bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tree diameter structural diversity in Central European forests withAbies albaandFagus sylvatica: managed versus unmanaged forest stands
Authors: Pach Maciej , Podlaski Rafał 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe biodiversity of forest stands should be analysed from the point of view of not only compositional elements but also structural diversity. The main objective of this study was to compare tree diameter structural diversity of the mixed managed and unmanaged stands withAbies albaandFagus sylvatica. There were 62 study plots established in the Carpathians (Southern Poland) and in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains (Central Poland) in managed and unmanaged stands. The comparison of the studied stands involved the identification and modelling of size structures, the use of the Gini coefficient and the relative distribution method (including entropy and polarisation). Six structural types were distinguished: three unimodals of a different width of diameter at breast height (DBH) range (mainly for the managed stands), reverse‐J, rotated‐sigmoid and bimodal (for unmanaged stands). Modelling of the distinguished structural types by means of theoretical distributions has shown that the best results of approximation for unimodal skewed and reverse‐J DBH distributions were obtained with the single Weibull and gamma distribution, while in the case of rotated‐sigmoid and bimodal DBH distributions the best results were obtained with mixture models. The comparisons have shown that tree diameter structural diversity was more complex in unmanaged forests compared to managed stands. For managed stands the Gini coefficient assumed values from 0.31 to 0.48, while in the case of the unmanaged forests, from 0.33 to 0.73. One should aim to increase tree diameter structural diversity in managed forests, adopting the close‐to‐nature silviculture concept which consists of imitating natural processes.
Ocular herpes: the pathophysiology, management and treatment of herpetic eye diseases
Authors: Zhu Lucy , Zhu Hua 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHerpesviruses are a prominent cause of human viral disease, second only to the cold and influenza viruses. Most herpesvirus infections are mild or asymptomatic. However, when the virus invades the eye, a number of pathologies can develop and its associated sequelae have become a considerable source of ocular morbidity. The most common culprits of herpetic eye disease are the herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV). While primary infection can produce ocular disease, the most destructive manifestations tend to arise from recurrent infection. These recurrent infections can wreck devastating effects and lead to irreversible vision loss accompanied by a decreased quality of life, increased healthcare usage, and significant cost burden. Unfortunately, no method currently exists to eradicate herpesviruses from the body after infection. Treatment and management of herpes-related eye conditions continue to revolve around antiviral drugs, although corticosteroids, interferons, and other newer therapies may also be appropriate depending on the disease presentation. Ultimately, the advent of effective vaccines will be crucial to preventing herpesvirus diseases altogether and cutting the incidence of ocular complications.
Output temporal contrast simulation of a large aperture high power short pulse laser system
Authors: Zhu Ping , Xie Xinglong , Ouyang Xiaoping , Zhu Jianqiang 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The work presented in this paper is a study of output temporal contrast degradation by near-field quality deterioration, such as intensity modulation and wavefront deviation, in a large aperture high power short pulse laser system. A two-step focusing algorithm with a coordinate transform based on the Fresnel approximation in the space domain is used for simulating the output focused by an off-axis parabolic mirror. The temporal contrast degradation by intensity modulation and wavefront deviation is analyzed and the influence of the diameter on the temporal contrast degradation is revealed. The simulation and assumption results based on the parameters of the Shen Guang-II laser system are compared with the online experimental temporal contrast data. The near-field quality deterioration might lead to temporal contrast degradation, hindering higher temporal contrast in large aperture high power short pulse laser systems.
The place names of Zemlya Frantsa-Iosifa: the Wellman polar expedition, 1898–1899
Authors: Capelotti P.J. , Forsberg M. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIn 1898–1899, the first American polar expedition to Zemlya Frantsa-Iosifa [Franz Josef Land], under the leadership of journalist Walter Wellman, added at least forty place names to the islands, of which many survive on modern charts. These include the main discovery of the expedition, the large island named for Scottish-born Alexander Graham Bell, then president of the National Geographic Society, along with numerous smaller islands, capes and waterways. The origins of several of these names are now confirmed using recently discovered notes in the papers of Wellman's brother and business manager, Arthur Wellman. They demonstrate the close relationship between Walter Wellman and the political, financial and scientific elites of turn-of-the-century Chicago, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and the state of Ohio, associations derived from Wellman's profession as a Washington correspondent for Chicago newspapers.
Factorial validity, measurement equivalence and cognitive performance of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) between patients with first-episode psychosis and healthy volunteers
Authors: Haring L. , Mõttus R. , Koch K. , Trei M. , Maron E. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to use selected Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) tests to examine the dimensional structure of cognitive dysfunction in first episode of psychosis (FEP) patients compared with cognition in healthy subjects.MethodA total of 109 FEP patients and 96 healthy volunteers were administered eight CANTAB tests of cognitive function. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used to estimate dimensionality within the test results. The dimensions identified by the PCA were assumed to reflect underlying cognitive traits. The plausibility of latent factor models was estimated using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Multi-group CFA (MGCFA) was used to test for measurement invariance of factors between groups. The nature and severity of cognitive deficits amongst patients as opposed to controls were evaluated using a general linear model.ResultsAmongst subjects PCA identified two underlying cognitive traits: (i) a broad cognitive domain; (ii) attention/memory and executive function domains. Corresponding CFA models were built that fitted data well for both FEP patients and healthy volunteers. As in MGCFA latent variables appeared differently defined in patient and control groups, differences had to be ascribed using subtest scores rather than their aggregates. At subtest score level the patients performed significantly worse than healthy subjects in all comparisons (p < 0.001).ConclusionsResults of this study demonstrate that the structure of underlying cognitive abilities as measured by a selection of CANTAB tests is not the same for healthy individuals and FEP patients, with patients displaying widespread cognitive impairment.
Seroepidemiology and risk factors ofToxoplasma gondiiinfection in undergraduate university female students in Jordan
Authors: OBAIDAT M. M. , AL-SHEYAB N. A. , BANI SALMAN A. E. , LAFI S. Q. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThis study estimated the seroprevalence and risk factors for acquiringToxoplasma gondiiinfection by undergraduate female university students in Jordan. A cross-sectional study from September 2013 to July 2014 analysed 202 blood samples for IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a semi-constructed questionnaire was completed by participants to gather information aboutToxoplasmainfection risk factors.T. gondiiIgG antibodies were detected in 66·5% of the females. Only one sample was positive for both IgG and IgM. Usingχ2test, six factors showed significant association withT. gondiiinfection (P⩽ 0·01). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female students living in houses, wet areas, with income >US$750/month and using spring (untreated) water were 47·42, 10·20, 5·00, 3·25 more times at risk to be seropositive forT. gondii, respectively, compared to female students living in apartments, dry areas, with income ≤US$750/month and using treated water, respectively. This study concluded thatT. gondiiinfection in female university students in Jordan is high and most women become infected before marriage; however, congenital toxoplasmosis is still likely to occur in Jordan. Thus, dissemination of protective measures and knowledge by healthcare professionals is essential especially for pregnant women.
Primary cardiovascular care for patients with valvar cardiac disease
Authors: Boris Jeffrey R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOutpatient management of patients with structurally or functionally abnormal cardiac valves combines an ability to record an appropriate history, a directed physical examination, a knowledge of both the interpretation as well as the context of any associated testing, and an understanding of the care guidelines in the medical literature. This article attempts to integrate these various features to guide the clinician towards more appropriate and timely management of patients with cardiac valve disease.
Impact of prenatal haemodynamic and functional abnormalities in Ebstein’s anomaly on survival
Authors: Freire Grace , Nguyen Thieu , Sekar Priya , Wilhm Marilyn , Arnold Kathy , Leshko Jenny , Amankwah Ernest K. , Huhta James 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPredicting outcomes of foetuses with Ebstein’s anomaly and tricuspid valve dysplasia continues to be challenging. Limited data exist on the prognostic significance of prenatal haemodynamic and functional parameters in this population. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic significance of haemodynamic and ventricular functional parameters in addition to associated morphometric parameters in patients with Ebstein’s anomaly. We reviewed medical records of foetuses with Ebstein’s anomaly and tricuspid valve dysplasia at All Children’s Hospital Johns Hopkins Medicine and Johns Hopkins University between 2005 and 2012. The main outcome was survival past 30 days from birth; participants who died in utero or <30 days after birth were considered non-survivors. There were 13 survivors and seven non-survivors. We found that participants with abnormal right ventricular function predicted by low tricuspid regurgitation velocity (<2.3 m/second) (p=0.012) and low estimated right ventricular pressure (<24 mmHg) (p=0.029), a low (<7) cardiovascular profile score (p=0.029) and high (>0.53) cardiothoracic ratio (p=0.008) at the first foetal echocardiogram were less likely to survive. In addition, participants with a fossa ovalis/atrial septal length ratio <0.36 at the last foetal echocardiogram (p=0.051) were more likely to die, albeit of borderline statistical significance. Low tricuspid regurgitation velocity and low right ventricular estimated pressure, or a low cardiovascular profile score could be potential prognostic factors for Ebstein’s anomaly and tricuspid valve dysplasia. However, future larger prospective studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.
Transcatheter pulmonary valve insertion, expanded use (beyond large conduits from the right ventricle to pulmonary artery), and future directions
Authors: Ringewald Jeremy M. , Suh Elsa J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTranscatheter pulmonary valve insertion is the most important advance in congenital interventional cardiology since atrial septal defect devices became commonly available 15 years ago. It has changed the way we look at a number of diverse diagnoses and changes how we plan, diagnose, operate, and follow-up patients. It has changed how we counsel families expecting a child that may benefit from it. Expanded use of the Melody® valve, outside its United States Food and Drug Administration approved indications, has helped numerous additional patients. The use of transcatheter pulmonary valve insertion in selected patients following surgical Gore-tex® bileaflet in valve right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction and those with a history of prior small homograft conduits will be discussed.
Preoperative management of the neonate with critical aortic valvar stenosis
Authors: Affolter Jeremy T. , Ghanayem Nancy S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNeonatal critical aortic stenosis is a rare form of CHD that often presents with cardiogenic shock. Although surgical and cardiac catheterisation-based interventions have been successful in alleviating left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, it remains associated with high morbidity and mortality. Critical aortic stenosis results in elevated left ventricular wall stress, which ultimately increases myocardial oxygen consumption and disrupts coronary artery perfusion during diastole, leading to ventricular dysfunction and cardiogenic shock. Critical care management before definitive intervention should be tailored to optimising oxygen delivery and reducing metabolic consumption of the myocardium and peripheral organ systems. This can be accomplished with prostaglandin infusion to maintain system perfusion through patency of the arterial duct, inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, and central nervous system abrogation. Management should also include a multi-specialty medical team including paediatric cardiothoracic surgeons and paediatric cardiologists with expertise in cardiac catheterisation, imaging, and transplantation.
Transcatheter management of neonatal aortic stenosis
Authors: Stapleton Gary E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNeonatal aortic valvar stenosis can be challenging to treat because of the varied morphology of the valve, the association with hypoplasia of other left heart structures, and the presence of left ventricular systolic dysfunction or endomyocardial fibroelastosis. Balloon valvuloplasty and surgical valvotomy have been well described in the literature for the treatment of neonatal aortic stenosis. Transcatheter therapy for neonatal aortic stenosis is the preferred method at many centres; however, some centres prefer a surgical approach. Balloon valvuloplasty for neonatal aortic stenosis is reviewed in this manuscript, including the history of the procedure, technical aspects, and acute and long-term outcomes.
Development of paediatric electrophysiology standards for Florida Children’s Medical Services
Authors: McCormack Jorge , Seslar Stephen , Wolff Grace , Young Ming , Bryant Randall , Neghme Rodrigo , Fishberger Steven , Decker Jamie A. , Sokoloski Mary , Ho Jason , Lawrence David , Jenkins Chrishonda , Stannard Kelli , Schiebler Gerold L. , Blanchard William , Jacobs Jeffrey P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe Florida Children’s Medical Services (CMS) has a long-standing history of ensuring that providers of multiple paediatric subspecialties abide by the highest standards. The cardiac sub-committee has written quality standard documents that participating programmes must meet or exceed. These standards oversee paediatric cardiology services including surgery, catheterisations, and outpatient services. On April, 2012, the cardiac sub-committee decided to develop similar standards in paediatric electrophysiology. A task force was created and began this process. These standards include a catalogue of required and optional equipment, as well as staff and physician credentials. We sought to establish expectations of procedural numbers by practitioner and facility. The task force surveyed the members of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society. Finding no consensus, the task force is committed to generate the data by requiring that the CMS participating programmes enrol and submit data to the Multicenter Pediatric and Adult Congenital EP Quality (MAP-IT™) Initiative. This manuscript details the work of the Florida CMS Paediatric Electrophysiology Task Force.
Echocardiography of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve in children
Authors: Kreeger Joseph , Watson Timotheus , Mahle William T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDiseases of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve are common in childhood. These include congenital anomalies, acquired lesions, and secondary valve compromise due to left heart disease. A comprehensive and methodical approach to the echocardiographic assessment of these diseases of the tricuspid and pulmonary valve is necessary for best care of children with these conditions.
Polytetrafluoroethylene pulmonary valve conduit implantation for chronic pulmonary insufficiency
Authors: Quintessenza James A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPulmonary valve replacement in patients with congenital cardiac disease is now being performed with more liberal indications in light of the data that chronic pulmonary insufficiency is not a benign lesion. The beneficial effects of valve replacement with low operative mortality and morbidity support this approach. Many options exist for a pulmonary valve prosthesis, which underscores the fact that there is no ideal valve available. Our efforts are focussed around a synthetic valve that avoids the bio-degeneration of a bio-prosthesis and avoids the need for life-long coumadin. We developed a bicuspid (bileaflet) polytetrafluoroethylene valve design, which has now gone through three major revisions in >200 patients over 14 years. We began the experience utilising a polytetrafluoroethylene hand-sewn bicuspid valve in the right ventricular outflow tract, initially using 0.6 mm and more recently 0.1 mm polytetrafluoroethylene. The 0.1 mm thickness material functions well as a leaflet, maintaining a relatively thin and flexible nature. It does not calcify or initiate thromboses at least for the first several years. We identified issues with dehiscence of the leaflet from the right ventricular outflow tract muscle, especially in the larger, potentially expansive right ventricular outflow tracts, and this prompted our latest design change to place the valve within a polytetrafluoroethylene tube. This current version of the polytetrafluoroethylene valve conduit has excellent short-to-intermediate-term function. Further follow-up is necessary to determine late durability and life-long valve-related procedural risk for our patients.
Evidence-based Effective Triage Operation During Disaster: Application of Human-trajectory Data to Triage Drill Sessions
Authors: Ohta Shoichi , Yoda Ikushi , Takeda Munekazu , Kuroshima Satomi , Uchida Kotaro , Kawai Kentaro , Yukioka Tetsuo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionThough many governmental and nongovernmental efforts for disaster prevention have been sought throughout Japan since the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, most of the preparation efforts for disasters have been based more on structural and conventionalized regulations than on scientific and objective grounds.ProblemThere has been a lack of scientific knowledge for space utilization for triage posts in disaster drill sessions. This report addresses how participants occupy and make use of the space within a triage post in terms of areas of use and occupied time.MethodThe trajectories of human movement by using Ubiquitous Stereo Vision (USV) cameras during two emergency drill sessions held in 2012 in a large commercial building have been measured. The USV cameras collect each participant's travel distance and the wait time before, during, and after undergoing triage. The correlation between the wait time and the space utilization of patients at a triage post has been analyzed.ResultsIn the first session, there were some spaces not entirely used. This was caused largely by a patient who arrived earlier than others and lingered in the middle area, which caused the later arrivals to crowd the entrance area. On the other hand, in the second session, the area was used in a more evenly-distributed manner. This is mainly because the earlier arrivals were guided to the back space of the triage post (ie, the opposite side of the entrance), and the late arrivals were also guided to the front half, which was not occupied by anyone. As a result, the entire space was effectively utilized without crowding the entrance.ConclusionThis study has shown that this system could measure people's arrival times and the speed of their movements at the triage post, as well as where they are placed until they receive triage. Space utilization can be improved by efficiently planning and controlling the positioning of arriving patients. Based on the results, it has been suggested that for triage operation, it is necessary to efficiently plan and control the placement of patients in order to use strategically limited spatial resources.OhtaS, YodaI, TakedaM, KuroshimaS, UchidaK, KawaiK, YukiokaT. Evidence-based effective triage operation during disaster: application of human-trajectory data to triage drill sessions. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-8.