bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of right ventricular function in patients with tetralogy of Fallot using the myocardial performance index and isovolumic acceleration: a comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Koca Bülent , Öztunç Funda , Eroğlu Ayşe Güler , Gökalp Selman , Dursun Memduh , Yilmaz Ravza 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground: Assessment of right ventricular function is a key point in the follow-up of operated patients with tetralogy of Fallot. Cardiac magnetic resonance assessment of right ventricular function is considered the gold standard. However, this technique is expensive, has limited availability, and requires significant expertise to acquire and interpret the images. Myocardial performance index and isovolumic acceleration have recently been studied for the assessment of right ventricular function and are shown to be simple yet powerful tools for assessing patients with right ventricular dysfunction of various origins. Methods: In this study, the integrity of myocardial performance index and isovolumic acceleration obtained by tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography to quantify right ventricular function was assessed in 31 patients operated for tetralogy of Fallot. Myocardial performance index and isovolumic acceleration measurements were compared with the parameters derived by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Results: In this study, a significant correlation has not been detected between cardiac magnetic resonance-originated right ventricular ejection fraction, pulmonary regurgitation fraction and myocardial performance index, isovolumic acceleration obtained by tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography from the lateral tricuspid annulus of the right ventricle. Conclusion: We have concluded that when evaluated separately, myocardial performance index and isovolumic acceleration obtained from tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography can be used in the long-term follow-up of patients who have been operated for tetralogy of Fallot, but that they do not show correlation with cardiac magnetic resonance-originated right ventricle ejection fraction and pulmonary regurgitation fraction.
Adolescents’ ability to select healthy food using two different front-of-pack food labels: a cross-over study
Authors: Babio Nancy , Vicent Paloma , López Leonor , Benito Anna , Basulto Julio , Salas-Salvadó Jordi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare, in adolescents, two models of front-of-pack Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA) labels in terms of (i) friendliness and acceptance and (ii) the ability to choose a diet that closely follows the nutritional recommendations.DesignA randomized cross-over study was designed to compare two simplified front-of-pack GDA nutrition labels.SettingA Spanish secondary school.SubjectsEighty-one healthy adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years were recruited. Participants were randomly exposed to two experimental non-real food-choice conditions using multiple-traffic-light or monochrome nutritional labels. Participants had to choose options from a closed menu for 5 d on the basis of the experimental front-of-pack labelling. For each meal, three food options with different nutritional compositions were given to the participants. The contents of total energy and fat, saturated fat, sugar and salt of the chosen options were calculated.ResultsThere were no significant differences in baseline sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics between participants regardless of the experimental condition in which they started. There were no carry-over effects between the experimental sequences. It was observed that when participants used the multiple-traffic-light GDA system they chose significantly less total energy (mean –123·1 (sd 211·0) kJ (−29·4 (sd 50·4) kcal), P < 0·001), sugar (−4·5 (sd 4·6) g, P < 0·001), fat (−2·1 (sd 4·5) g, P = 0·006), saturated fat (−1·0 (sd 1·9) g, P = 0·002) and salt (−0·4 (sd 0·5) g, P < 0·001) than when they used the monochrome GDA system.ConclusionsCompared with the monochrome GDA front-of-pack nutritional label, the multiple-traffic-light system helped adolescents to differentiate between healthier and less healthy food, theoretically making it possible for them to choose a diet closer to dietary recommendations.
Underusage of radiotherapy and a lack of socio-economic disparity in treatment outcome: a population-based study on adenoid cystic carcinomas
Authors: Cheung Rex 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study used receiver operating characteristic curve to analyse a long list of biological, treatment and socio-economic predictors of adenoid cystic carcinoma treatment outcome. Anatomical staging was found to be the most predictive factor of outcome.PurposeThis study used receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) to analyse surveillance, epidemiology and end results (SEER) adenoid cystic carcinoma data to identify predictive models and potential disparity in outcome.Materials and methodsFor the risk modelling, each factor was fitted by a generalised linear model to predict the cause-specific survival. The area under the ROC was computed. Similar strata were combined to construct the most parsimonious models. A random sampling algorithm was used to estimate the modelling errors. Risk of adenoid cystic carcinoma death was computed for the predictors for comparison.ResultsThere were 5,947 patients diagnosed from 1973 to 2009 included in this study. The mean follow-up time (SD) was 93·8 (90·6) months. Three out of five patients were women. The mean (SD) age was 58·55 (16·01) years. SEER stage was the most predictive factor of outcome (ROC area of 0·68). Sex, radiotherapy and surgery had ROC areas of about 0·57. None of the socio-economic disparities was found for treatment outcome. Radiotherapy was underused in localised and regional stages when the intent was curative, especially in older patients.ConclusionAnatomical staging was predictive and useful in treatment selection. Understaging and underuse of radiotherapy may have contributed to poor outcomes.
Metastatic small-cell lung carcinoma to the thyroid gland: a case report
Authors: Boimel Pamela , Turaka Aruna 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectMetastasis to the thyroid gland is a rare event.MethodsWe describe an unusual case of a 38-year-old woman with a history of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), presenting with a new nodule in the thyroid gland, found to be metastatic SCLC, without evidence of widespread dissemination.ConclusionsA new thyroid nodule should be carefully evaluated for metastasis in a patient with a history of prior malignancy.
A qualitative study exploring the perceived impact of supervision training on cognitive therapy supervisor practice
Authors: Younge Joanne , Campbell Anne 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough cognitive therapy (CT) has a large empirical base, research is lacking for CT supervision and supervision training, which presents an obstacle for evidence-based practice. A pilot CT supervision training programme, based on Milne's evidence-based supervision and Roth & Pilling's supervision competences was developed by the Northern Ireland Centre for Trauma and Transformation (NICTT), an organization specializing in CT therapy provision and training. This pilot study qualitatively explores CT supervisors’ perceptions of the impact the training had on their practice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants, transcribed verbatim and analysed using Burnard's thematic content analysis. Findings illustrated that experienced CT supervisors perceived benefit from training and that the majority of supervisors had implemented contracts, used specific supervision models and paid more attention to supervisee learning as a result of the training. Obstacles to evaluating supervision included the lack of reliable user-friendly evaluation tools and supervisor consultancy structures. Recommendations are also made for future research to establish the long-term effects of supervision training and its effect on patient outcomes. Implications for future training based on adult learning principles are discussed.
Low conduction loss and low device stress three‐level power factor correction rectifier
Authors: Su Bin , Zhang Junming , Wen Huiqing , Lu Zhengyu 
Published: May 2013

A low conduction loss and low device stress three‐level rectifier is proposed and the corresponding neutral‐point voltage balance control scheme is presented in this study. Compared with the conventional rectifier, the MOSFET voltage rating can be reduced by half. The inductance and the volume of input inductor are reduced. The conduction losses can also be lowered because of the elimination of the front–end bridge rectifier and the adoption of synchronous rectification. The neutral‐point voltage balance algorithm based on the average current‐mode modulation is illustrated with constant frequency operation. To verify the theoretical analysis, a universal line input 100 kHz, 900 W prototype is built. The experimental results show that the input inductor volume is greatly reduced and the neutral‐point voltage balance of the prototype is fulfilled considering various load conditions and dynamic processes. The proposed rectifier improves the efficiency by 2% under 90 V line input voltage compared with the conventional one.
Implementing dynamic quick response with high‐frequency feedback control of the deformable constant on‐time control for Buck converter on‐chip
Authors: Chen Wen‐Wei , Chen Jiann‐Fuh , Liang Tsorng‐Juu , Huang Jian‐Rong , Wei Lu‐Chi , Ting Wei‐Yuan 
Published: May 2013

In this study, implementing a dynamic quick response with high‐frequency feedback control (HFFC) of the deformable constant on‐time (COT) control for Buck converter on‐chip is proposed. The concept uses the HFFC to filter Vout at the load transient to change the on‐time width dynamically, preventing Vout from dropping markedly. Finally, 12 V input voltage, 3.3 V output voltage and 60 W output power with the HFFC are implemented to achieve a dynamic quick response for the integrated circuit of the proposed constant frequency COT for Buck converter. Experimental and SIMPLIS simulation results are compared to verify the viability and superiority of the proposed approach.
Power peaks against installed capacity in tidal stream energy
Authors: Sánchez Marcos , Iglesias Gregorio , Carballo Rodrigo , Fraguela Jose A. 
Published: May 2013

Owing to the natural variability of tidal flow, the curve of available power against time at the site of a tidal stream plant is typically spiky. This means that, for the power peaks to be fully exploited, the installed capacity of the plant would have to be large relative to its mean power output. In practice, a balance should be struck between the percentage of the total resource that is exploited and the installed power (and installation cost) of the plant. The purpose of this study is to examine this problematic through a case study: a tidal stream plant proposed for Ria de Ortigueira, a large estuary in north‐west Spain with a tidal range of 4.5 m. A numerical model of the estuary hydrodynamics is implemented, calibrated and successfully validated using field data. The model is used to determine the tidal flow patterns. The question of the installed capacity is examined for the two areas with the greatest potential as tidal stream sites. It is shown that the nominal power that is required can be greatly reduced by relinquishing the peaks of the power curve, with only a slight reduction in the energy output.
Proportional resonant individual pitch control for mitigation of wind turbines loads
Authors: Zhang Yunqian , Chen Zhe , Cheng Ming 
Published: May 2013

This study addresses the mitigation of wind turbine loads and fatigue such as blade bending moments, tilt and yaw moments etc. Currently, the wind turbine blades are normally controlled to turn collectively to limit the excess of wind power above rated wind speed conditions without any load attenuation. The individual pitch control (IPC) is a promising way to reduce the wind turbine loads. This study presents a proportional resonant (PR) IPC, which does not need the measurement of blade azimuth angle and multiple complex Coleman transformations between rotational coordinate frame and stationary coordinate frame. The new strategy can attenuate the 1p and higher harmonics on the wind turbine blades as well as 3p on the hub without any filters. The wind turbine code fatigue, aerodynamics, structures and turbulence is applied to a doubly fed induction generator‐based wind power generation system. The simulations are performed on the National Renewable Energy Laboratory 1.5 MW upwind reference wind turbine model. The simulation results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the capability and effectiveness of the proposed PR IPC method.
Photocatalytic degradation of phenol using Au/Bi2WO6 composite microspheres under visible‐light irradiation
Authors: Liu Jian‐Yi , Bai Yang , Wang Ping‐Quan 
Published: May 2013

Gold loaded Bi2WO6 (Au/Bi2WO6) nanosheet‐based microspheres were prepared via a hydrothermal method combined with an in‐situ reduction approach. The products were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, a high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and UV–vis diffuse reflectance. The characterisation results revealed that it was the Au nanoparticles deposited on Bi2WO6 microspheres. A photocatalytic test for the degradation of phenol proved that Au loading was an effective means to enhance the photocatalytic activity of Bi2WO6 nanosheet‐based microspheres under visible‐light irradiation (λ > 420 nm). The photocatalytic mechanism over the Au/Bi2WO6 was analysed by active species trapping experiments. The main active species •OH for the photocatalytic test was produced by two pathways, that is, photogenerated holes oxidised water molecules to form •OH (oxidative pathway), and O2 captured the photogenerated electron to generate •O2 − and subsequently produce •OH (reductive pathway).
Integrated carbon spheres on nickel foam as electrode for supercapacitors
Authors: Wei Jiatong , Lin Guannan , Wang Yan , He Xinping , Zhao Chun , Zhao Xu 
Published: May 2013

Integrated carbon spheres in the manner of agglomerate of joined ones were grown on nickel foam substrates by a hydrothermal technique, which could be directly used as an electrode for supercapacitors. This avoided the exploitation of adhesive and thereby significantly decreased the resistance of the electrode. The electrode exhibited a rectangular cyclic voltammogram even at a high scan rate of 10 mV/s and its specific capacitance was as high as 196.43 F/g at the current density of 1 A/g.
Microemulsion‐mediated solvothermal synthesis of hollow Co–Ni ferrite nanoparticle tubes and their magnetic properties
Authors: Gao Ying , Zhao Yun , Fu Min , Jiao Qingze , Li Hansheng 
Published: May 2013

Hollow cobalt–nickel (Co–Ni) ferrite tubes with a diameter of about 200–400 nm and a length of several micrometres were synthesised by a microemulsion‐based solvothermal method in combination with calcination at 500°C. The morphologies and structures of the Co–Ni ferrite tubes and their precursors of Co/Ni/Fe composite oxalate were characterised using a transmission electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and an X‐ray diffractometer. Magnetisation measurement was carried out using a vibrating sample magnetometer at room temperature. The saturation, magnetisation and coercivity of Co0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticle tubes could reach 19.645 emu/g and 722.35 Oe, respectively. Therefore Co–Ni ferrite tubes could be easily prepared using this method and might be applied as catalysts, magnetic materials and microwave absorbers.
Non‐resonant electrostatic energy harvester for wideband applications
Authors: Bu Ling , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Xiaohong , Liu Litian 
Published: May 2013

Presented is a novel non‐resonant electrostatic energy harvester targeted at the wideband frequency response for micro‐system powering. To boost non‐resonance power output under low frequency, the vertical gap changing method is adopted to induce variable charges, which generates approximately 17 times of charge change compared with the conventional method of laterally changing overlap area (at 1 mm gap). Further, to boost the low frequency and non‐resonant power generating capability, the differential structure is adopted to achieve doubled output voltages. Testing results reveal that optimal output power occurs when the inner plate is of large effective movement range and large relative displacement with surrounding electrets. Maximally, 3.9–7.0 V voltage and 0.2–0.7 μW power are achieved over the 5–120 Hz frequency range.
Endolymphatic mastoid shunt: A reevaluation of efficacy
Authors: Welling D. Bradley , Nagaraja H. N. 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVESThe main goal of this paper was to statistically reevaluate the efficacy of the endolymphatic shunt procedure for Meniere's disease.METHODSThomsen et al (Arch Otolaryngol 1981; 107:271‐7) reported on the placebo effect in surgery for Meniere's disease in a controlled double‐blind study. Thirty patients with typical Meniere's disease in whom medical treatment failed participated in the study. A placebo‐controlled blinded surgical study has not since been replicated. We performed a retrospective statistical analysis using data extracted from the published report and reanalyzed it using both the original and new statistical measures and techniques.RESULTSThe original conclusions drawn by Thomsen et al differed considerably from ours in 5 key areas, including postoperative vertigo, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and combined score.CONCLUSIONSThis analysis strongly supports the effectiveness of the endolymphatic shunt in the management of Meniere's disease and refutes the placebo effect previously proposed.
Surgery and obstructive sleep apnea: Long‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Riley Robert W. , Powell Nelson B. , Li Kasey K. , Troell Robert J. , Guilleminault Christian 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEOutcome data on the surgical treatment of obstructive sleep apnea are, in general, based on short‐term follow‐up (<6‐9 months). This examination was undertaken to assess long‐term results.METHODSForty patients who underwent soft tissue and skeletal surgery were the subjects of this review. Methods of evaluation included polysomnographic variables (respiratory disturbance index [RDI], low oxyhemoglobin desaturation [LSAT]), body mass index, quality‐of‐life assessments, roentgenographic analysis, and complications. Statistical analysis used the SAS 6.12 system.RESULTSThirty‐six of 40 patients (90%) showed long‐term clinical success. The mean preoperative RDI, nasal continuous positive airway pressure RDI, and long‐term RDI were 71.2 ± 27.0, 7.6 ± 5.2 and 7.6 ± 5.1, respectively. The mean preoperative LSAT, nasal continuous positive airway pressure LSAT, and long‐term LSAT were 67.5% ± 14.8%, 87.1% ± 3.2%, and 86.3% ± 3.9%, respectively. The mean follow‐up was 50.7 ± 31.9 months. The patients showed a statistically significant long‐term weight gain (P = 0.0002) compared with their 6‐month postoperative level (body mass index 31.4 ± 6.7 vs 32.2 ± 6.3). There was a positive correlation with the amount of skeletal advancement and clinical outcome.CONCLUSIONComprehensive evaluation and surgical treatment can result in successful long‐term clinical outcome.
Pharyngeal suspension suture with Repose bone screw for obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Woodson B. Tucker , Derowe ARI , Hawke Michael , Wenig Barry , Ross E. B. , Katsantonis George P. , Mickelson Samuel A. , Bonham Robert E. , Benbadis Selim 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVEMultilevel surgery for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) may improve success. This study's goal is to prospectively evaluate the feasibility and short‐term subjective effectiveness of a new tongue‐suspension technique.METHODSA multicenter nonrandomized open enrollment trial used the Repose device to treat tongue obstruction in 39 snoring and OSA patients. Outcomes include 1‐ and 2‐month subjective reports of general health, snoring, and sleep.RESULTSTwenty‐three patients completed 1 month and 19 completed 2 months of follow‐up. In OSA patients, activity level, energy/fatigue, and sleepiness improved. Two‐month outcomes were less (activity level, energy/fatigue, and sleepiness). Fewer changes were observed in snorers than in OSA patients. There were 6 complications (18%), including sialadenitis (4), gastrointestinal bleeding (1), and dehydration (1) after the procedure.CONCLUSIONA pharyngeal suspension suture changes subjective outcomes. Improvement is incomplete. The procedure is nonexcisional, but significant complications may occur. Further evaluation is required to demonstrate effectiveness.
Conductive hearing loss associated with pressure equalization tubes
Authors: Estrem Scott A. , Batra Pete S. 
Published: May 2013

Pressure equalization (PE) tube placement traditionally has been used to lessen conductive hearing loss with chronic middle ear effusion. It is assumed that the small diameter of the tube should not interfere with the conduction of sound. In this article we present 5 patients in whom placement of a PE tube resulted in significantly worse conductive hearing. Occlusion of the PE tube with cigarette paper or Gelfoam improved hearing, as documented with audiometry. The average conductive hearing losses attributable to the ventilation tube for this series of patients were 22, 17, 15, 13, 4, and 10 dB at the frequencies of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz, respectively. This amount of change attributable to PE tubes in this small selection of patients is much greater than would be commonly appreciated. We conclude that the opening in the tympanic membrane provided by PE tubes can potentially result in a significant conductive hearing loss. Discussion includes those conditions in which reduced hearing may be more likely to occur.
Nitric oxide is a mediator of the late‐phase response in an animal model of nasal allergy
Authors: Durland William F. , Lane Andrew P. , Durland Kimberly W. , Smith Timothy L. , Johnson Kenneth L. , Prazma Jiri , Pillsbury Harold C. 
Published: May 2013

The presence of nitric oxide (NO) in the nose is well documented; however, the role of this molecule in nasal physiology is still poorly understood. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated that NO is a mediator of the immediate secretory response to an intranasal histamine challenge in a rat model of nasal allergy. Histamine challenge, however, does not elicit a late‐phase response (LPR). To study the role of NO in the LPR, we developed a model of nasal allergy in which brown Norway rats are actively sensitized to the allergen ovalbumin and later challenged intranasally with either phosphatebuffered saline solution (vehicle), ovalbumin in vehicle, or ovalbumin and the NO synthase inhibitor N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester. In each experiment, nasal lavage samples were collected 30, 120, 240, and 360 minutes after challenge. Lavage samples were analyzed for albumin content by ELISA, inflammatory cell concentration with a hemocytometer, and evidence of inflammation by light microscopy. Blocking NO synthesis with N‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester significantly inhibited both albumin exudation and inflammatory cell influx into the nasal cavity during the LPR. These data suggest that NO plays a role in the LPR of nasal allergy.