bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Head Lag in Infancy: What Is It Telling Us?
Authors: Pineda Roberta G. , Reynolds Lauren C. , Seefeldt Kristin , Hilton Claudia L. , Rogers Cynthia E. , Inder Terrie E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractOBJECTIVE. To investigate changes in head lag across postmenstrual age and define associations between head lag and (1) perinatal exposures and (2) neurodevelopment.METHOD. Sixty-four infants born ≤30 wk gestation had head lag assessed before and at term-equivalent age. Neurobehavior was assessed at term age. At 2 yr, neurodevelopmental testing was conducted.RESULTS. Head lag decreased with advancing postmenstrual age, but 58% (n = 37) of infants continued to demonstrate head lag at term. Head lag was associated with longer stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (p = .009), inotrope use (p = .04), sepsis (p = .02), longer endotracheal intubation (p = .01), and cerebral injury (p = .006). Head lag was related to alterations in early neurobehavior (p &lt; .03), but no associations with neurodevelopment were found at 2 yr.CONCLUSION. Head lag was related to medical factors and early neurobehavior, but it may not be a good predictor of outcome when used in isolation.
Operating Segments (IFRS 8)-Required Disclosure and the Specific-Characteristics of Kuwaiti Listed Companies
Authors: Alanezi Faisal S. , Alfraih Mishari M. , Alshammari Saad S. 
Published: December 2015

<p>The aim of this article is to assess and examine the operating segment required-disclosure of companies listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and the influence of certain variables that determine their extent of operating segment disclosures. Similar to the previous studies, the degree of operating segment disclosure is tested based on a disclosure index of the compulsory items of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 8 (Operating segment). A regression model is estimated using Ordinary Least Squares analysis for a sample of 150 Kuwaiti companies listed on the KSE at the end of 2013 to examine the relationship between the degree of operating segment disclosure and the specific characteristics of Kuwaiti listed companies. The results reveal that the average level of operating segment disclosure was 54%, ranging from 3% to 95%. The results revealed that Kuwaiti listed companies with a higher level of compliance with the IFRS 8-required disclosures (Operating segment) were expected to be larger, highly growth and audited by audit firm associated with a Big-4 audit firm. In contrast with the more compliant, Kuwaiti listed companies with a lesser level of compliance with the IFRS 8-required operating segment disclosure were likely to be profitable. In contrast, company age, ownership diffusion, leverage and type of industry, were found to be not influencing the compliance with the IFRS 8-required operating segment disclosure. The findings deliver valuable insights and assistance to the regulatory and enforcement official bodies and to the investors in Kuwait on evaluating the existing operating segment disclosure practice among KSE-listed companies. Since the average level of operating segment disclosure was 54%, this result recommends reviewing the monitoring system of the enforcement of required operating segment disclosure. Additionally, the results provide feedback about the drivers of operating segment disclosures practice.</p>
Bilateral Trade between the Eurozone and China: A Zero-Sum Game Theory Approach
Authors: Strakoshia Eneias , Petrakos George 
Published: December 2015

<p align="center"> </p><p>Over the last decade, the whopping growth of the Chinese economy, due to the liberalization of its market, with regard to the vulnerable Eurozone’s economic activity, has led to trade disputes between the two economies. In order to best capture and describe these implications, we attempt to approach their moves and payoffs through a combination of strategic and analytical tools such as zero-sum games and multiple regression models. Data and metadata for both economies were obtained from official sources, mainly the Eurostat and the National Bureau of Statistics of China and used as input in the regression model. Subsequently, the model output was used as input in the zero-sum game. The results of this process pointed out the best strategies that the players should follow in order to avoid great losses.</p>
Process‐based characterization of evapotranspiration sources over the North American monsoon region
Authors: Bohn Theodore J. , Vivoni Enrique R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractEvapotranspiration (ET) is a poorly constrained flux in the North American monsoon (NAM) region, leading to potential errors in land‐atmosphere feedbacks. We quantified the spatiotemporal variations of ET using the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model, modified to account for soil evaporation (Esoil), irrigated agriculture, and the variability of land surface properties derived from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer during 2000–2012. Simulated ET patterns were compared to field observations at 59 eddy covariance towers, water balance estimates in nine basins, and six available gridded ET products. The modified VIC model performed well at eddy covariance towers representing the natural and agricultural land covers in the region. Simulations revealed that major sources of ET were forested mountain areas during the summer season and irrigated croplands at peak times of growth in the winter and summer, accounting for 22% and 9% of the annual ET, respectively. Over the NAM region, Esoilwas the largest component (60%) of annual ET, followed by plant transpiration (T, 32%) and evaporation of canopy interception (8%). Esoiland T displayed different relationships with P in natural land covers, with Esoiltending to peak earlier than T by up to 1 month, while only a weak correlation between ET and P was found in irrigated croplands. Based on the model performance, the VIC‐based estimates are the most realistic to date for this region. Furthermore, spatiotemporal patterns reveal new information on the magnitudes, locations, and timing of ET in the North American monsoon region with implications on land‐atmosphere feedbacks.
The flow of a foam in a two‐dimensional porous medium
Authors: Géraud Baudouin , Jones Siân A. , Cantat Isabelle , Dollet Benjamin , Méheust Yves 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFoams have been used for decades as displacing fluids for enhanced oil recovery and aquifer remediation, and more recently, for remediation of the vadose zone, in which case foams carry chemical amendments. Foams are better injection fluids than aqueous solutions due to their low sensitivity to gravity and because they are less sensitive to permeability heterogeneities, thus allowing a more uniform sweep. The latter aspect results from their peculiar rheology, whose understanding motivates the present study. We investigate foam flow through a two‐dimensional porous medium consisting of circular obstacles positioned randomly in a horizontal transparent Hele‐Shaw cell. The local foam structure is recorded in situ, which provides a measure of the spatial distribution of bubble velocities and sizes at regular time intervals. The flow exhibits a rich phenomenology including preferential flow paths and local flow nonstationarity (intermittency) despite the imposed permanent global flow rate. Moreover, the medium selects the bubble size distribution through lamella division‐triggered bubble fragmentation. Varying the mean bubble size of the injected foam, its water content, and mean velocity, we characterize those processes systematically. In particular, we measure the spatial evolution of the distribution of bubble areas, and infer the efficiency of bubble fragmentation depending on the various control parameters. We furthermore show that the distributions of bubble sizes and velocities are correlated. This study sheds new light on the local rheology of foams in porous media and opens the way toward quantitative characterization of the relationship between medium geometry and foam flow properties. It also suggests that large‐scale models of foam flows in the subsurface should account for the correlation between bubble sizes and velocities.
Immunotherapy compliance: comparison of subcutaneous versus sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Leader Brittany A. , Rotella Melissa , Stillman Leisa , DelGaudio John M. , Patel Zara M. , Wise Sarah K. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundPatient compliance is critical for successful allergen immunotherapy (AIT). Previous studies suggest that AIT compliance is worse outside of controlled clinical trials, with reported subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) noncompliance at 11% to 50% and 3% to 25%, respectively.MethodsA retrospective review of 384 AIT patients at a single, tertiary care otolaryngic allergy practice evaluated SCIT and SLIT compliance, based on treatment stage. SCIT compliance was defined as the number of 2‐week breaks per year or in compliance with their defined schedule: excellent = 2 or fewer; good = 3 to 4; fair = 5 to 6; and poor = 7 or more. Compliance with SLIT was defined as the number of days vials were refilled within the defined expiration date: excellent = 10 days or fewer; good = 11 to 15 days, fair = 16 to 20 days; and poor = 25 or more days. Fisher exact and chi square tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsSeventy‐four SCIT and 200 SLIT patients had data appropriate for analysis. Compliance rates were excellent (62%) or good (22%) in 62 SCIT patients and excellent (31%) or good (35%) in 131 SLIT patients. Comparing excellent compliance rates, SCIT patients had a higher rate of excellent compliance at all stages of treatment compared to SLIT patients (p < 0.05). For SCIT patients there was no significant difference in excellent compliance rates between escalation, first year of maintenance, and greater than 1 year of maintenance (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed higher rates of patient adherence to treatment protocols among SCIT patients. There was no decrease in SCIT compliance rates across treatment stages.
Production of hyaluronic‐acid‐based cell‐enclosing microparticles and microcapsules via enzymatic reaction using a microfluidic system
Authors: Khanmohammadi Mehdi , Sakai Shinji , Ashida Tomoaki , Taya Masahito 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThis article describes the preparation of cell‐enclosing hyaluronic acid (HA) microparticles with solid core and microcapsules with liquid core through cell‐friendly horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐catalyzed hydrogelation. The spherical vehicles were made from HA derivative possessing phenolic hydroxyl moieties (HA‐Ph) cross‐linkable through the enzymatic reaction by extruding cell‐suspending HA‐Ph aqueous solution containing HRP from a needle of 180 μm in inner diameter into the ambient coaxial flow of liquid paraffin containing H2O2 in a microtubule of 600 μm in diameter. By altering the flow rate of liquid paraffin, the diameters of gelatin and HA‐Ph microparticles were varied in the range of 120–220 μm and 100–300 μm, respectively. The viability of the enclosed human hepatoma HepG2 cells in the HA‐Ph microparticles of 180 μm in diameter was 94.2 ± 2.3%. The growth of the enclosed HepG2 cells was enhanced by decreasing the HRP concentration. The microcapsules of 200 μm in diameter were obtained by extruding HA‐Ph aqueous solution containing thermally liquefiable cell‐enclosing gelatin microparticles of 150 μm in diameter using the same microfluidic system. The enclosed cells grew and filled the cavity within 10 days. Spherical tissues covered with a heterogeneous cell layer were obtained by degrading the microcapsule membrane using hyaluronidase after covering the surface with a heterogeneous cell layer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43107.
Fractional Flow Reserve Evaluation and Chronic Kidney Disease: Analysis From a Multicenter Italian Registry (the FREAK Study)
Authors: Tebaldi Matteo , Biscaglia Simone , Fineschi Massimo , Manari Antonio , Menozzi Mila , Secco Gioel Gabrio , Di Lorenzo Emilio , D'Ascenzo Fabrizio , Fabbian Fabio , Tumscitz Carlo , Ferrari Roberto , Campo Gianluca 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo establish if the presence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) influences fractional flow reserve (FFR) value in patients with intermediate coronary stenosis.BackgroundFFR‐guided coronary revascularization reduces cardiac adverse events in patients with coronary artery disease. CKD impairs microcirculation and increases cardiovascular risk. Whether CKD presence may limit FFR accuracy is unknown.MethodsWe used data from a multicenter prospective registry enrolling 1.004 patients undergoing FFR evaluation for intermediate stenosis. We assessed the relationship between clinical and angiographic variables and FFR measurement. CKD was defined as CrCl value ≤45 ml/min. FFR value was considered potentially flow‐limiting, and therefore positive, if ≤0.80. The index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) was calculated in 20 patients stratified according CrCl value (single‐center substudy). Results: FFR measurement was positive in 395 (39%) patients. Overall, 131 (13%) patients had CKD. Patients with CrCl ≤45 ml/min showed significantly higher FFR values as compared to the others (0.84 ± 0.07 vs. 0.81 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). Positive FFR occurrence was lower in patients with CrCl ≤45 ml/min (27% vs. 41%, p < 0.01). After multivariable analysis, diabetes (HR 1.07, 95%CI 1.008–1.13, p = 0.03), left anterior descending (HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.27–1.43, p < 0.001) and CrCl ≤45 ml/min (HR 0.92, 95%CI 0.87–0.97, p = 0.005) emerged as independent predictors of FFR measurement. Accordingly, IMR values were higher in patients with CrCl ≤45 ml/min (32 U [28245] vs. 16 U [11220], p < 0.01).ConclusionsFFR and IMR measurements differ between CKD patients and those with normal renal function. Flow‐limiting FFR is less frequent in patients with CrCl ≤45 ml/min. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Barthel Index as a Predictor of 1‐Year Mortality in Very Elderly Patients Who Underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Coronary Syndrome: Better Activities of Daily Living, Longer Life
Authors: Higuchi Satoshi , Kabeya Yusuke , Matsushita Kenichi , Taguchi Hiroki , Ishiguro Haruhisa , Kohshoh Hideyasu , Yoshino Hideaki 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is safe and effective in very elderly patients, defined as those who are age ≥85 years, with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the prognostic factors remain unknown. The association between activities of daily living (ADL) and the prognosis after PCI has not yet been investigated.HypothesisBetter ADL is associated with better 1‐year prognosis.MethodsThis retrospective study included 91 consecutive very elderly patients with ACS. We calculated the Barthel Index (BI) as an indicator for ADL. Patients were classified into 2 groups according to BI: high BI (≥85) and low BI (<85). The BI was assessed both on admission (pre‐BI) and at discharge (post‐BI).ResultsIn the 91 patients (mean age, 88.2 ± 3.0 years, 52% male), 1‐year mortality was 33%. The Cox regression model demonstrated that low pre‐BI was not a risk factor for 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.30‐1.78, P = 0.490). However, post‐BI was significantly associated with 1‐year mortality (hazard ratio: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.11‐0.57, P = 0.001). The 1‐year mortality of the high and the low post‐BI group was estimated as 21% (95% CI: 12%‐35%) and 62% (95% CI: 42%‐82%), respectively. A 5‐unit decrease in post‐BI was related to a 1.10‐fold increased risk for 1‐year mortality (95% CI: 1.05‐1.15, P < 0.001).ConclusionsActivities of daily living at discharge, although not before admission, may be a useful predictor for 1‐year mortality in very elderly patients undergoing PCI for ACS.
Sinus Node Dysfunction Is Associated With Higher Symptom Burden and Increased Comorbid Illness: Results From the ORBIT‐AF Registry
Authors: Jackson Larry R. , Kim Sung Hee , Piccini Jonathan P. , Gersh Bernard J. , Naccarelli Gerald V. , Reiffel James A. , Freeman James , Thomas Laine , Chang Paul , Fonarow Gregg C. , Go Alan S. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Peterson Eric D. , Kowey Peter R. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundPatients with sinus node dysfunction (SND) have increased risk of atrial tachyarrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation (AF). To date, treatment patterns and outcomes of patients with SND and AF have not been well described.HypothesisPatients with SND and AF have higher risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.MethodsSinus node dysfunction was defined clinically, based on treating physician. Treatment patterns were described and logistic regression analysis performed to assess outcomes.ResultsOverall, 1710 (17.7%) out of 9631 patients had SND at enrollment. Patients with SND and AF had increased comorbid medical illnesses, more severe symptoms (European Heart Rhythm Association class IV: 17.5% vs 13.9%; P = 0.0007), and poorer quality of life (median 12‐month Atrial Fibrillation Effect on Quality of Life score: 79.6 vs 85.2; P = 0.0008). There were no differences in AF management strategy between patients with SND and those without (rate control, 69.7% vs 67.7%; rhythm control, 30.0% vs 32.0%; P = 0.11). After adjustment, patients with SND were more likely than those without SND to progress from paroxysmal AF at baseline to persistent or permanent AF at any follow‐up, or persistent AF at baseline to permanent AF at any follow‐up (odds ratio: 1.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.01‐1.49, P = 0.035). However, there was no association between SND and major risk‐adjusted outcomes.ConclusionsSinus node dysfunction is present in 1 of 6 patients with AF and is associated with increased comorbidities and higher symptom burden. However, SND is not associated with an increase in major risk‐adjusted outcomes.
Biosorption of dye from synthetic wastewater using alga enriched in phenolic compounds
Authors: Deniz Fatih , Kepekci Remziye Aysun 
Published: December 2015

In the current study, we report the preparation of modified biosorbent from Spirulina platensis microalga via the high light application in order to enhance its dye biosorption capacity. The modified biosorbent was characterized with analyses of content of phenolic compounds, FTIR and SEM. The biosorbent was applied to kinetic and equilibrium studies for removal of C.I. Basic Red 46 (C.I. BR 46) from aqueous solution. The kinetic data were best described by the logistic model, while the equilibrium data were best fitted by Langmuir model. The kinetic and isotherm studies indicated that C.I. BR 46 biosorption onto the modified biosorbent occurred in monolayers and the biosorption process was controlled by physical sorption. The level of phenolic compounds in the high light applied biosorbent was defined approximately eightfold higher than in the native biosorbent. Moreover, the high light application provided an increase in the dye biosorption capacity of about 31%, when compared to the raw biosorbent. The maximum biosorption capacity of modified biosorbent was found to be 33.33 mg g−1 for C.I. BR 46 at the worked biosorption conditions. Thus, this work reveals that high light application can potentially be used to increase biosorption capacity of biosorbents. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 737–742, 2016
Long saphenous vein and its anatomical variations
Authors: Chen Suzi Su‐Hsin , Prasad Shri Kumar 
Published: December 2015

AbstractVascular ultrasonography has an important role in the diagnosis and management of venous disease. The venous system, however, is more complex and variable compared to the arterial system due to its frequent anatomical variations. This often becomes quite challenging for sonographers. This paper discusses the anatomy of the long saphenous vein and its anatomical variations accompanied by sonograms and illustrations.
Echocardiographic evaluation of systolic heart failure
Authors: Lo Queenie , Thomas Liza 
Published: December 2015

AbstractEchocardiography is the most commonly used modality for evaluating left ventricular size and function in the context of systolic heart failure. Traditional techniques, though extensively used, have their limitations and more recently several newer technologies have emerged that are more reproducible, provide prognostic information, guide therapies and have an important role in monitoring progress. This review will evaluate the traditional and more novel techniques used and briefly provide an overview of the role of echocardiography in guiding and monitoring therapies in patients with systolic heart failure.
What's in a referral letter: does the detail matter?
Authors: Dickie JA , Ellwood DA , Robertson M 
Published: December 2015

Background: The referral letter is an often‐overlooked yet essential element that contributes to the quality of patient care when specialist services are accessed. In the field of maternal‐fetal medicine, incomplete referral letters that fail to comprehensively identify pregnancy risk factors can have significant implications for pregnancy management and delivery planning.Objectives: To evaluate the quality and completeness of referral letters from general practitioners and obstetricians to the Fetal Medicine Unit (FMU) at The Canberra Hospital and to improve practice through validation of a patient questionnaire with sensitivity for identifying pregnancy risk factors.Methods: Self reported information from a questionnaire completed by pregnant women presenting for initial consultation to the FMU was compared with information contained in the written referral letter for that particular patient. Information compared was categorised as mandatory referral information, significant past obstetric or gynaecological history, or other relevant medical history.Results: The patient questionnaire was successful in providing clinicians with relevant medical information in addition to that which was contained in professional referrals in 57% (95% confidence interval (CI) 48–67%) of cases. Significantly more risk factors for the current pregnancy were highlighted in the questionnaires than in the referral letters (P = 0.008).Conclusions: A significant proportion of referral letters received by the FMU during the study period lacked completeness in many key areas. Recommendations to improve this situation include the routine use of patient questionnaires or referral letter templates, the development of local referral guidelines, and regular clinician education.
Twin pregnancy complicated by an adnexal mass
Authors: Coveney Sean D 
Published: December 2015

AbstractGastrointestinal stromal tumours are mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.1 This case study reports the incidental finding of a left sided adnexal mass in a woman with twin pregnancy. The presence of any mass during pregnancy raises issues for patient management, the effect on the developing fetus and mode of delivery.