carried out using the female cowbird's copulatory posture as a bioassay of song potency. Experimentally altered versions of the song of an Molothrus ater obscurus male were presented to M. a. ater and M. a. obscurus females. Song elements of special interest were those thought to communicate a male's geographic status and those indicating song quality. Several song elements were critical to the communication of inter‐ and intraspecific information. Moreover, the data demonstrate that the same semantic information (e. g., geographic identity or relative appeal) may be mediated through different song structures for the two subspecies. Finally, the data reveal a new song parameter relying upon the operation of the cowbird's two voices that contributes to song potency. This latter finding may represent the first functional test of the two voice phenomenon in passerines.ZusammenfassungDie Begattungsreaktionen gefangengehaltener Weibchen der beiden Kuhstar‐Unterarten Molothrus ater ater und M. a. obscurus auf die Tonband‐wiedergabe eines M. a. obscurus‐Gesangs wurden untersucht. Der Gesang wurde experimentell verändert, um die Rolle verschiedener akustischer Elemente zu isolieren. Der Gesang des Kuhstars enthält mindestens zwei Informationen; eine betrifft die geographische Herkunft, die andere die Qualität oder Anziehungskraft des Gesangs. Weibchen der beiden Unterarten reagierten charakteristisch verschieden auf Veränderungen des Gesangs und sprachen auf verschiedene Gesangstrukturen an. Die Ergebnisse weisen darauf hin, daß der Gesang des Kuhstars hierarchisch aufgebaut ist und daß die Weibchen Gesänge an mehreren Merkmalen der Gesangsstruktur unterscheiden.
Untersuchungen zur Blütenaffinität der Schachbrettweibchen (Agapetes galathea L.)
Authors: SONNTAG GÜNTER 
Published: December 2015

AbstractRhopaloceran butterflies are well known to visit distinct species of flowers in order to extract nectar, normally leaving again after a short time to continue their foraging flights. Females of Agapetes galathea, however, often show a different behaviour, which is the subject of the following analysis. The dynamics of sugar production by flowers and the foraging pattern of the galathea‐ ♂♂ have been studied under natural conditions. Special consideration is given to the aggressive behaviour of the females towards approaching insects during their flower resting periods.
Spatial Dispersion and Agonistic Contacts of Male Bush Crickets in the Biotope
Authors: Schatral Andrea , Latimer William , Broughton Bill 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryThis study concerns the acoustic behaviour of the bush cricket Tettigonia cantans Fuess. (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). Natural habitats with different population densities of stable singers have been selected. The dispersion patterns of singing males and the sound levels neighbouring insects receive from each other were investigated. The behavioural patterns of an established male elicited by the song of a conspecific were analysed and related to the population densities of constant singers in their biotope. The competition between males and its possible effect on female behaviour have been discussed.Constantly singing males clump in areas with dense vegetation and within these clumps they are regularly spaced. Males seem to space themselves according to the song intensities (72–87 dB SPL) they receive from each other.Between close neighbours rivalry behaviour is expressed either by males producing alternating songs, or in an approach towards a constantly singing insect, or in an aggressive encounter. Of these three behaviour patterns aggressive encounters are most common in high‐density populations. Rivalry does not influence the dispersion pattern of the males. A hypothesis is inferred from observations on female behaviour that rivalry itself constitutes an attractive stimulus for females.ZusammenfassungRivalenverhalten und Verteilung konstant singender Männchen der Laubheuschrecke Tettigonia cantans sind im Freiland untersucht worden. Dazu wurden unterschiedlich dichte Populationen gewählt.Konstant singende Männchen treten in Arealen mit dichter Vegetation gehäuft auf, sind aber innerhalb soldier Ansammlungen regelmäßig verteilt. Offenbar verteilen sich die Männchen nach gleichen Schalldruckpegeln (72–87 dB) im Gesang der Nachbarn.Das Rivalenverhalten kann in abwechselndem Singen eng benachbarter Männchen bestehen, in bloßer Annäherung an einen konstanten Sänger oder kann eine aggressive Begegnung einschließen. Besonders in dichten Populationen kennzeichnen agonistische Kontakte das Rivalenverhalten. Das Rivalenverhalten beeinträchtigt jedoch nicht das regelmäßige Verteilungsmuster der Männchen.Beobachtungen an Weibchen lassen vermuten, daß das Rivalenverhalten selbst einen stimulierenden Einfluß auf Phonotaxis und Auswahlverhalten der Weibchen ausübt.
Food Provisioning by Adult Maned Wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)
Authors: Rasmussen Janet L. , Tilson Ronald L. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryA study of food provisioning in a captive family group of South American maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) revealed a significant contribution by the adult male. The father was solicited by his two pups to regurgitate food nearly three times more frequently than was the mother and regurgitated to them twice as frequently as did the mother. These observations suggest that adult maned wolves may not be as asocial as previously thought, and that the adult male may contribute more to the fitness of his offspring than was previously known.ZusammenfassungIn einer gefangen gehaltenen Familiengruppe des südamerikanischen Mähnenwolfes (Chrysocyon brachyurus) wurde der Vater von seinen zwei Jungen dreimal häufiger als die Mutter um Futter angebettelt, und er würgte doppelt so häufig Futter vor wie die Mutter. Männliche Mähnenwölfe scheinen stärkere Familienbindung zu haben und mehr zur Fitneß ihrer Jungen beizutragen, als bisher angenommen wurde.
The Effects of Size on the Mating Decisions of Gammarus pulex (Crustacea, Amphipoda)
Authors: Ward Paul I. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract and SummaryThe breeding system of the freshwater amphipod, Gammarus pulex, has a precopulatory female guarding phase by which a male ensures his presence when the female moults and he can fertilize her brood and also prevent other males gaining access to her. The duration of the guarding phase is influenced by the sizes of the animals in a pair; larger males guard for longer than do smaller males and larger females are guarded for longer than are smaller females. Also, larger males guard more tenaciously than do smaller males and females are guarded more tenaciously as their moult approaches. Finally, larger females are found to be more active in precopula than smaller females.ZusammenfassungZur Paarung des Bachflohkrebses Gammarus pulex gehört eine längere Präkopula. So ist das Männchen sicher anwesend, wenn sich das Weibchen häutet, und kann die Eier besamen; außerdem hält es andere Männchen vom Weibchen fern. Die Dauer der Präkopula hängt von der Größe der Paarpartner ab; größere Männchen bewachen länger als kleine. Außerdem halten größere Männchen das Weibchen fester; auch werden Weibchen um so fester gehalten, je näher ihre Häutung bevorsteht. Größere Weibchen in Präkopula sind aktiver als kleine; welchen Vorteil sie davon haben, ist unklar.