bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flame Retardant and Antimicrobial Jute Textile Using Sodium Metasilicate Nonahydrate
Authors: Basak S. , Samanta Kartick K. , Chattopadhyay S.K. , Das S. , Narkar R. , Dsouza C. , Shaikh A.H. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Flame retardant and antimicrobial functionalities were imparted in jute textile using sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (SMSN), commonly known as “water glass”. Sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (SMSN) was applied in jute fabric in different concentration by padding method followed by drying. Flame retardancy of the fabric was evaluated by Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and burning behaviour under vertical flammability tester including the char length. Burning rate was found to decrease by almost 10 times after an application of 2% SMSN compared to the control sample. Thermogravimetry (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis of both the control and treated jute fabrics were utilized to understand the mechanism of developed flame retardance in jute fabric. It was observed that the SMSN treated samples showed excellent antimicrobial property against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Antimicrobial properties of both the control and treated jute fabrics were also measured quantitatively.
Foams Stabilized with Nanoparticles for Gas Well Deliquification
Authors: Knapik Ewa , Stopa Jerzy , Marzec Anna 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
This study examined the interaction of solid nanoparticles and anionic and non-ionic surfactant at an air–water interface. Aqueous foams stabilized by silica nanoparticles in water with different levels of salinity were studied in detail. The stability of solid/surfactant dispersion was evaluated visually. Nanoparticles content impact and concentration of surfactant on the foamability, deliquification of foams and structure of wet foams were studied. It was found that the foamability of dispersion depends either on the surfactant concentration or on the nanoparticles concentration. The adsorption of hydrophobically modified silica particles and surfactants reduces the air/water interface tension. The results of the examinations showed that the use of nanoparticles allows to increase the efficiency of brine unloading even up to 20%. Surfactant particle and nanosilica present synergistic action, use of 4 wt% of nanoparticles allows to reduce surfactant consumption up to half. The cost of the preparation of the proposed dispersion is slightly higher, about 5%, compared to the sole surfactant.
Hybrid neural network for classification problem solving
Authors: Kotliarov Eugene , Petrushina Tatyana 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this article we investigate some approaches to the artificial neural networks training with use of hybrid algorithms. Algorithms which are based on the back propagation algorithm and the ant colony algorithm are considered in detail. The article describes the application of the artificial neural network with the authors’ hybrid training algorithm. The preliminary studies have shown that the algorithm improves the efficiency of the problems on standard test databases. The application of the algorithm for practical problems solution in the field of medicine, namely the definition of danger level determination of tuberculosis carriers is described. It was shown that the accuracy of the hybrid algorithm is up to 22% higher than of the classical one.
Reclaiming Saline-Sodic Soils Using Electrochemical Processes: A Case Study From Sahl El-Tina Plain, Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Fattah Mohamed K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA leaching experiment was conducted using column techniques assessing efficiency of electrochemical process to reclaim saline-sodic soils. Soil material was collected from Sahl El-Tina plain, which located in North West coast of Sinai, Egypt. The experiment was designed as factorial randomized complete block and all treatments were replicated three times. Two 2.5 cm diameterx30 cm height mild stainless steel tubes were inserted into the soil matrix to serve as electrodes (i.e. cathode and anode). Distance between cathode and anode was 10 cm. Electrodes were supplied by a direct current (DC) power supply; Volt ages of 0.3 or 9 Volt. Leaching was done using the intermittent method so as to add portions to the already saturated soil columns, and obtain leachates equal to the added portions. Pore volume 0.1 PV was used in the leaching processes which are equal 498.4 cm3, i.e. PV being volume of pores per column, thus 1 PV equals volume of pores (cm3) expressed as water quantity. Electric remediation increased ionic mobility and separated salts from soil. All treatments decreased soil EC and soil sodicity expressed as SAR and ESP. Results showed that 9 Volt treatment was more effective in decreasing the soil EC and soil sodicity than the other treatments. Efficiency of treatments were 9-Volt > 3-Volt > leaching alone (non-DC treatment). This study suggests that leaching using direct current (DC) led to improvement of the chemical properties of saline sodic soils and required a short time to reclaim saline-sodic soils compared with leaching alone.
Applying Knowledge Translation Theory to Physical Therapy Research and Practice in Balance and Gait Assessment: Case Report
Authors: Sibley Kathryn M. , Salbach Nancy M. 
Published: June 2014

Background and PurposeKnowledge translation (KT) is an emerging discipline with a focus on implementing health evidence in decision making and clinical practice. Knowledge translation theories provide conceptual frameworks that can direct research focused on optimizing best practice. The objective of this case report is to describe one prominent KT theory—the knowledge-to-action (KTA) framework—and how it was applied to research on balance and gait assessment in physical therapist practice.Case DescriptionValid and reliable assessment tools are recommended to evaluate balance and gait function, but gaps in physical therapy practices are known. The KTA framework's 2-pronged approach (knowledge creation phase and action cycle) guided research questions exploring current practices in balance and gait assessment and factors influencing practice in Ontario, Canada, with the goal of developing and evaluating targeted KT interventions.OutcomesResults showed the rate at which therapists use standardized balance and gait tools was less than optimal and identified both knowledge-to-practice gaps and individual and organizational barriers to implementing best assessment practices. These findings highlighted the need for synthesis of evidence to address those gaps prior to the development of potential intervention strategies.DiscussionThe comprehensive KTA framework was useful in guiding the direction of these ongoing research programs. In both cases, the sequence of the individual KTA steps was modified to improve the efficiency of intervention development, there was a need to go back and forth between the 2 phases of the KTA framework, and additional behavior change and barrier assessment theories were consulted. Continued research is needed to explicitly evaluate the efficacy of applying KT theory to best practice in health care.
Association of the NOS3 intron-4 VNTR polymorphism with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Staalsø Jonatan Myrup , Edsen Troels , Kotinis Alexandros , Romner Bertil , Springborg Jacob Bertram , Olsen Niels Vidiendal 
Published: June 2014

Object
The nitric oxide system has been linked to the pathogenesis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The authors performed a case-control study to investigate the association between SAH and common genetic variants within the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3).

Methods
Three hundred thirty-three Caucasian SAH patients and 498 controls were genotyped for the –922A > G (rs 1800779), –786T > C (rs2070744), and 894G > T (rs1799983) single nucleotide polymorphisms and the intron-4 27-bp variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism (27-bp-VNTR).

Results
The b/b (5 repeats) genotype of the 27-bp-VNTR was overrepresented in cases (77%) versus controls (69%) (p = 0.02). In male patients the b/b genotype was found in 85% compared with 67% in male controls, whereas in women, the frequencies were 73% and 72%, respectively. This corresponds to an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI 1.5–5.6, p = 0.0005) for SAH in men with the b/b genotype versus men with a/b or a/a. In women, no such association was found (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.7–1.6, p = 0.76). Stepwise logistic regression including arterial hypertension, smoking, sex, and age with interactions yielded similar effect estimates of the 27-bp-VNTR. Haplotype analysis revealed that no single haplotype containing the b-allele was responsible for the observed genotype effect.

Conclusions
The authors' results suggest that the NOS3 27-bp-VNTR b/b genotype independent of other risk factors act in concert with male sex to substantially increase risk of SAH. This effect is not mediated by any single NOS3 haplotype.
Issues with implementing a high‐quality lung cancer screening program
Authors: Mulshine James L. , D'Amico Thomas A. 
Published: June 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNEAfter a comprehensive review of the evidence, the United States Preventive Services Task Force recently endorsed screening with low‐dose computed tomography as an early detection approach that has the potential to significantly reduce deaths due to lung cancer. Prudent implementation of lung cancer screening as a high‐quality preventive health service is a complex challenge. The clinical evaluation and management of high‐risk cohorts in the absence of symptoms mandates an approach that differs significantly from that of symptom‐detected lung cancer. As with other cancer screenings, it is essential to provide to informed at‐risk individuals a safe, high‐quality, cost‐effective, and accessible service. In this review, the components of a successful screening program are discussed as we begin to disseminate lung cancer screening as a national resource to improve outcomes with this lethal cancer. This information about lung cancer screening will assist clinicians with communications about the potential benefits and harms of this service for high‐risk individuals considering participation in the screening process. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:351–363. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Real-time Feedback on Nonverbal Clinical Communication
Authors: Patel R. A. , Czerwinski M. , Pratt W. , Roseway A. , Chandrasekaran N. , Back A. , Hartzler A. L. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIntroduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Pervasive Intelligent Technologies for Health”.Background: Effective nonverbal communication between patients and clinicians fosters both the delivery of empathic patient-centered care and positive patient outcomes. Although nonverbal skill training is a recognized need, few efforts to enhance patient-clinician communication provide visual feedback on nonverbal aspects of the clinical encounter.Objectives: We describe a novel approach that uses social signal processing technology (SSP) to capture nonverbal cues in real time and to display ambient visual feedback on control and affiliation – two primary, yet distinct dimensions of interpersonal nonverbal communication. To examine the design and clinician acceptance of ambient visual feedback on nonverbal communication, we 1) formulated a model of relational communication to ground SSP and 2) conducted a formative user study using mixed methods to explore the design of visual feedback.Methods: Based on a model of relational communication, we reviewed interpersonal communication research to map nonverbal cues to signals of affiliation and control evidenced in patient-clinician interaction. Corresponding with our formulation of this theoretical framework, we designed ambient real-time visualizations that reflect variations of affiliation and control. To explore clinicians’ acceptance of this visual feedback, we conducted a lab study using the Wizard-of-Oz technique to simulate system use with 16 healthcare professionals. We followed up with seven of those participants through interviews to iterate on the design with a revised visualization that addressed emergent design considerations.Results: Ambient visual feedback on non-verbal communication provides a theoretically grounded and acceptable way to provide clinicians with awareness of their nonverbal communication style. We provide implications for the design of such visual feedback that encourages empathic patient-centered communication and include considerations of metaphor, color, size, position, and timing of feedback.Conclusions: Ambient visual feedback from SSP holds promise as an acceptable means for facilitating empathic patient-centered nonverbal communication.
Point-process Nonlinear Autonomic Assessment of Depressive States in Bipolar Patients
Authors: Citi L. , Gentili C. , Lanatá A. , Scilingo E. P. , Barbieri R. , Valenza G. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryIntroduction: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on “Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems”.Objectives: The goal of this work is to apply a computational methodology able to characterize mood states in bipolar patients through instantaneous analysis of heartbeat dynamics.Methods: A Point-Process-based Nonlinear Autoregressive Integrative (NARI) model is applied to analyze data collected from five bipolar patients (two males and three females, age 42.4 ± 10.5 range 32−56) undergoing a dedicated affective elicitation protocol using images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The study was designed within the European project PSYCHE (Personalised monitoring SYstems for Care in mental HEalth).Results: Results demonstrate that the inclusion of instantaneous higher order spectral (HOS) features estimated from the NARI nonlinear assessment significantly improves the accuracy in successfully recognizing specific mood states such as euthymia and depression with respect to results using only linear indices. In particular, a specificity of 74.44% using the instantaneous linear features set, and 99.56% using also the nonlinear feature set were achieved. Moreover, IAPS emotional elicitation resulted in a more discriminant procedure with respect to the TAT elicitation protocol.Conclusions: A significant pattern of instantaneous heartbeat features was found in depressive and euthymic states despite the inter-subject variability. The presented point-process Heart Rate Variability (HRV) nonlinear methodology provides a promising application in the field of mood assessment in bipolar patients.
Le statut subjectif de la douleur : fatalité ou symptôme
Authors: Martin-Mattera Patrick 
Published: June 2014

La douleur est un phénomène dans lequel la subjectivité occupe une place majeure. Elle peut être vécue soit comme le contraire du plaisir, autrement dit un déplaisir de provenance extérieure dont il faut se débarrasser, ou bien comme une expérience intérieure qui perdure et se chronicise au détriment du sujet mais à travers laquelle, parallèlement, celui-ci se définit. Elle est plus proche en ce cas d’une jouissance « négative » qui s’impose au sujet dans l’espace et le temps. Phénomène éminemment psychosomatique, l’inscription de la douleur dans l’économie psychique et aussi dans l’expérience existentielle est fonction de la position subjective. Nous puiserons notre clinique dans la pathologie des lombalgies chroniques et axerons le développement sur l’idée que le statut de la douleur dépend en grande partie de ce que le sujet en fait : soit une fatalité biologique, psychique, sociale, soit un symptôme de sa difficulté d’être.
Providing 360-Degree Multisource Feedback to Nurse Educators in the Country of Georgia: A Formative Evaluation of Acceptability
Authors: DeStephano Christopher Carl , Crawford Kimberley Anne , Jashi Maia , Wold Judith Lupo 
Published: June 2014

Background:
Due to insufficient nursing education standards in the country of Georgia, 15 health professionals participated in a USAID grant-funded nurse educator faculty development program. These educators then offered continuing education courses and taught more than 1,700 practicing Georgian nurses over 3 years.

Method:
Using a 360-degree multisource feedback model (MSF), self, video, learner, peer, and program coordinator evaluations of teaching effectiveness were completed. After nurse educators reviewed their results and identified areas for improvement, a questionnaire about the perceived acceptability of teacher evaluations was completed.

Results:
Of the 15 nurse educators, 93.3% indicated that nurse educators should receive feedback through self, learner, peer, and video evaluations, and 100% indicated that nurse educators should receive feedback from the program coordinator. The accuracy and usefulness of the program coordinator evaluation was rated the highest, whereas peer evaluation was rated the lowest.

Conclusion:
This study revealed that MSF was acceptable to Georgian nurse educators.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(6):278–284.
Early Postoperative Alignment as a Predictor of 6-Month Alignment After Intermittent Exotropia Surgery
Authors: Rajavi Zhale , Hafezian Seyede Fatemeh , Yaseri Mehdi , Sheibani Kourosh 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:
The angle of postoperative deviation changes over time in patients undergoing surgery for intermittent exotropia. The aim of the current study was to assess the relationship between the motor alignment at 1 week and 6 months after exotropia surgery.

Methods:
The records of 81 patients who underwent surgery for intermittent exotropia from 2002 to 2012 at Imam Hussein Medical Center and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Each patient underwent complete eye examination and had surgery for orthophoria. Patients were divided into three groups according to their 1-week postoperative alignment (undercorrection [exotropia > 10 prism diopters (PD)], orthophoria [exotropia = 10 PD and esotropia = 5 PD], and overcorrection [esotropia > 5 PD]).

Results:

The postoperative success rates for 1 week and 6 months were 75.3% and 76.5% respectively. Of 61 orthophoric, 13 undercorrected, and 7 overcorrected patients at 1 week postoperatively, 51 (83.6%), 7 (53.8%), and 2 (28.6%) patients, respectively, preserved their initial alignment at 6 months (
P
= .024 for orthophoria). The type of surgery had no effect on the results at 6 months. Reoperation was needed in 10 (12.3%) of our patients at the 6-month follow-up (7 undercorrected and 3 orthophoric patients).

Conclusions:
Early postoperative alignment of intermittent exotropia at 1 week can be considered a predictor of orthophoria at 6 months, whereas fewer cases in other groups made predicting their alignment at 6 months statistically difficult. Reoperation was needed in 12.3% of cases at the 6-month follow-up.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2014;51(5):274–282.]
Changes of Corneal Topography Indices After CXL in Progressive Keratoconus Assessed by Scheimpflug Camera
Authors: Kránitz Kinga , Kovács Illés , Miháltz Kata , Sándor Gábor László , Juhász Éva , Gyenes Andrea , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt 
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:
To evaluate the accuracy of Scheimpflug camera topography indices in detecting the therapeutic effect of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) on progressive keratoconus in the long term.

METHODS:
Fifty eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus were enrolled. CXL was performed in 25 eyes with progressive keratoconus (CXL group) and 25 fellow eyes with nonprogressive keratoconus served as controls. Thinnest corneal thickness, anterior keratometry (flat, steep), and keratoconus indices were measured with Scheimpflug camera before and 12 to 25 months after CXL. Regression analysis was used to evaluate the influence of corneal thickness and follow-up time on flattening effect of CXL.

RESULTS:

At baseline, steep keratometric values were significantly higher and thinnest corneal thickness values were lower in the CXL group (
P
= .027, .034), parallel with increased values of keratoconus indices: index of surface variance (
P
= .013), index of vertical asymmetry (
P
= .038), keratoconus index (
P
= .019), center keratoconus index (
P
= .039), index of height asymmetry (
P
= .037), index of height decentration (
P
= .0016), and radius minimum (
P
= .008). After adjustment for thinnest corneal thickness and follow-up time, CXL showed significant flattening effect expressed by changes in radius minimum (
P
< .001), index of surface variance (
P
= .03), keratoconus index (
P
= .006), center keratoconus index (
P
= .03), and index of height asymmetry (
P
= .026). Thinnest corneal thickness had significant influence on changes of index of surface variance (
P
= .049), index of vertical asymmetry (
P
= .01), and center keratoconus index (
P
= .03). Follow-up time showed no significant influence in any models (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:
Topographic indices indicate corneal flattening after CXL in the long term. Monitoring keratoconus index and index of height asymmetry should be the preferred choice in daily clinical practice because changes in values of these indices are independent from initial corneal thickness.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):374–378.]
Transepithelial Phototherapeutic Keratectomy Protocol for Treating Irregular Astigmatism Based on Population Epithelial Thickness Measurements by Artemis Very High-Frequency Digital Ultrasound
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Dickeson Zachary I. , Gobbe Marine 
Published: June 2014

PURPOSE:
To report the outcomes of transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (TE-PTK) in the treatment of irregular astigmatism and define a standard treatment protocol based on population epithelial thickness measurements.

METHODS:
Retrospective analysis of 41 TE-PTK procedures in cases of irregular astigmatism after refractive surgery or with corneal irregularities. The TE-PTK ablations were performed according to preoperative epithelial thickness maps obtained using an Artemis very high-frequency digital ultrasound arc-scanner (ArcScan, Inc., Morrison, CO). Visual and refractive outcomes were analyzed 12 months after the procedure. The efficacy of the stromal surface regularization was evaluated as the change in epithelial thickness range (ie, the difference between minimum and maximum epithelial thickness). A further refractive ablation was performed immediately after TE-PTK in 12 eyes.

RESULTS:

Corrected distance visual acuity was improved by one or more lines in 58% of eyes, whereas 1 eye lost one line and no eyes lost two lines. Significant stromal surface regularization was achieved with epithelial thickness range reduced on average from 41 to 29
μ
m. There was an unpredictable refractive shift in the TE-PTK only group with a change of more than 0.50 diopter (D) in 59% of eyes. Refractive accuracy in the TE-PTK with refractive ablation group was reasonably good, although there were two outliers (18%) outside ±1.00 D. A therapeutic window was identified between the highest thinnest epithelium of 51
μ
m and lowest thickest epithelium of 60
μ
m.

CONCLUSIONS:

TE-PTK can be a safe and effective method of reducing stromal surface irregularities by taking advantage of the natural masking effect of the epithelium. There can be a significant refractive shift due to lenticular epithelial masking. A standard protocol of targeting an initial TE-PTK ablation for 55
μ
m will likely achieve breakthrough of the thinnest epithelium without total epithelial removal, allowing the treatment to be continued in a stepwise fashion.

[
J Refract Surg.
2014;30(6):380–387.]