bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left Atrial Function Assessed by Left Atrial Strain in Patients with Left Circumflex Branch Culprit Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Dong Hyun , Park Tae‐Ho , Lee Jung Eun , Cho Young‐Rak , Park Kyungil , Park Jong Sung , Kim Moo‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Dae 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionAlthough left atrium (LA) has played an important role in diastole, ischemic insult of atrium in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been clearly evaluated.MethodsWe hypothesized that LA function would be further decreased in AMI patients with a culprit lesion in the left circumflex branch (LCX). This was an observational cohort study in a single university hospital. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function, LA volume, and LA function. Systolic (LAS) and late diastolic (LAA) LA strain were measured using speckle tracking echocardiography.ResultsSixty‐eight AMI patients treated with emergent or urgent percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. Global LAS strain was significantly lower in patients with a culprit lesion in the LCX than culprit lesions in other vessels (left anterior descending, 27.3 ± 6.8%; left circumflex, 20.1 ± 8.9%; right coronary artery, 23.3 ± 6.5%; P = 0.007). LA volume index did not differ significantly (P = 0.093). Other clinical and conventional echocardiographic parameters, including Doppler measurements, did not differ significantly.ConclusionsGlobal LAS strain was lower in AMI patients with a culprit lesion in the LCX than those with culprit lesions in other vessels, without any significant difference in LA volume index. The lower global LAS strain might suggest decreased LA function resulting from ischemic insult by AMI with culprit lesions in the LCX.
The Biplane Modified Simpson's Method Accurately Estimates Pericardial Effusion Volume: A Comparison with Pericardiocentesis
Authors: Khosraviani Khashayar , Goldberg Ythan , Salari Behzad , Nezami Nariman , Peng Chang‐Fu , Taub Cynthia C. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPericardial effusion (PE) volume is often assessed semiqualitatively by echocardiography and categorized into minimal, small, moderate, or large. Several methods of echocardiographic quantification have been proposed, but their application is limited either by complexity or inaccuracy. We evaluated the accuracy of PE volume quantification by two‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiogram (2DTTE) and commercially available volume quantification software in patients undergoing pericardiocentesis.MethodsIn a retrospective case series, immediate preprocedure echocardiograms of 33 patients for pericardiocentesis were analyzed. 2DTTE using the Simpson's method was adopted for volume measurement in the apical two‐ and four‐chamber views. Pericardial fluid volume was calculated by taking the difference between volumes obtained by tracing the epicardial border of the heart and the pericardium. Postprocedure echocardiograms were performed to verify adequate pericardiocentesis.ResultsThe mean pericardiocentesis fluid volume was 725.1 ± 299.5 mL (range, 250–1420 mL). The average volume estimated echocardiographically by the Simpson's method was 657.5 ± 276.9 mL (range, 205.7–1193.2 mL). There was strong direct linear correlation between echocardiographic and pericardiocentesis‐derived volumes (P < 0.001, r = +0.823). Echocardiography underestimated PE volume by a mean of 9.3%.ConclusionTwo‐dimensional transthoracic echocardiography using biplane Simpson's method of disks can simply and accurately estimate PE volume.
Improvement in Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion with Pulmonary Hypertension Therapy in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Bano Maria , Kanaan Usama B. , Ehrlich Alexandra C. , McCracken Courtney , Morrow Gemma , Oster Matthew E. , Sachdeva Ritu 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundTricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) has emerged as a novel and reliable measure of right ventricular (RV) function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of pulmonary hypertension (PH) therapy on TAPSE in pediatric patients and compare TAPSE to other quantitative measures of RV function.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records and echocardiograms of patients in the PH clinic from January 2011 to August 2013 was done. Echocardiograms were analyzed prior to initiation or addition of a PH drug and at least 8 weeks later. Following quantitative measures of RV function were compared: TAPSE, TAPSE age‐based z‐score, RV fractional area change (RVFAC), tricuspid annular S′, tricuspid inflow E/tricuspid annular E′ velocity (TV E/E′), and RV myocardial performance index (RVMPI).ResultsOf the 37 patients included in this study (median age 0.6 years), 23 (62.2%) were treatment naive and others had a new PH drug added to their regimen at the time of the baseline echocardiogram. The median duration between the baseline and follow‐up echocardiogram was 8 (2–25) months. There was a significant improvement in TAPSE and TAPSE age‐based z‐score on the follow‐up echocardiogram. RVFAC, tricuspid S′, TV E/E′, and RVMPI did not show a statistically significant change.ConclusionIn contrast to the other echocardiographic markers of RV function, TAPSE, and TAPSE age‐based z‐score significantly improve after initiation or addition of PH therapy and can be used for serial noninvasive monitoring of RV function in pediatric PH patients.
Temporal dynamics of the knowledge‐mediated visual disambiguation process in humans: a magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Urakawa Tomokazu , Ogata Katsuya , Kimura Takahiro , Kume Yuko , Tobimatsu Shozo 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDisambiguation of a noisy visual scene with prior knowledge is an indispensable task of the visual system. To adequately adapt to a dynamically changing visual environment full of noisy visual scenes, the implementation of knowledge‐mediated disambiguation in the brain is imperative and essential for proceeding as fast as possible under the limited capacity of visual image processing. However, the temporal profile of the disambiguation process has not yet been fully elucidated in the brain. The present study attempted to determine how quickly knowledge‐mediated disambiguation began to proceed along visual areas after the onset of a two‐tone ambiguous image using magnetoencephalography with high temporal resolution. Using the predictive coding framework, we focused on activity reduction for the two‐tone ambiguous image as an index of the implementation of disambiguation. Source analysis revealed that a significant activity reduction was observed in the lateral occipital area at approximately 120 ms after the onset of the ambiguous image, but not in preceding activity (about 115 ms) in the cuneus when participants perceptually disambiguated the ambiguous image with prior knowledge. These results suggested that knowledge‐mediated disambiguation may be implemented as early as approximately 120 ms following an ambiguous visual scene, at least in the lateral occipital area, and provided an insight into the temporal profile of the disambiguation process of a noisy visual scene with prior knowledge.
Can industrial by‐products enhance phosphorus retention within vegetated buffer strips?
Authors: Habibiandehkordi R. , Quinton J. N. , Surridge B. W. J. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryUsing industrial by‐products (IBPs) in conjunction with vegetated buffer strips (VBSs) has the potential to be a cost‐effective strategy for tackling phosphorus (P) export from agricultural land. Using an integrated mesocosm approach, we examined the effect of surface application of IBPs within VBSs on the removal of P fractions in surface and sub‐surface flow. Artificial run‐off was applied to VBSs (1.2 m long × 0.4 m wide, and 5% slope) that were amended with either 20 t ha−1 of Al‐based water treatment residual (Al‐WTR) or 20 t ha−1 of ochre, or remained as unamended controls. To explore the persistence of the effects of amendment over multiple run‐off events, two 30‐minute artificial run‐off events (3 litre minute−1) were applied to the mesocosms over a period of five days. When compared with inflow concentrations, the unamended VBSs reduced total P (37–54%) and particulate P (61–64%) concentrations in surface run‐off, but increased soluble reactive P (SRP) (5–9%) and total dissolved P concentrations (4–8%). Enhancing VBSs with IBPs improved retention of soluble P fractions in surface run‐off, for example, 61–62 and 15–19% of the SRP in the inflow was retained in VBSs amended with Al‐WTR and ochre, respectively. Surface application of either ochre or Al‐WTR also reduced the concentrations of soluble P fractions in sub‐surface flow. The magnitude of these effects depended on inflow P concentrations. Unlike Al‐WTR, the effectiveness of ochre gradually declined over the duration of each run‐off event because of erosion of ochre by run‐off.
Action tremor in Parkinson's disease: frequency and relationship to motor and non‐motor signs
Authors: Gigante A. F. , Bruno G. , Iliceto G. , Guido M. , Liuzzi D. , Mancino P. V. , De Caro M. F. , Livrea P. , Defazio G. 
Published: November 2014

Background and purposeAction tremor may occur in patients with Parkinson's disease and cause misdiagnosis with other movement disorders such as essential tremor and dystonia. Data on the frequency of action tremor in Parkinson's disease and on the relationships with other motor and non‐motor signs are limited.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of 237 patients with Parkinson's disease staging 1–2 on the Hoehn−Yahr scale was conducted. Data on action tremor and other motor and non‐motor signs were collected using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale part III and the Non‐Motor Symptoms Scale.ResultsAction tremor was found in 46% of patients and was associated with both severity of rest tremor (adjusted odds ratio 3.0, P < 0.001) and severity of rigidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, P = 0.004). No association was found between action tremor and severity of bradykinesia (adjusted odds ratio 0.97, P = 0.4) or axial symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 0.9, P = 0.3). Moreover, patients who had action tremor reported a significant lower mean number of non‐motor symptoms than those who had not (2.1 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3; P = 0.04).ConclusionsAction tremor is a relatively frequent motor sign in patients with Parkinson's disease staging 1–2 on the Hoehn−Yahr scale. Action tremor correlates with rest tremor and rigidity and may be associated with a lower burden of non‐motor symptoms. These findings suggest a contribution of non‐dopaminergic mechanisms to action tremor pathophysiology.
Usefulness of Blocksom vesicostomy in elderly men with chronic urinary retention and severe dementia
Authors: Tobu Shohei , Noguchi Mitsuru , Kurata Saya , Kakinoki Hiroaki , Udo Kazuma , Tokuda Yuji , Uozumi Jiro 
Published: November 2014

AimIn the present article, we present the usefulness of Blocksom vesicostomy in elderly men with chronic urinary retention.MethodsWe carried out Blocksom vesicostomy in four patients between January 2011 and September 2013. We followed up all patients over 6 months. We checked their general and urinary condition based on interviews with their family members.ResultsThe etiology of urinary retention included prostate cancer and neurogenic bladder. All of the patients had severe dementia. We successfully managed the urinary treatment of all patients, although their general conditions gradually deteriorated.ConclusionsIn general, this type of vesicostomy is not a popular urinary treatment; however, Blocksom vesicostomy can be useful for treating elderly men with chronic urinary retention and severe dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 997–1000.
Some Challenges Posed by Coal Bed Methane Regional Assessment Modeling
Authors: Moore Catherine R. , Doherty John , Howell Stephen , Erriah Leon 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCoal measures (coal bearing rock strata) can contain large reserves of methane. These reserves are being exploited at a rapidly increasing rate in many parts of the world. To extract coal seam gas, thousands of wells are drilled at relatively small spacing to depressurize coal seams to induce desorption and allow subsequent capture of the gas. To manage this process effectively, the effect of coal bed methane (CBM) extraction on regional aquifer systems must be properly understood and managed. Groundwater modeling is an integral part of this management process. However, modeling of CBM impacts presents some unique challenges, as processes that are operative at two very different scales must be adequately represented in the models. The impacts of large‐scale gas extraction may be felt over a large area, yet despite the significant upscaling that accompanies construction of a regional model, near‐well conditions and processes cannot be ignored. These include the highly heterogeneous nature of many coal measures, and the dual‐phase flow of water and gas that is induced by coal seam depressurization. To understand these challenges, a fine‐scale model was constructed incorporating a detailed representation of lithological heterogeneity to ensure that near‐well processes and conditions could be examined. The detail of this heterogeneity was at a level not previously employed in models built to assess groundwater impacts arising from CBM extraction. A dual‐phase reservoir simulator was used to examine depressurization and water desaturation processes in the vicinity of an extractive wellfield within this fine‐scale model. A single‐phase simulator was then employed so that depressurization errors incurred by neglecting near‐well, dual‐phase flow could be explored. Two models with fewer lithological details were then constructed in order to examine the nature of depressurization errors incurred by upscaling and to assess the interaction of the upscaling process with the requirement for adequate representation of near‐source, dual‐phase processes.
Making Sense of ‘Facebook Murder'? Social Networking Sites and Contemporary Homicide
Authors: Yardley Elizabeth , Wilson David 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article sets out to establish whether, and to what extent, homicides involving social networking sites (SNSs) are unique and to identify the ways in which perpetrators of homicide have used SNSs in their crimes. It does so by identifying and analysing relevant cases of homicide from around the world and comparing the characteristics of these cases with the general literature on homicide. We argue that the cases in our sample are largely typical of homicide in general and identify six ways in which homicide perpetrators have used SNSs – as reactors, informers, antagonists, predators, fantasists and imposters.
The effect of personal grooming on self‐perceived body image
Authors: van Paasschen J. , Walker S. C. , Phillips N. , Downing P. E. , Tipper S. P. 
Published: November 2014

SynopsisObjectiveGrooming behaviours, including the application of fragranced products, are thought to reflect a means of managing social impressions and self‐image. Although application of deodorants has previously been shown to make individuals appear more confident to others, few studies have specifically examined the psychological effects of such rituals on the wearer. Here, we investigated how grooming behaviours affect self‐perceived body image, a central component of an individual's self‐image.MethodsIn two separate experiments, using a psychophysical forced choice task, male and female participants with a normal Body Mass Index (BMI) indicated whether projected life‐size images of their own body were bigger or smaller than their actual size. In the experimental condition, participants applied a fragranced deodorant before performing the task, whereas in the control condition, no product was applied. Our dependent measures were the point of subjective equality (PSE), the size at which participants report their body is subjectively equal to their actual body size, and the difference limen (DL), the amount of change in body size distortion necessary for it to be reliably detected. These measurements provide an index of attitudinal and perceptual components of body image, respectively.ResultsBoth male and female participants who, at baseline, overestimated their body size, made significantly more accurate judgments about their body size, as measured by the PSE, following application of a fragranced deodorant or antiperspirant than they did in the control condition. This effect was seen in the absence of differences in perceptual sensitivity to changes in body size (DL) across groups and conditions. People who underestimated their body size did not show this effect. Of note, both male and female overestimators had a significantly larger BMI than underestimators.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that the attitudinal component of body image is malleable and can be influenced by everyday grooming routines, suggesting such behaviours have psychological benefits for both genders, beyond their basic hygiene function. However, there are individual differences in people's susceptibility to these effects, perhaps reflecting variability in self‐esteem.
Paediatric prescribing practice and opinions of paediatric prescribers on ePrescribing†
Authors: Burridge Alice Mary , Terry David , Wilson Keith 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this study was to provide an initial insight into current UK paediatric prescribing practice.

Methods
In 2012 focus groups were conducted at Birmingham Children’s Hospital (UK specialist hospital) with both medical and non-medical prescribers and analysed using thematic analysis.

Key findings
Both sets of prescribers used a wide range of resources to support their prescribing decisions. Dosing information was most commonly checked, and a lack of specialist paediatric information was reported in existing resources. All groups had high expectations of the support functions that should be included in an electronic prescribing system and could see many potential benefits. Participants agreed that all staff should see the same drug alerts. The overwhelming concern was whether the current information technology infrastructure would support electronic prescribing.

Conclusions
Prescribers had high expectations of electronic prescribing, but lacked confidence in its delivery. Prescribers use a wide range of resources to support their decision making when prescribing in paediatrics.
Online reporting of pseudoephedrine pharmacy sales: does Australia require a mandatory system?
Authors: Devaney Madonna , Ferris Jason , Mazerolle Lorraine 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objective
The objective of our research was to compare the reported pharmacy sales of pseudoephedrine-based medication in state where the electronic recording of sales is mandatory, Queensland, with a state where recording is voluntary, Victoria.

Methods
Unidentified, unit-record, pseudoephedrine-based medication transaction data (known as ProjectSTOP), for both states, were made available by GuildLink Pty Ltd, the data custodians. Data provided dated from roll-out, 8 November 2005 (Queensland) and 10 August 2007 (Victoria) to 16 October 2012 (the last entry at the time of request). Data were stored on a secure, password-protected computer at the University of Queensland, Australia, where it was prepared and analysed.

Key findings
The rate of uptake of ProjectSTOP in Queensland compared with Victoria differed significantly; 1 year after roll-out, 72% of pharmacies in Queensland had used the system compared with 41% in Victoria. There were significant differences in transaction rates between Queensland and Victoria; the transaction rate in Queensland was four times greater than Victoria 1 year after roll-out. Our data show that Victoria captured fewer cases of multiple purchases using the same identification (i.e. suspected pseudo-runner activity) than in Queensland (112 compared with 517 cases in 2011).

Conclusions
Our findings show, not surprisingly, that by making the electronic recording of pseudoephedrine-based medication sales mandatory, there is increased uptake and use of the recording system ProjectSTOP. Importantly, by using ProjectSTOP comprehensively, the data can provide useful intelligence for the identification of trends and patterns of activity in relation to the diversion of pseudoephedrine-based medications.
An ethnographic study of diabetes health beliefs and practices in Sri Lankan adults
Authors: Amarasekara A.A.T.D. , Fongkaew W. , Turale S. , Wimalasekara S.W. , Chanprasit C. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundGlobally, type 2 diabetes is increasingly prevalent; however, unique cultural contexts in each country might affect these diabetes control behaviours. Diabetes is a serious health issue in Sri Lanka and little is known about the impact of sociocultural context on diabetes health behaviours.AimThis first‐time qualitative Sri Lankan study explored the health beliefs and practices of adults with diabetes to enhance current nursing care and medical treatment.MethodsAn ethnographic approach was used to collect data through participant observations, in‐depth interviews with 14 key informants in their homes and field notes. Data were analysed by thematic analysis.ResultsFindings revealed unique, informative insights into sociocultural worlds of the participants from three Sinhalese, Tamils and Moor ethnic groups. Findings are described under five themes: gaining religious support, changing food habits is a struggle, exercising is challenging, Western medicine causes long‐term consequences and Ayurveda/traditional treatments can cure.ConclusionIn Sri Lankans, the impact of sociocultural context on glycaemic control behaviours is significant and should be taken in consideration when health professionals provide care, treatment and health education.LimitationsStudy informants were selected from three ethnic groups and just two communities. Further in‐depth research is required using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in individual groups.Implications for Nursing and Health PolicyCulturally relevant policies and protocols for community care and treatment of people with diabetes are urgently required in Sri Lanka to enhance cultural treatment and care and reduce the epidemic of diabetes. These policies need to take into account traditional beliefs and practices of various ethnic groups.
Lithium Ion Diffusion Mechanism in Lithium Lanthanum Titanate Solid‐State Electrolytes from Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Chen Chao‐hsu , Du Jincheng 
Published: November 2014

Perovskite‐structured lithium lanthanum titanate (LLT, La2/3–xLi3xTiO3, 0 < x < 0.16) is a promising solid electrolyte with high lithium ion conductivity and a good model system to understand lithium ion diffusion behaviors in solids. Molecular dynamics (MD) and related atomistic computer simulations were used to study the diffusion behavior and diffusion mechanism as a function of composition in LLT solid‐state electrolytes. The effect of defect concentration on the structure and lithium ion diffusion behaviors in LLT was systematically studied using MD simulations and molecular static calculations with the goal to obtain fundamental understanding of the diffusion mechanism of lithium ions in these materials. The simulation results show that there exists an optimal vacancy concentration at around x = 0.067 at which lithium ions have the highest diffusion coefficient and the lowest diffusion energy barrier. The lowest energy barrier from dynamics simulations was found to be around 0.22 eV, which compared favorably with 0.19 eV from static nudged elastic band calculations. It was also found that lithium ions diffuse through bottleneck structures made of oxygen ions, which expand in dimension by 8%–10% when lithium ions pass through. By designing perovskite structures with larger bottleneck sizes can be a means of further improving lithium ion conductivities in these materials.