bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Qualitative Study into Stroke Caregivers' Educational Needs — Perspectives of Caregivers and Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Ang Shin Yuh , Tin Aung Soe , Pavitar Gill , Ng Wai May , Lee Kim En , Lim Lay Hoon , Peh Sue Cheng , Peng Xue Juan , Tye Siew Noi Janis , Chua Tse Lert 
Published: July 2015

Background: Healthcare professionals (HCPs) often provide information based on what they thought caregivers would need and like to know, rather than on the latter's perceived or actual needs. The current descriptive study was undertaken to find out more about HCP's and caregivers' perceptions of educational needs while the stroke survivor is still being cared for in an acute hospital. Methods: Ten caregivers, five nurses, and two neurologists were interviewed about their perceptions of educational needs during the stroke survivors' stay in acute care. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and then analysed to identify main patterns of responses. The Framework Approach, which involves the steps of familiarisation, identifying a thematic framework, indexing, charting, mapping, and interpretation was used to inform the analysis. Results: Caregivers and HCPs agreed on the need for information on disease progression, prevention of recurrence, practical and emotional care. However, HCPs felt caregivers should also know about medication, which was not mentioned by any of the caregivers. Caregivers preferred “hands-on experience” and “hearing” from HCP to print materials. While some caregivers felt that their active involvement in caregiving training was not required if a foreign domestic worker (FDW) was to be hired, HCPs interviewed felt strongly that next-of-kin should, nonetheless, be trained as well. Conclusion: The expressed needs on stroke education did not differ greatly between caregivers and HCPs. Perhaps unique to the Singapore context, is the availability of FDWs to take on the care-giving role. HCPs should be aware of differences in expectations in the level of involvement of family members in the presence of a FDW.
Outcomes following Aggressive Surgical Resection of Intra-Medullary Spinal Cord Tumours with Intra-Operative Neuro-Monitoring
Authors: Tiruchelvarayan Rajendra , Tang Man Hon , Perera Sanjaya , Lo Yew Long 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Intra-medullary spinal cord tumours (IMCST) are relatively uncommon tumours of the central nervous system which can result in severe neurological disorder if untreated. Histologically, IMCSTs are often either biopsied or excised subtotal, but this may lead to early tumour recurrence and progressive neurological impairment. In an attempt to improve outcomes, the recent trend is to perform more radical tumour resection guided by intra-operative monitoring (IOM). However, there are no controlled studies comparing the resection of IMCSTs with or without IOM. In this single surgeon series, we analyse outcomes following optimal resection of IMCSTs in conjunction with IOM. Methods: In this retrospective single surgeon series, case notes and history of patients who underwent surgery between 2006–2012 at the Singapore General Hospital's Neurosurgery Department, were studied. IOM with somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) and motor evoked potential (MEP) were utilised to facilitate optimal tumour resection. Neurological status were compared pre- and post-operatively with long-term follow-up on outcomes. Magnetic resonance imaging was used pre- and post-operatively to assess the degree of tumour resection. Results: Thirteen consecutive patients with IMCSTs (five males, mean age 36 years, range 12–60) underwent surgical treatment and were included in this study. Radical surgical resection was performed for 11 patients, while the remaining two had biopsies and partial debulking as frozen section showed high grade astrocytomas. Histology revealed six cases of ependymoma, five cases of astrocytoma, and one of hemangioblastoma and neuroenteric cyst. There was one case of wound infection which was treated successfully. There were no cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Two patients had pre-existing spinal deformity, and underwent posterior instrumented fusion concomitantly. The neurological state improved or remained stable in 11 (85%) patients, and two patients had immediate post-operative neurological deterioration which improved subsequently with physiotherapy over one to two months. Favourable functional outcomes were observed in the majority of patients during follow-up. The patients with high grade tumours were treated with adjuvant radiotherapy post-operatively, however, they showed a poorer long-term outcome. The mean follow-up was 3.2 years from operation. Conclusion: Radical resection of intra-medullary tumours with IOM leads to a favourable functional outcome in selected groups of patients.
Impact of Atopic Dermatitis on Health-Related Quality of Life among Infants and Children in Singapore: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ang Seng Bin , Teng Cecilia Woon Chien , Monika Thjin Punan , Wee Hwee-Lin 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing skin disease that affects about 20.8% of children between seven to 16 years old in Singapore. Impairment in quality of life for one with AD is greater than childhood chronic disease like epilepsy or asthma. This study aims to describe the areas of health-related quality of life affected by AD in a cross-sectional survey of infants and children in Singapore. Methods: Thirty-four children aged 0 to 16 years old with atopic eczema were recruited. Quality of life was measured using Infant's Dermatitis Quality of Life Index in children aged four years and below and Children's Dermatitis Life Quality Index was used in children between five to 16 years old. Results: Children with severe disease experience significant impact on quality of life compared to those with mild/moderate disease. Itching and sleep disturbance are the two items in the top three domains for both the younger and older children. Impairment in participation in family activities was significant in boys compared with girls. Social impact on girls is greater compared to boys with a trend towards significance. Conclusion: This study shows that quality of life in patients with AD is affected. There appears to be gender and racial differences in some of the domains affected. Future studies should investigate the differences seen and the need for better holistic management of AD, taking into consideration the various needs of the different patient groups.
A Normative Anatomic Study of the Glenohumeral Joint and Rotator Cuff Tendons
Authors: Manoharan Vivek , Sheng Jia-Min , Chou Siaw Meng , Yew Andy Khye Soon , Tan Soon Huat , Lie Denny Tijauw Tjoen 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to determine normative values relating to the glenohumeral joint and rotator cuff tendons namely length, width, thickness and footprint of supraspinatus (SS), infraspinatus (IS), teres minor ™ and subscapularis (SC) from 19 specimens. Methods: Rotator cuff tendons and humerus dimensions were measured directly using a digital vernier calliper. In addition, moduli values of rotator cuff tendons were obtained from tensile tests on twelve cadaveric shoulders. The tendon footprints were delineated onto a tracing paper and their dimensions were calculated using digitiser software. The glenoid dimensions were obtained from marking its outline onto a tracing paper and the cavity dimensions from wax moulds. The results were tabulated and statistical analyses, including Student's t-test and ANOVA, were performed. Conclusion: The normative anatomic values obtained can be used in finite element modeling, computer simulation, design of implants and surgery.
Delivering a Back School Programme with a Cognitive Behavioural Modification: A Randomised Pilot Trial on Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain and Functional Disability
Authors: Devasahayam Augustine Joshua , Lim Cindy Khim Siang , Goh Ming Rong , You Jacinta Peng Lim , Pua Pek Ying 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Chronic non-specific low back pain is a major health burden worldwide including Singapore. As literature shows inconclusive evidence on the benefit of various forms of exercises for chronic low back pain patients, we intended to investigate the efficacy of a four-week posture correction and movement re-education programme delivered through cognitive behavioural modification. Methods: A blinded randomised controlled pilot trial was conducted with the participants randomised into two different group exercise classes. The control group performed generic mat exercises. The experimental group performed functional back exercises and had training in activities like lifting, sitting, mopping to learn correct postures and body mechanics with proper ergonomics and activity pacing through cognitive behavioural modification. The following outcome measures were scored in this study: verbal numerical pain (VNP) scale, Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), patient-specific functional scale (PSFS), and global perceived effect (GPE) score. Results: At baseline (n=15), the data was normally distributed between the control and the experimental groups, with the exception of BMI in the control group and VNP in the experimental group. In the experimental group, all outcome measures showed statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention scores, VNP (p=0.01), RMDQ (p=0.01), PSFS (p=0.01) and GPE (p=0.00). In the control group, a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-intervention was noted in the PSFS score (p=0.04). Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that an exercise class incorporating correction of postures and body mechanics in daily activities with a cognitive behavioural modification reduces pain and disability better than generic mat exercise class in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain.
Anaesthesia for Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Survey of Anaesthesiologists in Restructured Hospitals in Singapore
Authors: Ho Vui Kian , Kothandan Harikrishnan 
Published: July 2015

Introduction: A cross-sectional survey of anaesthesiologists in Singapore's restructured hospitals was conducted to explore strategies employed to obtain a bloodless surgical field during endoscopic sinus surgery. Methods: All practicing anaesthesiologists in public institutions in Singapore were invited to answer an anonymous questionnaire. A point of contact per institution assisted in distribution and collection of questionnaire forms over a nine-month period. Results: A total of 114 anaesthesiologists completed the survey (response rate 60%). It was observed that 64.9% of respondents do not routinely employ controlled hypotension for endoscopic sinus surgery. Sixty-seven point five per cent chose general anaesthesia without nitrous oxide as the preferred anaesthetic technique for endoscopic sinus surgery. Forty-seven point four per cent opined that anaesthetic technique made no significant difference to outcomes in endoscopic sinus surgery. The most commonly used narcotics in endoscopic sinus surgery by the respondents were morphine (59.6%) and fentanyl (54.4%). However, where total intravenous anaesthesia was adopted, 86.0% of respondents opted to use remifentanil. The most commonly used class of antihypertensives for controlled hypotension was beta-blockers (66.7%). Factors limiting the use of total intravenous anaesthesia were also explored. Conclusion: This survey identifies variations from current evidence in the anaesthetic management of endoscopic sinus surgery among anaesthesiologists in Singapore's public institutions. The reasons behind these variations, which could include surgical preferences, financial, logistical, cultural, and educational factors, should be explored and any issues found addressed as necessary.
3D Hierarchical Bi2S3 Nanostructures by Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and Chloride Ion-Assisted Synthesis and Their Photodetecting Properties
Authors: Ding Taotao , Dai Jiangnan , Xu Juan , Wang Jin , Tian Wu , Huo Kaifu , Fang Yanyan , Chen Changqing 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
A solvothermal method has been employed to synthesize bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical architectures. The influences of different types of surfactants and Cl− species on the size and morphology were investigated. A possible formation mechanism was also proposed on the basis of time-dependent experiments. The photoresponse properties show that the conductivity of Bi2S3 micro-flowers is significantly enhanced and the photocurrent is approximately two orders of magnitude larger than the dark current. The response and decay times are estimated to be 142 and 151 ms, respectively. It is expected that hierarchical architectures Bi2S3 may provide a new pathway to develop advanced nanomaterial for high-speed and high-sensitivity photoelectrical switches and photodetecting devices.
The τ-fixed point property for left reversible semigroups
Authors: Castillo-Santos Francisco E , Japón Maria A 
Published: July 2015

AbstractIn this article we use the generalized Gossez-Lami Dozo property and the Opial condition to study the fixed point property for left reversible semigroups in separable Banach spaces. As a consequence, some previous results will be deduced and new examples of Banach spaces satisfying the fixed point property for left reversible semigroups are shown. We will also extend some previous theorems when we consider the semigroup formed by a unique nonexpansive mapping and its iterates.
Research roundup: July 2015
Authors: Greener Mark 
Published: July 2015

In brief ▪Breastfeeding for at least 6 months may reduce the number of childhood leukaemias by almost a fifth ▪ Statins and fibrates may reduce the incidence of stroke in older people by about 30% ▪ Proton pump inhibitors may be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality ▪ Te ban on smoking in public places probably reduced hospitalizations for respiratory tract infections in children by about 11 000 a year ▪ A recently launched combination for type 2 diabetes reduces weight, HbA1c and risk of hypoglycaemia
Resist material options for extreme ultraviolet lithography
Authors: Kozawa Takahiro 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Owing to the worldwide efforts, the development of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography has significantly progressed during the past decade. The resolution of chemically amplified resists has reached sub-16-nm region. From the viewpoint of the extendibility of EUV lithography, the development of resist materials capable of resolving sub-10-nm is an urgent task. In this review, the resist material options for EUV lithography are discussed on the basis of the EUV sensitization mechanisms after reviewing the problems for the sub-10-nm fabrication.
DNA barcoding reveals high diversity in the Gelidiales of the Brazilian southeast coast
Authors: Iha Cíntia , Milstein Daniela , Guimarães Silvia Maria P.B. , Freshwater D. Wilson , Oliveira Mariana Cabral 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Morphological identification of species in the order Gelidiales can be difficult and controversial because of phenotypic plasticity, the low numbers of reproductive specimens and poorly defined taxonomic boundaries. A DNA barcoding survey of Brazilian specimens of Gelidiales, employing neighbor-joining and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery analyses, indicated the presence of 23 statistically robust primary species hypotheses (PSH). In addition to the cytochrome oxidase I gene (COI-5P), the chloroplast universal plastid amplicon (UPA) marker was also sequenced and submitted to the same analyses. Representatives of each COI-5P/UPA PSH were selected for rbcL sequence analysis to further corroborate the occurrence of 23 species and to infer their phylogenetic relationships. These analyses confirmed the identity of six species previously cited for Brazil: Gelidiella acerosa, G. ligulata, Gelidium crinale, G. floridanum, Pterocladiella bartlettii and P. capillacea. Three new reports for Brazil were also detected: Gelidium microdonticum, Pterocladiella beachiae and P. australafricanensis. Fourteen species remain unidentified and require detailed morphological evaluation.
Independence of ℓ\ell-adic representations of geometric Galois groups
Authors: Böckle Gebhard , Gajda Wojciech , Petersen Sebastian 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Let k be an algebraically closed field of arbitrary characteristic, let

K
/
k

{K/k}

be a finitely generated field extension and let X be a separated
scheme of finite type over K. For each prime

ℓ

{\ell}

, the absolute Galois
group of K acts on the

ℓ

{\ell}

-adic étale cohomology modules of X. We prove
that this family of representations varying over

ℓ

{\ell}

is almost
independent in the sense of Serre, i.e., that the fixed fields inside an
algebraic closure of K of the kernels of the representations for all

ℓ

{\ell}

become linearly disjoint over a finite extension of K. In doing this, we also prove a number of interesting facts on the images and on the ramification
of this family of representations.
When less is more for the struggling clinical reasoner
Authors: Connor Denise M. , Dhaliwal Gurpreet 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Busy clinician-educators are often tasked with remediating medical students who have deficits in clinical reasoning. In this essay, we share our early experience with providing less feedback and more practice to these trainees. We suggest that front line teachers can streamline their feedback to struggling reasoners by focusing solely on the problem representation and prioritized differential diagnosis of the main problem in their oral presentations and then engaging in repeated loops of feedback until the student achieves competency in real time. By receiving feedback targeted to the assessment alone and employing deliberate practice, struggling students have the opportunity to make concrete improvement during short-term clinical assignments. This remediation approach is feasible for busy clinician-educators and warrants formal study.
5 × 5 25 Gbit/s WDM-MDM
Authors: Fazea Yousef , Amphawan Angela 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWavelength-division multiplexed-passive optical network (WDM-PON) is a revolutionary high-capacity and scalable broadband access network. This paper capitalizes on Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) modes to reduce modal dispersion and increase data capacity. A data rate of 25 Gbit/s is attained for a multimode fiber link by multiplexing five LG modes on five wavelengths centered at 1,550.12 nm for a distance up to 800 m.
Erratum to: Crassus’ Command in the War against Spartacus (73–71 BCE): His Official Position, Forces and Political Spoils
Authors: Vervaet Frederik Juliaan 
Published: July 2015

SummaryLate in 72 BCE, Spartacus’ stunning series of victories over the consuls L. Gellius Publicola and Cn. Cornelius Lentulus Clodianus and then the proconsul C. Cassius Longinus (cos. 73) triggered a dearth of candidates for the consular and praetorian elections for 71. This deadlock was broken only when M. Licinius Crassus announced that he would run for praetor, declaring he was prepared to accept the command against Spartacus. Immediately following his election, Crassus began preparing, probably receiving a grant of delegatedpraetorium imperiumto bridge the interval between election and assumption of office. Having raised no less than six legions, personally advancing the funds required, he also took command of the two consular legions in the field. By means of this enormous army as well as his relentless efforts and strict discipline, he managed to put an end to this protracted and inglorious war in the span of six months. At some point in the summer or early autumn of 71, the equestrian proconsul Cn. Pompeius Magnus, back from Spain, decided he would settle for nothing less than another public triumph and the consulship itself. In order to secure these top prizes, he brazenly refused to disband his army, instead using it as leverage, just as he had already done in 81 and 77.Crassus, for his part, felt he could not fall behind, and entered into an unlikely if formidable alliance with his political rival. As both men ran on a strongpopullarisplatform, the Senate now found itself between hammer and anvil. Consequently, the Conscript Fathers had little choice but to grant Pompeius as well as Crassus the required dispensations from the Cornelian Law. Although they subsequently honoured their popular commitments as consuls, that neither Pompeius nor Crassus chose to disband their armies until sometime late in their tenure suggests that their entente was anything but cordial. Interestingly, it was Crassus who defused this dangerous stalemate by making the decisive first move towards formal reconciliation, albeit in the face of massive public pressure. Paradoxically, the defining features of Sulla’s new constitutional arrangement were buried by two of his foremost associates as they first trampled two critical Cornelian laws in order to seize a joint consulship and next passed legislation restoring the powers of the tribunes of theplebsand altering the balance of power in the court juries.
Quod nunc Rubrum ad mare patescit: the mare Rubrum as a frontier of the Roman Empire
Authors: Schneider Pierre 
Published: July 2015

Summary
This article deals with an excerpt from Tacitus’ Annals which has often been commented on. The famous account of Germanicus’ Egyptian tour contains a puzzling remark about Syene (claustra olim Romani imperii quod nunc Rubrum ad mare patescit): the adverb nunc refers in an allusive way to a recent expansion of the Roman Empire. Several scholars have rightly pointed to the Nabataean kingdom, a conclusion which seems to be the best one. The mare Rubrum therefore was not seen by Tacitus and his public as a limit of Roman Egypt. In contrast, from Tacitus’ point of view, it is the southern part of Arabia, bordered by the mare Rubrum, that became the new frontier of the Roman Empire after the annexation of the Nabataean kingdom. How this event was considered as a major expansion of the imperium Romanum is examined in the last section of the present paper.
Cassius Dio, Caracalla, and the Senate
Authors: Scott Andrew G. 
Published: July 2015

Summary
Recently, efforts have been made to characterize Cassius Dio’s history of the reign of Caracalla as reflective of the experiences of a marginalized senator, rather than of the senate as a whole. A re-evaluation of Dio’s account suggests that Dio’s version of events should remain the most valuable literary source for this period. Dio maintained a consistent view of the principate throughout his contemporary history, and his depiction of Caracalla as hostile toward the senate is supported by other sources. Finally, a survey of Dio’s political career shows that he evaluated each emperor in his contemporary history through the example of the ideal emperor, Marcus Aurelius, not according to the favor (or lack thereof) he experienced under each ruler.