bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of impedance monitoring in patients with extraesophageal symptoms
Authors: Kavitt Robert T. , Yuksel Elif Saritas , Slaughter James C. , Garrett C. Gaelyn , Hagaman David , Higginbotham Tina , Vaezi Michael F. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAmbulatory esophageal impedance monitoring is commonly employed to assess for nonacid reflux in patients with extraesophageal reflux. We aimed to determine if on therapy impedance data can be predicted from off therapy upper endoscopy, manometry, or pH parameters.Study DesignProspective Cohort Study.MethodsPatients with extraesophageal reflux symptoms and either partial‐ or nonresponders to twice‐daily PPI underwent impedance monitoring on twice‐daily PPI, as well as manometry, upper endoscopy, and 48‐hour wireless pH monitoring off acid‐suppressive medications for 1 week. Percent time pH < 4 and number of reflux episodes were obtained. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine association between the impedance data on therapy and upper endoscopy, manometry, and pH parameters measured off therapy.ResultsSeventy‐five patients (77% female, median BMI 29, 38% with hiatal hernia, and 19% with esophagitis) were studied both on and off therapy. Thirty‐five percent had abnormal impedance monitoring on therapy and 84% had abnormal pH testing off therapy. There was no significant (P = 0.184) overall correlation between total number of impedance events and the baseline physiologic parameters of hiatal hernia, degree of acid reflux, or manometric findings, with only weak correlation (r = 0.54, P = 0.045) with % time pH < 4 among patients with esophagitis.ConclusionsIn patients with suspected extraesophageal reflux refractory to PPI therapy, impedance measures on therapy cannot be predicted from traditional baseline esophageal physiologic parameters. We recommend caution regarding over‐interpretation of impedance data.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2463–2468, 2013
Patient‐centered decision making in the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Soler Zachary M. , Rudmik Luke , Hwang Peter H. , Mace Jess C. , Schlosser Rodney J. , Smith Timothy L. 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo explore possible factors that might impact a patient's choice to pursue endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) or continue with medical management for treatment of refractory chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).Study DesignCross‐sectional evaluation of a multicenter prospective cohort.MethodsTwo hundred forty‐two subjects with CRS were prospectively enrolled within four academic tertiary care centers across North America with ongoing symptoms despite prior medical treatment. Subjects either self‐selected continued medical management (n = 62) or ESS (n = 180) for treatment of sinonasal symptoms. Differences in demographics, comorbid conditions, and clinical measures of disease severity between subject groups were compared. Validated metrics of social support, personality, risk aversion, and physician–patient relationships were compared using bivariate analyses, predicted probabilities, and receiver operating characteristic curves at the 0.05 alpha level.ResultsNo significant differences were found between treatment groups for any demographic characteristic, clinical cofactor, or measure of social support, personality, or the physician–patient relationship. Subjects electing to pursue sinus surgery did report significantly worse average quality‐of‐life (QOL) scores on the 22‐item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22; P < .001) compared to those electing continued medical therapy (54.6 ± 18.9 vs. 39.4 ± 17.7), regardless of surgical history or polyp status. SNOT‐22 score significantly predicted treatment selection (odds ratio, 1.046; 95% confidence interval, 1.028‐1.065; P < .001) and was found to accurately discriminate between subjects choosing endoscopic sinus surgery and those electing medical management 72% of the time.ConclusionsWorse patient‐reported disease severity, as measured by the SNOT‐22, was significantly associated with the treatment choice for CRS. Strong consideration should be given for incorporating CRS‐specific QOL measures into routine clinical practice.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2341–2346, 2013
The SoundBite hearing system: Patient‐assessed safety and benefit study
Authors: Gurgel Richard K. , Shelton Clough 
Published: July 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the safety and efficacy of the SoundBite for patients over a 6 month period of use.Study DesignProspective, multisite, nonrandomized patient enrollment with outcomes based on audiometric profile and self‐reported assessment.MethodsPatients with single‐sided deafness were eligible for the study. Patients were fit with the standard SoundBite sound transducer and were asked to wear the device regularly for 6 months. At the end of the trial period, patients completed both a self‐assessment and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaires.ResultsThirty‐four subjects completed the study. Mean APHAB scores improved significantly for ease of communication (P < 0.001), background noise (P < 0.001), reverberation (P < 0.001), and global benefit (P < 0.001). Patients reported high rates of auditory benefit in a variety of listening situations and high rates of overall satisfaction with the device. One adverse event with a superficial mouth sore was reported and resolved after appropriate dental care. Twelve patients (35%) reported acoustic feedback. In six of these patients, the feedback resolved after device adjustment.ConclusionThe SoundBite is a new hearing prosthesis that delivers bone conduction energy. It offers advantages over traditional osseointegrated devices that require surgical placement. Patient satisfaction with the device after 6 months of regular use is high. The SoundBite provided improvement in ease of communication, hearing in background noise, sound reverberation, and an overall global hearing benefit. Acoustic feedback is the most commonly reported problem with the SoundBite, and this is minimized with proper fitting.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 123:2807–2812, 2013
Au@poly(N‐propargylamide) Nanoparticles: Preparation and Chiral Recognition
Authors: Zhang Chaohong , Song Ci , Yang Wantai , Deng Jianping 
Published: July 2013

This communication reports the first gold nanoparticles (NPs) chirally functionalized with optically active helical substituted polyacetylene (the resulting hybrid particles are defined as Au@PPA NPs). The novel nanoparticles consist of gold as core and optically active helical poly(N‐propargylamide) as shell and show considerable optical activity derived from helical poly(N‐propargylamide) chains with predominantly one‐handed screw sense. The Au@PPA NPs are prepared by a three‐step approach: i) a thiol‐containing N‐propargylamide monomer [Mth, HC≡CCH2NHCO(CH2)10SH] is synthesized and characterized with FTIR and1HNMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis; ii) a copolymer (poly(Mth‐co‐Mch)) was prepared by starting from monomer Mth and another chiral N‐propargylamide monomer (Mch); poly(Mth‐co‐Mch) formed helical conformations and showed optical activities; and, iii) Au@PPA NPs are prepared from hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) and poly(Mth‐co‐Mch) through a one‐spot procedure by using LiBH4 as reducing agent. The as‐obtained hybrid nanoparticles are characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, UV‐vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. UV‐vis and CD measurements demonstrated the remarkable optical activity of the Au@PPA NPs. More interestingly, the Au@PPA NPs show much stronger UV‐vis and CD sigals when compared to the corresponding orginal helical copolymer, poly(Mth‐co‐Mch). The chiral hybrid nanoparticles demonstrate different absorption toward (R)‐(+)‐ and (S)‐(−)‐1‐phenylethylamines, preferentially adsorbing the (S)‐isomer.
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3D‐FEM formulations of limit analysis methods for porous pressure‐sensitive materials
Authors: Pastor Franck , Kondo Djimedo , Pastor Joseph 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThe first purpose of this paper is the numerical formulation of the three general limit analysis methods for problems involving pressure‐sensitive materials, that is, the static, classic, and mixed kinematic methods applied to problems with Drucker–Prager, Mises–Schleicher, or Green materials. In each case, quadratic or rotated quadratic cone programming is considered to solve the final optimization problems, leading to original and efficient numerical formulations. As a second purpose, the resulting codes are applied to non‐classic 3D problems, that is, the Gurson‐like hollow sphere problem with these materials as matrices. To this end are first presented the 3D finite element implementations of the static and kinematic classic methods of limit analysis together with a mixed method formulated to give also a purely kinematic result. Discontinuous stress and velocity fields are included in the analysis. The static and the two kinematic approaches are compared afterwards in the hydrostatic loading case whose exact solution is known for the three cases of matrix. Then, the static and the mixed approaches are used to assess the available approximate criteria for porous Drucker–Prager, Mises–Schleicher, and Green materials. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mixed‐phase clouds in a turbulent environment. Part 2: Analytic treatment
Authors: Field P. R. , Hill A. A. , Furtado K. , Korolev A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe coexistence of supercooled liquid and ice is thermodynamically unstable. When no external forcing is applied, the ice will grow at the expense of the supercooled liquid water, eventually removing it completely. When dynamical forcing is applied, it is possible to activate supercooled liquid water in the presence of ice. Analytic solutions are presented that provide an estimate of the fraction and amount of supercooled liquid water that can be found in pre‐existing ice cloud affected by turbulence. The approach used is to simplify the equation representing the evolution of supersaturation to a stochastic differential equation. The solution to this equation provides an expression for the variance of the supersaturation with respect to ice as a function of the parameters describing the turbulence and the ice cloud. Given a supersaturation distribution with respect to ice, the mixed‐phase cloud properties can be predicted, including mixed‐phase cloud fraction, mean liquid water content and liquid water distribution. Large Eddy Simulation results from decametre‐resolution simulations of mixed‐phase cloud in a turbulent environment are in favourable agreement with the analytic estimates.
Multitemporal radar backscattering measurement of wheat fields using multifrequency (L, S, C, and X) and full‐polarization
Authors: Jia Mingquan , Tong Ling , Zhang Yuanzhi , Chen Yan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper presents the measurements of the backscattering coefficients over the wheat fields using an L‐, S‐, C‐, and X‐band scatterometer system during a whole period of wheat growth. The wheat field located at Qionglai County of China was measured during a wheat growing season from November 2010 to May 2011. Twelve experimental acquisitions (ground and radar data) were measured over the wheat field in a flat area at VV‐, VH‐, HV‐, and HH‐polarizations of L‐, S‐, C‐, and X‐bands, with the incidence angles ranging from 0° to 80°. Wheat biomass, canopy structure, leaf area index (LAI), soil moisture, and eco‐physiological canopy variables were also collected to investigate the radar sensitivity. It shows that the HH measurements for wheat are higher than VV at each band after jointing, and the value of HH/VV is larger for lower frequency. The temporal variations of each band at selected incidence angles were compared with the wheat biomass, canopy height, LAI, and soil moisture. The correlations were analyzed between backscattering coefficients and wheat crop variables at 23°, 38°, 53°, and 68°, respectively. The results show that the backscattering coefficient has a strong correlation with biomass and LAI, especially for the HH‐ and cross‐polarizations of L‐band, and the radar backscatter signatures at high frequency (X‐ and C‐bands) are sensitive to detect newly transplanted thin wheat seedlings at the high incident angle. These data can provide experimental evidence to allow for determining the growth status and/or condition of wheat by use of measured radar backscatters.
Polymer‐Based Stimuli‐Responsive Recyclable Catalytic Systems for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Zhang Jingli , Zhang Mingxi , Tang Kangjian , Verpoort Francis , Sun Taolei 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe introduction of stimuli‐responsive polymers into the study of organic catalysis leads to the generation of a new kind of polymer‐based stimuli‐responsive recyclable catalytic system. Owing to their reversible switching properties in response to external stimuli, these systems are capable of improving the mass transports of reactants/products in aqueous solution, modulating the chemical reaction rates, and switching the catalytic process on and off. Furthermore, their stimuli‐responsive properties facilitate the separation and recovery of the active catalysts from the reaction mixtures. As a fascinating approach of the controllable catalysis, these stimuli‐responsive catalytic systems including thermoresponsive, pH‐responsive, chemo‐mechano‐chemical, ionic strength‐responsive, and dual‐responsive, are reviewed in terms of their nanoreactors and mechanisms.
Teriflunomide reduces relapse-related neurological sequelae, hospitalizations and steroid use
Authors: O’Connor Paul W. , Lublin Fred D. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Confavreux Christian , Comi Giancarlo , Freedman Mark S. , Olsson Tomas P. , Miller Aaron E. , Dive-Pouletty Catherine , Bégo-Le-Bagousse Gaëlle , Kappos Ludwig 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) relapses impose a substantial clinical and economic burden. Teriflunomide is a new oral disease-modifying therapy approved for the treatment of relapsing MS. We evaluated the effects of teriflunomide treatment on relapse-related neurological sequelae and healthcare resource use in a post hoc analysis of the Phase III TEMSO study. Confirmed relapses associated with neurological sequelae [defined by an increase in Expanded Disability Status Scale/Functional System (sequelae-EDSS/FS) ≥30 days post relapse or by the investigator (sequelae-investigator)] were analyzed in the modified intention-to-treat population (n = 1086). Relapses requiring hospitalization or intravenous (IV) corticosteroids, all hospitalizations, emergency medical facility visits (EMFV), and hospitalized nights for relapse were also assessed. Annualized rates were derived using a Poisson model with treatment, baseline EDSS strata, and region as covariates. Risks of sequelae and hospitalization per relapse were calculated as percentages and groups were compared with a χ2 test. Compared with placebo, teriflunomide reduced annualized rates of relapses with sequelae-EDSS/FS [7 mg by 32 % (p = 0.0019); 14 mg by 36 % (p = 0.0011)] and sequelae-investigator [25 % (p = 0.071); 53 % (p < 0.0001)], relapses leading to hospitalization [36 % (p = 0.015); 59 % (p < 0.0001)], and relapses requiring IV corticosteroids [29 % (p = 0.001); 34 % (p = 0.0003)]. Teriflunomide-treated patients spent fewer nights in hospital for relapse (p < 0.01). Teriflunomide 14 mg also decreased annualized rates of all hospitalizations (p = 0.01) and EMFV (p = 0.004). The impact of teriflunomide on relapse-related neurological sequelae and relapses requiring healthcare resources may translate into reduced healthcare costs.
Synthesis of Thumba, Castor and Sal Fatty Ethanolamide‐Based Anionic Surfactants
Authors: Kamalakar Kotte , Satyavani Tenneti , Mohini Yarra , Prasad Rachapudi B. N. , Karuna Mallampalli S. L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe study involved the preparation and evaluation of anionic surfactants from non‐edible oil based thumba (containing unsaturated‐rich fatty acids, 80.9 %), castor (containing ricinoleic acid, a hydroxy fatty acid 89.3 %) and sal (containing saturated‐rich fatty acids, 56.5 %). The oils extracted from these seeds (using Soxhlet) were reacted with monoethanolamine and diethanolamine to get corresponding fatty mono‐ and diethanolamides. The ethanolamides were sulfated using chlorosulfonic acid and the sulfated sodium salts were evaluated for surfactant properties namely surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC), emulsifying property, wetting, foaming power and calcium tolerance. The properties were compared with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) a well known anionic surfactant. Among the different sulfated sodium salts of ethanolamides, thumba showed superior surfactant properties compared to castor and sal. Sulfated sodium salt of thumba monoethanolamide showed better properties (CMC, 0.035 mmol/L, surface tension 30.2 mN/m and calcium tolerance >1,000 ml, 0.5 % calcium acetate solution) compared to sulfated sodium salts of thumba diethanolamides, followed by sulfated sodium salts of castor monoethanolamide (CMC 0.037 mmol/L, surface tension 35.3 mN/m and calcium tolerance >1,000 ml, 0.5 % calcium acetate solution). Sal being saturated rich was not properly soluble in water and showed poor surfactant properties compared to the other two. Also the sulfated sodium salts of thumba and castor ethanolamides exhibited superior properties compared to SDS.
Understanding loneliness during adolescence: Developmental changes that increase the risk of perceived social isolation
Authors: Laursen Brett , Hartl Amy C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractLoneliness is typically defined in terms of feeling states. In this review, we take a somewhat different approach, describing loneliness in terms of perceived social isolation. Vulnerabilities to perceived social isolation differ across the lifespan. Unique properties of adolescence are identified that carry special risk for perceived social isolation. These include (but are not limited to) developmental changes in companions, developmental changes in autonomy and individuation, identity exploration, cognitive maturation, developmental changes in social perspective taking, and physical maturation. Scholars are encouraged to consider loneliness through the lens of perceived social isolation so as to better understand how the experience of physical isolation varies across adolescence.
A review of global access to emergency contraception
Authors: Westley Elizabeth , Kapp Nathalie , Palermo Tia , Bleck Jennifer 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundEmergency contraception has been known for several decades, and dedicated products have been on the market for close to 20 years. Yet it is unclear whether women, particularly in low‐resource countries, have access to this important second‐chance method of contraception.ObjectivesTo review relevant policies, regulations, and other factors related to access to emergency contraception worldwide.Search strategyA wide range of gray literature was reviewed, several specific studies were commissioned, and a number of online databases were searched.Main resultsSeveral positive policies and regulations are in place: emergency contraception products are registered in the majority of countries around the world, listed in many countries' essential medicines lists, included in widely used guidance, and supported by most donors. Yet analysis of demographic data shows that the majority of women in low‐income countries have never heard of emergency contraception, and surveys find that many providers have negative attitudes toward providing emergency contraception.ConclusionsDespite more than a decade of concerted international and country‐level efforts to ensure that women have access to emergency contraception, accessibility remains limited.
Women's ability to self‐screen for contraindications to combined oral contraceptive pills in Tanzanian drug shops
Authors: Chin‐Quee Dawn , Ngadaya Esther , Kahwa Amos , Mwinyiheri Thomas , Otterness Conrad , Mfinanga Sayoki , Nanda Kavita 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the accuracy of self‐screening for contraindications to combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) and to estimate the proportion of women with contraindications to hormonal methods among those using drug shops in Tanzania.MethodsTrained nurses interviewed 1651 women aged 18–39 years who self‐screened for contraindications to COCs with the help of a poster at drug shops in Tanzania. Nurse assessment of the women served as the gold standard for comparison with self‐assessment. Blood pressure was also measured onsite.ResultsNurses reported that 437 (26.5%) women were not eligible to use COCs, compared with 485 (29.4%) according to self‐report. Overall, 133 (8.1%) women who said that they were eligible were deemed ineligible by nurses. The rate of ineligibility was artificially high owing to participant and nurse assessments that were incorrectly based on adverse effects of pill use and cultural reasons, and because of the sampling procedure, which intercepted women regardless of their reasons for visiting the drug shop. Adjusted rates of ineligibility were 8.6% and 12.7%, respectively, according to nurse and participant assessment. Both nurses and women underestimated the prevalence of hypertension in the present group.ConclusionSelf‐screening among women in rural and peri‐urban Tanzania with regard to contraindications to COC use was comparable to assessment by trained nurses.
How to diagnose and manage patients with cardiac implantable electronic device infections
Authors: Tarakji Khaldoun G. , Wilkoff Bruce L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOver the last two decades, there has been a surge in the number of Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device (CIED) implantation. These devices improve the quality of life and survival among certain cardiac patients. However, this benefit might be affected by device complications and one of the most important ones is CIED infection as it carries significant morbidity and mortality. CIED infection can present as a device pocket infection or endovascular infection and its diagnosis could be challenging. In general, management of CIED infection involves device removal and antibiotic therapy and requires collaboration between different clinical teams. Future efforts and research should focus on measures to prevent the occurrence of this outcome.
Drops bouncing on a vibrating bath
Authors: Moláček Jan , Bush John W. M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe present the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of millimetric droplets bouncing on a vertically vibrating fluid bath. We first characterize the system experimentally, deducing the dependence of the droplet dynamics on the system parameters, specifically the drop size, driving acceleration and driving frequency. As the driving acceleration is increased, depending on drop size, we observe the transition from coalescing to vibrating or bouncing states, then period-doubling events that may culminate in either walking drops or chaotic bouncing states. The drop’s vertical dynamics depends critically on the ratio of the forcing frequency to the drop’s natural oscillation frequency. For example, when the data describing the coalescence–bouncing threshold and period-doubling thresholds are described in terms of this ratio, they collapse onto a single curve. We observe and rationalize the coexistence of two non-coalescing states, bouncing and vibrating, for identical system parameters. In the former state, the contact time is prescribed by the drop dynamics; in the latter, by the driving frequency. The bouncing states are described by theoretical models of increasing complexity whose predictions are tested against experimental data. We first model the drop–bath interaction in terms of a linear spring, then develop a logarithmic spring model that better captures the drop dynamics over a wider range of parameter space. While the linear spring model provides a faster, less accurate option, the logarithmic spring model is found to be more accurate and consistent with all existing data.